Happy Halloween to us all. I've done nothing to celebrate the holiday except eat a lot of chocolate pudding instead of candy. I like to think I'm helping my body by eating pudding made with milk. yeah, right.
I had my hair cut today, quite short and what Linda calls "sporty." My hairdresser said it makes me look younger, I'll settle for that. I visited P&J to show them, feeling that someone should see what it's supposed to look like but won't look like again after I wash it. I have friends with straight hair, curly hair, fluffy hair and they don't have to do much to make it look good. I have no such luck but refuse to put much effort into my appearance (as you all know).
On Sunday I went to a writing workshop at a local library. WHY??? I was asked that by a couple of people. I was curious and wanted to know what goes on at a writing workshop. OK, now I know. We had to write for 10 minutes using the prompt "meet me at 6:00." I didn't play fair and didn't use the prompt. Out of 12 people only one other person did that too. We read what we wrote and the group and leader commented on it. OOPS, we ran out of time before I read mind. I wish I had the nerve to read mine, it would be interesting to hear what others have to say about what I wrote (and no, I'm not reproducing it here)(it was pretty stupid). Well I was a big chicken and didn't offer up mine. Some of the people wrote lovely things and almost everyone wrote something well worth hearing. Guess I didn't feel that confident about mine.
So what have I been doing? Not blogging. I wrote a lovely letter yesterday but my computer froze before I saved it and it was gone in a flash. Poop. I almost bought a new computer today but then decided I wasn't in the mood and will struggle along with this 5-yr-old HP for a while longer. It has some serious problems and a dead battery and I was advised that soon the hard drive will die. I've been backing up what's on this machine that's worth saving--letters and photos almost exclusively. I'll empty this computer soon enough.
I work at the thrift store twice a week for a couple of hours each time. They're open Weds. and Sat. from 9-2 but I can't stand to be there for 5 hours so I usually work 9-12 or so. Am I an asset? Some days, yes very much but other days I wander around with a book or two in my hand pretending to be busy. I left early on Saturday because there wasn't much book stuff to do and I didn't feel like working in the Christmas loft, where there is REAL work to be done. I had company for lunch, we assembled Reuben sandwiches provided by Linda via UPS and her favorite and wonderful deli. It was warm enough to eat on the deck so I set up a table there and it was pleasant. The sandwiches were great.
Sunday night we had a storm, as did most of the Northeast. It winded and rained plenty and in the early hours of the morning we lost power. Not too dramatic because it wasn't very cold and it was daylight. My power came back on but there was a line down near here that caused some smoking on the ground. I called the power company to report it, saying "The ground is smoking and there's a line down--is that an emergency?" Oh yes, the woman assured me it was an emergency and shortly after that trucks, including a water tanker drove down N.Shore La. to remedy the situation. High drama for Hawkeye.
Bear has been misbehaving, having been sighted in too many locations too far from home. He's cabled during the day when he's allowed out but gets to roam free before bed and when we first get up. He seems to not want to stray far at those times. Ah, the wonder of dog biscuits! They get a treat if they come in. I've been trying to walk the bog every day and that gives Bear a good run. Oops, I skipped today. and yesterday. My walking partner has been ill for a while so we haven't stuck to our morning routines.
There is a bit of color in the bog but it's mostly gone now, especially after the winds of Sunday and today. I need to adjust to a forest without color but it is nice to be able to see into the woods.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Still not winter
It's 57 this afternoon with very little wind or breeze, cloudy but with some sun. Who can complain about this?
I worked at the thrift store this morning but left by noon. We get things (books) pretty much under control by noon but the big donations come in after 1. I just get tired by noon and feel like going home. We got a lot done today.
I had a great time working with the cemetery people on Saturday, we're trying to update the maps of the cemetery. They haven't been updated for decades so it's quite a project. Each lot is numbered but no one knows which lots are not sold but numbered, or created but not numbered, and the maps don't show who's buried in each lot that's taken. Fun fun fun. It's a good project and I like the people I work with. Not sure when we're doing out next installment but they have my number and I'm sure they'll call if they need me.
Went out for dinner Sat. night with summer friends, that was nice. They're gone for the year and were pretty much the last of the summers. Lunch yesterday with a friend at the new restaurant in Upper Jay. That was our second visit there, the first time we tried breakfast. The food is good but it's only been open for a few weeks and they're still "in process." I hope they make it, there aren't many places around.
Not too much else going on. I've been walking the bog with the dogs--my walking partner has been ill so I'm on my own and don't walk as far or for as long without her but I try to keep the dogs entertained. We're supposed to walk tomorrow morning, then I'll head to Plattsburgh for errands, lunch with a friend and an appointment to have my car worked on. The other rear hatch strut broke this week, I had one replaced a few weeks ago. This car isn't old enough to be having things like this happen.
Most of the leaves are gone but the aspens are gold and the tamaracks are hanging on. Just a bit of color out there, mostly bare naked woods. That takes getting used to for me but what choice do I have?
I worked at the thrift store this morning but left by noon. We get things (books) pretty much under control by noon but the big donations come in after 1. I just get tired by noon and feel like going home. We got a lot done today.
I had a great time working with the cemetery people on Saturday, we're trying to update the maps of the cemetery. They haven't been updated for decades so it's quite a project. Each lot is numbered but no one knows which lots are not sold but numbered, or created but not numbered, and the maps don't show who's buried in each lot that's taken. Fun fun fun. It's a good project and I like the people I work with. Not sure when we're doing out next installment but they have my number and I'm sure they'll call if they need me.
Went out for dinner Sat. night with summer friends, that was nice. They're gone for the year and were pretty much the last of the summers. Lunch yesterday with a friend at the new restaurant in Upper Jay. That was our second visit there, the first time we tried breakfast. The food is good but it's only been open for a few weeks and they're still "in process." I hope they make it, there aren't many places around.
Not too much else going on. I've been walking the bog with the dogs--my walking partner has been ill so I'm on my own and don't walk as far or for as long without her but I try to keep the dogs entertained. We're supposed to walk tomorrow morning, then I'll head to Plattsburgh for errands, lunch with a friend and an appointment to have my car worked on. The other rear hatch strut broke this week, I had one replaced a few weeks ago. This car isn't old enough to be having things like this happen.
Most of the leaves are gone but the aspens are gold and the tamaracks are hanging on. Just a bit of color out there, mostly bare naked woods. That takes getting used to for me but what choice do I have?
Friday, October 20, 2017
What month is it?
We are having the most delicious stretch of weather! I love this. It's 60 and sunny right now, even with the stiff wind it's comfortable and pleasant and oh-so-nice. Have I been taking advantage of this weather? Of course not, I still have a zillion outdoor chores to do. This is so typical of me, especially the retired version of me. Why do today what you can do tomorrow? oh dear soon I'll run out of this weather and will have to do things in cold weather. I have to close the boat house, dump the deck pots, finish cleaning the car, put the mower away, on and on.
I didn't walk this morning (or afternoon, though it's not dark yet) because my friend is sick. Instead I stripped my bed then went to the laundromat in Peru and used the nice big washer, my good friend. Now I have clean and dog-hair-free bedding but that won't be true by morning I bet. Anyway I had a beautiful drive to and from the 'mat even with the lessening of leaves and color. It's still pretty, the oaks are dark red and pretty.
Tomorrow is a busy day for me. I'm helping out in the cemetery in the morning (we're comparing gravesites with maps, HAH! that should be good for a laugh) then have made plans to walk with a friend in Keene in the afternoon, then have made dinner plans with summer friends who are coming to close their camp this weekend. That's my pretend obligatory 3 things in one day. I tried to make today's activities come out to 3 different things but that didn't work. I should take the dogs for a walk but Bear already took himself to camp and was retrieved by someone who brought him home.
The sky is blue, very blue and cloudless.
I didn't walk this morning (or afternoon, though it's not dark yet) because my friend is sick. Instead I stripped my bed then went to the laundromat in Peru and used the nice big washer, my good friend. Now I have clean and dog-hair-free bedding but that won't be true by morning I bet. Anyway I had a beautiful drive to and from the 'mat even with the lessening of leaves and color. It's still pretty, the oaks are dark red and pretty.
Tomorrow is a busy day for me. I'm helping out in the cemetery in the morning (we're comparing gravesites with maps, HAH! that should be good for a laugh) then have made plans to walk with a friend in Keene in the afternoon, then have made dinner plans with summer friends who are coming to close their camp this weekend. That's my pretend obligatory 3 things in one day. I tried to make today's activities come out to 3 different things but that didn't work. I should take the dogs for a walk but Bear already took himself to camp and was retrieved by someone who brought him home.
The sky is blue, very blue and cloudless.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Not even close to snow
This weather is absolutely superb. It's 58 right now as the sun is going down with daily highs in the 60's. Man I love this! We're losing leaves but it's so warm I don't care. What???
Had a good day today. Met my friend at the gym but she isn't feeling well so instead of treading we went to Stewart's for coffee. My but you see the Cream of the AuSable Forks Crop at that hour. What a colorful group. We had a good visit and I didn't mind skipping the gym. I never really do.
I made up for the lack of morning exercise when I went to the thrift store. It's open Wednesdays and Saturdays and I'm helping Fran the Book Woman there. Today Fran felt like working with the massive fabric collection so I sorted children's books. OMG did I sort children's books. I know little about juvenile literature but had a fairly good and confident time sorting and pricing. I saw 2 friends and had good visits with them. The thrift store is the place to be for sure, it's the social hub in Wilmington.
I didn't stay until closing (2:00) but left at 12:30 because I was tired. I don't know how those people work the full 5 hours the store is open. I came home and walked the dogs, a really really nice bog walk. The tamaracks are turning golden (pictures coming soon) and it's just beautiful.
I have 2 bird feeders up and NO birds. Yesterday I saw nuthatches in the trees on the opposite side of the yard from the feeders. It seems very very strange, the lack of birds but I guess I'm far from unique in this. What that means is anyone's guess.
Tomorrow is a Plattsburgh day. Looks as if we'll walk outside with the dogs then I'll take my friend to Plattsburgh to retrieve her truck, then I'll have lunch with another friend. Will fit in some errands in Plattsburgh and maybe I'll take a side trip to get fresh cider. It's supposed to be 70 tomorrow. Man are we ever lucky, oh so lucky.
Had a good day today. Met my friend at the gym but she isn't feeling well so instead of treading we went to Stewart's for coffee. My but you see the Cream of the AuSable Forks Crop at that hour. What a colorful group. We had a good visit and I didn't mind skipping the gym. I never really do.
I made up for the lack of morning exercise when I went to the thrift store. It's open Wednesdays and Saturdays and I'm helping Fran the Book Woman there. Today Fran felt like working with the massive fabric collection so I sorted children's books. OMG did I sort children's books. I know little about juvenile literature but had a fairly good and confident time sorting and pricing. I saw 2 friends and had good visits with them. The thrift store is the place to be for sure, it's the social hub in Wilmington.
I didn't stay until closing (2:00) but left at 12:30 because I was tired. I don't know how those people work the full 5 hours the store is open. I came home and walked the dogs, a really really nice bog walk. The tamaracks are turning golden (pictures coming soon) and it's just beautiful.
I have 2 bird feeders up and NO birds. Yesterday I saw nuthatches in the trees on the opposite side of the yard from the feeders. It seems very very strange, the lack of birds but I guess I'm far from unique in this. What that means is anyone's guess.
Tomorrow is a Plattsburgh day. Looks as if we'll walk outside with the dogs then I'll take my friend to Plattsburgh to retrieve her truck, then I'll have lunch with another friend. Will fit in some errands in Plattsburgh and maybe I'll take a side trip to get fresh cider. It's supposed to be 70 tomorrow. Man are we ever lucky, oh so lucky.
Monday, October 16, 2017
No snow (yet)
The weatherman predicted a little snow for this morning but nooooo nothing like that is happening. It's cool, 39 and cloudy but there's no snow. A bit of rain. I just went to the dump with massive amounts of stuff but I forgot even more stuff so will go again on Weds. when the other dump is open. They're not really dumps, they're convenience stations. Dumpsters.
I had a good weekend, a busy Saturday. Walked with my friends, coffee with a friend then breakfast at the new cafe/diner in Upper Jay. It was good but we prefer the diner in Wilmington. Maybe we'll get used to a new place, who knows. Anyway the food is good but the atmosphere lacking.
After breakfast I went to the thrift store to volunteer for a couple of hours. It was good, it's a very busy place on Saturday. I worked with the book woman, sorted some books, did a little of this and a little of that. Am going back on Weds. Will this be a regular thing? I have no idea. They need someone to organize the Christmas loft but I don't want to do that. So how good a volunteer am I if I don't want to do the jobs they need most?
I cleaned the house and made chili for book group, which was last night. We read a book I didn't really like and didn't finish but we ended up having a good discussion. Linda called and we had a nice chat with her--nice to hear her voice. We do miss her.
Today I think I'll walk the dogs then sort clothes. I don't see me wearing shorts again this year so I think I can put them away. That means I have to take out my winter clothes to make room for the summer things. Is it really time to wear corduroy pants? Supposed to be warm this week, temps in the 60's and maybe even sunny. That means I should close the boat house. I will, I will.
No big plans for the rest of the week. Treadmilled this morning. Had a gorgeous drive home from the dump, went the long way. So much color still and that surprised me. We had heavy winds yesterday and last night with some heavy rain. The hard maples are holding on to their yellow leaves and the aspens/poplars/birches are being nicely yellow as well. It's a good show.
I had a good weekend, a busy Saturday. Walked with my friends, coffee with a friend then breakfast at the new cafe/diner in Upper Jay. It was good but we prefer the diner in Wilmington. Maybe we'll get used to a new place, who knows. Anyway the food is good but the atmosphere lacking.
After breakfast I went to the thrift store to volunteer for a couple of hours. It was good, it's a very busy place on Saturday. I worked with the book woman, sorted some books, did a little of this and a little of that. Am going back on Weds. Will this be a regular thing? I have no idea. They need someone to organize the Christmas loft but I don't want to do that. So how good a volunteer am I if I don't want to do the jobs they need most?
I cleaned the house and made chili for book group, which was last night. We read a book I didn't really like and didn't finish but we ended up having a good discussion. Linda called and we had a nice chat with her--nice to hear her voice. We do miss her.
Today I think I'll walk the dogs then sort clothes. I don't see me wearing shorts again this year so I think I can put them away. That means I have to take out my winter clothes to make room for the summer things. Is it really time to wear corduroy pants? Supposed to be warm this week, temps in the 60's and maybe even sunny. That means I should close the boat house. I will, I will.
No big plans for the rest of the week. Treadmilled this morning. Had a gorgeous drive home from the dump, went the long way. So much color still and that surprised me. We had heavy winds yesterday and last night with some heavy rain. The hard maples are holding on to their yellow leaves and the aspens/poplars/birches are being nicely yellow as well. It's a good show.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Frosty morning but beautiful day
Temp was 30 this morning but it's now 52 and sunny. What a gorgeous day. I didn't get up at the crack of dawn--or maybe it was the crack of dawn, but dawn comes late these days. Anyway, I had a very nice walk with friends, through the woods on an old road, doing a loop that ends up in the bog. The dogs adored it and ran three times as far as we walked. That should make them sleep all day but right now Bear is off somewhere doing something. Treasure at least has the good sense to lie on the couch with me.
I put up my new bird feeder (I had to do some assembly work, impressed myself with my ability to find the pipe that converts the pole already in the ground to the right size for the new feeder's pole). OK, swell, another feeder for the birds to ignore. I've heard from others (and NPR) that it's a big problem this fall, no birds at home feeders. Although I generally believe that misery loves company, this is of no comfort to me.
I registered for a writing workshop in Port Henry at the end of the month. Why did I do that? I just felt like it--the presenter teaches at Dartmouth and will ask participants to write something to share. OH NO!!! And I registered anyway? We'll see if I actually go. I'm feeling more like actually DOING things these days, hence the volunteering at the thrift store. I may get back to the Historical Association with Bill, I haven't decided about that yet. That's solitary work, scanning slides or photos. It's fun to see the images but maybe it's the monotony of the work that I don't really care for. We'll see.
Lunch with a friend in Plattsburgh tomorrow plus a few errands. Have to get some stuff for book group on Sunday plus some other items at Target I guess. I would love to buy a new computer but that has to wait. Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be as good as today's. Wow what a bonus. Saturday may bring rain but will be warmer. What will I find for an excuse to avoid closing the boat house?
I put up my new bird feeder (I had to do some assembly work, impressed myself with my ability to find the pipe that converts the pole already in the ground to the right size for the new feeder's pole). OK, swell, another feeder for the birds to ignore. I've heard from others (and NPR) that it's a big problem this fall, no birds at home feeders. Although I generally believe that misery loves company, this is of no comfort to me.
I registered for a writing workshop in Port Henry at the end of the month. Why did I do that? I just felt like it--the presenter teaches at Dartmouth and will ask participants to write something to share. OH NO!!! And I registered anyway? We'll see if I actually go. I'm feeling more like actually DOING things these days, hence the volunteering at the thrift store. I may get back to the Historical Association with Bill, I haven't decided about that yet. That's solitary work, scanning slides or photos. It's fun to see the images but maybe it's the monotony of the work that I don't really care for. We'll see.
Lunch with a friend in Plattsburgh tomorrow plus a few errands. Have to get some stuff for book group on Sunday plus some other items at Target I guess. I would love to buy a new computer but that has to wait. Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be as good as today's. Wow what a bonus. Saturday may bring rain but will be warmer. What will I find for an excuse to avoid closing the boat house?
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Zero population
Linda left today. Now it's just one other person and me (in my circle that is--there are others in the neighborhood but we don't count them). It's a cool night with frost warnings, down to 44 right now. It was cool all day, never really got out of the 40's. I have a hot fire in the stove so my living room is approaching "too hot." Bedroom is quite cool and Bear is warming the bed for me.
I had a good day, short time at the gym due to scheduling issues but that was OK. I said farewell to Linda then went to the thrift store to volunteer for a couple of hours. What did they think I should do? Sort books, of course! Who wouldn't want a retired librarian to do something with books? It was a good time and they sure have plenty of books, some very good. Of course the woman who does the book sorting wanted me to work with young adult books, an area I am historically and woefully ignorant of. Oh well I faked it. I spent time shelving books--when I was employed that was one task I steadfastly refused to do.
I got home in the late afternoon and didn't do much except get the fire going and do a little (very little) housekeeping. I'm hosting book group on Sunday and should be focusing more on a clean living room. I also have a lot of cleaning to do in the boat house, the combination of a strong wind and a renegade Bear have resulted in quite a messy floor. Paper plates all over the porch floor. Remnants of my recent party throughout the place (thank you Bear). I need to close the place soon but historically wait until it's cold, quite cold. Maybe that helps me speed up the process. This weekend would be a good time for closing up. I should remember that. I'm going back to the thrift store on Saturday, maybe after coffee with Julie in the morning. or a walk with my walking partner. or what? Oh hell why decide that now, it's only Weds. night.
Still no birds at the feeder! I don't know how to woo them. There was a flock of low-flying geese flying over the woods today making their lovely sound. We haven't had any of the usual huge flocks and in fact have only had a few smaller flocks though someone did report seeing geese landing on Silver Lake. That's unusual, we don't usually have many geese here, they seem to go to neighboring bodies of water. Climate change? No, just a change.
The dogs are doing well though I did get a report of a Bear sighting too far down OHR from the other day. Rat pig. He wasn't out for long today, let's hope that's a new pattern for him. Some have suggested a shock collar and maybe I should look into that. It's not that I think it's cruel, I just hate to do that to the poor boy. And I like to have him poop far into the woods. Oh the torture of making such a decision.
I had a good day, short time at the gym due to scheduling issues but that was OK. I said farewell to Linda then went to the thrift store to volunteer for a couple of hours. What did they think I should do? Sort books, of course! Who wouldn't want a retired librarian to do something with books? It was a good time and they sure have plenty of books, some very good. Of course the woman who does the book sorting wanted me to work with young adult books, an area I am historically and woefully ignorant of. Oh well I faked it. I spent time shelving books--when I was employed that was one task I steadfastly refused to do.
I got home in the late afternoon and didn't do much except get the fire going and do a little (very little) housekeeping. I'm hosting book group on Sunday and should be focusing more on a clean living room. I also have a lot of cleaning to do in the boat house, the combination of a strong wind and a renegade Bear have resulted in quite a messy floor. Paper plates all over the porch floor. Remnants of my recent party throughout the place (thank you Bear). I need to close the place soon but historically wait until it's cold, quite cold. Maybe that helps me speed up the process. This weekend would be a good time for closing up. I should remember that. I'm going back to the thrift store on Saturday, maybe after coffee with Julie in the morning. or a walk with my walking partner. or what? Oh hell why decide that now, it's only Weds. night.
Still no birds at the feeder! I don't know how to woo them. There was a flock of low-flying geese flying over the woods today making their lovely sound. We haven't had any of the usual huge flocks and in fact have only had a few smaller flocks though someone did report seeing geese landing on Silver Lake. That's unusual, we don't usually have many geese here, they seem to go to neighboring bodies of water. Climate change? No, just a change.
The dogs are doing well though I did get a report of a Bear sighting too far down OHR from the other day. Rat pig. He wasn't out for long today, let's hope that's a new pattern for him. Some have suggested a shock collar and maybe I should look into that. It's not that I think it's cruel, I just hate to do that to the poor boy. And I like to have him poop far into the woods. Oh the torture of making such a decision.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Waiting. and waiting
I put seed in my bird feeder almost 2 weeks ago and NO ONE has shown up to eat it. I finally have some blue jays flying in the woods around the house but there are no chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches--or anything. What's up with that? I bought a new feeder this year but haven't put it up yet, I'm just using the one that was always a big hit with lots of birds. Come on, guys, it's time to eat!
I'm having quiet and lovely day. It's sunny and almost 70 with a breeze that's not too cool. We're losing leaves fast fast fast but there's still plenty of color. Soon it will just be the yellows and golds then life will go on without leaves on trees. That's always a shocker for me but then I remember how nice it is to look deep into the woods without leaves. Can't say I really look forward to it but the seasons move along, don't they.
I'm helping Linda today, she's on her final approach to leaving. She's waiting for the dock people to come to take out her dock and hopefully move the chairs and canoe that are still on the dock. We've put away some stuff and I've brought home my usual stuff but tomorrow we'll take the furniture off the porch and tuck it in the living room just before she leaves.
Am I sad to see her go? Yes, yes I am but my life must go on. The weather this week is supposed to be good, at least on Thursday and Friday, so maybe I'll actually do something productive outside without friends to distract me.
I'm having quiet and lovely day. It's sunny and almost 70 with a breeze that's not too cool. We're losing leaves fast fast fast but there's still plenty of color. Soon it will just be the yellows and golds then life will go on without leaves on trees. That's always a shocker for me but then I remember how nice it is to look deep into the woods without leaves. Can't say I really look forward to it but the seasons move along, don't they.
I'm helping Linda today, she's on her final approach to leaving. She's waiting for the dock people to come to take out her dock and hopefully move the chairs and canoe that are still on the dock. We've put away some stuff and I've brought home my usual stuff but tomorrow we'll take the furniture off the porch and tuck it in the living room just before she leaves.
Am I sad to see her go? Yes, yes I am but my life must go on. The weather this week is supposed to be good, at least on Thursday and Friday, so maybe I'll actually do something productive outside without friends to distract me.
Monday, October 09, 2017
Holiday (from what?)
Meanwhile I'm having a Day of Nothing. I was up early in case we were meeting at the gym but that didn't happen (which sure was fine with me). I've been doing pretty much nothing at all except I did go to the boat house to retrieve Bear. When will I remember to lock the screen door so he can't get in? He loves to go down there and poke around, the door opens in so he can't get out. That's about the most I've done today except I did measure some of the pieces of fabric I brought home from the thrift store where (it turns out) I'm going to volunteer. maybe. They need volunteers badly, it's a very busy place and favorite destination by a lot of people. I went in on Friday and came home with 3 batches of donated fabric to measure and label. That's pretty ironic, I haven't really sewn anything since Home Ec. in 7th grade. All the class had to make the same jumper, and we were required to wear the god-awful thing at least once.
Anyway I think I'll be working with donated books, sorting them by author and sale-worthiness. Of course they want the retired librarian to work with books. But that's OK.
Yesterday I spent time with Pat & Jim, talked to the Holts, had dinner at Linda's and didn't really do much else. It turns out that the ex-husband closed main camp so that's a great help, I don't really mind doing it but it's hard to move all the furniture alone so I need help with it. What a bonus to have that done. I have to close the boat house but it's too warm and nice still. There may still be a morning coffee with friends on the porch there. Not today, it's raining endlessly.
We sill have color but we're losing leaves. This is time time I sort of dread but also sort of welcome as the moving along to the next season. Soon the trees will be bare and the woods will be brown and gray but we'll be able to see deep into the woods. We don't have the yellows yet or the tamaracks, they'll be the last to show.
Going out for dinner with Linda tonight, our next-to-last chance for this year. It's been a good year, plenty of good visits with good friends and lots (AND LOTS) of dock time with Linda. Her dock is coming out tomorrow wow that's a sad moment but the timing is perfect. My cousins were here this weekend and took out the camp docks.
The dogs are fine, even with Bear's wanderings. Some people think I should get a shock collar for him but I hate to do that. A friend saw a black dog at his camp down the lake recently--I don't know if it was Bear but he does sometimes disappear for long periods of time and that's not good. He and Treasure are friends but not close friends. They do sometimes run into the woods together but aren't gone long together.
I put up my bird feeder more than a week ago and NO ONE has shown up. Where are the birds??? I've had blue jays in the yard but not at the feeder. I have a new feeder this year in addition to the squirrel and blue jay proof one that hangs. Have I put up the new one yet? Of course not, that would be productive.
Friday, October 06, 2017
Colors, we have colors
I drove around a bit today and saw a lot of fall color. That was a surprise, we were thinking there wouldn't be any oranges or reds this year but we were wrong. It's not stunning the way it is most years but it's very very pretty.
I treadmilled with my friend this morning at the gym. Ugh, I'd much rather walk in the woods but it's too dark at 6:30 and she has to go to work (well someone has to). There's a man who treadmills at the same time and he missed us all summer so was happy to have us back. We're quite a trio.
Linda and I went to the BIG dump this afternoon, it's the only one open on Fridays. That's when I had my pretty foliage drive. I stopped to see other friends who are here for the holiday weekend and to invite them to the boat house tomorrow. I've invited 8 or so people for wine and snacks tomorrow. I used to throw big cocktail parties but this year I've scaled back to a quieter gathering. The far shore, which is the view from the porch there is glowing and gorgeous. I think I'm having coffee there with my walking friend and her husband--we're planning to take a long walk in the bog then sit on the porch with coffee. We did that one morning this week and it was lovely.
Tonight is dinner with the Holts, Sunday is dinner with Linda and other friends at Linda's camp. What's happening in my spare moments? I'll help Linda close her camp, maybe do some work at our camp (but I bet not) and maybe visit with the cousins who are rumored to be coming to take out the docks. Oh it's a busy weekend all right, it always is, full of people I really enjoy being with. Lucky me!
I treadmilled with my friend this morning at the gym. Ugh, I'd much rather walk in the woods but it's too dark at 6:30 and she has to go to work (well someone has to). There's a man who treadmills at the same time and he missed us all summer so was happy to have us back. We're quite a trio.
Linda and I went to the BIG dump this afternoon, it's the only one open on Fridays. That's when I had my pretty foliage drive. I stopped to see other friends who are here for the holiday weekend and to invite them to the boat house tomorrow. I've invited 8 or so people for wine and snacks tomorrow. I used to throw big cocktail parties but this year I've scaled back to a quieter gathering. The far shore, which is the view from the porch there is glowing and gorgeous. I think I'm having coffee there with my walking friend and her husband--we're planning to take a long walk in the bog then sit on the porch with coffee. We did that one morning this week and it was lovely.
Tonight is dinner with the Holts, Sunday is dinner with Linda and other friends at Linda's camp. What's happening in my spare moments? I'll help Linda close her camp, maybe do some work at our camp (but I bet not) and maybe visit with the cousins who are rumored to be coming to take out the docks. Oh it's a busy weekend all right, it always is, full of people I really enjoy being with. Lucky me!
Thursday, October 05, 2017
Holy October!
Well September came and went, I must have been busy, too busy to post. Some of my friends who read this blog agree with me that posting to my blog is a winter-type activity. Summer is busy with dock time and visiting. September was like the summer we didn't have as far as weather went. It started cold and rainy but man oh man was it a lovely month. I went to the Midwest at the beginning of the month, met up with 17 friends from Rockford. We get together every 2 or 3 years and this was truly one of the most fun trips I've made. It was just a nice gathering of interesting and wonderful women. We didn't have a lot of activities--some years we do more, but this year was about visiting and spending time together. I totally enjoyed it all and found myself surprisingly cheerful at being back in the middle of the country. That was a treat. I'm looking forward to our next gathering 2 years from now.
Linda and I had 3 fantastic weeks of docksitting and swimming. Her dock is great for sitting and swimming so that's what we did. And boy did we. We were still doing it last week during a heat wave. I did swim day before yesterday but that was cold, very cold. Her thermometer measured 67 but that was close to the surface. We noodled our way out into the lake and just had a wonderful month together. She leaves next week and I'll have my annual post-summer, pre-winter adjustment period. This weekend is the neighborhood's swan song, there will be many visitors for Columbus Day. Some summer friends have left already, some will be closing their camps this weekend. I have done nothing at all about closing our camp or even the boat house. Yesterday I had a lovely time with friends on the boat house porch--we walked the bog then walked to camp and had coffee and pumpkin cake together. Man was that nice.
Today I helped Linda a bit, mostly we just visited but did get some camp closing tasks done. It's hard for both of us to have her leave. Life goes on.
The dogs are great. Bear is loud and enthusiastic about having visitors. TOO enthusiastic. I had a long visit with the breeder the other day and said he and I need work at my getting control over him. Man do I love talking with her, she knows SO much about dogs it's just a joy. Bear had a bad cough after I got home from Wisconsin and I freaked right out, rushed him to the vet. X-rays and exam, antibiotics, no big crisis after all. That was huge for me. Now he's fine and Treasure never did catch the cough.
Life is good, very good. I have lunch with friends in Plattsburgh, I have book group, I have morning visits and coffee with friends. I've been walking nearly every morning--we switched from treadmills at the gym to outside walks and man has that been wonderful. Sometimes we've walked the bog and I get to include the dogs, other times we walk on a dirt road into the woods near my friend's house so the dogs can join us there. This morning we started treadmilling again--its too dark in the morning to walk outside now so we'll be hitting the gym. It sure seems to take longer to walk the same amount of time on a treadmill!
No big plans for me other than busy socializing this weekend. I have a couple of volunteer things I might get involved with. I have weekly lunch with friends. I have a good life.
Linda and I had 3 fantastic weeks of docksitting and swimming. Her dock is great for sitting and swimming so that's what we did. And boy did we. We were still doing it last week during a heat wave. I did swim day before yesterday but that was cold, very cold. Her thermometer measured 67 but that was close to the surface. We noodled our way out into the lake and just had a wonderful month together. She leaves next week and I'll have my annual post-summer, pre-winter adjustment period. This weekend is the neighborhood's swan song, there will be many visitors for Columbus Day. Some summer friends have left already, some will be closing their camps this weekend. I have done nothing at all about closing our camp or even the boat house. Yesterday I had a lovely time with friends on the boat house porch--we walked the bog then walked to camp and had coffee and pumpkin cake together. Man was that nice.
Today I helped Linda a bit, mostly we just visited but did get some camp closing tasks done. It's hard for both of us to have her leave. Life goes on.
The dogs are great. Bear is loud and enthusiastic about having visitors. TOO enthusiastic. I had a long visit with the breeder the other day and said he and I need work at my getting control over him. Man do I love talking with her, she knows SO much about dogs it's just a joy. Bear had a bad cough after I got home from Wisconsin and I freaked right out, rushed him to the vet. X-rays and exam, antibiotics, no big crisis after all. That was huge for me. Now he's fine and Treasure never did catch the cough.
Life is good, very good. I have lunch with friends in Plattsburgh, I have book group, I have morning visits and coffee with friends. I've been walking nearly every morning--we switched from treadmills at the gym to outside walks and man has that been wonderful. Sometimes we've walked the bog and I get to include the dogs, other times we walk on a dirt road into the woods near my friend's house so the dogs can join us there. This morning we started treadmilling again--its too dark in the morning to walk outside now so we'll be hitting the gym. It sure seems to take longer to walk the same amount of time on a treadmill!
No big plans for me other than busy socializing this weekend. I have a couple of volunteer things I might get involved with. I have weekly lunch with friends. I have a good life.
Monday, September 04, 2017
Now September
WHERE HAVE I BEEN???
Not really been anywhere, just going along. August went by quickly without any significant events or drama. I spent time with Linda on her dock, that was always a treat. We watched the loons--the young loon now has a white breast and is diving along with the parents though they seem to still be feeding him the fish they catch.
I'm still walking with Carol, we walk outside in good weather. We have our favorite routes, either the bog boardwalk here by my house or the road near hers or old logging roads in both places. We try to take Bear and sometimes Treasure along but he is bad bad bad on a leash so when we walk roads with cars on them he stays home or in the car. One morning I left him in the car with Treasure and they both howled and screamed as Carol & I walked away. OMG they sounded like a pack of coyotes wailing away. Luckily we don't go places where there are other people. What a racket they made! We could hear them far far away.
My college friend Ted came to visit in August, that was a treat. He lives in Conn. and came last year. We laugh a lot and talked very little about the past so that was nice. Last year was his first visit to my house and mostly we only relived the past. We went to Lake Placid, he likes to go there, and we sat on the boat house porch, I like to sit there, and we went out for dinner one night and breakfast one morning. It was a nice time.
There are still summer friends here so I've been visiting. It was a fairly quiet summer as summers in Hawkeye go, not as much socializing as some years. That's OK, we know we all care about each other and are happy to be together. Duncan and Sue will arrive this week and stay through the month (I hope). Others have left or will leave soon but there will be friends here into October.
My big excitement is my trip to my Homeland--I'm going to the Midwest this week to visit with my Rockford friends. We'll stay in Lake Geneva, Wisc. and have a good time being old friends. I fly out from Burlington on Weds., return on Sunday. Some years there are 15 of us, some years more and some years fewer. I'm looking forward to being with these women, although our lives are very different and we've taken different paths into adulthood we care about each other and have fun together. These are friends from elementary school, junior high school and high school, all of us turning 65 this year. What a surprise I found in my mail the other day: my Medicare card! Boy did that make me feel old! Anyway, this group of women gets together every few years and it's a joy to be with them.
I'm boarding the dogs while I'm gone. It's Bear's first time at this kennel and I hope he does well. He's a sweet boy but does NOT like other male dogs, plus he barks some times. Treasure is a perfect lady and has been to the kennel several times so I know she'll be just fine. Bear is a good dog but I'm a little nervous about kenneling him. He's crate trained so should be fine. Oh yes, just fine.
The weather has been up and down, cold and warm (not really hot). We had temps in the 30's the other night, now it's 62 with some sun. The fall color is coming fast, whatever that means. We always try to guess how the color will be--will it be a brilliant year? Will there be much color? Any reds? Mostly yellows? We're not good at predicting and no matter what we hope for it's always beautiful. I do love this time of year.
Not really been anywhere, just going along. August went by quickly without any significant events or drama. I spent time with Linda on her dock, that was always a treat. We watched the loons--the young loon now has a white breast and is diving along with the parents though they seem to still be feeding him the fish they catch.
I'm still walking with Carol, we walk outside in good weather. We have our favorite routes, either the bog boardwalk here by my house or the road near hers or old logging roads in both places. We try to take Bear and sometimes Treasure along but he is bad bad bad on a leash so when we walk roads with cars on them he stays home or in the car. One morning I left him in the car with Treasure and they both howled and screamed as Carol & I walked away. OMG they sounded like a pack of coyotes wailing away. Luckily we don't go places where there are other people. What a racket they made! We could hear them far far away.
My college friend Ted came to visit in August, that was a treat. He lives in Conn. and came last year. We laugh a lot and talked very little about the past so that was nice. Last year was his first visit to my house and mostly we only relived the past. We went to Lake Placid, he likes to go there, and we sat on the boat house porch, I like to sit there, and we went out for dinner one night and breakfast one morning. It was a nice time.
There are still summer friends here so I've been visiting. It was a fairly quiet summer as summers in Hawkeye go, not as much socializing as some years. That's OK, we know we all care about each other and are happy to be together. Duncan and Sue will arrive this week and stay through the month (I hope). Others have left or will leave soon but there will be friends here into October.
My big excitement is my trip to my Homeland--I'm going to the Midwest this week to visit with my Rockford friends. We'll stay in Lake Geneva, Wisc. and have a good time being old friends. I fly out from Burlington on Weds., return on Sunday. Some years there are 15 of us, some years more and some years fewer. I'm looking forward to being with these women, although our lives are very different and we've taken different paths into adulthood we care about each other and have fun together. These are friends from elementary school, junior high school and high school, all of us turning 65 this year. What a surprise I found in my mail the other day: my Medicare card! Boy did that make me feel old! Anyway, this group of women gets together every few years and it's a joy to be with them.
I'm boarding the dogs while I'm gone. It's Bear's first time at this kennel and I hope he does well. He's a sweet boy but does NOT like other male dogs, plus he barks some times. Treasure is a perfect lady and has been to the kennel several times so I know she'll be just fine. Bear is a good dog but I'm a little nervous about kenneling him. He's crate trained so should be fine. Oh yes, just fine.
The weather has been up and down, cold and warm (not really hot). We had temps in the 30's the other night, now it's 62 with some sun. The fall color is coming fast, whatever that means. We always try to guess how the color will be--will it be a brilliant year? Will there be much color? Any reds? Mostly yellows? We're not good at predicting and no matter what we hope for it's always beautiful. I do love this time of year.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Still August
August is moving right along. I've been busy but not overwhelmed. Right now I'm waiting for my friend from college to arrive--he's driving from Conn., was here last year and we had a good time. He'll be here this afternoon and we'll maybe go to the boat house to sit on the porch and visit a while. I have no plans beyond that, he likes Lake Placid so we may go there tomorrow in the rain. Today is a nice sunny day, temp is 62. It was 52 earlier but is sizing up to be a great day. I should be mowing the lawn and pulling weeds but nooooo I'm hanging out.
I've spent most of this week cleaning my house because I did no cleaning all summer. The dust! The cobwebs! The dog hair! My oh my what a messy house I had/have. It's cleaner now but still cluttered.
I've been having a busy time, lots of dinners with good friends. I was visiting with friends who have a porch right on the water the other night and we had a huge, huge storm. It poured so hard that we had to shout to hear each other, but it was just wonderful and of course after that there was a rainbow on the far shore. Very pretty.
I've been walking with Carol pretty regularly. We either walk from my house down the hardtop or we walk from her driveway down another road. That road is tough walking though because it's uphill all the way home. Great exercise.
I took my contractor friend down to camp to look over the situation with the main building, which seems to be leaning. No, not SEEMS to be, IS leaning. One of my cousins was there so that was a relief for me, he could ask the questions and listen to the answers. My assignment was to find a contractor to submit a bit for the work. Whew, I did that. This is the woman who built the boat house and does wonderful work so I'm totally pleased to have her look it over. She's not sure she'll put in a bid but it's so nice to have that task taken care of.
I've had a couple of nice dock days with Linda but none of our perfect dock days when it's hot, calm and quiet. Those come in September.
The dogs are fine but yesterday Bear found his way to some children renting a camp down the hill from my house. He had a great time and they walked him home, very nice kids. I made brownies and took them to the kids and Bear was thrilled to see them again.
Not much else going on. Life is good. I have no big plans for the rest of August but in September I head back to the Homeland--visits with my Rockford friends. I'm looking forward to that.
I've spent most of this week cleaning my house because I did no cleaning all summer. The dust! The cobwebs! The dog hair! My oh my what a messy house I had/have. It's cleaner now but still cluttered.
I've been having a busy time, lots of dinners with good friends. I was visiting with friends who have a porch right on the water the other night and we had a huge, huge storm. It poured so hard that we had to shout to hear each other, but it was just wonderful and of course after that there was a rainbow on the far shore. Very pretty.
I've been walking with Carol pretty regularly. We either walk from my house down the hardtop or we walk from her driveway down another road. That road is tough walking though because it's uphill all the way home. Great exercise.
I took my contractor friend down to camp to look over the situation with the main building, which seems to be leaning. No, not SEEMS to be, IS leaning. One of my cousins was there so that was a relief for me, he could ask the questions and listen to the answers. My assignment was to find a contractor to submit a bit for the work. Whew, I did that. This is the woman who built the boat house and does wonderful work so I'm totally pleased to have her look it over. She's not sure she'll put in a bid but it's so nice to have that task taken care of.
I've had a couple of nice dock days with Linda but none of our perfect dock days when it's hot, calm and quiet. Those come in September.
The dogs are fine but yesterday Bear found his way to some children renting a camp down the hill from my house. He had a great time and they walked him home, very nice kids. I made brownies and took them to the kids and Bear was thrilled to see them again.
Not much else going on. Life is good. I have no big plans for the rest of August but in September I head back to the Homeland--visits with my Rockford friends. I'm looking forward to that.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Busy time
I'd forgotten that August is such a busy time in Hawkeye. I always consider July's weather to be the best of the summer but I often forget that it's August that is hot and humid and escapable elsewhere. We had a fairly miserable bunch of weather in July and August seems to be sort of variable but mostly days with sun, no, rain, no, sun, no drizzle, no, hot. On it goes. I guess I missed one of the best dock days of the year yesterday--I went to the boat house (I've been staying at home) to enjoy the day but then it clouded over and was windy so I came home. As soon as I got home it got sunny, still and hot (too hot to enjoy my deck) so I did indoor chores. But not very many of them, it would seem when I look around my house. I have company coming next week so I'd better hustle and do some serious cleaning and straightening up. I haven't had a very industrious summer AT ALL and things are out of control.
I had dinner with friends the other night, made a delicious vegetable tian--verified delicious by others so I didn't have to rely on my own evaluation. Tonight I had dinner with other friends and took a good salad, verified by my own evaluation. Tomorrow I'm dining with other friends (I guess that would really be tonight, since it's 1:30 now) and Monday dining with other friends. What's up with that??? I've had a fairly quiet summer socially but all hell seems to be breaking loose now. I have a friend coming to visit from Conn. on Thursday. I don't know how long he'll stay for but I do know that I have some real work to do to get ready. I don't even know where to begin!
The dogs are fine, getting along and settled in. Bear still wants Treasure to play with him A LOT and very roughly but she prefers a quiet approach to entertainment. They do run around the yard together from time to time but mostly she just makes unpleasant noises at him and he leaves her alone. So maybe it wasn't the wisest thing for me to get another dog after Tess died, and maybe I would be better off with only one dog, but this is the balance I've achieved for now.
I'm still walking in the mornings with a friend. We walk outside now that it's summer, either down the road near my house or down the road near her house. I saw my doctor recently and yes, my cholesterol levels are very good, and my lung capacity has improved a lot but no I haven't lost weight since I last saw him. boo.
I had dinner with friends the other night, made a delicious vegetable tian--verified delicious by others so I didn't have to rely on my own evaluation. Tonight I had dinner with other friends and took a good salad, verified by my own evaluation. Tomorrow I'm dining with other friends (I guess that would really be tonight, since it's 1:30 now) and Monday dining with other friends. What's up with that??? I've had a fairly quiet summer socially but all hell seems to be breaking loose now. I have a friend coming to visit from Conn. on Thursday. I don't know how long he'll stay for but I do know that I have some real work to do to get ready. I don't even know where to begin!
The dogs are fine, getting along and settled in. Bear still wants Treasure to play with him A LOT and very roughly but she prefers a quiet approach to entertainment. They do run around the yard together from time to time but mostly she just makes unpleasant noises at him and he leaves her alone. So maybe it wasn't the wisest thing for me to get another dog after Tess died, and maybe I would be better off with only one dog, but this is the balance I've achieved for now.
I'm still walking in the mornings with a friend. We walk outside now that it's summer, either down the road near my house or down the road near her house. I saw my doctor recently and yes, my cholesterol levels are very good, and my lung capacity has improved a lot but no I haven't lost weight since I last saw him. boo.
Friday, August 04, 2017
August already
I've been busy but not too busy. Lots of time spent with Linda sunning on her dock and swimming together. Plenty of trips to Plattsburgh for lunches with good friends. Walking with Carol outside on beautiful summer mornings. Visits with summer friends aplenty, all really nice.
Today I walked with Carol, then talked to my mother for an hour. She's fine but (as always) minds very much being so old. She doesn't have the energy of, say, an 80-year-old and she minds this. At 91 she's most impressive and doing very well.
I'm having lunch with a friend in Plattsburgh today, then will get some groceries and supplies. Tomorrow morning is a walk with Carol then coffee with friends then in the afternoon a meeting of the shoreowners' association. A chance to visit with lake neighbors and work on some of the things that concern us. This organization is nearly 50-years-old and has accomplished a lot in its history. I hope to write a comprehensive history of it, I'm the keeper of many of the old papers and archives and sorted through them recently. It's a most impressive history, I think.
Sunday I'm hosting book group and will roast a big fat chicken to serve in the boat house. There will be people in camp so I'll do most of the dinner prep at my house. That's easy.
The dogs are just fine. Bear love love loves to launch himself off the dock to retrieve sticks. He's a great swimmer and I love that because it's a good way to wear him out in the evening. That means, of course a wet bed but it's worth it I think. Treasure is doing well and sometimes even allows herself to enjoy running around with Bear.
My sister made it safely home to Naples. I miss her, what a really nice 3 weeks we had together.
Summer marches on. Fall approaches. I have cucumbers on my deck and have even eaten a few. They're tasty all right.
My thoughts are with my Midwestern friends as one undergoes surgery for a brain tumor today. I'll be visiting with them in September. Another friend was recently diagnosed with cancer. Life is complicated but I am a very lucky woman.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Post Vacation Post
I've had a busy and wonderful last 3 weeks. Lucky me! I picked up my sister in Montreal on the 29th of June (she flew in from Naples) and we got to spend three uninterrupted weeks together. I took her back to Montreal on Friday (7/21) so she could fly to Vancouver to be with her husband and daughter. How did we spend all those days together? With cousins, then with my niece and her family and my mother, then alone here at Silver Lake. What a grand time it all was. I had the dogs with me the whole time and Bear bonded with Molly (who is a great dog trainer, which is what he responds to). Our 10 days in RI were great with much visiting and some taking care of motherly business. We got to the beach a few times but the waves were mostly too big for me to swim comfortably so I mostly just jumped in the waves and waded. My mother is wonderful and in great health but it was hard to say goodbye.
Meanwhile back in Hawkeye we spent a week in the boat house together. Actually the first 2 nights we were back we stayed at my house because it was rainy and cold. Then we settled right in at the lake. We visited with lots of my friends, hosted some, had morning coffee with people. Lots of swimming--and I discovered that Bear is indeed a retrieving retriever. He loves to jump off the dock into water to chase tennis balls or sticks. He's a bit weak on delivering them back to me but he drops them nearby. Molly and I had lots of gorgeous sunrises together and took turns cooking dinners. It was all grand.
Now I'm alone, the last cousin left today so camp is empty. I was very sad after taking Molly to Montreal, stayed at home that night but then returned to the boat house. Today I visited with the neighbors and then mowed my lawn. YIKES! I actually mowed my lawn. I didn't do a very thorough job but it sure looks better. In need of more attention for sure but an improvement. What's next? I think I'll head back to the boat house for the night. Tomorrow is a dump day, I have the fridge in the boat house and the one here at home to clean out. Lots of dump material. One day this week I think I'll have lunch with Julie, maybe. Carol is out of town until Thursday so I'll not be walking with her mornings. We did pick up walking last week and did pretty well. I may walk without her but that's not historically what I do. Who knows.
Silver Lake is in full summer season swing. Yesterday afternoon there were many, many, many jet skis and boats in the afternoon. We have a pair of parental loons that spend a lot of time in front of our camp with their young 'un. Lots of fun to keep track of them.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
FAT dog
I took the dogs to the vet this afternoon, time for their annual visits. It was Bear's grand opening at this vet's and he was a big hit. Very well behaved and charming so he got lots of treats. Treasure was less enthusiastic about being there and I found out why when she was weighed: she's gained SEVEN pounds in the last year. Wow, for a 50-pound-dog that is a lot, a whole lot. I was giving Tess a lot of treats and extra food at the end of her life and I guess I hated to leave Treasure out so she puffed right up. No more of that! I'll cut back on her food and give her half a treat instead of a whole one. She won't notice.
The vet told me of a study that found that Labs are lacking the part of the brain that humans have to let us know when we've had enough to eat and feel full. HAH, who didn't know that? These 2 dogs are the piggiest eaters I've ever had but they're wonderful.
Other than the vet visit there's not much to report. I've been busy and visiting a lot with friends. Still going to the gym at 6:30 in the mornings with Carol. Actually we've been walking outside quite a bit, just recently returning to the gym. We've walked around AuSable and around Carol's driveway, which is near here. The other day we had a great walk on an old logging road through the woods on Carol's property. It was wonderful. Bear joined us and was good about being off the leash. He stuck around for the most part and came when he was called.
It's been very hot and humid, too hot to do much. Now it's cooler and less humid but is rainy. Some real downpours today, a thunderstorm the other day. I have good friends and one fixed my lawn mower then mowed most of my lawn when it was returned. Wow, how lucky can a girl get? I've been waiting to finish the mowing, it was too hot and now it's too rainy. Thursday is the designated "nice day" this week so hopefully I'll get that taken care of.
I had a nice time in the boat house during the hot days. Bear loves to swim and has convinced Treasure to go further into the water than she used to. Sometimes she actually swims but then she acts as if that was a terrible mistake.
Book group is at the boat house on Sunday. We're reading a Liane Moriarty book about triplets that's enjoyable. More summer people arrive this week and it will be fun to see them. MY SISTER comes next week! That's very exciting. Our family's annual gathering is on the 1st of July and we're hosting this year so Jenica, Molly and I will be busy. Not sure how many people we'll feed lunch to but I figure maybe 20-25. Hard to tell but not a big deal.
Life is good, very good. I have my flowers, cukes and tomatoes planted and they all look pretty good.
The vet told me of a study that found that Labs are lacking the part of the brain that humans have to let us know when we've had enough to eat and feel full. HAH, who didn't know that? These 2 dogs are the piggiest eaters I've ever had but they're wonderful.
Other than the vet visit there's not much to report. I've been busy and visiting a lot with friends. Still going to the gym at 6:30 in the mornings with Carol. Actually we've been walking outside quite a bit, just recently returning to the gym. We've walked around AuSable and around Carol's driveway, which is near here. The other day we had a great walk on an old logging road through the woods on Carol's property. It was wonderful. Bear joined us and was good about being off the leash. He stuck around for the most part and came when he was called.
It's been very hot and humid, too hot to do much. Now it's cooler and less humid but is rainy. Some real downpours today, a thunderstorm the other day. I have good friends and one fixed my lawn mower then mowed most of my lawn when it was returned. Wow, how lucky can a girl get? I've been waiting to finish the mowing, it was too hot and now it's too rainy. Thursday is the designated "nice day" this week so hopefully I'll get that taken care of.
I had a nice time in the boat house during the hot days. Bear loves to swim and has convinced Treasure to go further into the water than she used to. Sometimes she actually swims but then she acts as if that was a terrible mistake.
Book group is at the boat house on Sunday. We're reading a Liane Moriarty book about triplets that's enjoyable. More summer people arrive this week and it will be fun to see them. MY SISTER comes next week! That's very exciting. Our family's annual gathering is on the 1st of July and we're hosting this year so Jenica, Molly and I will be busy. Not sure how many people we'll feed lunch to but I figure maybe 20-25. Hard to tell but not a big deal.
Life is good, very good. I have my flowers, cukes and tomatoes planted and they all look pretty good.
Thursday, June 08, 2017
Summer at last
We've had sooooo much rain (I heard recently that we've had 18", double our usual amount) but yesterday and today were marvelous summer (or pre-summer) days. I spent time sitting on my deck reading in the sun yesterday morning--that's a very favorite pastime. The black flies were in evidence but the swarming didn't happen. Deer flies were out, though, and when I did some actual gardening they were biting like mad. I planted flowers in the ground, weeded a fair amount and transplanted the overbearing globe thistle plant so the snakeroot/cohosh/whatever it is could get more sun and have more room to grow. That was successful. I tried to mow the lawn but dinged the deck of the mower getting it out of the shed so the blade won't turn. Today I dropped it off at a friend's house--he fixed it masterfully for me in the fall and I'm embarrassed to have trouble with it again but maybe he can work his magic again.
Today I went to Plattsburgh--haircut, groceries, liquor store, lunch and bought some dirt. It IS pretty funny to pay money for dirt but I'm covering the grass-filled area that used to be a garden and am planting some annuals as well as tomatoes and cukes there. So I buy dirt.
I slept in the boat house last night and it was wonderful. The moon was incredibly bright. It was a tad chilly but mostly it was just lovely. Bear is now mine, the AKC transfer has taken place and his microchip has been re-registered to me. He is wonderful and is very happy here. He doesn't roam, not even when he and Treasure are out together. He didn't much like sleeping in the boat house, yet another change of scene for the poor boy. He whined a while but once he realized that Treasure was sleeping on the bed he settled down near her. They get along but she hasn't endorsed him yet. He is very fond of her and they do run around together a bit. He's a swimmer (a REAL Lab!) and insisted of cuddling up against me in all his wetness last night in bed, to make sure I didn't sneak out while he wasn't paying attention.
I've left them together in the house unchaperoned for 7 hours at one spell and they were just fine. I never did crate him, didn't put the crate together and he's been happy and well. He did get into the back of the car the other day and ate a package of cube steak. I worried that he had eaten the styrofoam so peroxided him royally and he (poor boy) had to relinquish his special treat. I later found the styrofoam intact, he didn't eat any of it after all. Oh well, I was pissed that he ate what was going to be my dinner that night.
Linda's docks have gone in and she had a dock day today while I was in Plattsburgh. We had porch coffee this morning and that was nice. I'll head down there in a little while for either docktails or maybe just porchtails if it rains, as it might.
I'm back into the gym routine now that Carol has returned from her vacation. Man does that feel good! We meet at 6:30 and treadmill away. It hasn't really been nice enough to walk outside and we also know that we get better exercise on treadmills than walking.
Life is good. Summer might come after all.
Today I went to Plattsburgh--haircut, groceries, liquor store, lunch and bought some dirt. It IS pretty funny to pay money for dirt but I'm covering the grass-filled area that used to be a garden and am planting some annuals as well as tomatoes and cukes there. So I buy dirt.
I slept in the boat house last night and it was wonderful. The moon was incredibly bright. It was a tad chilly but mostly it was just lovely. Bear is now mine, the AKC transfer has taken place and his microchip has been re-registered to me. He is wonderful and is very happy here. He doesn't roam, not even when he and Treasure are out together. He didn't much like sleeping in the boat house, yet another change of scene for the poor boy. He whined a while but once he realized that Treasure was sleeping on the bed he settled down near her. They get along but she hasn't endorsed him yet. He is very fond of her and they do run around together a bit. He's a swimmer (a REAL Lab!) and insisted of cuddling up against me in all his wetness last night in bed, to make sure I didn't sneak out while he wasn't paying attention.
I've left them together in the house unchaperoned for 7 hours at one spell and they were just fine. I never did crate him, didn't put the crate together and he's been happy and well. He did get into the back of the car the other day and ate a package of cube steak. I worried that he had eaten the styrofoam so peroxided him royally and he (poor boy) had to relinquish his special treat. I later found the styrofoam intact, he didn't eat any of it after all. Oh well, I was pissed that he ate what was going to be my dinner that night.
Linda's docks have gone in and she had a dock day today while I was in Plattsburgh. We had porch coffee this morning and that was nice. I'll head down there in a little while for either docktails or maybe just porchtails if it rains, as it might.
I'm back into the gym routine now that Carol has returned from her vacation. Man does that feel good! We meet at 6:30 and treadmill away. It hasn't really been nice enough to walk outside and we also know that we get better exercise on treadmills than walking.
Life is good. Summer might come after all.
Monday, May 29, 2017
2 dogs yet again
Yes, I went to see Bear the Big Black Dog and he came home with me on a trial basis. He is a sweet, sweet thing and is fitting in beautifully here at 58OHR so I think he's found a permanent home. He seems to love it here (why wouldn't he? He hopped on the bed the first night and slept all night there). I was cabling him outside but today he got to go out unchaperoned and he didn't wander or leave the yard. No, I'm sure that will come later. I haven't walked him around the neighborhood yet, or taken him to the water. As far as he knows our world consists of the house, the yard and the car. He's excellent in the car but insists on sitting in the front seat (that's where Tess always sat). Treasure does not approve of him much but she's a good girl and hasn't objected too strenuously. She did growl (quietly) at him twice and pretend-snapped at him once (a snap in slow motion) but mostly she just ignores him and when he gets on the couch she mostly gets down with a heavy sigh. It will work out. He is not a brown girl but he is a very nice dog.
This weather is so very tiresome! It's raining again. We had a nice day yesterday, sunny and comfortable. I didn't really take advantage of that. I did get to the gym with Annie yesterday, then went to visit with the neighbors then went to Plattsburgh to get a collar and ID tag for Bear, then picked up Marylou at the Pbg airport and took her home to Wilmington. That was all fine. Bear was an excellent passenger.
Today I went to Fred's for coffee, then Bill, Linda, Fred and I went out for breakfast and had a really nice time. I love going out for breakfast. Don't bother ordering the pancakes at the former Pancake Haven in Wilmington, but the eggs are consistently good and L. reports that the sausage gravy is tasty.
I did what I rarely do this afternoon: I napped. A long, deep sleep. Wow that was something, but what else could I do on a rainy day like this? Tomorrow I absolutely have to clean my house, and hopefully will do some planting in the morning. I have to drag the mower out of the shed and at least start to think about mowing the lawn. It's not very long yet, fortunately.
Tonight is dinner with Annie, her brother and his wife. That will be nice. I think tomorrow I'll hit the gym with Annie in the morning, then I will be productive oh yes I will.
This weather is so very tiresome! It's raining again. We had a nice day yesterday, sunny and comfortable. I didn't really take advantage of that. I did get to the gym with Annie yesterday, then went to visit with the neighbors then went to Plattsburgh to get a collar and ID tag for Bear, then picked up Marylou at the Pbg airport and took her home to Wilmington. That was all fine. Bear was an excellent passenger.
Today I went to Fred's for coffee, then Bill, Linda, Fred and I went out for breakfast and had a really nice time. I love going out for breakfast. Don't bother ordering the pancakes at the former Pancake Haven in Wilmington, but the eggs are consistently good and L. reports that the sausage gravy is tasty.
I did what I rarely do this afternoon: I napped. A long, deep sleep. Wow that was something, but what else could I do on a rainy day like this? Tomorrow I absolutely have to clean my house, and hopefully will do some planting in the morning. I have to drag the mower out of the shed and at least start to think about mowing the lawn. It's not very long yet, fortunately.
Tonight is dinner with Annie, her brother and his wife. That will be nice. I think tomorrow I'll hit the gym with Annie in the morning, then I will be productive oh yes I will.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Nattering at night
I'm up at 11:00, went to sleep earlier but woke and now am perky and full of (not-quite) energy. OK, not perky, either, but wide awake.
The black flies are bad this year, even this early. I remember years ago when they were so thick you really couldn't be outside, even to walk to your car, and they're not that bad yet but man are they thick and hungry. I did some outside planting today and had to take breaks to come in for relief. We had some very hot days last week (wow, was that just last week? seems long ago) and that really revved them up. It's cool in the morning and they're not too bad (maybe).
I have a busy morning, meeting Carol to walk at 6:30, phone call to my mother after that, then coffee with Linda and Fred, then my friend the potter is coming to pick up a couple of bicycles so she can use the gears for an art project in Plattsburgh. I have 3 bicycles in my shed--1 was my sister's when she lived in Colorado in the 70's, 2 are more than 25 years old and were hardly ever used. Boy wouldn't it be nice to get rid of them, or at least one of them! We'll see.
I called my dog breeder today, which took courage. I wanted to know if she has any dogs to place and yes, indeed she does. She has a 3-year-old black male she needs to find a home for, plus she has a litter of pups born today. I don't really want a male and I don't really want a puppy so I'm wondering. I'm going to meet the male on Saturday afternoon. I won't know if I want this dog until I get to know him so I need to RELAX about the whole thing. As soon as I hung up the phone I started to cry--no, I don't want a different dog, male or female, I want my brown dog back. Too bad for me. That does NOT mean it's too soon to get another dog, it just means I miss Tess. Treasure and I are doing well but we tend to cling to each other.
I was thinking of sleeping in the boat house tonight but it's chilly so I stayed home. I think I'll sleep there tomorrow night, that would be nice. The woods are intensely green, a very bright green, one of my favorite things. The far shore practically glows.
Going to Plattsburgh tomorrow, have errands to run and may meet Julie in the afternoon. or not meet her, she doesn't know what she's doing. I'm going to town anyway, have to pick up meds and get DEET, lots and lots of DEET. Plus more geraniums. I've been plant shopping 3 times so far and have all I need for my deck but I still need a few more geraniums for the cemetery. 3 for my father, 3 for my brother, 2 for my grandparents and 2 for my favorite cousin. I hogged some of the ones I already bought for my deck planters.
Life is good. I'm slowly adjusting to summer pace with summer friends. Better speed up the process--all hell breaks loose this weekend.
The black flies are bad this year, even this early. I remember years ago when they were so thick you really couldn't be outside, even to walk to your car, and they're not that bad yet but man are they thick and hungry. I did some outside planting today and had to take breaks to come in for relief. We had some very hot days last week (wow, was that just last week? seems long ago) and that really revved them up. It's cool in the morning and they're not too bad (maybe).
I have a busy morning, meeting Carol to walk at 6:30, phone call to my mother after that, then coffee with Linda and Fred, then my friend the potter is coming to pick up a couple of bicycles so she can use the gears for an art project in Plattsburgh. I have 3 bicycles in my shed--1 was my sister's when she lived in Colorado in the 70's, 2 are more than 25 years old and were hardly ever used. Boy wouldn't it be nice to get rid of them, or at least one of them! We'll see.
I called my dog breeder today, which took courage. I wanted to know if she has any dogs to place and yes, indeed she does. She has a 3-year-old black male she needs to find a home for, plus she has a litter of pups born today. I don't really want a male and I don't really want a puppy so I'm wondering. I'm going to meet the male on Saturday afternoon. I won't know if I want this dog until I get to know him so I need to RELAX about the whole thing. As soon as I hung up the phone I started to cry--no, I don't want a different dog, male or female, I want my brown dog back. Too bad for me. That does NOT mean it's too soon to get another dog, it just means I miss Tess. Treasure and I are doing well but we tend to cling to each other.
I was thinking of sleeping in the boat house tonight but it's chilly so I stayed home. I think I'll sleep there tomorrow night, that would be nice. The woods are intensely green, a very bright green, one of my favorite things. The far shore practically glows.
Going to Plattsburgh tomorrow, have errands to run and may meet Julie in the afternoon. or not meet her, she doesn't know what she's doing. I'm going to town anyway, have to pick up meds and get DEET, lots and lots of DEET. Plus more geraniums. I've been plant shopping 3 times so far and have all I need for my deck but I still need a few more geraniums for the cemetery. 3 for my father, 3 for my brother, 2 for my grandparents and 2 for my favorite cousin. I hogged some of the ones I already bought for my deck planters.
Life is good. I'm slowly adjusting to summer pace with summer friends. Better speed up the process--all hell breaks loose this weekend.
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