Again?... Yep, once again I’m ready to hit the road. This time I will head up
east again with Jay, Judy and Miguel. I bet you noticed that the last name
didn’t start with a J. Miguel is a friend of Jay’s who will probably be in for
the adventure of a life time. Although he has traveled before with Jay so he
should know what he is in for.
First leg of the trip will drop us in Bangor PA for the night. Then on to
Bethlehem to pick up the van. (The owner of the farm assured me that he would
have the pigs out of the van by the time I got there. – Thanks, Tim!) Then
another 5 ½ hours to Millencotte, ME where we will meet up with Jerry at Baxter
State Park. The other three will summit with Jerry. Thanks to my extreme fear
of heights I’ll keep my feet on flat ground-darn it.
I feel good for just having spent 12 hours in the car the day before yesterday.
We’ll see how the next couple of days go. Somehow I think they will be just
fine. I know the prize that is at the end.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dolphins show thyself...
...I screamed silently at the ocean. But they didn’t.
But I did see;
Wonderful waves – more powerful during the first part of the week because of the hurricane out in the Atlantic that brought with them all kinds of surfer guys. Some waves that sparkled in the moon light, so much so that it seemed that they lit up as the waves broke.
Stupendous shells – most of which I was able to admire and then leave on the beach.
Marvelous moonlight – as the moon continued to grow throughout the week until it was full.
Wonderful weather - with temps in the low 80s and an almost constant breeze.
Little lights – that danced upon the ocean last night. They looked like little fairies in their own secret moonlight dance. After being fascinated by them for some time and trying to guess just what they were I made a correct guess – they were glow in the dark tips that were attached to fishing poles that were anchored in the sand on the beach. I personally like the idea of fairies dancing better.
On Tuesday we attended an hour long lunchtime concert given by Anna and her Harp. Tonight we will take in another concert in New Bern. Tomorrow Karen and I will be on the road once again. Traveling home. On Sunday I head north again this time with Jay to pick up my sister-in-law, Judy, to pick up the van in Bethlehem, to meet Jerry in Baxter State Park. At this point he is planning to summit on Thursday. On Friday, who knows?
It has been a wonderful week. I’m so very grateful for the opportunity to share this time with friends. The wonders of nature never cease to amaze me and to be able to here where the ocean keeps whispering back to me ‘Enjoy what you experience. The many gifts around you. And be grateful. And by the way, don’t forget to scatter joy.’
But I did see;
Wonderful waves – more powerful during the first part of the week because of the hurricane out in the Atlantic that brought with them all kinds of surfer guys. Some waves that sparkled in the moon light, so much so that it seemed that they lit up as the waves broke.
Stupendous shells – most of which I was able to admire and then leave on the beach.
Marvelous moonlight – as the moon continued to grow throughout the week until it was full.
Wonderful weather - with temps in the low 80s and an almost constant breeze.
Little lights – that danced upon the ocean last night. They looked like little fairies in their own secret moonlight dance. After being fascinated by them for some time and trying to guess just what they were I made a correct guess – they were glow in the dark tips that were attached to fishing poles that were anchored in the sand on the beach. I personally like the idea of fairies dancing better.
On Tuesday we attended an hour long lunchtime concert given by Anna and her Harp. Tonight we will take in another concert in New Bern. Tomorrow Karen and I will be on the road once again. Traveling home. On Sunday I head north again this time with Jay to pick up my sister-in-law, Judy, to pick up the van in Bethlehem, to meet Jerry in Baxter State Park. At this point he is planning to summit on Thursday. On Friday, who knows?
It has been a wonderful week. I’m so very grateful for the opportunity to share this time with friends. The wonders of nature never cease to amaze me and to be able to here where the ocean keeps whispering back to me ‘Enjoy what you experience. The many gifts around you. And be grateful. And by the way, don’t forget to scatter joy.’
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
From the mountains, to the valley, to the ocean...
…from the mountains of VT, NH and ME to the KY side of the OH valley to Atlantic Beach in NC – yes, folks that where I’ve been in the last 10 days. It’s hard to explain how this is all happening. What an unusual summer this is! What a gift!
So for the next couple of days I’m sitting in a beach house with friends enjoying the company and the scenery. This trip came up last Monday totally by surprise. Karen was going and I couldn’t let here drive 12 hours by herself so I made the ultimate sacrifice and headed to the beach with her. Yea!
I’ve tried doing some reading but the ocean is so distracting. The waves keep calling out to me. ‘With your head buried in the book you might miss something.’ ‘What if dolphins swam by and your missed them?’ One wave yelled, ‘Look how high I am.’ Another ‘Don’t get in my way or I’ll soak you.’ (and he did.) ‘Did you see that ride I gave that surfer guy?’ ‘It’s quiet time, I’m going to be a gentle and quite as possible’. ‘You can’t go in the house now, remember your time here is limited.’ (Was that meant to be a profound statement or just a passing comment?)
Ah, Shell – and then there are the shells. We were here two years ago and I brought home a bag of shells. Plenty of shells to last a life time, so I decided not to take any home this trip in trying to be true to the effort to limit my ‘stuff’. But maybe I could take home some broken ones to appreciate. I resisted. But then there were the perfect ones…okay I can leave them for someone else, but it isn’t easy. Then I found a perfect black one that was calling my name – actually I walked past it and it started yelling at me. Okay, so now it’s sitting outside. I’m hoping to spend some time with it and then perhaps it will let me return it to the beach for someone else to fine.
The shells from two years ago – I had put them in a large vase but at Easter time I replaced them with plastic eggs (yea, I know a little tacky there). I decided, when I put the eggs away to, replace the shells one at a time when I did something significant, like stretch myself in some manner or the other – i.e. leaving more shells on the beach. When thinking about this summer I’ve decided that I can go ahead and put all the shells in the vase, I think I’ve met my personal challenge to stretch myself at least a little this summer.
The company has been wonderful – my dear friend of 32 years, Karen, her daughter (my god-child), Jessica and husband Jeremy, a couple friend of theirs and Karen’s sister in law, Lily who lives in NY. The youngsters have been a lot of fun. Us ‘older’ women are trying to ask as wisdom figures for them (yea, right – who bought the whip cream for the strawberry daiquiri). It would be nice to have Jerry here but he’ is enjoying himself in the 100 mile wilderness, trudging along the A.T. – we all make choices.
Well, the waves are calling me once again. Maybe also a daiquiri. Wait it’s only 10:23 a.m.
(BTW – I know that its prairie and not valley.)
So for the next couple of days I’m sitting in a beach house with friends enjoying the company and the scenery. This trip came up last Monday totally by surprise. Karen was going and I couldn’t let here drive 12 hours by herself so I made the ultimate sacrifice and headed to the beach with her. Yea!
I’ve tried doing some reading but the ocean is so distracting. The waves keep calling out to me. ‘With your head buried in the book you might miss something.’ ‘What if dolphins swam by and your missed them?’ One wave yelled, ‘Look how high I am.’ Another ‘Don’t get in my way or I’ll soak you.’ (and he did.) ‘Did you see that ride I gave that surfer guy?’ ‘It’s quiet time, I’m going to be a gentle and quite as possible’. ‘You can’t go in the house now, remember your time here is limited.’ (Was that meant to be a profound statement or just a passing comment?)
Ah, Shell – and then there are the shells. We were here two years ago and I brought home a bag of shells. Plenty of shells to last a life time, so I decided not to take any home this trip in trying to be true to the effort to limit my ‘stuff’. But maybe I could take home some broken ones to appreciate. I resisted. But then there were the perfect ones…okay I can leave them for someone else, but it isn’t easy. Then I found a perfect black one that was calling my name – actually I walked past it and it started yelling at me. Okay, so now it’s sitting outside. I’m hoping to spend some time with it and then perhaps it will let me return it to the beach for someone else to fine.
The shells from two years ago – I had put them in a large vase but at Easter time I replaced them with plastic eggs (yea, I know a little tacky there). I decided, when I put the eggs away to, replace the shells one at a time when I did something significant, like stretch myself in some manner or the other – i.e. leaving more shells on the beach. When thinking about this summer I’ve decided that I can go ahead and put all the shells in the vase, I think I’ve met my personal challenge to stretch myself at least a little this summer.
The company has been wonderful – my dear friend of 32 years, Karen, her daughter (my god-child), Jessica and husband Jeremy, a couple friend of theirs and Karen’s sister in law, Lily who lives in NY. The youngsters have been a lot of fun. Us ‘older’ women are trying to ask as wisdom figures for them (yea, right – who bought the whip cream for the strawberry daiquiri). It would be nice to have Jerry here but he’ is enjoying himself in the 100 mile wilderness, trudging along the A.T. – we all make choices.
Well, the waves are calling me once again. Maybe also a daiquiri. Wait it’s only 10:23 a.m.
(BTW – I know that its prairie and not valley.)
Friday, September 17, 2010
On The Road Again
I arrived home last Friday. It was so good to be greeted at the door by Christy. The house looked wonderful. Things that I appreciate most aside from the people; my bed, an indoor shower and toilet, 2 ply toilet paper, the land line, answering machine and of course my favorite window with a view of the sunrise . I was able to get together with all the kids, except Clair of course, over the weekend. Everyone seems to be doing well. I’ll be seeing most of Jerry’s sibs this weekend.
Christy and I took part in the Buddy Walk on Saturday. An event to raise funds for and awareness of Down Syndrome. It was good to see some special friends there. It was wet as we walked through the only rain that this area has had in months.
On Monday my daughter Joanna, my good friend and I walked about 3 miles. That is when my friend mentioned that she was driving to NC – by herself, we can’t have that! So for 5 days I will have opportunity to stay with friends in a beach house on the Atlantic Coast. This has been such an unusual summer with all the different opportunities that are coming my way.
All this while Jerry gets ready to enter the 100 mile wilderness. He is getting closer folks. He is looking at the last couple days of Sept as to when he might summit. It will be strange to see him all the time. Someone asked me what effect the trail has had on our marriage. I didn’t answer the question at that time because I didn’t think it was appropriate coming from him but it got me thinking. At this point I think the experience has made our relationship stronger. Perhaps it’s that we appreciate each other more and just enjoy being together. We’ll see what the next couple of months bring.
Christy and I took part in the Buddy Walk on Saturday. An event to raise funds for and awareness of Down Syndrome. It was good to see some special friends there. It was wet as we walked through the only rain that this area has had in months.
On Monday my daughter Joanna, my good friend and I walked about 3 miles. That is when my friend mentioned that she was driving to NC – by herself, we can’t have that! So for 5 days I will have opportunity to stay with friends in a beach house on the Atlantic Coast. This has been such an unusual summer with all the different opportunities that are coming my way.
All this while Jerry gets ready to enter the 100 mile wilderness. He is getting closer folks. He is looking at the last couple days of Sept as to when he might summit. It will be strange to see him all the time. Someone asked me what effect the trail has had on our marriage. I didn’t answer the question at that time because I didn’t think it was appropriate coming from him but it got me thinking. At this point I think the experience has made our relationship stronger. Perhaps it’s that we appreciate each other more and just enjoy being together. We’ll see what the next couple of months bring.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sept 9th and beyond
Sept 9th
So I pulled out of Bethlehem this morning about 8:00. I slipped in a CD of dulcimer music, something a little uplifting to start the morning travels. It’s just a mix of simple songs but when I heard, O Little Town of Bethlehem as I was passing through B’town, that was just too much of a coincidence.
Passed in to Maine in search of Grafton Notch State Park. There was road construction in Maine. At two separate points the state route turned into a one lane dirt ‘road’. The state park was out in an area that gave me the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.
Once I found the parking lot there was no shortage of hikers. All I had to offer was a cold soft drink. There was Beaver Chief, Little Foot, Big Foot, Squid, Doc Rock and his wife who is slack packing him to Maine, Kit Kat, whom I had met before along with One Life. In talking with Squid I mentioned that Clair had done the trail in ’03. He said, oh yea, ‘the wettest season on record’. I was amazed that he knew this. Then he mentioned that there was a couple who gave him a lift in VT who hiked that year. They met on the trail and got married shortly after that. Well, it turns out to be Clair hiking buddies L.T. and Orb. Small World Once Again.
Met up with Tom, Jerry and David. Drove back to Gorham (the name always makes me feel like I’m part of The Lord of the Rings saga). We all spent the night at the Moose Brook Motel. Again at dinner and breakfast I just sat back and watch how much hikers can consume – what a wonder it is.
The days of hiking together were good ones according to Jerry. Seems like Tom and David were in it for the fun of it and after a morning of slipping and sliding on the granite rocks and leaving a little skin behind, they were ready to set up camp shortly after lunch and were interested in enjoying the surrounding and playing cards of all things. Jerry being a good host went along with the idea.
Friday morning I dropped Jerry off back in Maine. David and Tom headed to the AMC at the base of Mt. Washington. Their plan was to hike up and back. The weather was a challenge but they made it. I, on the other hand, after I dropped Jerry off in Maine decided to take the shuttle up to the Mt. Washington summit (NH). I think I chose the better part. The weather was typical. We were in a cloud most of the way up. While there the temp was 40* with a wind chill of 28. The rain that was hitting us also contained ice pellets. I was the only one of our group who went up on the observation deck. Just wanted to say that I did it when I had the chance. I returned soaked to the skin.
Needless to say that David and Tom after 4 hours of hiking up and 4 hours of hiking down were even wetter than I was.
We met back in B’town at the farm about 6:30. Left the van and the farm – sure hope they don’t turn it into a chicken coop and headed north so that we could head south (no east/west connector roads at that point). We checked into a motel in so. VT at 10:00 and left at 6:30 on Friday. Made it home ~10:00.
There certainly is no place like home.
I enjoy bloging so I will probably keep it up for a while maybe not everyday but now and then at least until we get Jerry home.
So I pulled out of Bethlehem this morning about 8:00. I slipped in a CD of dulcimer music, something a little uplifting to start the morning travels. It’s just a mix of simple songs but when I heard, O Little Town of Bethlehem as I was passing through B’town, that was just too much of a coincidence.
Passed in to Maine in search of Grafton Notch State Park. There was road construction in Maine. At two separate points the state route turned into a one lane dirt ‘road’. The state park was out in an area that gave me the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.
Once I found the parking lot there was no shortage of hikers. All I had to offer was a cold soft drink. There was Beaver Chief, Little Foot, Big Foot, Squid, Doc Rock and his wife who is slack packing him to Maine, Kit Kat, whom I had met before along with One Life. In talking with Squid I mentioned that Clair had done the trail in ’03. He said, oh yea, ‘the wettest season on record’. I was amazed that he knew this. Then he mentioned that there was a couple who gave him a lift in VT who hiked that year. They met on the trail and got married shortly after that. Well, it turns out to be Clair hiking buddies L.T. and Orb. Small World Once Again.
Met up with Tom, Jerry and David. Drove back to Gorham (the name always makes me feel like I’m part of The Lord of the Rings saga). We all spent the night at the Moose Brook Motel. Again at dinner and breakfast I just sat back and watch how much hikers can consume – what a wonder it is.
The days of hiking together were good ones according to Jerry. Seems like Tom and David were in it for the fun of it and after a morning of slipping and sliding on the granite rocks and leaving a little skin behind, they were ready to set up camp shortly after lunch and were interested in enjoying the surrounding and playing cards of all things. Jerry being a good host went along with the idea.
Friday morning I dropped Jerry off back in Maine. David and Tom headed to the AMC at the base of Mt. Washington. Their plan was to hike up and back. The weather was a challenge but they made it. I, on the other hand, after I dropped Jerry off in Maine decided to take the shuttle up to the Mt. Washington summit (NH). I think I chose the better part. The weather was typical. We were in a cloud most of the way up. While there the temp was 40* with a wind chill of 28. The rain that was hitting us also contained ice pellets. I was the only one of our group who went up on the observation deck. Just wanted to say that I did it when I had the chance. I returned soaked to the skin.
Needless to say that David and Tom after 4 hours of hiking up and 4 hours of hiking down were even wetter than I was.
We met back in B’town at the farm about 6:30. Left the van and the farm – sure hope they don’t turn it into a chicken coop and headed north so that we could head south (no east/west connector roads at that point). We checked into a motel in so. VT at 10:00 and left at 6:30 on Friday. Made it home ~10:00.
There certainly is no place like home.
I enjoy bloging so I will probably keep it up for a while maybe not everyday but now and then at least until we get Jerry home.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Head 'em up - Move 'em out
Wednesday morning I pull out of this little town of Bethlehem. It’s been good but it is time to mosey on down the road. The star that lead me here is moving on. (I don’t think I’ve mentioned the stars at night that are so big and bright that I can see through my tiny camper window by the head of my bed - er, sleeping space. They are magnificent. Even I can pick out some of the constellations.)
Plan is to meet up with ‘Tom and Jerry’ and Dave on Wednesday around noon. The rest of the plan is up to them. I know Dave and Tom wanted to climb Mt. Washington but it doesn’t sound like the weather is going to cooperate. It is suppose to be rainy the next couple of days. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do.
It rained a little today while I was picking beans but that’s life on the farm. Tim was saying that they could have snow on the ground as early as next month. Yea, Kentucky!
I packed up the van a little today. It is always a challenge to try and keep it somewhat organized. There Jerry’s resupply box, his in town backpack with ‘decent’ clothes in it, there in my clothes, stuff I can leave in the car for 3 weeks, stuff I want to take home, camping gear, two (yes two) tents, camp chairs, rain tarp, cooking stuff, plates, etc., maps, and of course, Long Trail Ale and a bottle of Three Blind Moose Wine that I’ve been carrying around since Bangor, PA. Oh, yea, and a can of scrubbing powder that I meant to leave at Genesis Farm but forgot. I do have plans to return it. Not to mention the first aid kits, bug spray, sun block and so on and so forth….
This is the second blog for the day so I invite you to read on....
Plan is to meet up with ‘Tom and Jerry’ and Dave on Wednesday around noon. The rest of the plan is up to them. I know Dave and Tom wanted to climb Mt. Washington but it doesn’t sound like the weather is going to cooperate. It is suppose to be rainy the next couple of days. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do.
It rained a little today while I was picking beans but that’s life on the farm. Tim was saying that they could have snow on the ground as early as next month. Yea, Kentucky!
I packed up the van a little today. It is always a challenge to try and keep it somewhat organized. There Jerry’s resupply box, his in town backpack with ‘decent’ clothes in it, there in my clothes, stuff I can leave in the car for 3 weeks, stuff I want to take home, camping gear, two (yes two) tents, camp chairs, rain tarp, cooking stuff, plates, etc., maps, and of course, Long Trail Ale and a bottle of Three Blind Moose Wine that I’ve been carrying around since Bangor, PA. Oh, yea, and a can of scrubbing powder that I meant to leave at Genesis Farm but forgot. I do have plans to return it. Not to mention the first aid kits, bug spray, sun block and so on and so forth….
This is the second blog for the day so I invite you to read on....
I Would Like to Thank...
Last day of work and I need to say Thank You to a few people. Tim , the owner of Meadowstone was the first person I contacted through the wwoofer’s directory. Tim was gracious enough to welcome me to my first experience as a wwoofer. Sam, the head gardener, was the first person I met when I arrived. He walked me around the farm and explained to me how the wwoofing thing worked. Arrived on a Tuesday just before lunch. Great timing. Sam’s wife, Jenny had just made a pizza lunch for everyone, about 10 at the time.
Zach was the one who turned on the electric and water in the camper and who hooked up the shower. Zach was the first one who let me try my hands at milking the goats.
Anthony was very helpful and friendly. I really enjoyed working with him.
Melanie was here for the first week before leaving for college. She always had an answer to my questions.
Cassy, God bless her, taught me a lot. We ended up working together often. Her patience with me was remarkable. I was always impressed with her attitude and cheerfulness. Yeah, Cassy. Besides everything else it was always nice to have another female around.
I’d like to thank the chickens who didn’t peck too hard when I reached under them for their warm eggs. The goat who did not head butt me although his evil eye kept me on guard. The pigs who only threw me off balance one so that I almost ended up in the mud. The young goats who’s cry made me appreciate all the times we had gotten up with the newborns in our care. (I’m not going to mention the rooster…)
And of course all the vegetables who did their thing and always amazed me with their ‘theirness’. And the weeds, well they gave me something to do – often.
There were a number of CSA members who came to volunteer their time, they too made me feel very welcomed. I’m sure someone has slipped my mind.
New Hampshire has been great. This is a wonder-filled area. Creation at it’s best.
It has just been a wonderful experience. One I will always be grateful for. – But if I ever talk about doing this again, someone please talk me out of it – or at least make sure I’ve thought it through. )
Zach was the one who turned on the electric and water in the camper and who hooked up the shower. Zach was the first one who let me try my hands at milking the goats.
Anthony was very helpful and friendly. I really enjoyed working with him.
Melanie was here for the first week before leaving for college. She always had an answer to my questions.
Cassy, God bless her, taught me a lot. We ended up working together often. Her patience with me was remarkable. I was always impressed with her attitude and cheerfulness. Yeah, Cassy. Besides everything else it was always nice to have another female around.
I’d like to thank the chickens who didn’t peck too hard when I reached under them for their warm eggs. The goat who did not head butt me although his evil eye kept me on guard. The pigs who only threw me off balance one so that I almost ended up in the mud. The young goats who’s cry made me appreciate all the times we had gotten up with the newborns in our care. (I’m not going to mention the rooster…)
And of course all the vegetables who did their thing and always amazed me with their ‘theirness’. And the weeds, well they gave me something to do – often.
There were a number of CSA members who came to volunteer their time, they too made me feel very welcomed. I’m sure someone has slipped my mind.
New Hampshire has been great. This is a wonder-filled area. Creation at it’s best.
It has just been a wonderful experience. One I will always be grateful for. – But if I ever talk about doing this again, someone please talk me out of it – or at least make sure I’ve thought it through. )
Monday, September 6, 2010
Somewhere Over The...
...Chicken coop – yep, that is where the rainbow appeared last evening. It was beautiful and very bright. In places it was doubled and it was almost complete. What a nice surprise!
Happy Labor day to all who labor – that would be me also. No holiday here. Worked 7 hours today in the greenhouses. First we planted garlic and then the rest of the day was spent planting spinach. Little hard on the back and the knees. My rooster wound is still there and hurts. Can’t wait to get back home and have my niece Sally, super wound nurse take a look at it.
I wanted to take a shower as soon as I stopped working but one of the guys was working in close proximity to the shower so I thought I’d best wait for a while. Lay down on, or rather climbed up in to, the bed for a moment. 10 minutes later I woke up, and the beautiful sunny day had turned into a very cloudy one that threatened rain. Sam seemed to be gone so I dashed for the shower. Now, this shower is very good at telling you what the weather is – on a hot, sunny day the water is very hot. On a cool, cloudy day the water boarders on cool to cold. So I just had a cold shower which would have felt great a half of day ago but now I’m in long sleeves and long pants trying to warm up.
I just retrieved the umbrella from the car in case I need it later on for my before bed run to the outhouse. Those trips seem to get earlier each evening. It starts getting dark about 7:30 these days. I guess another way to say that might be – The evening sun hugs the mountain tops allowing the trees to embrace its rays for yet another glorious sunset over the New Hampshire landscape. Bottom line – get to the outhouse before it is completely dark.
BTW - Tim, one of the best bosses in the whole world offered to empty the composting toilet for me. Yeah Tim, you rock!
Tomorrow, Tuesday will be me last day working. It is a CSA pickup day so there will be no slacking! Not that I ever do. Wednesday I’ll leave to meet up with Tom and Jerry (I just love saying that combination – it reminds me of all the loony tune people I know) and Dave. Exactly happens after that? Stay tuned…
Oh, yea, today Jerry and I are celebrating 35 years of living and loving.
Happy Labor day to all who labor – that would be me also. No holiday here. Worked 7 hours today in the greenhouses. First we planted garlic and then the rest of the day was spent planting spinach. Little hard on the back and the knees. My rooster wound is still there and hurts. Can’t wait to get back home and have my niece Sally, super wound nurse take a look at it.
I wanted to take a shower as soon as I stopped working but one of the guys was working in close proximity to the shower so I thought I’d best wait for a while. Lay down on, or rather climbed up in to, the bed for a moment. 10 minutes later I woke up, and the beautiful sunny day had turned into a very cloudy one that threatened rain. Sam seemed to be gone so I dashed for the shower. Now, this shower is very good at telling you what the weather is – on a hot, sunny day the water is very hot. On a cool, cloudy day the water boarders on cool to cold. So I just had a cold shower which would have felt great a half of day ago but now I’m in long sleeves and long pants trying to warm up.
I just retrieved the umbrella from the car in case I need it later on for my before bed run to the outhouse. Those trips seem to get earlier each evening. It starts getting dark about 7:30 these days. I guess another way to say that might be – The evening sun hugs the mountain tops allowing the trees to embrace its rays for yet another glorious sunset over the New Hampshire landscape. Bottom line – get to the outhouse before it is completely dark.
BTW - Tim, one of the best bosses in the whole world offered to empty the composting toilet for me. Yeah Tim, you rock!
Tomorrow, Tuesday will be me last day working. It is a CSA pickup day so there will be no slacking! Not that I ever do. Wednesday I’ll leave to meet up with Tom and Jerry (I just love saying that combination – it reminds me of all the loony tune people I know) and Dave. Exactly happens after that? Stay tuned…
Oh, yea, today Jerry and I are celebrating 35 years of living and loving.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sneak Attack
There was a welcomed chill in the air this morning. The trees are beginning to hint of the color change that is on the way. There are oranges, yellows and reds appearing every now and then. The seasons, they are a changin’.
I headed out in the sunshine to offer to do chores this morning. Everything was done but the eggs. That’s okay because I like gathering the eggs for some reason. ( I actually saw a chicken drop one yesterday - nature in action.) Coming out of the first chicken coop I started singing, Oh What A Beautiful Morning. I knew no one else was around – so why not? Then suddenly I experienced that split second that it takes for pain to register in your brain (well, maybe not your brain but at least mine). First the pain, then looking down I discovered a rooster attached to my knee with his beak. Then it registers that this really, really hurts. I swift kick removed him from my leg. I am so thankful I had my long pants on because even then he drew blood. That is the last time I sing in that yard! Next time I just might wear my (Maria’s) knee pads when gathering eggs.
Not much else going on today. I drove over to nearby Littleton to visit a store that boasts of the world’s longest candy counter, just a glorified souvenir shop. Traffic everywhere. It seems that most of the little towns around make their living off of souvenir shopping tourists. Just not my thing. I found my way down to the Farmer’s Market and wandered around there for a bit. Bought some cookies and picked up some ice cream so that I can celebrate our 35th anniversary with whoever is here on the farm tomorrow. (You can bet that rooster isn’t going to get any.)
The clouds are heavy, it is windy and drizzles every now and then. I think I’ve seen most of what there is to see in the nearby area so I guess I’ll just stay put. I am glad I bought the radio the other day. Most of the time I prefer silence but every now and then I appreciate a little noise – beyond the oinks, baaaas and clucks.
I think there is one other job that I need to do before I leave on Wednesday morning. The other wwoofer has left already so that leaves just me and it seems to me that the compost toilet needs emptying. This has been the summer of many firsts for me - - so what’s one more. Stay tune to see if it really happens….
I headed out in the sunshine to offer to do chores this morning. Everything was done but the eggs. That’s okay because I like gathering the eggs for some reason. ( I actually saw a chicken drop one yesterday - nature in action.) Coming out of the first chicken coop I started singing, Oh What A Beautiful Morning. I knew no one else was around – so why not? Then suddenly I experienced that split second that it takes for pain to register in your brain (well, maybe not your brain but at least mine). First the pain, then looking down I discovered a rooster attached to my knee with his beak. Then it registers that this really, really hurts. I swift kick removed him from my leg. I am so thankful I had my long pants on because even then he drew blood. That is the last time I sing in that yard! Next time I just might wear my (Maria’s) knee pads when gathering eggs.
Not much else going on today. I drove over to nearby Littleton to visit a store that boasts of the world’s longest candy counter, just a glorified souvenir shop. Traffic everywhere. It seems that most of the little towns around make their living off of souvenir shopping tourists. Just not my thing. I found my way down to the Farmer’s Market and wandered around there for a bit. Bought some cookies and picked up some ice cream so that I can celebrate our 35th anniversary with whoever is here on the farm tomorrow. (You can bet that rooster isn’t going to get any.)
The clouds are heavy, it is windy and drizzles every now and then. I think I’ve seen most of what there is to see in the nearby area so I guess I’ll just stay put. I am glad I bought the radio the other day. Most of the time I prefer silence but every now and then I appreciate a little noise – beyond the oinks, baaaas and clucks.
I think there is one other job that I need to do before I leave on Wednesday morning. The other wwoofer has left already so that leaves just me and it seems to me that the compost toilet needs emptying. This has been the summer of many firsts for me - - so what’s one more. Stay tune to see if it really happens….
Saturday, September 4, 2010
What a Difference A Day Makes
It rained a little last night the tems and humidity dropped dramatically, thanks to Earl, I suppose. What a wonderful weather day.
Dropped Tom and Jerry and Dave off on the AT this morning after yet another hiker’s breakfast. They headed north out of Gorham. The plan is to meet them on Wednesday at Grafton Notch, about a 30 mile hike that will take them in to ME probably on Sunday.
At breakfast we met up with another hiker, Bulldog. Bulldog is visually impaired. We talked for a while then he joined us for breakfast. It is amazing to imagine a blind person hiking the AT. He said that he is doing it to raise awareness for the use and development of technology to aid the visually impaired. He does have a camera man traveling with him as they are filming a documentary. Mostly Bulldog is relying on his GPS to keep him on track. There is a book out there about another blind guy, Bill Erwin who hikes the trail some years ago with his dog. The book is call Blind Courage, another good read.
Thursday on my way to meet Jerry in Gorham I picked up a hitch hiker, Sandman. We talked a little about the trail and wwoofing. When I got back to the farm today I find out that Sandman got pack on the AT at Crawford Notch, hiked about a mile in, did not like the hot weather so he decided to hitch back to Bethlehem to try and find the farm that I was wwoofing on. So when I got back today he was here. I think he is staying for a day or two. Apparently he had tried his hand at farming sometime in the past and wanted to experience it again and see what this wwoofing thing is all about. It is just amazing how some things work out.
But my hours in today picking spinach, tomatoes, cleaning and bunching onions and chasing chickens. I am so looking forward to being home, driving over to NKU and picking up our CSA share that someone else has planted, nurtured, harvested and brought to us. But my appreciation for this process is endless.
The wind is blowing like crazy and the camper is rockin’. Bet I lose my shower curtain tonight.
Dropped Tom and Jerry and Dave off on the AT this morning after yet another hiker’s breakfast. They headed north out of Gorham. The plan is to meet them on Wednesday at Grafton Notch, about a 30 mile hike that will take them in to ME probably on Sunday.
At breakfast we met up with another hiker, Bulldog. Bulldog is visually impaired. We talked for a while then he joined us for breakfast. It is amazing to imagine a blind person hiking the AT. He said that he is doing it to raise awareness for the use and development of technology to aid the visually impaired. He does have a camera man traveling with him as they are filming a documentary. Mostly Bulldog is relying on his GPS to keep him on track. There is a book out there about another blind guy, Bill Erwin who hikes the trail some years ago with his dog. The book is call Blind Courage, another good read.
Thursday on my way to meet Jerry in Gorham I picked up a hitch hiker, Sandman. We talked a little about the trail and wwoofing. When I got back to the farm today I find out that Sandman got pack on the AT at Crawford Notch, hiked about a mile in, did not like the hot weather so he decided to hitch back to Bethlehem to try and find the farm that I was wwoofing on. So when I got back today he was here. I think he is staying for a day or two. Apparently he had tried his hand at farming sometime in the past and wanted to experience it again and see what this wwoofing thing is all about. It is just amazing how some things work out.
But my hours in today picking spinach, tomatoes, cleaning and bunching onions and chasing chickens. I am so looking forward to being home, driving over to NKU and picking up our CSA share that someone else has planted, nurtured, harvested and brought to us. But my appreciation for this process is endless.
The wind is blowing like crazy and the camper is rockin’. Bet I lose my shower curtain tonight.
Friday, September 3, 2010
R O M A N C E
Romance – so many ways to spell it
So it is Labor day weekend and also Monday is the 35th anniversary of our wedding.
I met up with Jerry on Thursday evening in Gorham NH. We’re staying at a mom and pop motel until Saturday when he will take off hiking with Tom and Dave who are joining him for about a week on the A.T.
Last night we had dinner out at a nice but nothing fancy restaurant. It still amazes me how much he can eat. Came back to the motel and I fell asleep while Jerry played with his pictures on the computer. This morning we went to the laundry mat where Jerry played with his pictures on the computer and I did the laundry. Oh, here’s a first – It was the first time I witnessed a thru-hiker (not Jerry) actually strip down in the laundry mat and put on his rain gear so that he could wash everything he was wearing. He was very discrete about it, I just happened to look up at the wrong/right time.
After the laundry mat we went to breakfast – did I mention how much Jerry can actually eat? Then a stop at the outfitters. Jerry at the moment is looking through his resupply box before we make a run to walmart.
There is a pool at the motel which we will certainly make use of this afternoon. Tom and Dave are suppose to arrive sometime in the afternoon.
Well, I made a decision to return home with Tom and Dave. Sitting quietly in the back seat they will not even know I’m there. Jerry has apporx. 4 weeks to go. There are not many road crossings in ME and then there is the 100 mile wilderness, so I wouldn’t be able to connect up with him much at all. It would be a long four weeks at the farm. Once we have a frost the water to the camper will be turned off – I have more excuses but most of all I’m just missing everyone – kids, family, friends…
I’ll be leaving the van at the farm and then riding back up with Jay and Judy when Jerry summits. It just seems like the right thing to do – perhaps for my mental health as much as anything. The opportunity is so perfect so I’m taking that as a sign.
I’ll be working on the farm this week yet until Tom pulls out. BTW, no holiday weekend here. I have to work Saturday and Sunday to make up for the time I’m taking off to be here now.
It is good to be together again if just for a short time. It makes me smile. Guess that is how we spell romance at this point in time.
P.S. one more night to stay here and Jerry has 3 pints of Ben & Jerry’s stashed in the freezer – ah, romance!
So it is Labor day weekend and also Monday is the 35th anniversary of our wedding.
I met up with Jerry on Thursday evening in Gorham NH. We’re staying at a mom and pop motel until Saturday when he will take off hiking with Tom and Dave who are joining him for about a week on the A.T.
Last night we had dinner out at a nice but nothing fancy restaurant. It still amazes me how much he can eat. Came back to the motel and I fell asleep while Jerry played with his pictures on the computer. This morning we went to the laundry mat where Jerry played with his pictures on the computer and I did the laundry. Oh, here’s a first – It was the first time I witnessed a thru-hiker (not Jerry) actually strip down in the laundry mat and put on his rain gear so that he could wash everything he was wearing. He was very discrete about it, I just happened to look up at the wrong/right time.
After the laundry mat we went to breakfast – did I mention how much Jerry can actually eat? Then a stop at the outfitters. Jerry at the moment is looking through his resupply box before we make a run to walmart.
There is a pool at the motel which we will certainly make use of this afternoon. Tom and Dave are suppose to arrive sometime in the afternoon.
Well, I made a decision to return home with Tom and Dave. Sitting quietly in the back seat they will not even know I’m there. Jerry has apporx. 4 weeks to go. There are not many road crossings in ME and then there is the 100 mile wilderness, so I wouldn’t be able to connect up with him much at all. It would be a long four weeks at the farm. Once we have a frost the water to the camper will be turned off – I have more excuses but most of all I’m just missing everyone – kids, family, friends…
I’ll be leaving the van at the farm and then riding back up with Jay and Judy when Jerry summits. It just seems like the right thing to do – perhaps for my mental health as much as anything. The opportunity is so perfect so I’m taking that as a sign.
I’ll be working on the farm this week yet until Tom pulls out. BTW, no holiday weekend here. I have to work Saturday and Sunday to make up for the time I’m taking off to be here now.
It is good to be together again if just for a short time. It makes me smile. Guess that is how we spell romance at this point in time.
P.S. one more night to stay here and Jerry has 3 pints of Ben & Jerry’s stashed in the freezer – ah, romance!
Today's Blog is Brought to You By the Letter "C"
'C is for cookie that’s good enough for me’ some of you might remember that was Cookie Monster’s favorite song.
Well, in the field I’ve learned that C also stands for: (you get to fill in the blanks)
Compassion ________
Coexistence_______
Cooperation________
Co-creation__________
Co-dependency__________
Creating________________
Chemistry ______________
Companionship_____________
Cosmos_________________
Creators________________
Cultivate____________
Compliment_________
Cause_____________
Community_____________
Creed_______________
Communicate_____________
Clockwork______________
Common Ground__________
Common Good____________
Challenges________________
Constructive________________
Connections________________ And yes, C is for cookie!
Well, in the field I’ve learned that C also stands for: (you get to fill in the blanks)
Compassion ________
Coexistence_______
Cooperation________
Co-creation__________
Co-dependency__________
Creating________________
Chemistry ______________
Companionship_____________
Cosmos_________________
Creators________________
Cultivate____________
Compliment_________
Cause_____________
Community_____________
Creed_______________
Communicate_____________
Clockwork______________
Common Ground__________
Common Good____________
Challenges________________
Constructive________________
Connections________________ And yes, C is for cookie!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Maybe it's the heat
It has been unusually hot here as it has been back home.
I spent the morning planting garlic in the greenhouse, a really hot job. After mentioning to the head gardener that I didn't sleep well last night he told me to take the afternoon off and go swimming. That's the kind of place this is - wonderful. I did go to the lake but not in the water.
I got bit today by the homesickness bug. Really hard! I need to be able to see my family and friends or maybe just know that they are near. Chickens, pigs and goats just aren't doing it for me at the moment.
I have some possibilities in mind, we'll see what happens.
Shortest post yet - but honest!
I spent the morning planting garlic in the greenhouse, a really hot job. After mentioning to the head gardener that I didn't sleep well last night he told me to take the afternoon off and go swimming. That's the kind of place this is - wonderful. I did go to the lake but not in the water.
I got bit today by the homesickness bug. Really hard! I need to be able to see my family and friends or maybe just know that they are near. Chickens, pigs and goats just aren't doing it for me at the moment.
I have some possibilities in mind, we'll see what happens.
Shortest post yet - but honest!
Weasels and skunks and Mice, Oh My!
I think that was the order of their appearance this morning. The weasel was playing in the stacked up lumber outside the camper this morning. He stuck his nose and the rest of his body out a couple of times. Cute little thing. It seems the farmers were surprised to hear that one was in the neighborhood. The skunk was once again in the Have a Heart Trap. The mouse was running around under one of the chicken coops as we were feeding the chickens.
I helped with morning chores again today; feeding the animals, collecting the eggs. It seem that they are ready to trust me with that job.
I also harvested beans and cleaned the onions that were collected yesterday. Anthony fixed lunch today, pork chops and salsa and chips. It was good. I also made sure that I had a decent breakfast today. Energy level seemed okay. But then I didn’t spend the afternoon in the hot sun like yesterday.
Got off work about 3:30. I actually left the farm and went into Littleton to walmart – and – I- bought-a- shower curtain and hooks. Can we all say Yeah!, it’s about time. I wanted to get the blue dauphin one but decided that the green tree frog one would blend in better with the outdoor theme. It worked okay. I think we’ll do better when the breeze isn’t blowing. And then today was CSA pickup day. Half way through I was thinking that this might be a bad idea because it could happen that someone might roam the grounds. Then when I reached for my towel which I had statically placed outside the curtain on a camp chair, I discovered that my chair had blown over and was now out of reach. So much for my attempts at modesty. I’m sure my technique will improve with time.
Tomorrow – I tackle – the – outhouse. Edwin, the other lowly wwoofer who used the outhouse moved on this morning. So now the outhouse is all mine. All mine I say! I have a broom poised for use in the morning when the flies are a little less active. I see the magazines up off the floor and perhaps a little vase of flowers on the seat that doesn’t get used too much because it is the one for squatters. Or at least, a picture of flowers on the wall. Stay tune for more developments…
I also bought a radio. I thought it might be nice to hear the news and weather. They have a fairly good NPR station up here.
Oh, Edwin had been living in a space above the barn. I went UP and checked it out today. I don’t think I want to move up there but it has a sweet view of the western sky. Should be a great place to watch the sunset.
I helped with morning chores again today; feeding the animals, collecting the eggs. It seem that they are ready to trust me with that job.
I also harvested beans and cleaned the onions that were collected yesterday. Anthony fixed lunch today, pork chops and salsa and chips. It was good. I also made sure that I had a decent breakfast today. Energy level seemed okay. But then I didn’t spend the afternoon in the hot sun like yesterday.
Got off work about 3:30. I actually left the farm and went into Littleton to walmart – and – I- bought-a- shower curtain and hooks. Can we all say Yeah!, it’s about time. I wanted to get the blue dauphin one but decided that the green tree frog one would blend in better with the outdoor theme. It worked okay. I think we’ll do better when the breeze isn’t blowing. And then today was CSA pickup day. Half way through I was thinking that this might be a bad idea because it could happen that someone might roam the grounds. Then when I reached for my towel which I had statically placed outside the curtain on a camp chair, I discovered that my chair had blown over and was now out of reach. So much for my attempts at modesty. I’m sure my technique will improve with time.
Tomorrow – I tackle – the – outhouse. Edwin, the other lowly wwoofer who used the outhouse moved on this morning. So now the outhouse is all mine. All mine I say! I have a broom poised for use in the morning when the flies are a little less active. I see the magazines up off the floor and perhaps a little vase of flowers on the seat that doesn’t get used too much because it is the one for squatters. Or at least, a picture of flowers on the wall. Stay tune for more developments…
I also bought a radio. I thought it might be nice to hear the news and weather. They have a fairly good NPR station up here.
Oh, Edwin had been living in a space above the barn. I went UP and checked it out today. I don’t think I want to move up there but it has a sweet view of the western sky. Should be a great place to watch the sunset.
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