I invested in cross-country skis a few years ago. Although New Hampshire has some great options for downhill skiing, to me nothing beats cross-country skiing. There is something serene about swishing along a trail and taking in all the beauty of the New England countryside in winter. Plus, it’s a great workout and a great way to get out and enjoy the cold instead of huddling up inside.

That being said, last year I realized my skiing could use some help, so I am planning to take a lesson this winter. So I am particularly looking forward to this coming weekend’s Cross Country Center Open House at Gunstock.

Guests can participate in raffles, check out the new yurt, partake of free refreshments and hike the snowshoe trails for free.

Speaking of skiing, today is the last day to take advantage of big discounts on the 4 NH College Pass and Threedom Pass, which opens up discounted skiing at there mountains. Check out the details here, snow bunnies.

I can’t imagine life without my furry little purrball, who I adopted in 2003 from a local shelter. She was 8 at the time and has aged very gracefully. She’s uber affectionate, knows how to use the litter box and has the sweetest demeanor of any cat I’ve ever met.

Jealous much? You don’t have to be. The shelters this summer are overrun with cats. There are kittens, as always, but it’s so much easier to find a home for cute little kittens. But I can’t say enough about the benefits of going with an older kitty.

If you have room in your life for a little purrball of your own, get on over to the NHSPCA, which is offering mystery discounts on adoption fees through a special promotional board this month. If you’re close to the Gate City, the Humane Society for Greater Nashua also has reduced fees on cats and kittens.