Month: July 2019

We have only one thing to do today. Go on vacation. Not a working vacation, clients please go to hell. But a vacay, the right way, ok? We are going to Quebec City, Canada. I think it qualifies as international travel. Sort of. It is only Canada. Which is really like 3/4 of a country, so who can say?

I did fill up the Twin last night while in town. Because today we take a right turn in 201 and not left. A right turn takes us through rural north western Maine. I mean rural. Madison is a major metropolitan area compared to what we will drive through. Hell, most of Canada we will drive through is also quite sparse.

So, we loaded up the chariot, the trust 1988 Buick Regal wagon and hit the road! Got to the end of Beach Rd, about a half mile, stopped at the sign, and turned right on Hwy 201. We will be on this road, a two lane “hiway”, for the next 85 miles. Then the border and 85 miles on basically the same road through Canada. Prob four hours plus a little longer since this wagon should not go faster than 60 for safety’s sake. Ours and other drivers. The Twin has four out of balance tires, the front rotors are warped, the suspension was great in 88, just not now. So I slow down for safety.

The drive was peaceful. Mostly because Emily is still not really interested in talking to me. It’s unnerving which also may be why she does it. She gets to do whatever she wants. I don’t tell her.

First fun part of vacation, rest stop. We stopped in Bingham, population 5. Or so. There is a new breakfast place. Lunch too but I am here early. They actually have great food cheap. It’s kinda rinky dink but the food is just fine. People friendly. Two meals about $10. Ya. Win.

Back to the road. I drove the next 150 miles without incident. Unless you count being grilled by a Canadian border guard as an incident. I was. I did not make any jokes. Treated it seriously, but come the fuck on, its fucking Canada. No one cares. Canadians don’t care. Stupid. At least the border guard spoke English cuz I don’t speak Canadian, eh?

The funny thing was, the whole drive was a bunch of nothing. Rural emptiness. Then bang!, the City sprang up out of nowhere. Very strange. Until I remembered geographically why its where it is. So it actually sprang up at rivers edge several miles in, and I was coming in the “back door” which represent s the new parts. It seem like it came out of nowhere. It was about six miles from outskirts to old Quebec where we were staying. The first 3 miles or so were very boring and kinda ugly suburbs. But as we moved into the older area the neighborhoods really improved. They were beautiful. Exceptional. Very old neighborhoods, very well maintained. Wmily is ready to move here (winter is vicious, she changed her mind).

Once we crossed through the gate to old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), it changed again. This area is a UN World Heritage Site and the place is amazing. I felt I was driving through France. The condition and cleanliness was insanely good so maybe I could call it DisneyFranceQuebec. That’s apt.

We got to the hotel, which is at the busiest corner in the entire old town. There was a parking place out front at the curb. Really. And, again, the Twin got eye balled by all sorts of people. I get used to it. She looks good and she is old. And people recognize. Weird.

The hotel was a few steps up, the lobby? was full of people. Like a hundred. Turns out there are a few tourist offices there. So we had to find reception which did not happen. We found a sign, it’s on 1. It wasn’t. Elevator was broken. I found a doorbell next to a locked door and pressed that. And just like that a guy shows up. Btw, reception is on 2.

So guy goes and gets luggage, escorts us to reception, and we are in. Hotel is quite luxe, better than I usually stay in. Better than NO, in most respects. A nice place with well appointed rooms. We like it.

We unloaded our crap, settled in, and headed out into Quebec. Before I said it was like France. Well, France with no garbage, clean streets, incredibly well maintained sidewalks and buildings, no homeless people, tourist quality very high, sidewalk cafes, shopping, museums, it’s fabulous. It does feel very Disney being so clean, and well maintained but I like it. I did ask around a bit and the World Heritage designation is the hammer that keeps everything nice. No matter, love the place. May have to come back.

So we wandered. I found out later that crime is almost non existent here. A tour guide told me the crime rate is lower than Disneyland. But, feels nice, I like it and it’s fun.

By about seven we decided to get dinner. We took the advice of our concierge and walked down the to water front from the hotel. 288 steps. Downhill. Steep hill. The city down there was just as cool plus you got the waterfront views.

Sidewalk cafe, of course. Just as in La Belle France. Food here has a French tinge as well. All the people have that funky French canadien accent. Dinner was ok, nothing special, except Emily’s quiche. That was very nice. After dinner, it was getting late, we went for gelato. Wandered more. Went back to the hotel and went to bed.

Ok. Same as usual. Again. That would be redundant. Up none to early but we managed to drag ourselves to the gym and get in a last of the week workout. Seems I always need it no matter how much I have exercised before. When will it be enough?

I have several workouts in my phone courtesy of the trainer in my Auburn home gym. I just follow those so I don’t have to make them up on my own. Very handy for travel I have found.

The only hurdle so far this trip, workout wise, is this gym has a dearth of kettlebells. At least matching weight kettle bells. I have a lot of kettlebell work in my workouts and only having a pair of 15 and 25 weights is not enough. And the 15’s are odd sized. Fun.

Back home and not much doing. We certainly hit ready for our day. Cleaned up and dressed. Fed Emily.

Emily is going with her mom to get a pedicure and her dad is going as well. I am staying to do some more work, yay, on the house. I need to replace several handrail boards that are rotten. I could most likely wait till next year and if it were my choice I would. But Emily inherited the camp (gift, really) and she wants the work done. As does her father. So I worked my afternoon replacing boards.

I think they turned out ok. Just fine.

The gang returned late in the day and Hank said he might replace a couple more boards. His choice, as I told him, I am happy with what I did.

I found out, once Emily got back, she had taken great offense to a recent blog post or two. Especially the one about her father and the day we hung out. She also took offense at all my comments that I was not having fun and my vacation was work. And a few other things too.

I admit, upon rereading the post about her Dad that I was mean spirited and nasty. It is her Dad and my father in law but I still should not have used such wording in a public forum. I did tell her I was sorry several times. She was really very angry.

But, she did suggest we go to Gifford’s (ice cream) for dinner and play mini golf. An olive branch, sort of, because she is still angry. But I got some vacation I had been missing. Tomorrow we are going to Quebec City, Canada. Two nights. Should be fun and it’s a real vacation. I am not looking forward to the 3.5 hr drive but that’s what it takes.

After golf and ice cream dinner, back to camp. Emily still had some words for me, strong ones. I have really upset and angered her. I only want her happy, of course, so this is upsetting to me too. I can only say sorry so many times.

We are now lying in bed, she reading and me blogging (duh). Soon I will end this and read too. Maybe now.

Today started out like most weekdays. Up and coffee and go to workout.

The beans and carnitas for tonight are still heating. We prepped and put on the stove yesterday. We are leaving them to cook slow till tonight. We have to self help it, no decent Mexican food in the Northeast.

Back from our workout, you may think we have nothing to do until much later. Food is on the stove we have already been to the store, let’s go do some vacation things. Nope. Emily wants to do more cleaning at Twinnies. And I need to clean up the crap on the roof with the electric blower I borrowed from my neighbor. That’s two roofs, next door at Twinnies and ours. And once I blow it all off the roof I have to blow all the crap off the deck and house. There is a real load of crap up there. Some good news, due to the steep roof pitch and 12 foot eaves on most of Twinnies, I won’t be able to clean most of it. Just the porch roof and shed on that one. Mine has a low pitch and 8 foot waves, I can clean all of it.

So this vacation disaster took a few hours. I was left with enough time to clean up and get the party set up. I am pretty sure I am not on vacation. We might go shopping on some days to break up the work. But nothing fun. I have not even had lobster. Two weeks. Not fun.

I will say our self made taco Tuesday meal was super fabulous. Helena brought flan to top it off. I made cocktails, of course. All had a great time. My wife plans and executes well for parties.

What else? Bedtime. It’s vacation.

I slept very poorly last night. Woke at 4 and was awake for another hour plus. Took some Melatonin in hopes I might sleep. Finally did.

We did not get up with alarm to go work out. Too tired. Emily did not move either. We finally got up around 845 and got going.

The coffee filter collapsed and I got grounds in the pot. Same as yesterday. Lovely.

It’s raining today. A lot. I am supposed to put a new railing on the back deck with help? from father in law Hank. He’s 81 and a complete pain in the ass. But that’s later.

We finished up our workout, quickly. Emily is going to Camden with her Mom for her moms haircut. And the time is strict.

So they left. And I figured then that Hank and I could work on the railing as we had planned. But, my FinL Hank did not want to work in the rain since the wood will get wet. I did point out that the railing is outside and will be getting wet. But he can’t allow it. And, btw, I have to let the man have his way in order to keep the peace.

So we waited around till 130, doing nothing, for my plumber to show up. The toilet at Twinnies leaks and there is still explosive air in the water lines on all three camps. And I hope Jim can get this done. We have an Airbnb tenant coming in today.

Jim showed up promptly at 130. We marched through all the items needing fixing. He is unable to help with the air in the lines but will fix the toilet on Friday. Also, he is going to paint the siding and maybe repair it as well. We will see

Jim left. It has stopped raining. Hank still refuses to work on the railing. Why? Don’t know. So we decided to go to his house. He has “things” to do. Other things, not railing repairs.

We are at his house. What is he doing? Playing solitaire on his iPad. What am I doing. I really have nothing to do now.

I need a real vacation.

Got a call from Ed Kadunc. He and his wife are going to one of the film fest showings tonight. Invited us. Show at 615.

I let Emily know, so maybe she could get back from the all day haircut in time to go to the movies. Stranger things have happened.

So Hank and I sat in his house doing nothing all day. Most boring thing I have done.

Emily and Beth got back at 520. I finally had to say let’s get going show starts at 615 or not go. She said she wants to go. We finally got in the car headed to Waterville.

We arrived close to start time, just after 6. Ed and Helena had not arrived yet. Of course, they have passes. The usher made us wait until they decided there was enough room for us latecomers to buy tickets. Turns out the auditorium was only half full.

Tonight’s movie was a weird one from Brazil about a right wing evangelical dystopian society taking over Brazil in the near future. Being from Brazil there was lots of sex in it. Theme being what it was the sex was procreative only. Still entertaining.

After the movie, no happy ending, we went to a cafe nearby and had excellent food for dinner. Homemade bread, brick oven pizza, soup. Just very tasty. We sat till they kicked us out at 10. We were done but sitting was nice to.

We headed home. I am so glad my day ended well after the not so lovely beginning. Thursday is another day.

Woke up to the alarm. Don’t recall setting that. It’s 630 and I don’t feel well. Tummy hurts. What to do? Emily is snoring, I will try that. Gave up at 745 and got out of bed. I may be hung but I am still going to work out.

Coffee, food, for two. Wait for Em to get ready. And wait.

It’s a beautiful day, sunny and uncommonly breezy. The lake was covered with whitecaps. Bad day to canoe.

Workout was not tough but my stomach is in bad shape. And I am really fatigued. I think exercise probably helps the hangover. Don’t know. Don’t really care.

We finished up and headed home. I feel like shit. Emily is fine.

We really did nothing today. Grocers and Wal Mart for supplies for our big taco Tuesday bash. Tomorrow. Tuesday. We are making carnitas and grilled chicken to make actual tacos for Tuesday. There is zero decent Mexican food in Maine. None. Sucks.

There is little to say about our shopping trip. I have already said enough.

We returned and got the beans on the stove. Got the pork shoulder in to the Dutch oven. We will cook it low and slow overnight. Beans too.

We did not do anything else all day.

About five we went to in laws for dinner. Ken and Carol leave very early tomorrow and this will be The Last Supper. Turns out, that would be chicken and broccoli. We arrived and I still felt like poop. So I was banished to the other room where a laid down and took a nap. It was very therapeutic. Cissie is right! I got up an hour or more later and I was rejuvenated. And my gut was not tumbling. It’s a miracle

Time for dinner. I drank no wine or any other libation. Don’t tempt fate. I also ate very little.

Ken and Carol left rather abruptly right after dinner. Strange. We helped clean up. Stay for a few and headed home about 845. I took Emily to Gifford’s without even asking her. We have been here ten days and I had only been there once. We got ice cream (black raspberry frappe and a sundae) but, sadly, the mini golf closed up and we did not get to play. I hope tomorrow.

Home. We dropped some things off with Carol. Then dropped a couple things off with Jason. Then it’s time to check beans and carnitas. Smell really good.

Off to bed. So I can lay down and finish the blog. Emily is reading trash like my friend Cissie does. I am reading a scholarly tome, which neither of those two would ever attempt.

We tried to sleep in this morning. I woke at 430, wide awake. So I took some melatonin. Which got me about three hours more sleep. So, sleep in. Emily slept fitfully. Too bad

Today it was decided, sometime maybe yesterday I was not paying attention, that we would go to brunch at the Lakewood Inn. We went last Sunday and had abysmal service. Why go back? Indeed.

But, I was up before 9 and we are eating at 11 we think. So I gotta have breakfast before I go to lunch. I can’t wait to eat. I always have something right after I get up. This is why I don’t go to brunch. Also, it really eats a huge chunk of the day when I could be doing other things. Like darning my socks or washing my hair.

The crew gathered at Casa ((Campa?) Vivier by 1045 and we walked over to Lakewood at a leisurely pace. As befits a Sunday morn.

Well, heavens to Murgatroid! The place was packed. Full. The host gave us a choice. We could wait 45 mins for a six top to open or we could be seated immediately at two adjoining tables. We chose the latter. I can’t imagine it would have made much difference in the eventual outcome.

So we were seated. 15 minutes later we got coffee. I’m not complaining, they said it’s a wait. But they did not say it would be this long if we got two tables. Minor issue. The waiter did take our orders. Why? Who knows. 65 minutes after we sat down, food arrives. Sadly obvious it had been sitting for “awhile”. That’s a waiter issue. My order was wrong, right dish, just absolutely not how I ordered it. The waiter had acknowledged my order when I gave it to him. His fault. I was ready, very ready, to eat so I said nothing. There were six of us and two orders were fouled up. One more thing, when the food arrived we again, third time, said we required forks to eat. And, get this, the waiter did not go directly to get them. Wtf? Maybe he thought he was already screwed.

What is sad is how guilty some of my fellow diners felt tipped the sob. I know he was not responsible for the wait, but his finger was in everything else.

I updated my Yelp review. Last year was fantastic. This year, exact opposite. I received a response from a fellow Yelper in about 60 seconds from reposting. The internet is a fast place.

Good news, I had an extreme upset tummy right after we left Lakewood and had to run home to take care of myself. Pure joy.

The balance of the day was making cookies for tonight’s dessert. We are making ice cream sandwiches with them. I made PB and oatmeal raisin. Em is going to dip some in chocolate too. I think these pair well with pizza. Right?

Dinner is in an hour and a half. I will help Em and then sit some more.

Dinner tonight was a blast. Party at Jason and Tammy’s, next door. That’s like permission to get totally hammered since you can crawl home.

We had hors douveres for eight. Just about right. The place was loud and most everyone got somewhat drunk. I had my share I know. Jason has pizzas delivered by Al’s in Skowhegan. 25 years I been coming here I did not know they delivered. Jain is an old hand too, our family knew Jason from so long ago I can’t remember. He knew Twinnie as did we. Twinnies husband managed the playhouse at Lakewood. We go way back.

After dinner we were sitting around and suddenly someone says “there is someone in your house”. I looked over, there was Ed and Helena obvs looking for us. I ran over to find out what’s up and within a minute or two the whole party had moved to my house. Time to make cocktails. So I did. And everyone got even more hammered. That would include me.

I can’t tell for certain how the evening ended. I was a couple sheets to the wind. As were a few others. I’d say we all threw a great party.

Up late. Yes, it can happen. Usual stuff, shower shave eat. Really nothing doing.

Em’s folks came by late morning to pick up Ken and Carol. The four are going to Moosehead Lake just to look around. See what’s up. They left pretty quickly.

We are not. Instead we are going to Farmington, about 25 mi away. Why? There is supposedly a great eatery there, Soup for You! So we are going all that way for lunch. And whatever else comes up.

The drive was very pleasant. The weather today is pristine. The temp is great and no humidity. One of those Maine summer days that just happen.

It took only 30 min to get to Farmington. Not really crowded in town but still busy. We went directly to Soup for You. It was closed. Seems Emily, whose idea this was, did not bother to check the hours. Lovely.

We decided, since we were here, to check out all Farmington has. So we walked off into downtown. We had lunch at the first place we found. Nothing special but it was good. After we proceeded to go up and down all streets and visit every store that was open. We actually found a few things. Bought stuff in the kitchen store, thrift store, and others. Good times. About 90 minutes.

Back in the Buick. Emily is driving. Mostly because I don’t want too. Nice drive back. We stopped in Madison at the grocers. Tomorrow night we are having everyone over for pizza. Everyone means everyone we know. The next door neighbor just got here, them too. We stopped to get supplies for dessert. Cookies. Which we fill with ice cream and dip in chocolate. We are making three kinds.

Back to home and the other four arrived at exact same time as us. Crazy. They had four hours in the car. Not sure why that are back so fast.

We are having dinner at Twinnies with them. But for now, we made three dozen PB cookies while Carol made dinner. Fair trade. They make it, serve us and clean up. We show up and eat it. Nice. I did go to the store for a few more bottles of wine. I contribute.

Dinner was shrimp pasta and the shrimp were perfect. Plus a salad and bread and wine. We pulled out a few cookies for dessert. After dinner I helped Beth to the car, drunk again. No worry, she is old enough to do what she wants.

We went home. A little reading and etc. Emily is sleeping well I think if snoring is any indicator. Me to bed soon.

Up and eat. Wow, strange, just like yesterday. And the day before. And before. Etc.

Workout. Nothing new here. Except Emily fagged out on it. Last workout of the week, I’m a Monday to Thursday guy. So today is workout Friday. Usual theme, took my workout from the ones on file in my phone. Glad I collect them. Worked out including warmup/down for a little over an hour. Then off for a three day no workout weekend.

Back to home. Shower. Coffee. Already ate brekkies

Today is the last painting day. All is done except for the LAST coat of paint on the inside. Good news. Uncle Kenny is here and he has volunteered to assist in the work. Praise God!! And, he is good at it. So, how did it go? It only took an hour to paint the room. A big win for me.

Lunch was up next. And what’s better for lunch than Sardines from Reny’s? Not much. That’s what I ate. I don’t get sardines often since the smell offends my wife but here I get away with it. I love sardines.

Done with all work. Resting. NO work to do. Is it vacay time?

Spent afternoon sitting. Emily has an interview. She is preparing. For last four hours. I relaxed. Read a book.

Left cabin to get stuff at hardware but really just leaving so Emily could talk on skype for interview. Sat in parking lot at store and went thru my emails for an hour. Had a nice call with Marika. She is working her ass off for us while we are gone.

Back home. Kenny came over to discuss bbq. Both he and Carol are idiots though she does catering. Neither has used a charcoal bbq in 25 years. Time for tutorial. Whole process fucked. Ken is supposed to bbq the tri tip for dinner.

About 530 the in laws got here. Drinks and apps on back deck. Very nice. Weather is beautiful. Maine can be perfect.

By drinks I mean wine for three and a water glass of vodka for Beth. Splash of water. She had 2 prior to dinner. And maybe 8 glasses of wine at dinner. She was drunk.

Cooked tri tip. 40% me and 60% Ken, and he seems a rank amateur. Has no patience. And Carol yells at him about it constantly. Family time is fun time.

Great meal with a passable dessert (store bot cupcakes and ice cream) from carol who brags she is a chef. And I get shitty dessert.

Ken and I half carried Beth to car at end of eve. Vodka will do that to you.

Now sitting and relaxing here late. Off to bed very soon.

Up early, quelling surprise there. Eat my Wheaties. Ok, not that but I do eat brekkies.

Workout. I told you all the workout routine and schedule will continue throughout vacation. You have been warned. Again. We went to the gym. We saw. We conquered. Or, worked out. It’s cool.

Straight home, no detours or frolics. Emily needs her breakfast oatmeal. And I definitely need a shower. No, I don’t smell. I’m sweaty.

Today is different. Em and I are painting. Fooled you. We are taking on the inside window casing which has never seen any paint. I know what that means – two coats. We doin this again tomorrow. Yay! More paint! Yay! The good news is it only took about four hours for one coat. Ugh. I had taped and caulked prior. That helped today. Anyway, we painted. And painted and painted. Working together without arguing. Who knew that was possible?

Once done, cleaned brushes for tomorrow, pushed whatever out of the way. Cleaned ourselves. Then went to Reny’s.

I know, unless you are from Maine you don’t know Reny’s. It’s a discount store chain (17) here and my lovely bride insists on one trip there every time we come. Strangely, we got out of there this time under $100. I’m shocked too. I guess nothing called to us. The closest Reny’s is in Madison, only about six miles. So we don’t have to go far. We drove back to our camp with our load, got my portable bar, and headed to the in-laws.

Tonight is dinner at in-laws w Ken and Carol. They arrived this afternoon none the worse for wear.

Tonight we are having ribs and Beth’s potato salad and beans. Family recipes. What fun. Of course, we had to lead in to the evening with cocktails, old fashions, to be exact. I don’t need an excuse. I need a drink. Shut the hell up.

Dinner also included some wine which Carol requested and I bought. ?. And it was fabulous again. Dessert was same as last night, exactly. Opened the same containers and serve. I’m ok.

Ken and Carol followed us home since they are staying next door. And, they would get lost otherwise. We are way rural here with no help in finding anything. Connectivity is the shits too.

We got them here, no incidents. We helped unload, got them in and went back to our place. Hey, it’s bedtime again.

Up and eat by 7am. Yes, I know it’s vacation. But we got things to do.

Workout was the same as usual. Mine changes every day, Emily’s I don’t know. I have several workouts in my phone so I can vary them to the extent of how many I have. Not many repeats. Today my workout was lighter because I went out hard on Monday. Don’t want to strain my delicate constitution. As usual, one hour and done we were. Off to home.

At home. Emily breakfasted and I showered. Then she showered. I know, crazy, but you need to know.

Today I painted alone. Outside. Finished priming and topcoat. Window guys dont paint. Spent most of day finishing this. I know how to partay!!

Emily cleaned up next door at Twinnies. All day. Again, we have her Uncle Kenny and his wife, Carol, staying there starting tomorrow. Ken and Carol are driving from Oregon because Carol has a fear of flying. I am the same way personally, only not fear, hatred of abysmal customer service and the whole flying experience. Anyhow, Emily, I think, loves to have something to clean. She is good at it.

After we got all cleaned up and put away, we went to the in-laws for dinner. Some kind of chicken and a salad. And dessert. Of course, I made cocktails too. When you work as hard as we are, you drink a lot. I do. Beth’s house is a wasteland for alcohol. She has Vodka. Only. So we hit the liquor store for some decent bourbon (found it!) and bitters. Skowhegan is also, in general, not a well stocked community when it comes to luxury or expensive items. So when I find them, I celebrate.

Dinner was great. Not just because I did not make it, that’s 75%, but because it tastes better to me if I’m not involved.

Dessert was Gifford’s ice cream. They are the local Maine ice cream. Extra primo good.

we Went home – full, semi drunk and satisfied. We, surprisingly, went straight to bed.