Under the grandstands . . .

Early breakfast at the DW Diner in Merrimack; nice easy drive to Dunn's Lot and shuttle bus ride to the track. Puppies and Dante's Pop followed me around for a while as I bought the odds and ends I needed for some of the Kiddos. We always sit in the shade and people watch while waiting for the race. I also drink lots of water and eat ice cream! A lovely lady about my age asked if she could share our table as her husband needed to rest a spell before they ventured up to their seats. Of course we welcomed her and then he filed along shortly. What an interesting couple. They knew all there is to know about New Hampshire International Speedway. They've been coming here since its inception and sit under the overhang of the Main Grandstand. They are original season ticket holders and when Bob Behr helped to set up the track in Las Vegas he asked for seats at the Las Vegas track for his season ticket holders! So this couple has seats on the start/finish line in Las Vegas.  Pretty cool. We spoke about the taxes in Connecticut and they explained that they now pay a "View Tax." I thought they were kidding but it's true. New Hampshire has a view tax. I asked how it is assessed and he said they come in your house and if they say Wow! you're in trouble. If it's a Wow! Wow! you're out of luck. They are serious. She is a former English Department Head at a large private academy in Derry so we had a lot to talk about. They were very nice and gave us their card and asked us if we would call them so we can stay with them when we come to the races next year and see their "Wow! view. I will certainly call them or email them as they were very sincere. They are the third owners of the home which is about 100 years old with several bedrooms. Many of the friends they used to come to the races with can no longer climb up to the seats. I explained that we would not be able to reciprocate as our home is certainly not easy for company but that was not a factor. Just really nice people and we seem to think alike! We'll be going up to our seats shortly.