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Welcome to our web site. Here you will find Northeast campground reviews, along with lots of other camping information. There is always something new, so keep checking back often. We hope you enjoy your visit here.
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Is it the right time to buy an RV?
December 15, 2008 - Article Categories: Equipment
Found a great article on the blog @ rvlifestyleexperts.com/. Is it the right time to buy an RV? Do you buy now or later?
The article states yes, it’s a great time to buy an RV. It’s a buyers market! You can get a great deal on a new or used RV. The inventory is plentiful and the dealers need sales, but be smart!
My advise is you must be honest with yourself and your financial situation before jumping into a large purchase like this!
What if you or your spouse loses employment, will you still be able to keep up with the loan payments? Consider purchasing a smaller used popup or RV for cash, instead of financing a loan for a larger newer RV. Weigh your options. Do not rush into anything without carefully thinking it through. Don’t be talked into purchasing more than you can comfortably afford. Just because something sounds like a “once in a lifetime” deal, doesn’t mean you should take it, especially if you can’t afford it!
Be careful and be smart! Use your common sense, and don’t rush…..Happy Camping!
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Review: Crumpets Tea Room
November 11, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
On our discussion forum, a restaurant review was recently posted for Crumpets Tea Room. They are located at 56 Water Street in North Andover, MA.
campnmomof4 was gracious enough to allow me to post her review on our site:
This is a small and elegant restaurant and everyone was very nice. We parked on the side of the road, there were signs that said 2 hour parking. Where we were seated, was a coat rack next to me and it had some fancy hats and boas on it. They allow the little girls to put them on and take pictures. I of course ran out of the house and forgot the camera, but did take some pictures on my husbands cell phone.
My daughter and I both had a side Traditional Caesar Salad- Romaine Hearts, Croutons, Parmesan Cheese, Tossed with Caesar Dressing, 1/2 Roast Turkey with Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and Mayonnaise on whatever kind of bread you wanted. For Desert my daughter got the Raspberry Ice Cream Truffle (Vanilla Ice Cream with a Raspberry Sorbet Center, Covered with White Milk Chocolate and Drizzled with Raspberry Sauce), I had the Tartufo Ice Cream Truffle (Vanilla & Chocolate Ice Cream with Almonds and Cherries, Covered with Bittersweet Chocolate). And of course Tea, they have tons of Teas to choose from.
Everything was very delicious. I would definitely recommend this restaurant, but make sure you call and make a reservation to make sure that you get in. While we were there 3 women had come in together, but couldn’t stay because Crumpets were full. They had 4 tables for 2 people, 2 tables for 4 people and 1 table for 6 people, so they can only fit a total of 22 people. Their website is, www.crumpetstearoom.com
Photos can be found on the original forum topic.
It sounds delicious. I am craving that salad right now! Thanks for the review campnmomof4!
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Review: Polly’s Pancake Parlor
September 02, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, NH
Open daily 7am - 3pm
You might have to wait up to 45 minutes (or more) for a table, but it is certainly worth the wait for those pancakes!
Polly’s Pancake Parlor offers a variety of pancake (and waffle) batter and fillings. For approx $8, you can get a “sampler” of 3 different style of 6 (3 in) pancakes.
For around $11, you can order the “sampler” combo, which includes the pancake sampler plus an order of meat (bacon, sausage, or ham) w/ a drink.
We both opted for the combo; I chose cornmeal blueberry, plain chocolate chip, and plain coconut w/ bacon and hot tea. Mike chose plain blueberry and plain chocolate chip w/ bacon and coffee.
The cool thing about Polly’s is your server also makes your pancakes. I don’t know how they do it, but somehow they coordinate it so they can wait tables, plus head on over to the pancake grill, and whip up a batch of pancakes. It was great because they bring over 3 pancakes at a time, so the others don’t sit around getting cold, and then when you are ready the second 3 arrive.
By the time my 2nd three pancakes arrived, I was already pretty full, so I asked for a take out container right away. When I originally wrote this review (on my laptop), I was eating my left over 2 pancakes, and they were just as delicious warmed up in the microwave a day later!
My favorite was definitely the coconut filling. yum, I wish I got more coconut and skipped the blueberry. Not that the blueberry was not delicious (it actually tasted good w/ the cornmeal) the coconut was just so different. I also really liked the chocolate chip. Mike was happy w/ his blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes too.
Oh and the bacon…don’t let me forget about the bacon. This was probably the best bacon I have ever had…well definitely top 5. Tasted like it was right from the slab, not like the packaged stuff at the grocery. This was heavenly!
The only complaint I have is my tea arrived in a extremely hot-to-the-touch tea pot, but strangely the tea water inside wasn’t boiling hot, so my tea bag didn’t steep very well.
Some of the tables at Polly’s are “shared” so you might end up sitting close to another party. The tables are “pushed” together to make more room. The woman next to me ordered a fruit bowl, and it looked absolutely scrumptious. Loaded w/ strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
This year (2008) Polly’s celebrates their 70th year. And the restaurant showcases various historical photos and items from the past. While you are waiting for a table, take a look at the glass case (behind the seating bench) and take a peek at the big paper chronicling their timeline. For example, Polly’s decided to go “non-smoking” in 1987 (if I remember correctly). You can also visit their gift shop located next door.
So, if you are driving through the Franconia, NH area, (before they close at 3pm) and are in the mood for delicious unique pancakes and waffles, then head over to Sugar Hill and Polly’s Pancake Parlor. You won’t regret it.
When we were leaving the Franconia area, and I tried to convince Mike to let me order a take out batch of pancakes so I can microwave them again the next morning! No such luck. But we will be back in the area in October, so hmm, we might have to make another trip to Polly’s.
http://www.pollyspancakeparlor.com/
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Review: Scorpio’s Pizza & Sports Pub
September 02, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Original review: 9/9/2005 - see below for update.
Scorpio’s Pizza & Sports Pub is located in Lancaster, NH. They offer a full menu of pizza, pasta, seafood, burgers, subs, Mexican, and calzones. We arrived on a Wednesday night at 7:45pm and couldn’t believe how busy it was! They do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring cash.
Mike ordered a Cheeseburger Plate - comes with french fries. Mike graded his meal “B+“
I had the Pasta with Homemade Chunky Sauce (garlic bread too.) I was in love with this dish - my grade is “A” For only $7, I got a huge bowl of pasta covered with a delicious tomato sauce made “chunky” by pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions, sausage, & tomatoes. I had to take most of it home for later. Oh and a salad was also included with my dinner (all for $7, it was a great deal) and this was one great salad. Peppers, cukes, tomatoes, romaine lettuce (no iceberg lettuce) and onions.
There is a small sit down dining area, with a bar area off to the side. Smoking outside on the patio where there are a few tables for dining as well. Lots of families, and as I said, it was busy on a weekday night at 7pm!
We liked it so much, we went back a second time for Mexican food. Mike ordered the Fajitas and I ordered the Taco plate. The Mexican choices were not the “best” we have ever tasted, but they were still good. The food is fresh, and homemade! And an excellent value for the price.
We recommend Scorpio’s Pizza!
UPDATED 2008-08-20
We were in the Lancaster NH again, and stopped by Scorpio’s Pizza & Sports Pub for dinner. Since we had our dog Mindy with us, we opted for Take-out and ate in the truck. I ordered the Pasta w/ Homemade Chunky Sauce again, and it was just as delicious as I remembered. I loved it. I saved my salad for the next day, and I even had left-over pasta too.
Mike ordered a Chicken Parmesan sub and he enjoyed it as well.
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Review: Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza
September 02, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza
Rt 5 St Johnsbury, VT - (802) 751-8500
We stopped at Ramunto’s Pizza while taking a day drive into Vermont.
They had an assortment of pizza by the slice, so I ordered a slice of tomato garlic white pizza with an order (6) of their famous garlic knots (soaked in garlic oil). Mike ordered a slice of onion pepper w/ a Sicilian slice of Meat Lovers.
Awesome pizza. We both were stuffed - I couldn’t even finish my garlic knots, and took them home.
Besides any variety of pizza you could want, their menu also includes chicken wings, pasta, salads, calzones & rolls, grilled sandiwiches, hot & cold subs & wraps, onion rings, sweet potato fries, and other appetizers. They also serve beer and wine.
If you are ever in the St Johnsbury, VT area, and in the mood for pizza or pasta, take a quick drive North on Rt 5 and visit Ramunto’s Brick Oven PIzza.
http://www.ramuntos.com
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Review: Yianni’s House of Pizza
September 02, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Yianni’s House of Pizza
155 Main Street, South Paris, Maine 04281
(207)743-6660
Looking for a quick take out dinner, we stopped at Yianni’s Pizza. It’s typical “Greek-style” Italian food - yummy. I ordered chicken parmesan dinner & Mike ordered veal parmesan dinner. Both with ziti and salad.
We drove back to the campground, which was about 20 minutes away. Our dinners were still very hot when we arrived which was great but the ziti was a little mushy, but that could have been due to the long drive. There was a lot of cheese and sauce. It was a generous portion, but no leftovers. The garlic bread was average, but again, it probably would have been better had we ate sooner. We were disappointed because they forgot to add salad dressing with the salad; we didn’t have any dressing in the RV, so we couldn’t eat it until we bought dressing the next day.
Yianni’s House of Pizza offers pizza, along with burgers, pasta, calzones, grilled subs, hot & cold subs, salads, and a variety of appetizers. I think if we were in the area again, we would give them another try.
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Review: Elvio’s Pizzaria & Restaurant
September 02, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Elvio’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Lincoln Square Outlet Mall - Main Street, Lincoln, NH
(603) 745-8817
We stopped by for lunch; it wasn’t crowded when I placed my order, but within a few minutes, there was a line waiting to order.
The man (owner?) in the front was very busy. Taking orders, then running to the back to take subs or pizza out of the oven. There were two other workers in the back. One woman was making pizzas and she didn’t seem to be working very quickly. I don’t know what the other guy was doing, he just seemed to be walking around. They were definitely short of help.
After about 20 minutes, I finally received our order (to go): I ordered a meatball parm sub, and Mike ordered a veal parm sub ( I like to tease him that he is eating poor baby cow, but he doesn’t care 
).
I brought the order back to the truck and Mike took a look at his sandwich, the sub roll was quite burned rather than toasted. My sub wasn’t as bad, but still over toasted. Mike’s was rock solid and dry.
He didn’t want to return it, since it would have taken forever to wait for a replacement, and he didn’t want to get his money back, so we ended up driving down Rt 3 (South) to find a quiet spot to eat lunch. By then we were hoping the steam from the hot sandwiches would soften the bread a bit.
We found a spot to stop, and Mike had to break off pieces of the burned bread, and he thought the veal parm part was alright, not the best he has had, but average. I was more pleased w/ my sub - the meatballs were excellent. I think the problem was a lack of help, so things didn’t get prepared as they should have. Mike probably wouldn’t return, but I might…only if I knew that the subs would be toasted lightly.
So in conclusion, it’s a mixed review. I give a half thumbs up, while Mike gives a thumbs down.
Elvio’s Pizzeria menu offers pizza, salads, homemade soups, calzones, hot & cold subs, and pasta dinners. I think if I were to go back, I might try one of the pasta and meatball dinners.
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Blue Moon restaurant review
September 02, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Blue Moon (Convenience Store and Pizza Sub Shop)
612 Ossipee Lake Road, Freedom, NH
603-539-1001
The Blue Moon is located down the road from Danforth Bay Campground in Freedom, NH. We heard from our inlaws that they enjoyed their pizza when staying at Danforth Bay in July, so we figured we would give them a shot on Sunday
At 6pm, Sunday night (Labor Day weekend), we phoned them from our campsite for an order of two small (2 topping) pizzas. We were told that it would be an hour wait, and that was fine. He did sound a bit frazzled on the phone.
We arrived early at around 6:45. Others (frustrated) were waiting for their orders. People ended up leaving because they didn’t want to wait any longer.
After seeing that the pizza oven only had two large pizzas inside, at 7:10, we asked if our order was even started. They said no, so we canceled. It was probably for the best. I have to admit, I was pretty grossed out w/ their cleanliness, or lack of it. The owner was working the register, taking money, and he moved over to behind the deli counter to make subs without washing his hands. Not very sanitary.
The wife who was making pizzas was also answering the cordless phone, and when the caller hung up, she threw the phone onto the pile of papers used to wrap subs.
And the bickering between the owner and his wife and other worker was embarrassing. He was very cranky and made it known to everyone in the store.
Would we go back and give them another chance? Not sure, but it definitely wouldn’t be during a busy time, and I would think twice about ordering a sub or any uncooked food.
Note: As a whole, New Hampshire restaurants are horrible for sanitation and cleanliness. Rarely do they wear gloves (except for some “chain” food places like Subway, McDonalds, etc) and they don’t keep money handlers separate from food preparers. It’s something I notice a lot when we are traveling here. I can’t say that this place is any worse or better than another sandwich shop.
We ended up leaving and driving North on Rt 16 to Rosie’s Drive-in. We had enjoyed lunch there earlier this summer, so we figured we would give them a try for dinner. To read our experience, read my updated review of Rosie’s.
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Poison Ivy
August 04, 2008 - Article Categories: Camping-Tips • Wildlife
Mike caught some poison ivy before our vacation last week. He was working w/ his friend, tearing down an old building, and he must have removed some old ivy plants. Luckily he was wearing long pants and work gloves.
He developed a rash on his left forearm. I went online briefly and found a web site that recommended Benedryl extra strength creme (containing Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2%), so we got a tube of that. It definitely seemed to help a lot with the itch. He also wrapped his arm at night before bed. At that point, I was still unsure of how poison ivy spreads, so we didn’t want to take any chances. Note: about the Benedryl creme, do not take any Benedryl pills at the same time as the creme. There are warnings on the package!
Now, after doing some additional research online, I now know that poison ivy is NOT spread from the rash or from the “weeping” fluid from the rash. But it is very important to wash off all of the original oil from any clothes, shoes, toys, etc. Also, keep in mind, that dogs can carry the oil back to you if they walk through the plants. If you believe your dog has any poison ivy oil on his fur, then he also needs to be washed.
No product will make poison ivy go away; it will take about 2 weeks for it to run its course. The creams and treatments are only used to lesson the itch and pain, but it will not make it go away.
I won’t pretend to be an expert on poison ivy, so I will just list some helpful links that are much more detailed and experienced:
- www.drgreene.com - great site, safe and sound information on poison ivy. There is also one more article I found on his site.
- Poisonivy.us - lots of advice from real people, and what worked for them
- What does poison ivy look like?
- Wikipedia - lots of general info plus links at the end of the article.
Hopefully you will not need to use these links any time soon, but it is important to know ahead of time what to do when you think you or a family member has been exposed to poison ivy.
Do you have any helpful tips for poison ivy? Post a comment here or join in on the discussion on the forum!
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2008 New England Country Fairs
August 04, 2008 - Article Categories: Northeast-Attractions • Country-Fairs
It’s time for country fairs! I love going to the big ones, but some of the smaller ones are so interesting as well. Are you going to any New England fairs this season? Which ones are your favorites? Post a comment below, or join in on the conversation on our discussion forum!
Specific Fair Links:
- Deerfield NH Fair dates: Sept 25-28, 2008. This was a fun fair. We went a few years ago. I think I might like to check this one out again this season too. From Massachusetts, it’s less than an hour and half ride, and could be a great day trip!Google Map
- Rochester NH Fair dates: Sept 12-21, 2008. We have never attended this fair, but I think my husband would love it. Looking at their web site, it looks like they have monster truck shows. Could be very fun. Rochester NH is also a fairly quick drive from Massachusetts. Check their web site for discounted tickets to purchase in advance. Google Map
- Sandwich NH Fair dates: Oct 11-13, 2008 (Columbus Weekend) - This is another wonderful fair, with lots of horse shows, I also love the llamas. Google Maps
- Hopkinton NH Fair dates: Aug 28-Sep1, 2008. Sounds like a fun fair, we have never been. It’s close enough for a day trip, so we might check it out! Google Map
- Fryeburg Maine Fair dates: Sep 28-Oct 5, 2008 - Gotta go to this country fair at least once in your life. Google Map
- The Big E dates: Sep 12-28, 2008 - A long standing Massachusetts fair. Many years ago, we camped nearby and spent the day. It’s a huge fair, almost too “commercial” - Google Map
- Topsfied MA Fair dates: Oct 3-13, 2008 - This was my first country fair. My husband Mike took me so many years ago. Funny how I have never been before I met him! I love this fair. Close to home, so we like to go during the week. I love the Flowers building, and the farm animals are awesome. Google Map
- The Oxford Maine Fair dates: Sep 7-13, 2008 - haven’t attended this one yet. Google Map
- Vermont State Fair in Rutland VT. dates: Aug 29-Sept 7, 2008. I had not heard of this fair until this year. Google Map
Other Fair Links:
- Vermont Agricultural Events - a thorough list of Vermont’s Fairs, Festivals & Field Days
- VT Living - another detailed list of Vermont fairs.
- NH Living - a detailed and thorough list of the New Hampshire fairs
- ME Living - detailed list of Maine fairs.
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Backyard Baby Hawk
August 04, 2008 - Article Categories: Photos • Wildlife
UPDATED! see below
We have what looks like a baby hawk - possibly a Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Goshawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk. They all look very similar in my Sibley field guide (a book that I highly recommend).
(More photos @ my flickr account)
Here’s the story: Last night (Sunday) Mike noticed something on the tar in front of the shed. At first, he thought it was a piece of wood; Then he saw it move. He yelled to me to check it out, and I went onto the outside deck to look. Of course, I grabbed my camera. Its back was to us initially, and its tail looked a bit bent or sideways. Then he turned around, and we saw his profile. He was gorgeous. It was so thrilling to see.
I went to get a closer look outside on the grass nearby, and he didn’t fly away, which led me to believe that perhaps he was injured or wet, or maybe just too young to fly. We just had a very big rain t/-storm and I thought perhaps he was drying out.
It was going to be dark soon, and I didn’t want him to be injured or killed by the night creatures (fisher cats, foxes, coyotes, etc) so I went online trying to find information about wildlife rehabilitation; after leaving several messages on answering machines, at around 8pm, I got a return call from Jim Parks from Wingmasters.net.
He explained that it was very common to find babies that fall from trees. They are at the “branching” stage, and cannot fly yet. They walk out onto a branch, and a big wind or rainfall can knock them off the branch and onto the ground. Jim was very nice, and said that if he was still there tomorrow, to give him a call, and he could come out and see what’s up. But he explained that I shouldn’t be upset, because it’s just nature, and sometimes we can’t help what’s meant to happen.
Anyway, we watched him hobble / hop from the tar to the grass and in between a ladder and a big tree. He ended up moving himself under our utility trailer where he stayed for the night. Mike checked on him later and early Monday morning and he was still there. I also checked this morning around 8am, and he is still under the trailer.
Latest UPDATE: I gave Jim another call this morning, and he said that from looking at the photos I emailed, it is a Cooper’s Hawk. He said they do not do well at all in captivity, and have never survived, so unfortunately he doesn’t want to take him in. He also told me that they are very secretive birds, and the parents wouldn’t be making any "noise" because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves.
Also the Cooper’s Hawk is becoming more popular, because of all the bird feeders, they feed mainly on little birds. I did throw the little guy some tuna, and he said that they do not "smell" food, but it might attract rodents that he could eat. He is not worried about him finding food, that there is plenty of grubs and rodents around.
When I arrived home this afternoon, I immediately checked under the trailer, and our little Coopers Hawk is gone! Our backyard is wooded, w/ lots of brush, vines, & leaves, so I am hoping that he either found a better hiding spot, or his mom came and helped him, or maybe he tested his wings and was able to fly.
I did check for loose feathers under the trailer, and there was none, so I am thinking only positive thoughts. I miss the little guy, silly, but it was one of the most exciting things to happen, and I am a little sad that it’s over.
At least I have some photos & I learned a lot about a wonderful creature!
Some links about hawks and Coopers Hawk specifically:
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Larson’s Lunch Box in Damariscotta, Maine
July 30, 2008 - Article Categories: Food • Restaurants
Larson’s Lunch Box located @ 430 Main Street, in Damariscotta, Maine (207-563-5755)
We found a wonderful gem to stop for lunch on Saturday afternoon. Larson’s Lunch Box is a little take out “shack” located off Rt 1 on Upper Main St.
I ordered the Haddock Patty Sandwich ($4) with a 1/2 pint of NE Clam Chowder ($3.50). Mike ordered a pint of homemade American Chop Suey ($3) and the four piece Chicken Tenders ($4.50)
The chowder was awesome, homemade “from scratch” with fresh Maine steamers & clam stock. It’s not a real “creamy” base and if you don’t like fresh clams, then you probably will not like this. It’s not like the more creamy commercial-like clam chowder, which I do love but I also loved this too, for a nice change. The only complaint was that the large chunks of potatoes were al dente, but it wasn’t bad.
My haddock patty sandwich was “square” - it was a frozen not fresh haddock patty, but it was so much better than a McDonald’s fish filet.
Mike’s fried chicken tender pieces were delicious. I didn’t get to test-taste them, so I had to take Mike’s word that they were very good. 
I did sample his American Chop Suey, which was wonderful. Homemade with lots of tomato chunks, hamburg, and onions, it was filling and delicious. There was generous amount in that pint!
Their menu also included Lobster ($15) and Crabmeat ($11) rolls, burgers, hotdogs, chicken (all white meat) salad sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, french fries, onion rings, and chili.
While we were waiting for our order, we spoke briefly with another couple and they said Larson’s was very clean, with excellent food, and they always visit when in the area. They also made an observation that all the cars in the parking lot were “out of state” and that it was surprising how everyone finds it!
I guess I can only guess how everyone else found their way to Larson’s, but we were driving by, and saw a little line forming by a little take out shack. We were hungry so we stopped.
Larson’s Lunch Box is a reasonably priced, delicious stop for a quick take out lunch. We will definitely return.
View Larger Map
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Cell Phone Service Added to Camp Review Form
July 22, 2008 - Article Categories: Miscellaneous
Besides a few minor adjustments to the campground review form, I just added a new category for cell phone service experience.
During a recent “Cell Phone Service” discussion on the forum, one of our regular contributors (Wersilly) suggested that cell information would be a good addition to the campground review form, and I wholeheartedly agreed.
While some may disagree, thinking it is unfair to rate something that the campground has no control over, I think it’s something that affects the camping experience, whether good or bad.
Do I think lack of cell service is important enough to discourage a camper from visiting a campground? No, I don’t think so, after all, it’s CAMPING. But if a location does not offer cell service then it’s helpful to know beforehand. This will allow the camper to be prepared, especially if they are expecting to keep in contact w/ their employer or family member. If it’s known beforehand that cell phone service is not available, then a camper can make other arrangements or let their contact(s) know ahead of time that they cannot be reached at the campground.
I hope review contributors will include this information on any new reviews sent in to us. It’s details like this that make our reviews so helpful to our visitors! Thanks for all your support!
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