Go New England | Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont | Live, Travel, Visit, New England

About New Hampshire The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island, is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area. Rhode Island is bordered by Connecticut to the west and Massachusetts to the north and east, and it shares a water boundary with New York's Long Island to the southwest.

Rhode Island was the first of the 13 original colonies to declare independence from British rule, declaring itself independent on May 4, 1776, two months before any other state and the convention. The state was also the last to ratify the United States Constitution.

Rhode Island's official nickname is "The Ocean State", a reference to the state's geography, since Rhode Island has several large bays and inlets that amount to about 14% of its total area. Its land area is 1,045 square miles (2706 km2), but its total area is significantly larger.

Despite the name, most of Rhode Island is on the mainland United States. The official name of the state, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, derives from the merger of two colonies. Rhode Island colony was founded near present-day Newport, on what is now commonly called Aquidneck Island, the largest of several islands in Narragansett Bay. Providence Plantations was the name of the colony founded by Roger Williams in the area now known as the City of Providence.

It is unclear how Aquidneck Island came to be known as Rhode Island. In 1524, the explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano noted the presence of an island near the mouth of Narragansett Bay, which he likened to the Greek island of Rhodes. Although it is unclear to which island Verrazzano was referring, the pilgrims who later colonized the area decided to apply the moniker "Rhode Island" to Aquidneck Island. The earliest known use of the name "Rhode Island" was in 1637 by Roger Williams. The name was officially applied to the island in 1644 with these words: "Aquethneck shall be henceforth called the Ile of Rods or Rhod-Island." The name "Isle of Rodes" is found used in a legal document as late as 1646.

River Bend Landscaping is 30 years and we're celebrating by raffling off ten beautiful crabapple trees! Stop in the store to enter your name and email in our drawing, and you could win one of ten lovely crabapple trees, ready to grace your home with gorgeous spring blossoms. Stop by and register to win!

We at River Bend Landscaping have been making the Woodstock area and surrounding towns beautiful and well-groomed for thirty years. We are a local, trusted name in professional landscape design, installation and maintenance services.

The Unexpected Houseplant

The Unexpected Houseplant being published by Timber Press in August, 2012!

Indoor plants have gotten a bad rap and are often associated with dusty and dowdy African violets, languishing philodendrons, and bloom-free orchids. No longer! It's time for plant lovers to dust off their houseplants, update their image, and discover just how exciting, trendy, and crucial plants can be in the home.

The Unexpected Houseplant isn't your typical, old-fashioned, dowdy houseplant book. Martin's approach is revolutionary—picture brilliant spring bulbs by the bed, lush perennials brought in from the garden, quirky succulents in the kitchen, even flowering vines and small trees growing beside an easy chair. Along with loads of visual inspiration, readers will learn how to make unusual selections, where to best position plants in the home, and valuable tips on watering, feeding, grooming, pruning, and troubleshooting, season by season.

Comprehensive, up-to-the-minute, and illustrated with gorgeous photography by Kindra Clineff, The Unexpected Houseplant is for beginners, green thumbs, decorators, and anyone who wants to infuse a bit of surprising green into their décor.

The Bayleaf Cottages
Lincolnville ME

All the charm and comfort of a B&B without the cost! Designer cottages and motel overlooking Penobscot Bay just .5 miles from Lincolnville Beach and the Islesboro Ferry. Nearby to Camden Hills State Park, Cellardoor Winery, Salt Water Farm cooking school, Camden Harbor for sailing/dining/shopping, lighthouses, museums, and more! Continental breakfast included, free WIFI, pet-friendly, kids playground and play cottage, library, bistro with seafood cooking classes, and Saturday night Maine lobster dinners ($12) by reservation. Open May thru October.

FollowADream

Background

While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in May 1997, Jay Blake was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete sight, smell and taste. At the age of 31, he was faced with relearning how to live as a completely blind person.

Refusing to give up on life, Jay aggressively participated in rehabilitation. With renewed self-determination, Jay began to follow his dream: owning a professional auto-racing team. He soon learned that even without his sight, he was still able to do what he loved most - work on racing engines. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his renewed participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking, self-determination, and teamwork. Jay leads his team of racing professionals in NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car competition, where they finished the 2011 season ranked 7th in national points & 3rd in their division.

Mission

Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of demonstrating the power of positive thinking, self-determination, and teamwork. The organization’s message is uniquely delivered through NHRA drag racing as its medium. As racing’s only totally blind, race crew chief, Follow A Dream Founder Jay Blake draws upon his personal experience of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream of auto racing, and shares his inspiration with others.

Presentation Synopsis-"Tools for Life Success"

In this moving presentation, speaker Jay Blake motivates the audience to pursue their life dreams by using his personal testimony following a life-changing accident which left him totally blind. Jay recounts his journey from the accident to realizing his own dream of owning a professional racing team. Important life values and skills such as a positive attitude, the importance of education, passion, self-determination, and team building are underscored in this motivational, life-affirming address from a speaker who, indeed, has "walked the walk." While Mr. Blake’s passion is automotive based, presentations are designed to inspire individuals to pursue their life goals & dreams. Material is effective and suitable for audiences ranging from students to business teams.