Best Life

 A gorgeous, though cold (30s), start to our day.  We headed to Oquossoc to grab kerosene and found the lake just coming awake from the fog. The sun warmed us nicely (high of 61) and we had a successful day.  Paul installed beams and the facade on the carport.                                                                                     Before                                                                                          After      ...

 We used today as a planning day.  Unload the snowmobile we dragged up here, the new kerosene heater for the garage, move the boat out of the carport and take inventory of our supplies.  The goal this week: build a loft in the carport to store the extra pieces of metal and the kayaks. Kerosene is only sold at Koob's in Oquossoc so we headed there and surprise! - they are not open on a Sunday.  So we wound up detouring to Quill Hill.  Since they close the road to cars tomorrow until the spring, we decided to check it out one last time this year.  Though "peak" is over for the season, it is still incredible just how far and how many mountains surround the area.  We spent the remainder of the day watching the game (go Pats!), read, napped, some artwork and soaked in the jacuzzi (perfect in this cool October weather). National Alaska Day.  This is still one of my favorite trips (2014) filled with so many beautiful memories.       ...

 Just under 300 miles north and the temperature difference feels significant.  Upon our arrival in Rangeley - 37 degrees (which was the high for the day).  Unload the car, unpack the boxes and start the fire.   We actually started out later than we intended because we SOLD the truck!  And we had to visit with Megan and Charlotte while we waited for the pharmacy to open.  But the traffic - nonexistent.  The weather perfect.  And we made good time.   Arriving mid afternoon, Paul had time for a quick project.  Installing a smart TV in our bedroom.                                     The old tube TV and VCR player have been in the same spot since we built the house                                    in 1991.  Defini...

 I am going to miss hanging out with Charlotte in the morning.  I have forgotten how easily time passes when watching a baby snuggle and sleep.  How utterly absorbing watching various expressions cross her face.  How somebody so tiny can fill a heart so full. But alas, we must head to Maine.  When we left the house in August we thought we would have returned before the weather changed to freezing.  Water in the jacuzzi and pipes could become a problem.  In addition I left food in the fridge (exactly what I cannot recall).  So the plan is to head north tomorrow morning and stay a week (or so).   Our car is packed and after a potential buyer for the truck test drives it at 7am, we can go retrieve Fenway and be on the road.  It would be nice to have the truck off the lawn for good.  Fingers crossed. Word of the day - whewling.  Meaning to cry complainingly, howl. whine.

  Happy one week old Charlotte!  Getting cuter every day!  I am content to sit and watch you - asleep, making faces, drinking and even filling your diaper.   You look just like your mother!   After a morning with Megan and Charlotte we accomplished very little.  A few errands, pack the car for our weekend depart for Maine and then reading, a movie and a short nap.    I didn't even have to cook dinner.  Thank you Isis for dinner - yummy! Word of the day - cognate.  Meaning similar nature, related on mother's side. Blast from the past:  October 15, 2022:                                                                 Brianna in Oquossoc, Maine                        ...

 so tiny.  so adorable.  so many hiccups!  blue eyes opening more.  a hint of a smirk/smile.  and great sucking skills.  my best life keeps getting better! k    9 we hung out together for several hours while we let isis have a quiet house to take an online certification exam.  we took one for the team, vacated the house and headed to cumberland to help out with charlotte.   a few helpful chores and a nice walk in the sunny and 75 degree day.  perfect.  blast from the past:  october 14, 2016:                                                                                kevin and rupert national lowercase day.  just another strange and convoluted "holiday".  (easy to celebr...