Best Life

 Sleeping under blankets - priceless.  The air up here is crisp, clear and totally rejuvenating!  The quiet - intense.  Home, sweet home.  We awakened with purpose and energy! We spent the day outside.  Our 34+ year old lawnmower - still going strong!  I cut the mid thigh high grass while Paul began the odious task of emptying the "ugly" shed.   Our driveway was originally shale back in 1991!  Now it's more grass the stone and requires cutting! Looking out from the garage walk in door, the wood shed to the right (Still quite full thankfully!), the "ugly" shed in the background (originally built as a horse shelter with add-ons) and the back deck to the left.   The back deck built during the summer of 2020.  It's the best place to nap in the afternoon in my zero gravity chair!  (Thank you mom!) The "ugly" shed with 3 snowmobiles (only 2 work), a 4 wheeler, a 19 ft boat and a kayak trailer, all jammed tightly together an...

 Packing and leaving from Megan's for our trip to Maine totally confused Fenway.  He starts crying and jumping at the door as soon as the coolers and duffles appear.  It is easier to harness and leash him and let him settle in the vehicle.  He stops crying but remains vigilant that Paul will be driving. Today proved a bit more difficult because Annie kept trying to join Fenway in the car and could not be coerced back into the house.  Eventually we were able to distract her but she still gave us the saddest eyes!  She did not understand that Megan and the girls would be home in a few hours.  I also think she forgets what a pill Fenway can be, especially with his incessant barking at the slightest outside noise. Meanwhile Tallulah snuck into the house while we were loading the car.  Silly cat forgets she is a "barn" cat. Fenway had the best seat in the car.  A recliner!  All the way from Daytona, this recliner will be replacing the gold on...

 The highlight of the day - going to RIRRC.  They have truly come a long way from just "dumping" everything.  We had a pair of mattresses and used motor oil to dispose of.  Easy peasy. The center is open on Saturdays only until noon.  The line of cars was ridiculous.  Organized chaos with one in, one out but where are all these people from and what amount of trash is being "dumped"?         We had 13 jugs of used motor oil to be discarded.  A dedicated shed that had no line, we were in and out quickly. Then we headed to the mattress area.  We were looking at another long line.  Ugh!  But the guys let us cut to the right and bypass everyone!                                                                     ...

 So strange to wake up a bit chilly and reaching for the sheets.  With the windows open we have been enjoying the fresh air but last night the temperature dropped nicely.  Looking at the temps in Maine for the next week with a low of 48!  I am excited to be cooler!!! Today was  spent finishing up tasks we have started in preparation for our departure to Maine (hopefully Sunday morning!)  Some cleaning, laundry and a bit of a surprise for Megan and TJ.  Paul meanwhile finished repairs to the white Suburban (family tow vehicle) and changed the oil in the Atlas in prep for the trip.   And I managed to squeeze in a walk with Lisa on the Lincoln bike path.  Love the workout and the scenery!  These geese did not care how close we were but kept eating while watching us. The farm animals continue to dominate our time but seem to have accepted our presence.  The chickens still have not laid eggs and the cat continues to kill everything ...

 I am amazed at the quiet here at Megan's.  The occasional owl or turkey and birds.  There are no loud motors, sirens or truck brakes.  I probably could have slept late except all these animals are on a schedule and let us know when we are running late.  Rupert calls right on time, Annie nudges us when hungry and Fenway whines when nature calls.  Oh and the chickens are just as loud!  Only the cat is "quiet".  She meows but not too loud.                Tallulah throws herself down wherever she wants - including the middle of the road.                                                 Fenway living his best life in the best chair of the house!                               ...

 On our second day here at the funny farm, chores are getting easier and I don't need to read the extensive notes Megan left as often. After letting the dogs out and then feeding them, I headed to the barn. I only had to return to the house once this morning (I forgot the cat's food dish even though I had prepared it).  I accomplished everything in just over an hour - feed, collar and release cat.  Medicate, brush, fly mask, fly spray and feed the ponies after cleaning the stall.  Muck the field and empty the wheelbarrow.  Clean and fill water troughs.  Prep dinner.  Feed chickens and release from the roost.  Done!  Nope head back to the barn to turn fence back on (TK has escaped in the past) and grab dirty cat dish. Coffee!  Plan the day and then do not follow the plan.   The best part of being here - being able to cool off in between tasks by jumping in the pool.  A little cleaning, a little laundry, some bridal shower p...

 We left early for lunch with mom in Narragansett.  What a beautiful day for a ride - and there was NO beach traffic!  We arrived as the fog was dissipating from the shore. Sand Hill Cove has always been "the" beach.  Thank you mom for the foresight to purchase a place close to the best kid beach!  We have so many great memories here and look forward to many more.                                                                                               Peter                                                         ...