So on my way home today - I took a glance to my left and then to my right. 15 miles of my commute every day is along the highway. And I've driven many different sections of highway all over the country. On my way home today - I thought, man I'm lucky to have such a beautiful commute. Today, mixed in with the lush green grass were large masses of lupine and daisies - all gently swaying in the afternoon breeze, just winking up in the sunshine. Looking at the beautiful expanse... curtained by lush evergreens and trees covered in an array of lush green leaves, I took a moment to be thankful for such a serene and beautiful commute.
I've had commutes that were less attractive. Less serene. Less beautiful. It made me be very thankful that I ended up back in Maine to live. When I lived in Las Vegas - I has sparkling lights, high rise buildings, dusty sandy parking lots and on a really adventurous commute - a flash flood. Over the days, the lights twinkle would star to subtly fade as the dust would start to cover everything. The only time the lights would REALLY sparkle was after a heavy rain. But with the rain generally came the flash floods, and very slippery oil covered roads.
Here in Maine - my commute I see deer and turkeys. Sometimes even rabbits and other animals traveling alongside the daily commuters. The trees buffer one side from the other, giving you a sense that you are traveling in a peaceful place. Wild flowers dotting the lush green grass. And even after a rainstorm, the river swells but rarely causes a flash flood. On one section, after a rain, the ways bounces down the side of ledges, cut years ago when the highway was being built by sticks of dynamite. After a rain, the pooled water flows over the ledge catching the afternoon sunlight making the water sparkle in its brilliance.
In the winter it is just as beautiful. Especially after a freshly fallen storm. Everything is blanketed in a layer of white. So white you almost need sunglasses from its brilliance. As the afternoon's sun warms the tops of the trees - the evergreen boughs break through the thick white blanket. The dark green looking very lush against the white. The birch trees and other deciduous trees branches stretching out - attempting to hold onto the cold blanket that protects it from winter's biting winds. But the sun is stronger, and the snow slips from the branches fickle grasp.
That summer waterfall, in the winter ends up encases in thick but crystal clear ice. The sun glistens over the icicles as they hang precariously from the ledges edge. The warming afternoon sun, allowing the thick icicles to drip slightly - creating a cold pool of water during the day on the ground below. Over night, it forms into a small icy pond. One I'm sure some of those frisky winter rabbits skittle along playing in the winter's blanket of snow.
This section in the winter is also visited by local snowmobilers. It seems kind of strange to see snowmobiles whipping along the side of the highway - racing at you - as your heading home for the day. They dart in and out of the tree line, creating a path through the freshly fallen snow. But I know the next storm will cover up that path, and through it - it the early morning commute, I'll get to see tracks of the deer that gingerly cross the highway in search of winter's meals.
In the fall, the tree line is awash with the colors of the fall leaves. A painting in the making with white wispy clouds drifting across the still blue sky, three leaves painted in shades of orange, read and gold. Those few holdouts holding on and sticking it out a bit longer to have the green linger even as the days shorten and the air gets colder.
In the spring, as the winter melts away. The rivers rise and crest. Sometimes breaking out of their boundaries and flooding the low area between the northbound and southbound lanes. But as the weather warms, the earth absorbs the water. The dirt in the grass begins to fade away as the fresh grass starts to slowly push up. Soon the best smell in the world will slip through my windows during my commute. When the DOT workers ride along the sides of the road - mowing the grass. The first smell of freshly cut glass in the spring. The renewal of a new season.
Again - my commute is only 20 minutes on the worst day. But boy am I lucky to have the commute that I do. Here in Maine. Where seasons are varied and the views you can encounter - if you take the time to actually look - are truly amazing. I'm once again humbled to be living in such a beautiful state. I just love living in Maine - especially after a long day at work.
Here's hoping that your commute brings you as much joy every day. And even if you live in a concrete jungle - take the time to notice those little things. Sometimes our daily commute is the best time of our day!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
MCAT takes on the Cape
Rumors were going around that Team MudCup was getting ready to cross over the border again. Only this time we were the companions of our gracious hosts, Angel Treads. Since folks have heard that we were heading south - folks were all a twitter about what happens in the car when team MudCup was aboard... nothing much... it was a quiet trip and now we're safely home. Okay so I'm being a bit foolish... so let's get the low down from the local Cape flora and fauna about our recent visit.
Angel Treads pulled into my driveway after a bit of a weather delay - what was up with the snow and sleet the night before we were scheduled to depart? While NOT impressed - it did NOT deter us! It did slow us down just a bit, but after I climbed aboard - off we headed to get Teacup. Once we were all in the MCAT mobile - we pointed the hood southward (good thing, too - there was absolutely NO view out the back window!) and Treads drove us down the highway. Now many of our previous adventures have had us picking up ink pretty early. Not today though. We had a long drive ahead of us - so we had to come to an early agreement to not box until we hit the Cape (5 hours away!) Can we do it? Sure we can, we just might have to get some O2 along the way for Teacup.
So we headed south - stopping briefly to visit with a couple of bears, then it was MCAT settling little in for a long drive and tales told during the sunny drive southward. So we chatted our way over the border and a bridge, paid the tolls, and had Teacup cover her eyes as we passed through two different state borders. Now in case you hadn't know it before - Boston is NOT on Teacup's destination list. When we've heading into MA before - just seeing the signs for Boston have had Teacup hyperventilating. And today - we were driving through Boston! And not only through Boston - but through a tunnel. Now I had NO idea that Teacup had a HUGE tunnel phobia. So it was kind of a surprise to see her freaking out a bit. But to help her along - we held the roof up in the car until we reached the end. I don't know if it helped her at all - but it made us feel like we were helping her though it : )
Phew! We made it through to the other side. Now we tried to enjoy the view and started to look for faces in the paint. Did we see any - sure. At least once. Further south we drove. Soon we saw the bridge to take us onto the Cape. Up and over. Our first stop - because you know we were stopping for ink. Teacup had lasted long enough! We stopped in Sandwich and found a true hidden gem. We hit a hidden trail, stopped in a cemetery (of course!) found the home to many long ago Tussie Mussies and found Peter Rabbit hiding out at water's edge. We then stumbled a bit farther up the road and found a wonderful little Briar Patch. And to our excitement - they were having a jam tasting while we were there. But first - we needed some ink!
Where earlier - we only saw Peter Rabbit running towards the water with his back to us... it would seem he managed to hop across town faster than we could navigate - because here we found him once again. Not only him - but a whole bunch of his friends as well! The trail was wonderful - our only hindrance - those darn briars. And boy - in some spots we were in the thick of them! Prickly little devils they are! But we managed to track down all those Briar buddies and headed back to taste some sweet goodness.
Somehow, while we were out on the trail - a whole bunch of dinosaurs had made their way into the Briar. We found a number of them just sunning themselves on rock, tree roots and just plain trail side. Moments later - it all became clear. A gaggle of wee people followed one of the Conservation instructors out on the trail for a fossil walk! Feeling safe once again from dino destruction, we headed inside to taste some jams. And oh - YUMMY! They had a dozen to taste and probably five dozen to choose from, all made in their own Jelly Kitchen. You walked through it and the same gas burners and jam pots were all neatly displayed until the next jam season.
Our tummies satisfied with a quick sweet stop - we headed further out the Cape. We Scudder'd along a short little lane to find a wonderful beach view and found a lovely sentiment awaiting us. We then headed a bit further west looking for an old Jail trail... not sure if we were going to get 'cuffed' along the way by the locals - we trumbled along the path, searching where we 'thought' we needed to be but initially came up empty. So we went a little further thinking we were looking too soon... but nope - back to the first spot, Teacup and Treads started giving the flora a bit more attention. All of a sudden, 'Angel' told us she had found the box. Obviously we didn't need to look too hard with an angel along for the trip! But AJ was found once again - no need for the police with an assist!
We went a bit further and realized we needed to back track just a bit to find some Peace. We finally found some and looked at the time! Wow... it was getting late and we still needed to check into the hotel. So off we drove until we made it to our destination. The Cove in Orleans. We checked into our hotel, and decided to do something about our grumbling tummies. Just down the street from our hotel was a seafood restaurant - an easy pick for the first nights meal. When on the Cape - its best to try out the local flavor... after dinner we went a little bit farther to view a windmill. Who would have thought that there would be SO MANY windmills on the Cape? And the wind was picking up as the sun was setting. so we hurried up and made it back to the car befor we ended up blown into the water!
We took an evening drive around Orleans, being given a private tour of the area that Angel grew up in. We finally decided we needed to get some rest - as we had a long day planned for the next day. So bidding each other good night - we went off to search out showers and beds for the night. Teacup and I had our room across the parking lot... when we had checked in, we gave the beds a quick test and thought they would be wonderful. Most of team MCAT enjoyed a wonderful nights rest... mud unfortunately had a very restless and sleepless night. Maybe the excitement just kept me wound up ready for the next day.
But for now... its nightie night time and I'll toss and turn in the dark ; ) More in the morning!
Angel Treads pulled into my driveway after a bit of a weather delay - what was up with the snow and sleet the night before we were scheduled to depart? While NOT impressed - it did NOT deter us! It did slow us down just a bit, but after I climbed aboard - off we headed to get Teacup. Once we were all in the MCAT mobile - we pointed the hood southward (good thing, too - there was absolutely NO view out the back window!) and Treads drove us down the highway. Now many of our previous adventures have had us picking up ink pretty early. Not today though. We had a long drive ahead of us - so we had to come to an early agreement to not box until we hit the Cape (5 hours away!) Can we do it? Sure we can, we just might have to get some O2 along the way for Teacup.
So we headed south - stopping briefly to visit with a couple of bears, then it was MCAT settling little in for a long drive and tales told during the sunny drive southward. So we chatted our way over the border and a bridge, paid the tolls, and had Teacup cover her eyes as we passed through two different state borders. Now in case you hadn't know it before - Boston is NOT on Teacup's destination list. When we've heading into MA before - just seeing the signs for Boston have had Teacup hyperventilating. And today - we were driving through Boston! And not only through Boston - but through a tunnel. Now I had NO idea that Teacup had a HUGE tunnel phobia. So it was kind of a surprise to see her freaking out a bit. But to help her along - we held the roof up in the car until we reached the end. I don't know if it helped her at all - but it made us feel like we were helping her though it : )
Phew! We made it through to the other side. Now we tried to enjoy the view and started to look for faces in the paint. Did we see any - sure. At least once. Further south we drove. Soon we saw the bridge to take us onto the Cape. Up and over. Our first stop - because you know we were stopping for ink. Teacup had lasted long enough! We stopped in Sandwich and found a true hidden gem. We hit a hidden trail, stopped in a cemetery (of course!) found the home to many long ago Tussie Mussies and found Peter Rabbit hiding out at water's edge. We then stumbled a bit farther up the road and found a wonderful little Briar Patch. And to our excitement - they were having a jam tasting while we were there. But first - we needed some ink!
Where earlier - we only saw Peter Rabbit running towards the water with his back to us... it would seem he managed to hop across town faster than we could navigate - because here we found him once again. Not only him - but a whole bunch of his friends as well! The trail was wonderful - our only hindrance - those darn briars. And boy - in some spots we were in the thick of them! Prickly little devils they are! But we managed to track down all those Briar buddies and headed back to taste some sweet goodness.
Somehow, while we were out on the trail - a whole bunch of dinosaurs had made their way into the Briar. We found a number of them just sunning themselves on rock, tree roots and just plain trail side. Moments later - it all became clear. A gaggle of wee people followed one of the Conservation instructors out on the trail for a fossil walk! Feeling safe once again from dino destruction, we headed inside to taste some jams. And oh - YUMMY! They had a dozen to taste and probably five dozen to choose from, all made in their own Jelly Kitchen. You walked through it and the same gas burners and jam pots were all neatly displayed until the next jam season.
Our tummies satisfied with a quick sweet stop - we headed further out the Cape. We Scudder'd along a short little lane to find a wonderful beach view and found a lovely sentiment awaiting us. We then headed a bit further west looking for an old Jail trail... not sure if we were going to get 'cuffed' along the way by the locals - we trumbled along the path, searching where we 'thought' we needed to be but initially came up empty. So we went a little further thinking we were looking too soon... but nope - back to the first spot, Teacup and Treads started giving the flora a bit more attention. All of a sudden, 'Angel' told us she had found the box. Obviously we didn't need to look too hard with an angel along for the trip! But AJ was found once again - no need for the police with an assist!
We went a bit further and realized we needed to back track just a bit to find some Peace. We finally found some and looked at the time! Wow... it was getting late and we still needed to check into the hotel. So off we drove until we made it to our destination. The Cove in Orleans. We checked into our hotel, and decided to do something about our grumbling tummies. Just down the street from our hotel was a seafood restaurant - an easy pick for the first nights meal. When on the Cape - its best to try out the local flavor... after dinner we went a little bit farther to view a windmill. Who would have thought that there would be SO MANY windmills on the Cape? And the wind was picking up as the sun was setting. so we hurried up and made it back to the car befor we ended up blown into the water!
We took an evening drive around Orleans, being given a private tour of the area that Angel grew up in. We finally decided we needed to get some rest - as we had a long day planned for the next day. So bidding each other good night - we went off to search out showers and beds for the night. Teacup and I had our room across the parking lot... when we had checked in, we gave the beds a quick test and thought they would be wonderful. Most of team MCAT enjoyed a wonderful nights rest... mud unfortunately had a very restless and sleepless night. Maybe the excitement just kept me wound up ready for the next day.
But for now... its nightie night time and I'll toss and turn in the dark ; ) More in the morning!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Those difficult moments...
I have been guilty of letting a 'moment in time' slip through my hands on many occasions. One of those moments in my life has turned into one of my biggest regrets. But with that regret - it also taught me an important life lesson. We are given the opportunity to share of ourselves with others every day. Sometimes we are in the right place to do it, while at other times it is much harder to do. After I made the choice not to speak at a friends memorial service a few years ago... I have spent numerous silent moments reflecting on how poor of a choice it was. How selfish I was to thing that my pain was so much greater than taking the few moments to share what a wonderful friend Terri had been to me. But those reflections have also made me realize that when those moments in time surface now - I take the time to step up and speak.
And for me, speaking starts by writing it down. Tweaking it, changing it and finding just the right things to say to make how I feel come to life. And in doing that, making each experience with that person come alive once again in my audience's faces. A few years ago a co-worker was retiring. I had worked with him the whole time I worked at LL Bean. We had been through so many experiences together - that there was no way possible to even attempt to put all of them on paper. But I did attempt to remember the highlights of our time, and in my own way - let him know what a profound influence getting to know him over the years had on me. How much his leaving was going to change my life.
So today, once again I was working and reflecting on how this supervisor had impacted me and my department. So many small ways every day. And some even larger ones for me personally. I was saddened by the fact that she was leaving, but so grateful that she had passed through my life. Once again, I wrote how I felt. And later - I read this to my department and to Susan. We have a SMILE committee, they help put together fun events for our department, one of this one was a part of. I'm not a member of this group. In my attempt to be silly - I told someone that instead I'm the sole member of the CRY committee. As I read my speach, my voice faltered, tears were shed, tissues were passed through the group. By the end - not one person had dry eyes. Susan had indeed made such an impact on our department that what I spoke, everyone could relate to and felt in some way as well.
Susan was a rare supervisor indeed. She had a smile that lit up a room and compassion for all that transcended those before her and those to follow in her path. She made everyone feel important and needed. She made me feel like I was an important part of LL Bean, and after twenty years, I can feel like my importance is over-looked and under valued. Susan always let me know how important I was and was the first leader in my career that actually advocated so much in my behalf - that she changed the opinion of a manager. An opportunity has been given me because she made it happen for me.
Will I miss Susan, most definately. But I am hoping that just a morsel of what she imparted, the compassion that she shared with all of us, I can carry forward and remember her even after she is gone.
So I encourage everyone, do not let those moments pass. Take the time to let others know how you feel. You are profoundly important in the lives of others - make sure they know how. Make sure they know why. Take the time to make them understand how important they are in your life. You might cry, you might get embarassed. But you just might make both your lives that much brighter.
And for me, speaking starts by writing it down. Tweaking it, changing it and finding just the right things to say to make how I feel come to life. And in doing that, making each experience with that person come alive once again in my audience's faces. A few years ago a co-worker was retiring. I had worked with him the whole time I worked at LL Bean. We had been through so many experiences together - that there was no way possible to even attempt to put all of them on paper. But I did attempt to remember the highlights of our time, and in my own way - let him know what a profound influence getting to know him over the years had on me. How much his leaving was going to change my life.
So today, once again I was working and reflecting on how this supervisor had impacted me and my department. So many small ways every day. And some even larger ones for me personally. I was saddened by the fact that she was leaving, but so grateful that she had passed through my life. Once again, I wrote how I felt. And later - I read this to my department and to Susan. We have a SMILE committee, they help put together fun events for our department, one of this one was a part of. I'm not a member of this group. In my attempt to be silly - I told someone that instead I'm the sole member of the CRY committee. As I read my speach, my voice faltered, tears were shed, tissues were passed through the group. By the end - not one person had dry eyes. Susan had indeed made such an impact on our department that what I spoke, everyone could relate to and felt in some way as well.
Susan was a rare supervisor indeed. She had a smile that lit up a room and compassion for all that transcended those before her and those to follow in her path. She made everyone feel important and needed. She made me feel like I was an important part of LL Bean, and after twenty years, I can feel like my importance is over-looked and under valued. Susan always let me know how important I was and was the first leader in my career that actually advocated so much in my behalf - that she changed the opinion of a manager. An opportunity has been given me because she made it happen for me.
Will I miss Susan, most definately. But I am hoping that just a morsel of what she imparted, the compassion that she shared with all of us, I can carry forward and remember her even after she is gone.
So I encourage everyone, do not let those moments pass. Take the time to let others know how you feel. You are profoundly important in the lives of others - make sure they know how. Make sure they know why. Take the time to make them understand how important they are in your life. You might cry, you might get embarassed. But you just might make both your lives that much brighter.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Snow days...
It's been a long time since we've been socked in for a true Maine snow day... and here we sit today, watching the snow swirl and listen to the wind howl around us. I remember growing up and having to deal with these wicked storms - and frankly - I don't remember them being much fun back then. But today, while my husband plowed and played with the snow blower... I watched friends all over the East coast playing in the snow just like we were. So different than when we grew up - where frankly all you felt was totally isolated.
I wanted to get so many things accomplished today - but didn't managed to get anything accomplished. Maybe had I been a bit more isolated I might have accomplished more. But honestly - what I did accomplish - made me realize how lucky I am by not being isolated. I was posting photographs of items donated for a friends benefit raffle. Items donated by friends that are mostly 'virtual' friends - not people I have even met in person. Yet these 'virtual friends' make me fee so much more connected than some of the friends I have locally.
It makes me so humble knowing people in a similar circle can come together for a person - someone that some folks do not even know - to help make an other's pain less painful. Sharing hope, faith and love virtually can be so much more powerful than some could even imagine. I'm so amazed that I have friends so willing to jump in and help. With just a simple request - help has landed in my mailbox on a regular basis, and I am truly humbled.
So while I sit here and manage to not accomplish much... I can just reflect that while personal deeds did not get accomplished - love, hope and faith was shared by friends all over the country in bucket loads! It has truly been an amazing day!
I wanted to get so many things accomplished today - but didn't managed to get anything accomplished. Maybe had I been a bit more isolated I might have accomplished more. But honestly - what I did accomplish - made me realize how lucky I am by not being isolated. I was posting photographs of items donated for a friends benefit raffle. Items donated by friends that are mostly 'virtual' friends - not people I have even met in person. Yet these 'virtual friends' make me fee so much more connected than some of the friends I have locally.
It makes me so humble knowing people in a similar circle can come together for a person - someone that some folks do not even know - to help make an other's pain less painful. Sharing hope, faith and love virtually can be so much more powerful than some could even imagine. I'm so amazed that I have friends so willing to jump in and help. With just a simple request - help has landed in my mailbox on a regular basis, and I am truly humbled.
So while I sit here and manage to not accomplish much... I can just reflect that while personal deeds did not get accomplished - love, hope and faith was shared by friends all over the country in bucket loads! It has truly been an amazing day!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Calling all aliases...
One thing I forgot to mention in my Reflections post - was the influx of aliases - that seemed to be no-shows for the event...
We are still trying to figure out who cyfer is... they haven't planted in a while and supposedly went back to their own alien planet - yet they signed up for the event... hmm. I wonder if all the spaceship shuttles were busy or if their trip planner stopped working. Any who - I never managed to exchange with them.
Then there's Mr. Big Foot. Seems he LOVES the salt marsh near our camping sites. He was once again 'caught in his tracks' by a few females that threw their logbooks up in the air and ran for their tents... upon returning to get their logbooks - a green footprint was added. Now I will say - I never had a visual - but I must have left my logbook unattended long enough for him to reach for it - as the front of mine has that very same foot print. He was kind enough to bring some stamps representing his extended family... and they were just hanging around - hope folks picked up on those clues : )
Let's see... Shhhhhh also signed up. But I didn't see that she made a splash either. Really too bad, as I was hoping to swap recipes with the old gal. Doesn't she just look like your mother cooking in the kitchen when you were growing up? But if I couldn't swap recipes - I would have loved to done an exchange!
And Mizer Brothers - they too seemed to have been a no-show. Probably the weather drove them away since it was neither one hundred below or hot like to desert... my guess is Mother Nature was busy with them - breaking up those fights that created all that darn rain and thunder/lightning. It would have been better if Heat Mizer showed up - Snow Mizer would have REALLY put a damper on a camping party!
But even with all those aliases slipping in and out - I WAS able to meet and exchange with some trying fabulous folks from all over the country! I'm always humbled that so many folks travel from so far away to attend our little party in Brunswick. And even though we had a fair amount of unpredictable weather - we had a great time! Wonder who will show up at the next event?
We are still trying to figure out who cyfer is... they haven't planted in a while and supposedly went back to their own alien planet - yet they signed up for the event... hmm. I wonder if all the spaceship shuttles were busy or if their trip planner stopped working. Any who - I never managed to exchange with them.
Then there's Mr. Big Foot. Seems he LOVES the salt marsh near our camping sites. He was once again 'caught in his tracks' by a few females that threw their logbooks up in the air and ran for their tents... upon returning to get their logbooks - a green footprint was added. Now I will say - I never had a visual - but I must have left my logbook unattended long enough for him to reach for it - as the front of mine has that very same foot print. He was kind enough to bring some stamps representing his extended family... and they were just hanging around - hope folks picked up on those clues : )
Let's see... Shhhhhh also signed up. But I didn't see that she made a splash either. Really too bad, as I was hoping to swap recipes with the old gal. Doesn't she just look like your mother cooking in the kitchen when you were growing up? But if I couldn't swap recipes - I would have loved to done an exchange!
And Mizer Brothers - they too seemed to have been a no-show. Probably the weather drove them away since it was neither one hundred below or hot like to desert... my guess is Mother Nature was busy with them - breaking up those fights that created all that darn rain and thunder/lightning. It would have been better if Heat Mizer showed up - Snow Mizer would have REALLY put a damper on a camping party!
But even with all those aliases slipping in and out - I WAS able to meet and exchange with some trying fabulous folks from all over the country! I'm always humbled that so many folks travel from so far away to attend our little party in Brunswick. And even though we had a fair amount of unpredictable weather - we had a great time! Wonder who will show up at the next event?
Monday, August 13, 2012
Reflections of MMCBBE12
So the event is over. Time to reflect on an event a year in the making... and it takes a whole year and some fabulous folks to pull of a BIG event. I could never do any of this on my own. As in years past - as soon as folks were packing up their gear last year - they were asking about this years event. It was listed - but we needed to start planning. After a few weeks of mental rest - we gathered and started to brain storm.
We started throwing ideas about activities, stamp themes, raffle items and other things around. Lists were created. And the delegation began! Having wonderful friends helping you - makes all the difference in the world... well that and letting them do what you ask them to without pestering them to death.
First on the list - we needed an event stamp. We enlisted Adventure Crafter and Aiphid with this task. I'll admit - when I first saw it - I didn't get it. But we warmed up to the image (after they explained it to us - lol) and started working with it.
Needed to get stamps for series - requested were sent out... A LTC tracker was created around the idea for campsite boxes... "Something You Don't Know About Me Is." Being part of the event - I felt like I probably should play along and join in... at least there were on 30. But we finally got them made.
We met again - and passed around more ideas. Messages were sent on regular basis through the committee board on AQ. Once you get creative minds going - oh my things start happening. Details were beginning to filter together. Stamps started to arrive from fabulous carvers. And after the weather (snow and mud) improved - planting started in force. Clues were sent off to Aiphid to start building the clue book. And since he has nothing but time on his hands - he started to build a bigger and better letter boxer cypher torture device! He showed us photos of the building process... you cannot believe the work he put into that box! Absolutely amazing!
My Dad carved buoys for the Buoy to You series... Christopher and I stood out in the snowy cold weather to base coat them all in white so that Teacup and I could have a painting party. Bright colored buoys blossomed on a Sunday afternoon... while it wasn't ink - we didn't walk away any cleaner than if we were boxing! Then we carved images for them and Teacup started to glue them together...
We were started to get everything in order. Final details were being pulled together. Listed for different activities were being tossed back and forth. We managed to get Mainekokopellian to help us with the Compass Reading class... and then started to hear from others that wanted to help. MedicGirl offered to help with Bind-It-All and littlmoon offered to get tye-dyed with the kids! These three were a great help and allowed committee members a bit of breathing room to do other things.
So a week before the event I started to watch the event weather forecast... ugh. It looked like lots of rain was heading our way. I shouldn't complain since this was the 5th year in a row for the event - and so far the only one with any measurable rain in the forecast. So I started to send out messages to make sure folks were prepared. Somewhere along the line I realized there was another small event happening during the event... it seems the Summer Olympics were taking place. So I whipped up a small event box so folks wouldn't feel like they were missing too much of the games.
Minor details were being put into place... maps being made for the Progressive Dinner, clue books printed, last minute stamps carved, quick trips to TPB to find out they had built a new Fairy Village (which meant a little more carving needed to be done.) Supplies were gathered, folks started to pack for the weekend and time was getting closer.
Knowing that the best weather for the weekend would be Wednesday and Thursday - as early arrivals made their way to the campground - Teacup and I headed over to TPB and started to pass out clue packets. We had spent lots of time and energy getting series off site put together and we WANTED people to get inky! Even better if they could do it without getting soaked.
Thursday arrived and I headed over to start to set up... The wonderful Wildcats had set up my tent in the morning before I arrived, but we were heading off to Event Central to set that up. We ended up with a glitch since muggles in a motor coach were still there and they were no where to be found. They finally made it back to camp around 3ish and moved their motor coach so we could set up. More folks checked in and we passed out clues. Teacup and I were bounded and determined to pass out clues to everyone - so many aliases signed up for the event and we wanted to try and crack who a couple of them were. As we were passing packets out we were greeted by Grumpy Grinch! Grumpy? Nah, just a wonderful teddy bear - hugs were exchanged and we chatted a bit. Then in rolled Celtic Roots and the whole scene was repeated!
So Thursday had folks arriving and settling in. Getting early ink. Traveling about to get in some sights and just visiting with friends. Unfortunately - it also brought in the first of the rain. Seems a small front was pushing in from the south... while the weather held off during the day, the over night was a bit wild. But the natives couldn't be tamed by a bit of unsettled weather. Angel Tread's Doug was celebrating a personal miles stone. So a small party was happening over at their campsite. Chocolate Cream Pie seems to go well with white wine. After the pie was gone - Jiffy and Nancy of Angel Treads were still giggling like school girls. I had my kids with me - so I had to try and get them settled down for some sleep. It was a rough night...
In the middle of the night Veronica wanted water (she was fighting an ear infection but insisted on camping.) and Christopher woke up crying saying he wanted to go home. Ashley - still mostly asleep offered to make him a sandwich and then immediately rolled over and back to sleep. Morning eventually arrived - but sleep had mostly eluded me. At 2:30 I watched the lightning dance across the salt marsh near our campsite. It poured for about 30 minutes and then I ventured off to the bath house in the drizzle trying to get sleepy...
Friday and more folks arrived and set up camp. More clues were passed out. Exchanges were made. Event boxes were stamped up. Raffle tickets were being sold and the weather had decided to agree with us for a bit. The Progressive Dinner was that evening - so folks started to head off to their campsites so they could get things going. When the dinner bell did ring, families with plates started to meander from site to site to taste friends offerings. We had a wide arrange of appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts for the offerings.
After the Progressive Dinner - folks started filtering towards Event Central for their slots in Night boxing. The early slots stayed relatively dry. Unfortunately - the weather quickly progressed to rain. So even though they were stamping up colorful images - they were getting wet and inky. With the rain once again taking hold of the campground - folks settled down pretty early. There were a few hold outs. Some diehards hovered around camp fires or continued to meander from site to site to get those boxes in the shadows of the night. And at some point, Mr. Big Foot managed to linger out of the marsh to make his presence known! I fell asleep to the sound of 'click, click' as our site boxes were being stamped in by yet another night owl boxer!
Saturday arrived. Not too many clues to pass out, so check in was kind of quiet. But event Central was still buzzing. Because of the rain - things started off a little slower than usual... but me being mud, thought I needed to get things rolling with a lovely face plant in the dirt! After brushing away the bulk of the dirt... the Wildcats decided I had opted for an 'organic' approach to a name tag... my shirt stayed muddy all day where a name tag would have been! Other than a few bruises - the biggest problem was my spilled Dunkin coffee : ( that Teacup had brought me.
So Teacup and I went off and planted a couple of temporary boxes... fairies down in Fairy Village, a fluttering butterfly that flew in from Oklahoma and something beach side. After planting - I headed off for another cup of coffee while Teacup went to Event Central to look for more aliases. We had a busy day planned and folks were busy getting inky. Out on the trails, at camp sites, collecting buoys and stamping up event boxes.
At eleven we were so excited that littlmoon was willing to help the kids tye-dye their shirts. Parents stayed around and helped tighten rubber bands, while Mainekokopellian was off helping some adults learn how to find out Which Way Truely Is North? A Bind-It-All demonstration was managed by MedicGirl and Aiphid was off helping folks figure out ciphers. His class was so popular that it ran two hours!
Dave of the Wildcats was desperately trying to scare up a game of softball. But it seems he couldn't get some hearty souls to swing a bat! Even with Wildcat Alice trying to call folks in to play with the bull horn! I think the humidity that had socked in at that point - had folks settling down to get inky at campsites! While Dave couldn't get anyone to run the bases - he did get a few hearty souls to swing the bat!
A few boxers popped over to play a round of BINGO with Angel Treads and Teacup. The first round went to Sandcastle! After a quick check of the numbers - we rolled into game two. The second winner was one of the Sprites... he was so darned cute covered in more ink than his BINGO card. One of the Spooky Group also won (well sort of. We skipped a game because we were running behind - and I saw his BINGO and awarded him on the sly!)
The next winner was Lego Boy - he actually was the first one to get the picture frame AND a coverall... but we played a bit longer. The coverall had a three way tie in kimmywtvl, terrapin and dash the stick man. We all stamped up daubers and headed off to the grandstand.
Trying to get everyone in the photo - someone in the group ran off to the family reunion being held nearby and grabbed a couple of souls willing to snap some photos. Nothing like 100 boxers yelling out which way north was! I'm sure our photographers were more than a little confused when we all pointed skyward!
Then we all ambled back to event central for the raffles. Because of lots of great donations and things assembled by committee members - we had lots of items to pick from. Larger items folks could only win once - and smaller items folks could win multiple times. We had a couple frequent winners - but mostly many folks were able to win something as momentoes of the weekend. And the money raised helped to offset the site costs and event supplies! So we REALLY appreciated all that participated int he raffles!
A few hours of quiet to get dinner and then our final night boxing event. Aiphid and Adventure Crafter were the night boxing geniuses this year. Folks signed up in advance in 15 minute blocks and everything went sooo smoothly! Only a few people milled around - and while they did, they stamped up event boxes in the area. We lasted a little bit longer before the rain came. But another successful evening of getting colorful images wrapped up.
Folks continued to stroll around getting boxes late into the night. Even in the drizzle, camp fires were set up, folks hung out and chatted. People seemed to have a nice quiet evening. While the rain did temper some of the noise - the quiet camaraderie that was shared around campsites was more special than in years past.
Sunday had folks breaking camp. We could hear thunder starting to roll in the distance. Cars were quickly being packed up - and all but a few souls managed to get everything tucked away before the deluge came. Teacup and I were breaking camp at Event Central when the rain started... we got soaked! But everything mostly stayed dry!
Another successful - if a bit wet - event has drawn to a close. And while we are taking a year off - we are hoping folks support Live and Breathe in our absence - you can bet that in 2014 things will once again get crazy at Thomas Point Beach! In the meantime - watch out for those aliases that seem to pop up everywhere! Keep your ladies close by as Mr. Big Foot seems to be a Ladies Man and here's hoping you all have happy dry inky trails until we gather again!
We started throwing ideas about activities, stamp themes, raffle items and other things around. Lists were created. And the delegation began! Having wonderful friends helping you - makes all the difference in the world... well that and letting them do what you ask them to without pestering them to death.
First on the list - we needed an event stamp. We enlisted Adventure Crafter and Aiphid with this task. I'll admit - when I first saw it - I didn't get it. But we warmed up to the image (after they explained it to us - lol) and started working with it.
Needed to get stamps for series - requested were sent out... A LTC tracker was created around the idea for campsite boxes... "Something You Don't Know About Me Is." Being part of the event - I felt like I probably should play along and join in... at least there were on 30. But we finally got them made.
We met again - and passed around more ideas. Messages were sent on regular basis through the committee board on AQ. Once you get creative minds going - oh my things start happening. Details were beginning to filter together. Stamps started to arrive from fabulous carvers. And after the weather (snow and mud) improved - planting started in force. Clues were sent off to Aiphid to start building the clue book. And since he has nothing but time on his hands - he started to build a bigger and better letter boxer cypher torture device! He showed us photos of the building process... you cannot believe the work he put into that box! Absolutely amazing!
My Dad carved buoys for the Buoy to You series... Christopher and I stood out in the snowy cold weather to base coat them all in white so that Teacup and I could have a painting party. Bright colored buoys blossomed on a Sunday afternoon... while it wasn't ink - we didn't walk away any cleaner than if we were boxing! Then we carved images for them and Teacup started to glue them together...
We were started to get everything in order. Final details were being pulled together. Listed for different activities were being tossed back and forth. We managed to get Mainekokopellian to help us with the Compass Reading class... and then started to hear from others that wanted to help. MedicGirl offered to help with Bind-It-All and littlmoon offered to get tye-dyed with the kids! These three were a great help and allowed committee members a bit of breathing room to do other things.
So a week before the event I started to watch the event weather forecast... ugh. It looked like lots of rain was heading our way. I shouldn't complain since this was the 5th year in a row for the event - and so far the only one with any measurable rain in the forecast. So I started to send out messages to make sure folks were prepared. Somewhere along the line I realized there was another small event happening during the event... it seems the Summer Olympics were taking place. So I whipped up a small event box so folks wouldn't feel like they were missing too much of the games.
Minor details were being put into place... maps being made for the Progressive Dinner, clue books printed, last minute stamps carved, quick trips to TPB to find out they had built a new Fairy Village (which meant a little more carving needed to be done.) Supplies were gathered, folks started to pack for the weekend and time was getting closer.
Knowing that the best weather for the weekend would be Wednesday and Thursday - as early arrivals made their way to the campground - Teacup and I headed over to TPB and started to pass out clue packets. We had spent lots of time and energy getting series off site put together and we WANTED people to get inky! Even better if they could do it without getting soaked.
Thursday arrived and I headed over to start to set up... The wonderful Wildcats had set up my tent in the morning before I arrived, but we were heading off to Event Central to set that up. We ended up with a glitch since muggles in a motor coach were still there and they were no where to be found. They finally made it back to camp around 3ish and moved their motor coach so we could set up. More folks checked in and we passed out clues. Teacup and I were bounded and determined to pass out clues to everyone - so many aliases signed up for the event and we wanted to try and crack who a couple of them were. As we were passing packets out we were greeted by Grumpy Grinch! Grumpy? Nah, just a wonderful teddy bear - hugs were exchanged and we chatted a bit. Then in rolled Celtic Roots and the whole scene was repeated!
So Thursday had folks arriving and settling in. Getting early ink. Traveling about to get in some sights and just visiting with friends. Unfortunately - it also brought in the first of the rain. Seems a small front was pushing in from the south... while the weather held off during the day, the over night was a bit wild. But the natives couldn't be tamed by a bit of unsettled weather. Angel Tread's Doug was celebrating a personal miles stone. So a small party was happening over at their campsite. Chocolate Cream Pie seems to go well with white wine. After the pie was gone - Jiffy and Nancy of Angel Treads were still giggling like school girls. I had my kids with me - so I had to try and get them settled down for some sleep. It was a rough night...
In the middle of the night Veronica wanted water (she was fighting an ear infection but insisted on camping.) and Christopher woke up crying saying he wanted to go home. Ashley - still mostly asleep offered to make him a sandwich and then immediately rolled over and back to sleep. Morning eventually arrived - but sleep had mostly eluded me. At 2:30 I watched the lightning dance across the salt marsh near our campsite. It poured for about 30 minutes and then I ventured off to the bath house in the drizzle trying to get sleepy...
Friday and more folks arrived and set up camp. More clues were passed out. Exchanges were made. Event boxes were stamped up. Raffle tickets were being sold and the weather had decided to agree with us for a bit. The Progressive Dinner was that evening - so folks started to head off to their campsites so they could get things going. When the dinner bell did ring, families with plates started to meander from site to site to taste friends offerings. We had a wide arrange of appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts for the offerings.
After the Progressive Dinner - folks started filtering towards Event Central for their slots in Night boxing. The early slots stayed relatively dry. Unfortunately - the weather quickly progressed to rain. So even though they were stamping up colorful images - they were getting wet and inky. With the rain once again taking hold of the campground - folks settled down pretty early. There were a few hold outs. Some diehards hovered around camp fires or continued to meander from site to site to get those boxes in the shadows of the night. And at some point, Mr. Big Foot managed to linger out of the marsh to make his presence known! I fell asleep to the sound of 'click, click' as our site boxes were being stamped in by yet another night owl boxer!
Saturday arrived. Not too many clues to pass out, so check in was kind of quiet. But event Central was still buzzing. Because of the rain - things started off a little slower than usual... but me being mud, thought I needed to get things rolling with a lovely face plant in the dirt! After brushing away the bulk of the dirt... the Wildcats decided I had opted for an 'organic' approach to a name tag... my shirt stayed muddy all day where a name tag would have been! Other than a few bruises - the biggest problem was my spilled Dunkin coffee : ( that Teacup had brought me.
So Teacup and I went off and planted a couple of temporary boxes... fairies down in Fairy Village, a fluttering butterfly that flew in from Oklahoma and something beach side. After planting - I headed off for another cup of coffee while Teacup went to Event Central to look for more aliases. We had a busy day planned and folks were busy getting inky. Out on the trails, at camp sites, collecting buoys and stamping up event boxes.
At eleven we were so excited that littlmoon was willing to help the kids tye-dye their shirts. Parents stayed around and helped tighten rubber bands, while Mainekokopellian was off helping some adults learn how to find out Which Way Truely Is North? A Bind-It-All demonstration was managed by MedicGirl and Aiphid was off helping folks figure out ciphers. His class was so popular that it ran two hours!
Dave of the Wildcats was desperately trying to scare up a game of softball. But it seems he couldn't get some hearty souls to swing a bat! Even with Wildcat Alice trying to call folks in to play with the bull horn! I think the humidity that had socked in at that point - had folks settling down to get inky at campsites! While Dave couldn't get anyone to run the bases - he did get a few hearty souls to swing the bat!
A few boxers popped over to play a round of BINGO with Angel Treads and Teacup. The first round went to Sandcastle! After a quick check of the numbers - we rolled into game two. The second winner was one of the Sprites... he was so darned cute covered in more ink than his BINGO card. One of the Spooky Group also won (well sort of. We skipped a game because we were running behind - and I saw his BINGO and awarded him on the sly!)
The next winner was Lego Boy - he actually was the first one to get the picture frame AND a coverall... but we played a bit longer. The coverall had a three way tie in kimmywtvl, terrapin and dash the stick man. We all stamped up daubers and headed off to the grandstand.
Trying to get everyone in the photo - someone in the group ran off to the family reunion being held nearby and grabbed a couple of souls willing to snap some photos. Nothing like 100 boxers yelling out which way north was! I'm sure our photographers were more than a little confused when we all pointed skyward!
Then we all ambled back to event central for the raffles. Because of lots of great donations and things assembled by committee members - we had lots of items to pick from. Larger items folks could only win once - and smaller items folks could win multiple times. We had a couple frequent winners - but mostly many folks were able to win something as momentoes of the weekend. And the money raised helped to offset the site costs and event supplies! So we REALLY appreciated all that participated int he raffles!
A few hours of quiet to get dinner and then our final night boxing event. Aiphid and Adventure Crafter were the night boxing geniuses this year. Folks signed up in advance in 15 minute blocks and everything went sooo smoothly! Only a few people milled around - and while they did, they stamped up event boxes in the area. We lasted a little bit longer before the rain came. But another successful evening of getting colorful images wrapped up.
Folks continued to stroll around getting boxes late into the night. Even in the drizzle, camp fires were set up, folks hung out and chatted. People seemed to have a nice quiet evening. While the rain did temper some of the noise - the quiet camaraderie that was shared around campsites was more special than in years past.
Sunday had folks breaking camp. We could hear thunder starting to roll in the distance. Cars were quickly being packed up - and all but a few souls managed to get everything tucked away before the deluge came. Teacup and I were breaking camp at Event Central when the rain started... we got soaked! But everything mostly stayed dry!
Another successful - if a bit wet - event has drawn to a close. And while we are taking a year off - we are hoping folks support Live and Breathe in our absence - you can bet that in 2014 things will once again get crazy at Thomas Point Beach! In the meantime - watch out for those aliases that seem to pop up everywhere! Keep your ladies close by as Mr. Big Foot seems to be a Ladies Man and here's hoping you all have happy dry inky trails until we gather again!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
My 45th Meltdown Bash
So - about a year ago I started plotting and planning to have a birthday party for myself - with friends, folks I wanted to be with on my birthday : ) I commandeered my sister's house, invited a few friends, and planned some stamps, a menu of foods I like and then waited for a year to pass. I carved a series and a few single stamps - but asked some friends from afar to send a stamp so they could attend my party in spirit if not in person.
I planted my series - a Ying and Yang series cause when you're turning 45 its all about balance - past and present, etc. - don't worry - that's as deep as I'll get in this blog : ) Ashley and I went out and planted the boxes... then I asked Amber to proof the directions since Ashley and my clues tend to be just slightly - off on occasion. Amber did - managed to find 3 out of 9 boxes but picked up 15 ticks for her troubles. So later in the week - Amber and I set off to find the rest of the boxes. Oops - missed a key direction to turn around and continue on the road you were on before... my bad.
We ended up calling Ashley 4 times for more help since I couldn't locate the boxes and I was with her when we planted them! But eventually - we found them all - tweeked a few words here and there, added a few sticks for clarity... you know - made the clues make sense! Any who... so those we fixed nice and neat. Had Amber check on a couple more - they seemed okay. So now to list them and start pulling together a menu...
What to have? Hmmm... some of my favorites of course. Old stand-bys like cheese and crackers, fruit and veggie trays to munch on and a variety of dips, chips, pretzels, and tortillas. I'd recently found a new Asian noodle salad that I made, plus a Spinach salad with strawberries, manadarin oranges and candied walnuts. Made chicken kabobs to be grilled and of course punch and cake! We were supposed to have shots to toast... but the weather turned out non-shot worthy, so only a couple folks did shots (my step-mother being one of them!)
I was supposed to plant a bonus series - but spent the week before my party pretty much sick or running ragged to other events. In case you didn't know it, my husband Ron and I share a birthday on June 1st. He's a few years older than me - but since we've been together - we've had a silly little tradition. We go to the movies because we can get in for free. Then we splurge on a decent dinner since the 2nd is our anniversary so its kind of like celebrating both on the same day. So the first rolled around and while I waited for Ron to get off work - I went with my son's second grade class to Scarborough Marsh.
The weather was picture perfect! There was just a slight breeze - just enough to keep the marshy bugs at bay. We learned about the marsh habitat and about the birds and other animals that live there. I will say - its been MANY years since I've ridden in a bus... I forgot how well excited kid's voices in a bus amplifies! But I survived the trip and then headed off to wait for Ron to get home. We saw Men in Black - a fun movie with less slime than in previous movies. After that - off to visit Ashley at her new job serving up soft serve to Lewiston's finest (YIKES!) Over the river to WalMArt in Auburn for fondant for my cake... another YIKES! Walmart on the first of the month... a Friday to boot. What WAS I thinking???
Off to dinner for some wonderful seafood... and en route driving there - my brakes decided to give out. Ron kept telling me I could speed up a little bit - but after I finally told him that my brakes were barely holding out - he agreed the EXTRA distance I was leaving was probably a smart thing to do. Home again (with Ron driving home from the restaurant) I was ready for bed. I had a whole list of things I needed to get done Saturday morning - starting with a 7am trip to the grocery store.
Saturday I managed to over sleep - so I ran off to the grocery store and flew through the aisles, gathering the food I needed. Upon arriving home - I pulled out the ingredients I needed for prep at my house and sent Christopher off to wake up Ashley. After putting all the various supplies back in my car - off I headed to Colleen's house. After driving across her lawn to unload - I sent my niece Emily off to plant a couple boxes outside.
Veronica and Ashley showed up - and with Emily's help - they set up the decorations. We planted a few boxes inside, made punch and then waited. I continued to prep food for salads and the fruit trays, while behind me Ashley managed to cut her finger to the bones with a bread knife. Colleen, a paramedic and a nurse steri-stripped her up and we shooed her from kitchen duty. But this put Colleen on KP duty. We finished putting out most of the food as Amber and a couple others started to arrive.
And as they arrived, so did the rain. Not just a little bit of rain... not a pesky drizzle that most can box through. Nope - we had a full fledged rain event. Thankfully - Colleen's house is large and we were able to hang out and party. Amber handed me that gift she gathered before she had to rush off as her husband was ill. I asked her if it was going to make me cry, and she said no. I lasted through 2 sentences before I started crying. Its such a heartfelt feeling to know you have friends both near and far. My gift was amazing. 46 stamps carved and gathered by Amber. Planted and clues assembled in a Gargoyle Girl logbook for me to head out and seek. 46 individual images from folks I've met in person and shared many good times with and from folks I've met and shared nothing more than internet exchanges, postals, LTCs and numerous e-mails with. All I had to do was go out and find them!
I managed to get through the rest of it and some folks went out and found some of the boxes in between the rain drops. We ate food, drank lots of punch and just sat around and had a wonderful chance to catch up. Other friends arrived a little later and we continued to catch-up some more. We talked about how we started in boxing, what some of our favorite finds were and when we first exchanged. It was fun to spend a relaxing day with such great friends, both in person and in spirit.
So today - Amber took me out to find a few of my gifts. We hiked Hedgehog Mountain and mud was certainly flingin! We hiked and stopped and got inky. I felt like a mud princess as Amber fetched muddy boxes, tapped the excessive mud off the outside and handed me the individual presents to stemp up! What a fun day. What a great start to filling those pages with incredible art sent to me by incredible friends. Of the 46 on the list - we plucked 17 off the list today. The others will have to wait for another day and another adventure.
I can't even begin to express my gratitude and my profound appreciation for the generosity of so many - it just proves once more what a wonderful community letterboxing and what great people letterboxers are. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this community every day.
Ironically - 11 years ago - the Friday and Saturday of our birthday and wedding had the exact same weather. I beautiful picture perfect Friday and nothing but pouring rain for our wedding. It just proves that great things come from many rain drops!
I planted my series - a Ying and Yang series cause when you're turning 45 its all about balance - past and present, etc. - don't worry - that's as deep as I'll get in this blog : ) Ashley and I went out and planted the boxes... then I asked Amber to proof the directions since Ashley and my clues tend to be just slightly - off on occasion. Amber did - managed to find 3 out of 9 boxes but picked up 15 ticks for her troubles. So later in the week - Amber and I set off to find the rest of the boxes. Oops - missed a key direction to turn around and continue on the road you were on before... my bad.
We ended up calling Ashley 4 times for more help since I couldn't locate the boxes and I was with her when we planted them! But eventually - we found them all - tweeked a few words here and there, added a few sticks for clarity... you know - made the clues make sense! Any who... so those we fixed nice and neat. Had Amber check on a couple more - they seemed okay. So now to list them and start pulling together a menu...
What to have? Hmmm... some of my favorites of course. Old stand-bys like cheese and crackers, fruit and veggie trays to munch on and a variety of dips, chips, pretzels, and tortillas. I'd recently found a new Asian noodle salad that I made, plus a Spinach salad with strawberries, manadarin oranges and candied walnuts. Made chicken kabobs to be grilled and of course punch and cake! We were supposed to have shots to toast... but the weather turned out non-shot worthy, so only a couple folks did shots (my step-mother being one of them!)
I was supposed to plant a bonus series - but spent the week before my party pretty much sick or running ragged to other events. In case you didn't know it, my husband Ron and I share a birthday on June 1st. He's a few years older than me - but since we've been together - we've had a silly little tradition. We go to the movies because we can get in for free. Then we splurge on a decent dinner since the 2nd is our anniversary so its kind of like celebrating both on the same day. So the first rolled around and while I waited for Ron to get off work - I went with my son's second grade class to Scarborough Marsh.
The weather was picture perfect! There was just a slight breeze - just enough to keep the marshy bugs at bay. We learned about the marsh habitat and about the birds and other animals that live there. I will say - its been MANY years since I've ridden in a bus... I forgot how well excited kid's voices in a bus amplifies! But I survived the trip and then headed off to wait for Ron to get home. We saw Men in Black - a fun movie with less slime than in previous movies. After that - off to visit Ashley at her new job serving up soft serve to Lewiston's finest (YIKES!) Over the river to WalMArt in Auburn for fondant for my cake... another YIKES! Walmart on the first of the month... a Friday to boot. What WAS I thinking???
Off to dinner for some wonderful seafood... and en route driving there - my brakes decided to give out. Ron kept telling me I could speed up a little bit - but after I finally told him that my brakes were barely holding out - he agreed the EXTRA distance I was leaving was probably a smart thing to do. Home again (with Ron driving home from the restaurant) I was ready for bed. I had a whole list of things I needed to get done Saturday morning - starting with a 7am trip to the grocery store.
Saturday I managed to over sleep - so I ran off to the grocery store and flew through the aisles, gathering the food I needed. Upon arriving home - I pulled out the ingredients I needed for prep at my house and sent Christopher off to wake up Ashley. After putting all the various supplies back in my car - off I headed to Colleen's house. After driving across her lawn to unload - I sent my niece Emily off to plant a couple boxes outside.
Veronica and Ashley showed up - and with Emily's help - they set up the decorations. We planted a few boxes inside, made punch and then waited. I continued to prep food for salads and the fruit trays, while behind me Ashley managed to cut her finger to the bones with a bread knife. Colleen, a paramedic and a nurse steri-stripped her up and we shooed her from kitchen duty. But this put Colleen on KP duty. We finished putting out most of the food as Amber and a couple others started to arrive.
And as they arrived, so did the rain. Not just a little bit of rain... not a pesky drizzle that most can box through. Nope - we had a full fledged rain event. Thankfully - Colleen's house is large and we were able to hang out and party. Amber handed me that gift she gathered before she had to rush off as her husband was ill. I asked her if it was going to make me cry, and she said no. I lasted through 2 sentences before I started crying. Its such a heartfelt feeling to know you have friends both near and far. My gift was amazing. 46 stamps carved and gathered by Amber. Planted and clues assembled in a Gargoyle Girl logbook for me to head out and seek. 46 individual images from folks I've met in person and shared many good times with and from folks I've met and shared nothing more than internet exchanges, postals, LTCs and numerous e-mails with. All I had to do was go out and find them!
I managed to get through the rest of it and some folks went out and found some of the boxes in between the rain drops. We ate food, drank lots of punch and just sat around and had a wonderful chance to catch up. Other friends arrived a little later and we continued to catch-up some more. We talked about how we started in boxing, what some of our favorite finds were and when we first exchanged. It was fun to spend a relaxing day with such great friends, both in person and in spirit.
So today - Amber took me out to find a few of my gifts. We hiked Hedgehog Mountain and mud was certainly flingin! We hiked and stopped and got inky. I felt like a mud princess as Amber fetched muddy boxes, tapped the excessive mud off the outside and handed me the individual presents to stemp up! What a fun day. What a great start to filling those pages with incredible art sent to me by incredible friends. Of the 46 on the list - we plucked 17 off the list today. The others will have to wait for another day and another adventure.
I can't even begin to express my gratitude and my profound appreciation for the generosity of so many - it just proves once more what a wonderful community letterboxing and what great people letterboxers are. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this community every day.
Ironically - 11 years ago - the Friday and Saturday of our birthday and wedding had the exact same weather. I beautiful picture perfect Friday and nothing but pouring rain for our wedding. It just proves that great things come from many rain drops!
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