Month: July 2019

Funny how Monday turned out to be as much work here as a Monday is at home. By funny I mean not at all funny.

First day of workouts is today. We went to the closest gym and signed up for a two week pass for each of us. Have to do a couple one day passes at the end but no big deal. We are continuing our workout habit to stay in shape and not pick up any more weight than we have too while here.

So, we each have our own type of workout. Both different but also the same. This gym is slightly janky and not as well supplied as mine at home. I am bringing a couple kettlebells tomorrow since they have no pairs. Emily is also bringing some weights of her own for tomorrow. There is some good news, the gym is lightly attended in the mornings. That’s awesome.

After our 60 minute workouts, strangely identical in length, we headed home. At home we had showers, Emily had breakfast, and I got ready for interior/exterior painting.

Em went to Robins for what became an all day cleaning job. Robin, nephew, has a camp across the lake. The in laws have some guests coming and staying there later this week. And Emily is a nice daughter and cleaned for mom.

Back to this side of the lake. I caulked interior window casings and trim boards. We had all the porch windows replaced last year. 14 of them. The installers don’t paint. So I got that job.

Moved to outside of same porch. Also no paint. I caulked as needed then spent the better part of the day priming the clapboard and window trim. It looks fantastic. Primed new trim around windows and clapboards under said windows on exterior.

Emily did come home at midday and we went out to lunch at Kel Mat Cafe in central Skow town. Kel Mat has really fabulous sandwiches. Baked goods are also awesome. They break from Maine tradition by charging double the average of places around. We don’t go often. We split a pastrami sandwich and a pistachio whoopee pie. Both were incredibly good. Just cost too much.

After our midday repast it was back to the hardware store for me for more paint and some furniture repair items. Emily went back to Robins. And that was our afternoon. Me paint. She clean.

By six, Em was back. Then cocktails. And relaxing. And another cocktail. More relaxing, but of a deeper form.

Dinner next. Chili dogs. Because we can and because we are too lazy to leave and go to the grocery or a restaurant. So there.

Bedtime. We slept soundly.

Things are slowing down a little here in Central Maine. We rose late. No surprise there.

Emily was up long before me. Her prerogative, mine is to continue sleeping. It’s vacay.

Today is Saturday, a weekend day, though every vacation day is a weekend day. I switched things up a bit today. When I got up I made coffee, then breakfast. There is no newspaper out here and no TV. So after breakfast I took a shower. I got the first shower which means Emily has to clean it. That’s a win.

We are going back to the yard sale again to help out. We are taking a few things we need to dump, I mean sell. I actually dread going back. It’s hot and I gotta sit around the yard. Fun. The only good thing about it, we arrived late. And they closed up early since there is a big storm coming in. Which means we did not stay longer than two hours. Sadly, once closed up I had to help them put away all the unsold stuff, and all display tables. More joy in the afternoon. Love it! My back hurts.

After we said our goodbyes (yay) we headed back in the direction of our camp. We stopped for things. It’s what we do. I need to paint the interior casings of the 14 new windows installed on our porch last fall. We were not there or probably would have complained about the lack of paint the contractor applied -none. And top screens. There are none. This is our first trip back since the rehab. Anyway, I will be painting the casings soon. Not today soon, but in the next few days soon. So top at hardware store for required supplies.

We have been invited to dinner tonight, at the Kadunc’s, across the lake. Our task, accepted, is to provide the appetizer for tonight’s party of six. Next stop grocers. Emily is in charge, I just watch. She likes to wander the aisles looking for inspiration. Seems to have worked. The app is cut veggies and dip but artfully arranged in separate containers so it looks less pedestrian and more fancy. And a platter of cheese and crackers.

Usually I am the bartender for these parties though I was not asked tonight. Good thing, my traveling bar is locked up next door in the attic and there is a tenant till tomorrow. We rent it air bnb.

Tonight’s meal is Cuban and the two most famous Cuban origin cocktails are the Daiquiri and the Mojito. I am the Daiquiri fan. I am optimistically taking sugar and limes with me, just in case.

We arrived back at camp in early afternoon. We spent some time getting cleaned up from today’s storm. Which was fierce. The storm coming caused the garage sale to shimmy down. It was a classic northeast rain storm. About 230 the winds picked up, and just got worse. By 3 the “sky” had dropped to about fifty feet and turned black. In Iowa its called tornado weather. By just after 330 the heavens opened up and it poured heavily. Like hell. A vertical flood if you will. I was driving in it. Had to slow way down because I could not see anything. Nasty. Managed to get home sans trouble.

We took a nap, not long just a cat nap. Then got up and took an hour to make an appetizer for tonight. All I did was chop veggies which is helpful but not much. Emily did the hard work. It seemed to take forever to get it all done but I just kept my head down and chopped veg. We packed up for the trip to Ed and Helena’s. And took off. I wanted to go pick up more liquor before we went but we ran out of time.

Dinner at the Kadunc’s follows a pattern. I like patterns. Easy to follow. First we sit in the front room and enjoy appetizers and cocktails, sometimes wine. About an hour. Just after our second drinks we move to the serving table by the kitchen where Helena will have placed the entree and side dishes. We jostle for position, (not supposed to go first) serve ourselves and around the corner to the dining room. As always, food is fantastic. Always plenty to eat. Not sure what she is doing with all the leftovers. Anyhow, tonight’s theme is Cuban. We have the meat dish, Picodillo, and Matas y Blancos (forgive my attempt at bilingual spelling). And wine. The wine is South American, not sure if Cuba makes wine. There you have it. Dinner at the Kadunc’s. Everyone here looks forward to it. Probably because it’s fun and the food is fantastic and after a lifetime of traveling the world they have lots of stories to tell.

I should mention the best part of dinner. There is always a fabulous dessert. She is known for it. My nephews have gotten lessons and recipes so they can make the desserts at home. Desserts always prepared perfectly. I know too many people for whom the only thing they really want is the flan or chocolate cake (this is where I scream Fabulous!). Tonight we had flan. Too damn good. I wish my gut and waistline could handle more. Sadly, no.

And after dinner we sit and drink more wine. Tonight we also had Amaro, a digestif, as a chaser at the end of the evening. Herbal liqueur, smells like bitters, but tastes good. We sat around for awhile chatting. I eventually fall asleep, tradition, which says time to go home. Our hosts are bionic and I think they could entertain till dawn. I don’t have the stamina.

We headed home, across the lake. Nothing to report, went to bed.

Ahhh, first day vacay. All optimism. Wandering about, no direction. Still feeling like you have something to do but can’t figure out exactly what it is. Well, I have nothing to do. Good thing I brought Emily, she creates chores like nobody’s business.

Today we will have a few retail chores. Always some supplies to gather, places to stop. It’s 92 with about equal humidity and the AC in the Twinnie mobile (our car, luxe 86 Buick wagon) needs Freon. So no respite from the heat on our cruise across Madison and Skowhegan. We just sweat for cooling, like the pioneers.

Stopped at Quinn’s, the hardware store, for window shades. First tug, shade stayed down. Broke. Second window, pulled down, fell off. Good news. We are in Maine and a new shade is 6$. Custom cut. And they think that’s precious.

Next to Dollar store. Mostly household and personal care crapola. Not special. Hey, it’s the $ store.

Retail trip would not be complete till we hit WallyWorld. It’s the catchall for the other two places. Just a few things, not much. And we are off. Finally.

We went to Hank and Beth’s, the in-laws. They weren’t home. Losers. Turns out they were down at a friends place, Breezy Acres Motel, 1/4 mile up the road doing a yard sale. They combined forces to sell a little crap. So, we spent the next four hours sitting on the porch watching Maine drive by on the two lane interstate at the end of the driveway. With the occasional shopper, and sometimes several. They did sell a lot. Dennis, of Breezy Acre fame, sold his used quad for $1000. I did not know anything could be that expensive in Maine. Or that anyone would spend that much. Cool.

It’s gonna rain and thunder tomorrow. We closed up at five, and gathered all the treasure? and tarped it all to keep out water. We did a fine job and now we will see if it rains. But we are ready.

After 4 hours in the humidity we were all melted. Went to the in-laws and sat. Had a drink. I suggested going out to dinner, it’s 630. No one would pull the trigger on that. I suggested take out. Same response. Christ. Beth says what would you get? I responded, anything, I will go to the gas station up the road and get fried chicken! Anything. Well, that worked. They sent me for the chicken while they made the rest of dinner. The chicken place is close, but when I got back dinner was almost ready. They chopped up the chicken and threw it on the salad and some pasta. I hate pasta. I like meat in salad. I noted Hank did not eat his noodles either. I am not an outlier.

After dinner, we noted we still had travel hangover so we went back to our camp. Emily wanted to stop at Gifford’s (world famous local ice cream) for dessert. I would have kept going. So she got an overly sweet caramel frappe, me a lemon ice (new). Then we got to go home.

I know you think we have a very exciting life. We do. But, tonight, brush teeth and collapse. In bed. I’m thrilled.

We don’t really have a July 4th tradition. Nowhere to go, nowhere to be. Usually we just bbq and call it a day. Today is no exception. I chose today to leave town and head to Maine for the month. Turns out air tix are cheaper on the 4th than any other day around the 4th. So today it is.

Up at 430. Not so tough cuz we been asleep since only 1030. I jumped up at 430, Accdg to my lovely bride. Best to get in the shower first. Then she has to squeege. Quick shower, were in a hurry here! Dressed fast, I set out my clothes last night. Coffee. Need it at this hour. Quick food. Jaxon is with Marika in SoCal so no dog worries. Gave the cats a big dump of kibble. Done. Packed yesterday. I am ready. It’s 505am. What now? Wait for my speedy wife to be ready. I don’t know what the hell she does but she was not ready to leave for another 30 minutes. I don’t yell. I don’t get mad. I have an expectation and she meets it. No prob.

Finally we left. Finally. Close to 545, about a half hour after we had intended. Plane takes off at 815. I think we have time. Assuming holiday traffic is sparse.

Holiday traffic was sparse. We made Sacramento in about 30-35 minutes. A course record and I wasn’t even trying. I am parking the rig at my friend Bob’s house. He is staying in Tahoe so it’s unlikely to get in his way. And no parking fees for three weeks. Winner.

We got to Sacramento Intl Airport by 645 via a Lyft from Bob’s driveway to the terminal. No line at the ticket counter to check bags. Sauntered up to security, no line and no issues. To the gate, an hour before takeoff. We are really cooking with gas.

Had plenty of time to wander around, go pee, get water. The usual. We are boarding at the back of our flight, late in the boarding process. Good news, the plane was not full. We found seats together in the last row of the plane. Great seats, right next to the bathroom. And I believe every person in the plane used the toilet during the flight. I did not keep score.

Flight to Chicago was uneventful. Very. There was quite a bit of turbulence which keeps me on my toes. Not so bad I pooped my drawers, just constant.

Landed in Chicago ahead of schedule, not that it matters. We have a 2 1/2 hour lay over and this airport has nothing to excite anyone.

We found our gate and the plane is already 20 minutes delayed. What to do? Wander the airport. Hope something new has been added. Use the can. Window shop for overpriced goods. Sat down at some restaurant or other and had a snack. Took our time since we have it. We just tried to entertain ourselves.

Eventually we gave up. Went to our gate and sat. I have a book (always) and I started reading. Emily did likewise. And so it went till boarding.

I would tell you this flight was identical to the last. Except we were earlier in the boarding process and were 12 rows in front of where we were on the first leg. That is the only change.

We did arrive in Boston late but, miracle of miracles, our bus was not there yet. So we had to wait three minutes for it to show. I am not just good looking, I’m lucky too.

So, 940 Boston time, onto a bus taking us to Portland, Maine. Bus had free food (pretzels) and free drinks (H2O). And a movie. Better service than Southwest and the driver was funny. He made good time. I got carsick reading in the bus and switched to the movie. A documentary that was about a 7 out of 10.

Hank and Beth had left a car for us at the bus terminal in Portland. Keys at the ticket counter. People in Maine are nice. We arrived at the terminal at just after midnight. We grabbed our bags and hit the road. After a long flying day it is fantastic to get into a vehicle you get to drive yourself in. Also, driving gets rid of car sickness.

Just about two hours later we were at camp. 19 1/2 hours after we got up. We were kinda tired. We unpacked and went to bed. Man am I beat.

I just woke up. It’s 820pm. I have already enjoyed myTaco Tuesday and was watching TV. Finally figured out how we are getting to the airport on Thursday morning. I guess all that activity wiped me out to the extent I fell asleep. Wasn’t even bad TV.

I worked out early this morning. I wasn’t sleeping well so I just got up. I am not meeting a trainer today so I can go whenever I want. So extra early it is. And, to top it off, my workout was extra short. I got moving quickly. For a change. Of course, I wasted so much time getting ready after I got home that I still got out very late to work.

Got to work. Nothing. Did taxes answered calls, all very exciting. If you like that sort of thing. I don’t. I spent 7 hours doing it. And, to top it off I did not get done the one thing I wanted to do. I must be a little off track.

I did leave work in time to get food, I thought. Turns out even though the carniceria, my first visit, closes at 7, the kitchen closes at 6. I did not know that. I had to make do with scraps. Well, sort of. They did have carnitas. And beans. And rice. But that was it. No tortillas. Those I have at home anyway.

When I got home Emily was leaving food out in the yard for our local wild animals. This included the tortillas. So rabbits and deer got part of my dinner. Yay.

So, this brings me back to sleeping on the couch. Where I still sit. Emily has fallen asleep and I am awake, watching bad TV. It’s so nice that some things never change.

Yuck. I hate Visalia. A lot. But here I am, waking with the sun, in Visalia. I hate Visalia, if I failed to mention that.

Sunday morning is the same as any other. Coffee, etc. we cooked up some jalapeño bacon and eggs. And had rhubarb cake after. At least Dad and I did. We are a little more hardcore than the rest of the family.

We have one important task left this morning before we leave. We have a granite tortoise to load in the back of the Honda. Only weighs 300lbs.

Fortunately we have help from the next door neighbor and it was already on a furniture dolly so not so tough. And, the ramp dad uses on the front porch is movable.

Ramp to back of car, roll the tortoise on the ramp, lift ramp and in. It was that easy. I tied it down in back. I have already worked out the unload which is harder when it’s me, Emily and Marika.

We got all our other crap loaded and left. Love Visalia, in the rear view.

Trip is four hours. I hate the drive up Hwy 99. Nothing happens and it’s a really boring drive.

Home, thank the lord. Visalia makes you love going home. Love home. I really hate Visalia.

So I have a 300 pound chunk of granite on wheels in the back of the Civic. There is a 5 inch lip on the car to get over. Then I have two very thick boards to roll it down. Carefully. How? I put a 2×4 in back. So we only have to lift and push the wheels a bit and it’s up. A 2nd board, up more. A 3rd and the wheels are level with the lip. We roll it till the back wheels hit. Then very slowly push the load and gravity gives it the boost and it rolls out. Easy peasy. No lift. And it’s on the driveway. We will roll it where we want it and done.

The balance of the day? I cleaned three cars. Emily did laundry and whatever. She made spaghetti. Unpacked. Ate dinner. Drank French wine. Watched what? Bad TV. And off to bed. A lovely day.

We are sleeping in the back bedroom, as always. At Dads. The back bedroom is the hottest and coldest room in the house. Depends on season. It’s summer so it’s hotter than hell in the room. The outcome, can’t sleep well. Just too hot. So we did not sleep in.

Saturday morning here in Visalia is about the same as at home. Coffee, food, newspaper and a shower. No different. Except the coffee is bad, food ok, and the shower is awful.

Spent the morning sitting around and talking and having the coffee and breakfast.

Once we were all set, time to go to the store. My Dads house never has the supplies we need. So go to grocery, butcher, candy store, and liquor store. Lots of things to get.

Then home where we had charcuterie and cocktails. Watched some TV (Dad does not have cable) and sat around just hanging out.

Emiky bakes a rhubarb cake for dessert. I got the bbq going. Dad has a pos Weber which is difficult to control but you work with what you got. And I had five pounds of ribeyes to grill.

I managed to grill fabulous steaks and dinner was great. Dessert was great.

After dinner we watched a little more TV and hung out. It’s what we do.

Went to bed near ten. Into the hot room. Slept poorly. Oh well