Not to worry, things have improved. Cheery friends, beautiful weather, sweetie dogs, lots of boat house time, perspective, etc. Passage of time. Lots of beauty in my life. Still miss my lost people, sad news of others, but I'm ok.
I think sunrises like this are pretty gaudy, but when you watch them you're impressed. This was today. The sun now rises on the opposite side of the mountain--in July it was coming up on the left shoulder, now we're right-handed.
There are things to tell, anecdotes to share.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Frank III
And then there's Frank, Lin's new beagle. Who can resist a face like this? When my father was really pleased with something he'd say it was "as pretty as a speckled pup." Frank qualifies in every respect.
Friday, August 21, 2009
A few vacation pictures
Liza, Molly, Mark--and my chair. We had great beach days.
I feel pretty sad these days, not a good blogger at all. Won't share details, will feel better and then will bore everyone with details of a wonderful two weeks in RI, plus the past many weeks here at home.
I feel pretty sad these days, not a good blogger at all. Won't share details, will feel better and then will bore everyone with details of a wonderful two weeks in RI, plus the past many weeks here at home.
Friday, July 17, 2009
dock 003
Well there she is. Wouldn't be a summer posting without at least one picture of the mountain, would it. This is a sunrise, just an ordinary sunrise. There haven't been any really colorful ones (that I've seen anyway) but they've been peaceful and sweet. Sometimes I feel as if the ones with brilliant colors are sort of violent and too startling.
I've been staying at the boat house lately, though I was at home the other morning when it was 40 degrees. As I say, a girl has her standards. I stay in the b.h. if the morning temp will be at least 50. I've been there the past couple of nights, ostensibly to clean, get the garbage, etc. But not. Instead I read, stare into space, think, ponder, and sleep. It's a nice thing to be able to do, in a really nice place.
Nothing much going on, except for seeing lots of people and enjoying my social life. I'm sort of worn out and in need of a little solitude. I turned down dinner last night because I just wanted to go home, get the dogs & go to the b.house while it was still fairly early. It was a very nice night, calm and warm.
I was going to swim but as soon as I got in the water I changed my plan--VERY cold. And I'm not a hardy girl, it turns out. I have great plans to swim and get lots of exercise--I am very tubby. well, beyond tubby I'm afraid. I was walking the bog earlier this summer, and I intend(ed) to swim. Seems I only swim when Jenica makes it look appealing.
As soon as I get my new lawn mower I'll mow the lawn--that's good for an hour of exercise. I'm also getting some wood from Ken's house. I could stack that myself, instead of having Bill's Boys do it, as I've been doing for the past many/several years. I used to stack all my wood--10-12 cords a year. Then I discovered the thrill of watching someone else do it.
I've been staying at the boat house lately, though I was at home the other morning when it was 40 degrees. As I say, a girl has her standards. I stay in the b.h. if the morning temp will be at least 50. I've been there the past couple of nights, ostensibly to clean, get the garbage, etc. But not. Instead I read, stare into space, think, ponder, and sleep. It's a nice thing to be able to do, in a really nice place.
Nothing much going on, except for seeing lots of people and enjoying my social life. I'm sort of worn out and in need of a little solitude. I turned down dinner last night because I just wanted to go home, get the dogs & go to the b.house while it was still fairly early. It was a very nice night, calm and warm.
I was going to swim but as soon as I got in the water I changed my plan--VERY cold. And I'm not a hardy girl, it turns out. I have great plans to swim and get lots of exercise--I am very tubby. well, beyond tubby I'm afraid. I was walking the bog earlier this summer, and I intend(ed) to swim. Seems I only swim when Jenica makes it look appealing.
As soon as I get my new lawn mower I'll mow the lawn--that's good for an hour of exercise. I'm also getting some wood from Ken's house. I could stack that myself, instead of having Bill's Boys do it, as I've been doing for the past many/several years. I used to stack all my wood--10-12 cords a year. Then I discovered the thrill of watching someone else do it.
Tic
Even though the loons are really close to the dock, it's hard to get a good picture. I had to zoom in on this one, which is why it's not such a great picture. They're still hanging around, and still yodeling like crazy. Sometimes the silly dogs bark at the sounds, when the birds are far away. duh.
So far no one's reported any baby loon sightings.
So far no one's reported any baby loon sightings.
humming
Here's a hummingbird at the feeder hanging at the boat house. This is the first year we've had a feeder there. The birds were buzzing around a lot, so I figured they'd come to a feeder. They sure do. This one's a female but there are plenty of both genders. As they do at all feeders, they fight for territory, buzzing at each other and driving each other away.
Everyone has said that the Boathouse Hummingbirds are the biggest they've ever seen. How proud I am! I thought the same thing when I first saw them. They buzz really loudly--so loud that sometimes it sounds as if a boat is coming. Hope the noise doesn't keep my sister awake when she sleeps on the porch, right by the feeder.
I had the screen door open the other day--the door is right next to the feeder, and two lady birds flew into the porch. This happens a lot at home, and I can always catch the birds (well, except for the 2 last year--Tess caught one and Dot caught the other--2 fatalities). This time I had no luck. One lady was clever enough to fly back out but the other flew up into the rafters and sat there, panting. I left for the day and that night my cousins and I discovered her little body on the floor. Dumb bird.
Everyone has said that the Boathouse Hummingbirds are the biggest they've ever seen. How proud I am! I thought the same thing when I first saw them. They buzz really loudly--so loud that sometimes it sounds as if a boat is coming. Hope the noise doesn't keep my sister awake when she sleeps on the porch, right by the feeder.
I had the screen door open the other day--the door is right next to the feeder, and two lady birds flew into the porch. This happens a lot at home, and I can always catch the birds (well, except for the 2 last year--Tess caught one and Dot caught the other--2 fatalities). This time I had no luck. One lady was clever enough to fly back out but the other flew up into the rafters and sat there, panting. I left for the day and that night my cousins and I discovered her little body on the floor. Dumb bird.
Starting the day
Every day starts with a drink of cool, clear water. This, of course, is Chances. Tess would never pose like this, nor would she be in one position long enough for me to take her picture.
The dock was in better shape--or at least more level, and not resting ON the water, but was ABOVE the water, before relatives apparently bounced on it. Maybe other relatives can help fix it.
Early morning is just a wonderful time.
The dock was in better shape--or at least more level, and not resting ON the water, but was ABOVE the water, before relatives apparently bounced on it. Maybe other relatives can help fix it.
Early morning is just a wonderful time.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Mystery shot
It's not really that hard to guess what this is--my sister (and probably Jenica)can figure it out pretty easily. Heck, probably most people can.
There used to be a place here called The Mystery Spot. This was when there weren't amusement parks like Six Flaggs or Great Adventure. Amusement parks were small and had humble rides, like stagecoach rides and miniature train rides and pretend gunfights, and Santa's Village (which we still have here, right M?). Anyway, the Mystery Spot was like that.
It was a place WHERE WATER FLOWS UPHILL! The guide told you that it was a special mineral deposit in the ground that caused these effects. Everything was backwards gravity--ooooh, way cool and amazing. For some reason, to draw attention to the place there was a big green dinosaur out by the road. The dinosaur outlasted The Mystery Spot by many years, so when we drove past it we'd always remember the Mystery Spot.
Anyway, my brother, sister and I went to The Mystery Spot and had a great time. My brother, who always had to know the REAL reasons things were the way they were (no, it couldn't be a backwards-gravity mineral deposit), figured out right away that the building was built into the side of a hill, backwards. We thought it was a pretty clever gimmick and sort of cool. No one else did, though, because the place didn't last very long.
That was one of the things I really liked about my brother. He was entertaining and made me laugh when he went through the process of finding answers to things like that. It was like a game to him. I think life was like a game to him, lots of the time.
There used to be a place here called The Mystery Spot. This was when there weren't amusement parks like Six Flaggs or Great Adventure. Amusement parks were small and had humble rides, like stagecoach rides and miniature train rides and pretend gunfights, and Santa's Village (which we still have here, right M?). Anyway, the Mystery Spot was like that.
It was a place WHERE WATER FLOWS UPHILL! The guide told you that it was a special mineral deposit in the ground that caused these effects. Everything was backwards gravity--ooooh, way cool and amazing. For some reason, to draw attention to the place there was a big green dinosaur out by the road. The dinosaur outlasted The Mystery Spot by many years, so when we drove past it we'd always remember the Mystery Spot.
Anyway, my brother, sister and I went to The Mystery Spot and had a great time. My brother, who always had to know the REAL reasons things were the way they were (no, it couldn't be a backwards-gravity mineral deposit), figured out right away that the building was built into the side of a hill, backwards. We thought it was a pretty clever gimmick and sort of cool. No one else did, though, because the place didn't last very long.
That was one of the things I really liked about my brother. He was entertaining and made me laugh when he went through the process of finding answers to things like that. It was like a game to him. I think life was like a game to him, lots of the time.
Sinbad
Sinbad the Sailor Girl. Dogs have something million smell receptors in their noses. I love it when they stick their noses in the air and take in the scents. Especially when they wiggle them (the noses) and inhale deeply. I don't know what smells there were in the air. usually it's food that offers the best scent but who knows what was up the lake this time. Not much of a breeze, so she really had to work for this.
must you?
This is not the first batch of pictures I've taken of Sweet Chances Are sitting on the dock. She gets sick of it but she's a very patient dog who indulges me most of the time.
nanny nanny boo boo
I think she's had enough. Don't know if I've ever seen a dog pose with her tongue sticking out.
bet you wish this were you
Is this great or what?
Jenica paddled to the island, way over at the end of the lake, to see if she could see any goats there. First there was just a rumor that the neighborhood bully put 5 goats on the island. He owns the island--it's for sale, by the way, for $1.5 million, should anyone be interested. We laughed at the rumor and everyone down there said they'd for sure hear the goats if they were there.
Well ... guess what? On Sunday someone we know paddled around the island and saw goats. Only 4, but they were actual goats. Why anyone would put goats on a small island that has no pasture or good place for a goat to live is something no one knows the answer to.
Jenica didn't see an actual goat but did see something big and white run off into the woods. I'm sure it was a goat but she remains skeptical. A big rabbit, perhaps.
Jenica paddled to the island, way over at the end of the lake, to see if she could see any goats there. First there was just a rumor that the neighborhood bully put 5 goats on the island. He owns the island--it's for sale, by the way, for $1.5 million, should anyone be interested. We laughed at the rumor and everyone down there said they'd for sure hear the goats if they were there.
Well ... guess what? On Sunday someone we know paddled around the island and saw goats. Only 4, but they were actual goats. Why anyone would put goats on a small island that has no pasture or good place for a goat to live is something no one knows the answer to.
Jenica didn't see an actual goat but did see something big and white run off into the woods. I'm sure it was a goat but she remains skeptical. A big rabbit, perhaps.
best greeting ever
They used to swim out to greet boats but now (thankfully) they mostly wait on the dock to see if boats will come to them. What a bonus that the boat had Jenica in it.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tic and Tac
Not a very good picture, but here are two of the loons on the lake. They seem pretty calm about being near people. There's one that comes very close to the boat house--Linda and I figure the fishing must be pretty good there. I think that one is Tic. Tess watches Tic intently but so far hasn't swum out after him. I hope he doesn't spread the word that there's good fishing off the Rogers' boat house.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A lady's shoe
Of course it's a lady's slipper. I promised there would be more flora, right? We used to have a bunch of these next to the boat house, then they disappeared. Now they're back.
For a few years when we were kids, living in Rockford, we went to Door County (peninsula in Lake Michigan, Wisc.). The water was clear, we went before tourists, beautiful place. My father was thrilled because there were yellow lady's slippers. Those are very rare and seldom seen. There they were--in the woods, spread out all over the place. They were very pretty, and it was nice to see him be so excited.
For a few years when we were kids, living in Rockford, we went to Door County (peninsula in Lake Michigan, Wisc.). The water was clear, we went before tourists, beautiful place. My father was thrilled because there were yellow lady's slippers. Those are very rare and seldom seen. There they were--in the woods, spread out all over the place. They were very pretty, and it was nice to see him be so excited.
alder brook june 09 010
It just wouldn't be a change of seasons without a picture of Alder Brook, would it?
Peaceful
Is this peaceful enough? The stairs lead to the the porch, which many of my friends agree has the best view on the lake. Also to the bedroom, which has French doors offering a view of the lake. Also to the back room, where my sister cooks the most wonderful meals and I make my morning coffee.
Cutest thing
Have you ever seen anything cuter than this?
Me on the left, Molly, and Henry.
I like this because
a) I'm frowning, obviously taking it very seriously, what my sister is pointing out,
b) my sister and I have very blonde hair,
c) we're all wearing UVM sweatshirts--my father was teaching there, d) Molly's pants have those iron-on patches that never really worked but were the big thing then,
e)my brother is letting my sister be in charge, his hands folded patiently
f) mostly because my sister's and brother's hands are completely recognizeable, and they looked like that all their lives
Me on the left, Molly, and Henry.
I like this because
a) I'm frowning, obviously taking it very seriously, what my sister is pointing out,
b) my sister and I have very blonde hair,
c) we're all wearing UVM sweatshirts--my father was teaching there, d) Molly's pants have those iron-on patches that never really worked but were the big thing then,
e)my brother is letting my sister be in charge, his hands folded patiently
f) mostly because my sister's and brother's hands are completely recognizeable, and they looked like that all their lives
Monday, June 15, 2009
Flora instruction
Time for the Monday Bog Report. I try to take the dogs (and myself ) for a bog walk Sat. and Sun. mornings, for exercise, to tire and entertain the dogs, and to see what's new in the bog.
Lots of wildflowers in bloom right now. Not too many bugs, though the black flies are still making their presence known. I'm still learning to identify wildflowers, but I'm making progress. These are mostly pretty obvious ones. I didn't find the Ladyslippers until Linda pointed them out to me last night at Camp, plus I found False Solomon's seal there too. Just to keep you in suspense, pictures to follow.
I stayed in the boat house last night. Pretty but I was restless and woke several times. Then overslept so was late to work today. Barely functioning. Plus didn't take my sweatshirt off this morning when I bathed in the lake. Huh?
Book group on the b.house porch last night, very nice. Great food, and we learned the difference between French lentils and our lentils. Everyone was there. This month we're each reading a different Gene Stratton Porter book, courtesy of Lin. This is a new concept, having everyone read a different book, and these are sweet books so we'll have a good time next month. At Linda's, no less. M. gave us a really nice book talk on the books she'd read during the month. I liked that a lot and it made me want to read a couple of the books a lot. And skip the others. It's great, guidance in what to read and what's not nearly as good as the jacket makes it sound.
Got to sit in the sun and read on the deck yesterday. Such a luxury! Plus got to talk to my sister part of the time. Double luxury. I have a good life. Social life is really picking up now, and will rev up even more. Workfest 09 starts this weekend--The Boys of Kokosing (just down the hill from my house) arrive. How cute are they? VERY. Sadly, the end of June is closing in and the lake will fill up with people and boats and jet skis. Last night, sitting alone on the b.h. porch it was totally silent at dusk. The lake was glassy, no one was there. I realized that, in a little while there will be boats and jet-skis droning around at that hour--it's a popular time to go round and round, after dinner and a few beers. It' wonderful to to have the time now.
Lots of wildflowers in bloom right now. Not too many bugs, though the black flies are still making their presence known. I'm still learning to identify wildflowers, but I'm making progress. These are mostly pretty obvious ones. I didn't find the Ladyslippers until Linda pointed them out to me last night at Camp, plus I found False Solomon's seal there too. Just to keep you in suspense, pictures to follow.
I stayed in the boat house last night. Pretty but I was restless and woke several times. Then overslept so was late to work today. Barely functioning. Plus didn't take my sweatshirt off this morning when I bathed in the lake. Huh?
Book group on the b.house porch last night, very nice. Great food, and we learned the difference between French lentils and our lentils. Everyone was there. This month we're each reading a different Gene Stratton Porter book, courtesy of Lin. This is a new concept, having everyone read a different book, and these are sweet books so we'll have a good time next month. At Linda's, no less. M. gave us a really nice book talk on the books she'd read during the month. I liked that a lot and it made me want to read a couple of the books a lot. And skip the others. It's great, guidance in what to read and what's not nearly as good as the jacket makes it sound.
Got to sit in the sun and read on the deck yesterday. Such a luxury! Plus got to talk to my sister part of the time. Double luxury. I have a good life. Social life is really picking up now, and will rev up even more. Workfest 09 starts this weekend--The Boys of Kokosing (just down the hill from my house) arrive. How cute are they? VERY. Sadly, the end of June is closing in and the lake will fill up with people and boats and jet skis. Last night, sitting alone on the b.h. porch it was totally silent at dusk. The lake was glassy, no one was there. I realized that, in a little while there will be boats and jet-skis droning around at that hour--it's a popular time to go round and round, after dinner and a few beers. It' wonderful to to have the time now.
Fern (? Bracken?) in bloom
How pretty is this? The blossoms are gross, the big brown stalks, but the bracken (I'm pretty sure it's bracken, but it might be fern) is really, really pretty. I love the bowl shape. It's still growing. It gets to be about 5' tall and looks really prehistoric.
Labrador tea
This doesn't do justice to how pretty it is to see the white flowers going deep into the woods. It's hard to tell the difference between Lab. tea and Sheep laurel based on their leaves, but Sheep laurel has purple leaves and is obviously a type of laurel.
Yes, I've heard you can make tea from the leaves of this. Doubtful that it tastes very good, though.
Yes, I've heard you can make tea from the leaves of this. Doubtful that it tastes very good, though.
Bunchberry
A bunch of Bunchberries. These are very pretty litle flowers. I think they're related to dogwoods, based on the shape of their leaves. The flowers turn into pretty little red berries. They're low to the ground and are prolific here.
My friends bought a camp with a few buildings, a beautiful and wonderful camp that belonged to other friends of mine. The new owners named one of the buildings Bunchberry. The main building is Birchwood. The previous owners named the main building Robinswood and the other building Wendy. I always thought Robinswood was named after the Pooh character Christopher Robin, but who was Wendy? Anyway, Wendy is a stupid name for a building. So is Bunchberry. Better than naming a child Trillium, which is what a (distant) friend of mine did.
My friends bought a camp with a few buildings, a beautiful and wonderful camp that belonged to other friends of mine. The new owners named one of the buildings Bunchberry. The main building is Birchwood. The previous owners named the main building Robinswood and the other building Wendy. I always thought Robinswood was named after the Pooh character Christopher Robin, but who was Wendy? Anyway, Wendy is a stupid name for a building. So is Bunchberry. Better than naming a child Trillium, which is what a (distant) friend of mine did.
Clintonia
This is Clintonia, named after Governor DeWitt Clinton of NY. I forget why it was named after him. Some special reason.
The blossoms are very pretty. They become blue berries, a very true and pretty blue, big and tempting to children. But STAY AWAY, CHILDREN--the berries are poisonous. First that was just family lore, but when I got older and read about wildflowers, I read that this is true.
When I was a curious kid I of course opened up the berry. Inside it's white and like cotton/popcorn. Oh, so tempting--must be very sweet. Like those orange carnival peanuts that are revolting to adults but irrestible to kids. yummmm.
The blossoms are very pretty. They become blue berries, a very true and pretty blue, big and tempting to children. But STAY AWAY, CHILDREN--the berries are poisonous. First that was just family lore, but when I got older and read about wildflowers, I read that this is true.
When I was a curious kid I of course opened up the berry. Inside it's white and like cotton/popcorn. Oh, so tempting--must be very sweet. Like those orange carnival peanuts that are revolting to adults but irrestible to kids. yummmm.
Foamflower
First I identified this as Sarsparilla. Wishful thinking, my dear. It's Foamflower. Not nearly as exotic. This one was near the entry to the bog, one lonely plant.
Canada mayflower
These are really tiny flowers. When we were kids we played with tiny, flesh-colored baby like dolls. They were fully little things, in sitting positions, but they fit in the seats of our model cars.
We called them "Little Bills," and we'd have Little Bill Villages. We built a huge Little Bill Village in a pile of the nice, dark dirt/loam my father had to add to his garden. There was a winding road that went all the way to the top of the pile. The best ever LBV we had was in the bunch of lilies of the valley that grew next to the house in Rockford. We made driveways, had houses, it was a great LBV.
When I drive around and see houses nestled in the woods with nice driveways I think "what a great Little Bill Village." Anyway, these flowers would be like Giant Sequoias to Little Bills.
We called them "Little Bills," and we'd have Little Bill Villages. We built a huge Little Bill Village in a pile of the nice, dark dirt/loam my father had to add to his garden. There was a winding road that went all the way to the top of the pile. The best ever LBV we had was in the bunch of lilies of the valley that grew next to the house in Rockford. We made driveways, had houses, it was a great LBV.
When I drive around and see houses nestled in the woods with nice driveways I think "what a great Little Bill Village." Anyway, these flowers would be like Giant Sequoias to Little Bills.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
dorky but funny
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Back by popular demand
Popular or not, here I am. I've been busy and not motivated to blog--I always feel I have nothing to report, but people tell me my life is a tale to be told.
Hard to believe we're moving along through June. My good friend Linda arrived Memorial Day weekend and I've been spending many hours with her. I get in the habit of stopping at her camp on my way home just about every night, but this year I feel as if I'm using it as a shelter/sanctuary to avoid thinking about Ken. I also think I need to pay more attention to my house.
June is We Own the Forest month for black flies, mosquitoes and punkies (no-see-ums) and we're approaching the end (maybe?) of the season now. Except for the punkies, which are having a great time this year. They small enough to get through screens so there's really no stopping them. Tiny black things that have a mean, mean bite. ouch it hurts. They're easy to kill, though, apparently it takes them a long time to bite so they sit still, inviting you to pinch them to death.
I've been planting flowers regularly--annuals mostly, and I have all of them planted. I have a lot of perennials to plant and on Sunday I wrote down where I'm going to put them all. This was part of the delay--I couldn't make up my mind about that. My perennial garden was bulldozed by a friend to make a better place to park and turn around, which I really like. Anyway, I bought a ton of new plants and have to get them in the ground. Lots of lilies. I bought one of those things that you hang upside down to grow tomatoes in but stripped the screws when I tried to hang the hanger. That was the same day the lawn mower stopped working and something else went wrong (mercifully I can't remember what that was).
I've been taking time off because the weather's been great, off & on. Sunny and not too hot. I've been able to sit on my deck & read in the sun, until the black flies took over. I tried to do it on Sunday but it didn't take long for the flies to find me. You can't complain about them--like cold weather and snow, it's part of living here. This year everyone seems to be more frustrated than usual about the lack of good Internet connections. I keep saying that, when you live here you have to give up certain things. Yeah, sure, I can say that because I have this connection at work. Catch me again when I only have my dial access from home.
I had water problems again--no water for 3 weeks, but it was much easier this time. 2 water barrels full so I didn't begrudge the dogs their water (as in, "Do you HAVE to drink so much water?" from the winter) and could flush without counting the gallons. As always, Steve found the problem and fixed it in a matter of minutes. I said that pretty soon "we'll" have replaced the whole system. Not well received at all.
I stayed in the boat house quite a bit but then it got cold (40's) at night. I need to have it be at least 50, preferably 55, to spend the night there. One morning it was 48 when I woke up and I decided I was a fool for staying there when I have a nice warm house up the hill.
We have at least 4 loons on the lake this year and they're incredibly vocal. Loons have several calls, each meaning something specific, like Where are you? I'm right here. I'm horny. I'm right here. Let's play. Alarm!Alarm! etc. Anyway, these loons spend time at opposite ends of the lake, calling to each other. It's been nice to listen to (I can hear them from my house) but the other night it was a little annoying. I was sitting on the porch at a friend's camp--the porch is about 6' from the water, it was a silent night with a full moon making a beautiful path on the water. The loons wouldn't shut up. All right already! It was a pretty sound for the first half hour, but after an hour, really, we'd had enough. How snotty does that sound?
Dogs are fine. Chances has real vision problems, cataracts in both eyes and can't see distance very well but sees things close up. I can see her slowing down a bit but she's as happy as ever and I pay extra attention to her. Tess has mellowed just the tiniest bit. She spends too much time at the bog with people I don't know because I don't tie her up soon enough.
Not much else to say. I've been to a few libraries, weeding their collections (mostly adult non-fiction). The directors are wonderful and these trips are really nice. I've learned not to notice the junkiness of the collections and just enjoy being with the people. We're weeding our fiction here, not in alphabetical order, oh no--based on which parts of the alphabet are most crowed in the stacks. I let the clerk decide which areas to do, everyone needs to have some decision making power in the work place.
Hard to believe we're moving along through June. My good friend Linda arrived Memorial Day weekend and I've been spending many hours with her. I get in the habit of stopping at her camp on my way home just about every night, but this year I feel as if I'm using it as a shelter/sanctuary to avoid thinking about Ken. I also think I need to pay more attention to my house.
June is We Own the Forest month for black flies, mosquitoes and punkies (no-see-ums) and we're approaching the end (maybe?) of the season now. Except for the punkies, which are having a great time this year. They small enough to get through screens so there's really no stopping them. Tiny black things that have a mean, mean bite. ouch it hurts. They're easy to kill, though, apparently it takes them a long time to bite so they sit still, inviting you to pinch them to death.
I've been planting flowers regularly--annuals mostly, and I have all of them planted. I have a lot of perennials to plant and on Sunday I wrote down where I'm going to put them all. This was part of the delay--I couldn't make up my mind about that. My perennial garden was bulldozed by a friend to make a better place to park and turn around, which I really like. Anyway, I bought a ton of new plants and have to get them in the ground. Lots of lilies. I bought one of those things that you hang upside down to grow tomatoes in but stripped the screws when I tried to hang the hanger. That was the same day the lawn mower stopped working and something else went wrong (mercifully I can't remember what that was).
I've been taking time off because the weather's been great, off & on. Sunny and not too hot. I've been able to sit on my deck & read in the sun, until the black flies took over. I tried to do it on Sunday but it didn't take long for the flies to find me. You can't complain about them--like cold weather and snow, it's part of living here. This year everyone seems to be more frustrated than usual about the lack of good Internet connections. I keep saying that, when you live here you have to give up certain things. Yeah, sure, I can say that because I have this connection at work. Catch me again when I only have my dial access from home.
I had water problems again--no water for 3 weeks, but it was much easier this time. 2 water barrels full so I didn't begrudge the dogs their water (as in, "Do you HAVE to drink so much water?" from the winter) and could flush without counting the gallons. As always, Steve found the problem and fixed it in a matter of minutes. I said that pretty soon "we'll" have replaced the whole system. Not well received at all.
I stayed in the boat house quite a bit but then it got cold (40's) at night. I need to have it be at least 50, preferably 55, to spend the night there. One morning it was 48 when I woke up and I decided I was a fool for staying there when I have a nice warm house up the hill.
We have at least 4 loons on the lake this year and they're incredibly vocal. Loons have several calls, each meaning something specific, like Where are you? I'm right here. I'm horny. I'm right here. Let's play. Alarm!Alarm! etc. Anyway, these loons spend time at opposite ends of the lake, calling to each other. It's been nice to listen to (I can hear them from my house) but the other night it was a little annoying. I was sitting on the porch at a friend's camp--the porch is about 6' from the water, it was a silent night with a full moon making a beautiful path on the water. The loons wouldn't shut up. All right already! It was a pretty sound for the first half hour, but after an hour, really, we'd had enough. How snotty does that sound?
Dogs are fine. Chances has real vision problems, cataracts in both eyes and can't see distance very well but sees things close up. I can see her slowing down a bit but she's as happy as ever and I pay extra attention to her. Tess has mellowed just the tiniest bit. She spends too much time at the bog with people I don't know because I don't tie her up soon enough.
Not much else to say. I've been to a few libraries, weeding their collections (mostly adult non-fiction). The directors are wonderful and these trips are really nice. I've learned not to notice the junkiness of the collections and just enjoy being with the people. We're weeding our fiction here, not in alphabetical order, oh no--based on which parts of the alphabet are most crowed in the stacks. I let the clerk decide which areas to do, everyone needs to have some decision making power in the work place.
bog mem day 009
This reminds me of a song we used to sing (in our family? in Sunday school?)--"happy am I with my Redeemer." These dogs love our bog walks. At the end of the boardwalk is a trail that continues to the top of the bluffs. I don't go on that trail, I turn around and walk out of the bog. Tess runs up the trail; that's the way she goes with her Bog Friends when she's Tess the Bog Dog.
ladies 001
I had a Ladies of Hawkeye Luncheon on Saturday. There were 6 of us. Linda doubted my ability to fit us all on the b.house porch, but my sister has served dinner to at least 5 of us before so I knew I could do it. It was crowded but it was fun. Everyone brought a salad of some sort--I brought a terragon chicken salad, Pat brought a BLT salad, Martha brought tortellini salad, Brooke brought a broccoli salad, Linda brought dessert. Judy was a surprise visitor.
The luncheon has become part of Hawkeye lore now--lots of people asked how it went and have heard full descriptions of the whole thing. It was fun and I'm lucky to have such great friends.
The luncheon has become part of Hawkeye lore now--lots of people asked how it went and have heard full descriptions of the whole thing. It was fun and I'm lucky to have such great friends.
ladies 002
Things you can see in the background: the peace (pace) flag my sister brought from Italy during the war before this one. I found mine while I was "cleaning" (moving things around). I'm really happy we can hang it up--we kept the last one up until it was in shreds.
Inside you can see the vase that's a lady--that came from M., a book group member. We swap things at book group--you bring a couple of things and are supposed to take a couple of things home. It doesn't always work. Sometimes I feel like Tess, walking around the house looking for something to play with.
The bureau is one that's been in the boat house for as long as I can remember. I think it probably came from my parents' past. A few pieces on the porch are from their early days together.
There are a few candles--I put most of them away (I didn't want the Vase Lady to look like a shrine) but we have lots and lots of candles so we can sit on the porch after dark. Only one outlet in the building--it's impressive how resourceful we are with that one outlet.
Inside you can see the vase that's a lady--that came from M., a book group member. We swap things at book group--you bring a couple of things and are supposed to take a couple of things home. It doesn't always work. Sometimes I feel like Tess, walking around the house looking for something to play with.
The bureau is one that's been in the boat house for as long as I can remember. I think it probably came from my parents' past. A few pieces on the porch are from their early days together.
There are a few candles--I put most of them away (I didn't want the Vase Lady to look like a shrine) but we have lots and lots of candles so we can sit on the porch after dark. Only one outlet in the building--it's impressive how resourceful we are with that one outlet.
frost 004
We've had some heavy frosts lately--down to 29 a couple of times. Here's what we do to protect our little planties--we cover them with all sorts of things. I know someone who uses beach towels. I tried that but then all the plants ended up lying down. Some people use pillowcases and sheets, some use blankets. I told my container plants to huddle together for warmth and covered them with a flanned blanket. That worked well. I didn't lose anyone to frost. So far.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Obviosity
I'm sure most people were born knowing this, but it's taken me a lifetime to figure it out. And it's cost me a lot of grief, suffering, anxiety, misery, etc. So now I'm old and, like Sally Field, people like me. My psychiatrist told me that last week. I said
I wasn't sure I wanted to be liked for the reasons they liked me. Tough. I was working with a member director yesterday, weeding her collection and having a good time. She said that everyone likes it when I visit. puff, puff up my chest. I've been visiting several libraries lately and they all say things like that. I've changed a lot in the last few years. Changed the hard way, worked hard at it.
I'm worrying a lot about what someone thinks about me. Not just anyone, but a someone. At least it gives me something to think about.
Another water crisis. This time it barely bothers me. There's water everywhere--2 rain barrels full, a lake full, Holt's shower and washing machine, water in at camp, unlimited access to Ken's and Linda soon to arrive. I would like water this weekend, though, as I have a long list of things I'm hoping to clean. Many of which require water. But I'm a resourceful Little House on the Prairie girl. As opposed to a Donner Party girl. Anyway, here's my lesson for today
I wasn't sure I wanted to be liked for the reasons they liked me. Tough. I was working with a member director yesterday, weeding her collection and having a good time. She said that everyone likes it when I visit. puff, puff up my chest. I've been visiting several libraries lately and they all say things like that. I've changed a lot in the last few years. Changed the hard way, worked hard at it.
I'm worrying a lot about what someone thinks about me. Not just anyone, but a someone. At least it gives me something to think about.
Another water crisis. This time it barely bothers me. There's water everywhere--2 rain barrels full, a lake full, Holt's shower and washing machine, water in at camp, unlimited access to Ken's and Linda soon to arrive. I would like water this weekend, though, as I have a long list of things I'm hoping to clean. Many of which require water. But I'm a resourceful Little House on the Prairie girl. As opposed to a Donner Party girl. Anyway, here's my lesson for today
You get more of what you have.
When you feel friendly, people want to be your friend. When you feel sexy, people are attracted to you. When you feel confident, others have confidence in you.
This truth is cruel because so often, you want others to give you what you feel you’re lacking. It’s when you’re feeling isolated and awkward that you want people to be friendly. When you’re feeling ugly, you want someone to tell you how sexy you are. When you’re feeling insecure, you wish someone would express confidence in you.
First, although we think we act because of the way we feel, often we feel because of the way we act. So by acting the way we wish we felt, we can change our emotions – a strategy that is uncannily effective.
Second, the world’s reaction to us is quite influenced by the way we act toward the world. For example, in situation evocation, we spark a response from people that reinforces a tendency we already have — for example, if I act irritable all the time, the people around me are going to treat me with less patience and helpfulness, which will, in turn, stoke my irritability. If I can manage to joke around, I’ll evoke a situation in which the people around me were more likely to joke around, too.
Goethe wrote: “I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather.”
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
may bog 011
We went for a bog walk Sunday morning at 7. Peaceful but, to some quadrapeds it could have been daunting.
dot the bear
She only ever climbs about 5' up, but she does it really, really fast, then jumps down.
may bog 016
Dewey Clark was the uncle of a friend of mine. Dottie didn't know that but she was willing to be his friend anyway.
exhaustion
a trip like that--leading, waiting, climbing, being someone's friend, can just wear you right out.
stinking benjamin
The purple trillium is in bloom. well, in one place.
It's also called stinking benjamin, by a very few people
It's also called stinking benjamin, by a very few people
Friday, May 01, 2009
What a difference a day makes
Yes, I'm better today. A miserable ride home yesterday, but cleansing, I guess. There are some things making me sad besides the absence of Ken, but I miss him and when I think of him I cry. I know I'll get through this, but realizing that I do this alone (but then we're all alone, aren't we) is both empowering and daunting. I'm up to it, don't worry. Anyway, when I got home I finally perked up enough to wash the HUGE piled high sink full of dishes before going to the lake. The dogs like it there. It was windy enough so the black flies, in evidence at home, weren't there. The lake was quiet, only a looning loon making noise. I got cheerful and tried to read but the breeze kept blowing out the candles. I always go to sleep early there, very therapeutic.
Monday we're putting Ken in the ground. We have to wait until the ground thaws here, and Bill was able to convince the priest to put if off a bit. I'm taking the day off and expect to shed lots of tears. It's supposed to be 60 and sunny, which should be a little cheery. Maybe it won't be as bad as I fear, and I'll have the afternoon to do whatever I want. I'm sure I'll have recovered by then.
Today I'm ready to face the world. I was supposed to go to E'town to weed the oversized non-fiction but I called in short-handed in the department (one person isn't here) because I just didn't feel like going. BAD LIBRARIAN. I rescheduled, leaving a message on the machine. let's see if she listens to her messages. Instead I'll do some peaceful cataloging. I have to catalog a ton of complicated RLStevenson stuff but at least I'll be sitting at my desk instead of crawling around on the floor with my sinus headache. I'm going to get my shy and fearful goldfish (Flip) a companion, hoping that will help him relax. Misery loves company, eh Flip? He hides behind a picture nearly all day and hasn't figured out that food falls on top of the water. Easily intimidated. Not my kind of pet. yes, I miss Leroy. he was my pal--we understood each other for sure.
What's up this weekend? I posted a computer desk on Freecycle and got an answer from someone who turned out to be the daughter of the man who worked for my grandfather. She wants it for her grandchildren. She and I talk to each other every few years. We had a nice conversation last night, arranging for her to pick the desk up Sat. morning. Her life hasn't turned out very well lately--terribly bad back problems, several surgeries. A daughter addicted to painkillers who keeps having surgeries that require follow up treatment with painkillers every time she gets straight. I remember how much Eugene (Rikki's father) adored his granddaughter and know he'd be so troubled by her life now. He died shortly after my grandfather did--he was totally devoted to my grandfather. Much the way Steve was to Ken, but for decades instead of months. Anyway, I've know Rikki for a long, long time. Funny how these things work out.
Other things--maybe garden work, but if the black flies are out that will be a challenge. Soon I'll have to mow my lawn. Rush & Annie will be here so there will be an evening with them. Sunday my book group meets. I have Rachel Getting Married to watch. I have The Beet Queen to read. I have lots of gardening to do. I have morning glory seeds to plant. indoors. laundry. So there's enough to keep me distracted and happy. Or cheerful. Interacting with other people. I'll just warn R & A that I cry a lot. But I always laugh a lot with them. We have really nice visits.
It would be good to walk the dogs in the bog. bog dogs. Again, depends on black flies. bf's.
On to The Spiderwick Chronicles Goblins attack, then Troll Trouble.
Monday we're putting Ken in the ground. We have to wait until the ground thaws here, and Bill was able to convince the priest to put if off a bit. I'm taking the day off and expect to shed lots of tears. It's supposed to be 60 and sunny, which should be a little cheery. Maybe it won't be as bad as I fear, and I'll have the afternoon to do whatever I want. I'm sure I'll have recovered by then.
Today I'm ready to face the world. I was supposed to go to E'town to weed the oversized non-fiction but I called in short-handed in the department (one person isn't here) because I just didn't feel like going. BAD LIBRARIAN. I rescheduled, leaving a message on the machine. let's see if she listens to her messages. Instead I'll do some peaceful cataloging. I have to catalog a ton of complicated RLStevenson stuff but at least I'll be sitting at my desk instead of crawling around on the floor with my sinus headache. I'm going to get my shy and fearful goldfish (Flip) a companion, hoping that will help him relax. Misery loves company, eh Flip? He hides behind a picture nearly all day and hasn't figured out that food falls on top of the water. Easily intimidated. Not my kind of pet. yes, I miss Leroy. he was my pal--we understood each other for sure.
What's up this weekend? I posted a computer desk on Freecycle and got an answer from someone who turned out to be the daughter of the man who worked for my grandfather. She wants it for her grandchildren. She and I talk to each other every few years. We had a nice conversation last night, arranging for her to pick the desk up Sat. morning. Her life hasn't turned out very well lately--terribly bad back problems, several surgeries. A daughter addicted to painkillers who keeps having surgeries that require follow up treatment with painkillers every time she gets straight. I remember how much Eugene (Rikki's father) adored his granddaughter and know he'd be so troubled by her life now. He died shortly after my grandfather did--he was totally devoted to my grandfather. Much the way Steve was to Ken, but for decades instead of months. Anyway, I've know Rikki for a long, long time. Funny how these things work out.
Other things--maybe garden work, but if the black flies are out that will be a challenge. Soon I'll have to mow my lawn. Rush & Annie will be here so there will be an evening with them. Sunday my book group meets. I have Rachel Getting Married to watch. I have The Beet Queen to read. I have lots of gardening to do. I have morning glory seeds to plant. indoors. laundry. So there's enough to keep me distracted and happy. Or cheerful. Interacting with other people. I'll just warn R & A that I cry a lot. But I always laugh a lot with them. We have really nice visits.
It would be good to walk the dogs in the bog. bog dogs. Again, depends on black flies. bf's.
On to The Spiderwick Chronicles Goblins attack, then Troll Trouble.
dawn 0428 014
I've been spending time in the boat house. Like last night--just wanted not to be at home. Home seemed like a sad environment and it was warm enough to be by the water. I was right, I cheered up, all bundled up and looking at the lake.
This was the beginning of the sunrise Tues. morning. I spent Monday night there, too. When it's warm enough (like, say 60) I stay there--to get out of the house, to feel lucky that I can be there, to enjoy being there, to feel nested.
Anyway, first it was blue.
This was the beginning of the sunrise Tues. morning. I spent Monday night there, too. When it's warm enough (like, say 60) I stay there--to get out of the house, to feel lucky that I can be there, to enjoy being there, to feel nested.
Anyway, first it was blue.
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