So I ended the year on a low point... but as I entered 2015 I started to reflect. I don't need to continue down the low I seemed to be on... I could change my path and make a concerted effort in trying to get into a more positive place. So upon making that decision, I've started to concentrate on more positive things. And let me tell you - honey there are still days I struggle... but then in my mind I start giving myself a stern talking to... and for the most part, it has worked.
I started by thinking how I could control my holiday season better. as many of you know - I work at Beans and from Thanksgiving to Christmas it's all hands on deck... over time... getting those items out to our customers (who ultimately pay my salary.) But I can make sure all of those things that make me feel pulled in every direction are minimized. And don't start groaning - because I don't do this to make folks crazy - but two of the things on my list to have completed early are: my Christmas cards and the majority of my Christmas shopping. I used to do this and Christmas seemed less stressful. I'm not even sure when I stopped doing it - but I'm heading back to that game plan. Cards will be completed by Halloween - postage attached as soon as the Christmas stamps are available - mid November usually and dropped in the mail by December 9th. And like that - one thing done.
The shopping is a bit harder - but there are some stand-bys that I purchase every year for stockings or what not. Those I can purchase well in advance and have them wrapped, labeled and ready to go. Other things might have to wait a bit longer - but my goal is to have the majority of my major shopping completed by Thanksgiving... don't need to wait until Black Friday as I never participate. Even if I put things on layaway (in my mind the perfect hiding spot!) - I'll at least have a sense of what major items I have 'purchased... then when the OT starts happening - I can just finish paying things off and not feel pressured to head out to the mall shopping.
I've always kept a year round list of items to get for folks... people wonder how I usually end up getting 'exactly what they've wanted.' It's because during the year - as folks chat - I listen and write things down : ) I does make shopping much easier. Another thing I'm trying to do it make items for folks - I have some items in mind already... my problem is finding the time to actually do the projects... and since I have a limited craft space (the dining room table plus a couple 'satellite tables' as Ron calls them.) I can't really start something and leave it out for long periods of time... so I'd need a few days off together to get things going... but usually what ends up happening is I don't have the supplies or I end up carving and doing laundry. My perpetual hobbies as of late! LOL.
But I do have goals to change that this year... I also plan on trying to support more local craft people by purchasing what I can at some of our craft years that happen year round... One of the big ones in the area always happened on the weekend of my camping event. With us just having a one day event this year - I'm hoping to get back to that craft fair once again... buy it, wrap it, label it, and tuck it away in the closet... more stress done and gone.
I've also decided to make sure I start doing those things with my family that make me happy - and create those little moments that carry you through to the next day or week. This will be the third year visiting the Shriners Feztival of Trees with my sister, her family and mine. It's a relaxing evening - and yeah we spend money buying those tickets - but it supports a good cause. And even though we have no hope of winning a tree - even Christopher realizes it - we can start to think of how we would share ALL OF THOSE LEGOS!!!
Another thing I want to get back to doing is spending a day shopping with Ashley. With only one day off each week in December - we need to do this earlier. Maybe even mid-week. And now that she's out of school - it just might work. She always lights up my life! She makes me laugh so hard I usually end up crying. We can act foolish together and even better - she's old enough that we can share cocktails together. Not that we drink buckets (okay - we DO drink buckets) but having a drink at an adult restaurant is a bonus when most of my dining options are picked by a 10 year old boy who has recently decided Burger King's nuggets are the BEST! Again - little things : )
So then I started reflecting about work. I have to go there and spend a bazillions hours there in December. Instead of complaining about it - I could make suggestions to make things better. So I started a list of things we could do at work to make things more festive and less - well grumbly. Nothing too exciting... making paper snowflakes to hang in our windows... doing an ornament swap... wearing our PJs to work. I have about 15 things written down and I've shared them with my leader. Mainly because I don't want next year to be as grumbly and non-festive as this year was. Now I don't know if they will actually do it... but its amazing how much pull I have when I get something in my head. So there is a good chance we can do this... heck - we didn't even sponsor a Christmas family this year... and it's the first year in 20 that I've worked in a department that didn't. My motto - if you want things differently - speak up and push ideas forward. Heck even if they decide to do a couple of them - things can only be better than they were last year.
So here we are - heading head long into February. We've been buried in mountains of snow... many of those days I've sat and watched the snowplows drive by - trying desperately to keep up and try to find a place to put yet another 8" on piles that are 6+ feet tall and 5+ feet deep and think that being positive is easier and I'm in a better place than I was a month ago. I might have to build an ark in order to survive the spring thaw... but we'll sing while we row ahead of the waves!
My mountains of carving still keeps me company... and I'm working on building logbooks... but I'm also reading books that I would have never picked up in the past. I'm participating in a reading challenge that Ashley encouraged me to do with her. And now there are a bunch of us doing it together. I've read a graphic novel... and a book written originally in a foreign language... now on to tackling Barbara Bush's memoir! With it being 500+ pages - I should be able to finish it in a day or so... LOL.
So taking a moment - to thank someone I don't even know for setting this all in motion. As part of the AQ Christmas swap - my holidays were restored and my attitude changed. Because if someone who has never met me can send me something so personal - that they took the time to read my blog and pull items from it to make a gift to a stranger more personal - then I should be grateful for the gifts - small and large that are bestowed on me every day.
I have a good job - I have my health (except when the flu vaccine didn't work) - I have a great family - I have a warm house to come home to and food on the table every night. I have friends far and wide that support my crazy addiction to carving and planting stamps... and coming out in the middle of the night in a snow storm - to visit us here in Maine. I have so much to be grateful for - and I need to remember that. Even if I have to give myself a mental talking to once and a while... my goal for the rest of the year - it to remember, no matter how difficult things get - there is always a positive side to everything, even if it's just a little smile or a hug from a reluctant 10-year old. Maybe just even spending the evening watching the Super Bowl or watching all of those glorious snowflakes fall from the sky. Every moment is a gift. And for those simple gifts - we must all be grateful.
So my wish for those of you that read this - may you find those moments that carry you through those times that make you struggle. If you are reading this - you are a friend through the extension of my words. Know you have a friend out there - if we have met in person or not. A friendship that can be shared and paid forward. Take those small moments and carry them forward. Smile at a stranger instead of glaring at them. Hold open a door for someone carrying too many bags to handle. Or just say 'Bless you' when someone sneezes... it's those small thanks that help to make us all feel important and needed.
Here's to a great 2015...
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Saturday, December 20, 2014
As 2014 draws to a close
I find myself reflecting on the past year. And the most I can say is that for me it was a year of recovery. After trying end to 2013, the beginning of 2014 held little hope that things would get better in my personal life. But time and acceptance - even if things are not how I'd hoped they be - is how I find myself ending 2014. The year had a host of minor joys and letdowns as every one's life holds. But for me they seem to have hit me hard mentally and creatively.
Little has brought me the joy I hoped it would, and many of my endeavors seemed to fall flat in my expectations. With less that five days until Christmas I can't remember a year that I've felt less festive than this one. Granted being sick the past week hasn't helped - but this year just lacks the festive feel I've managed to wiggle out of December. While busy at work - in year's past its been with joy and happiness that we've strived to get those gifts out to customers. This year it was just flat... going through the motions without the sense of joy. With work hours sapping me dry - and my lack of enthusiasm for just about everything - I can't wait for December to end.
I have had some joyous moments... an event in January brought out old friends and new ones to play and get inky in the middle of the night. While the weather was bitter - the enthusiasm was not to be dampened. There were other events that made for great days as well... there's nothing so soothing like getting together with good friends for inky therapy. Though not all events were strung out on good thoughts and happy endings... some things just need to come to an end. Thus the final event at Thomas Point Beach. Many memories made making the decision to stop hard - but frankly with 2 camping events before my August event - the numbers were dropping and I figured folks just had had enough. Time to move on.
I love hosting events... hiding boxes for folks to find. Bringing folks together for inky therapy makes me momentarily happy - but things just seem unfulfilled lately.
With so many things just not working out the way I'd hoped - both professionally and personally - I feel slightly defeated. Work was especially difficult this year. A work associate who I had dealt with for many years at a much higher detail, working on many projects together, seemed to spiral out of control finding me in HR. My work atmosphere is less than positive but I'm wondering if it's just my cynicism at this point that sees the problems spinning all around me. I love my job and hate my job. I love going to work and hate going to work. Work has kept me awake at night and kept me home in tears and frustration.
Thankfully - pulling me through the year are two of my children. While Veronica has moved out of our lives to a large degree, Christopher and Ashley bring me considerable joy. Ashley was kind enough to spend her 23rd birthday entertaining her mother on Friday the 13th in June. We had a fabulous day hiking, planting and laughing in the rain. Then just recently Ashley and Christopher visited Battleship Cove and the Lizzie Borden House. Just their tales alone brought me vicarious joy.
But as the year comes to a close I can only hope that spirits rise and tides change direction. Wishing everyone out there a wonderful new year full of hope, joy and happiness. Even if you have to go out of your way to find it.
Little has brought me the joy I hoped it would, and many of my endeavors seemed to fall flat in my expectations. With less that five days until Christmas I can't remember a year that I've felt less festive than this one. Granted being sick the past week hasn't helped - but this year just lacks the festive feel I've managed to wiggle out of December. While busy at work - in year's past its been with joy and happiness that we've strived to get those gifts out to customers. This year it was just flat... going through the motions without the sense of joy. With work hours sapping me dry - and my lack of enthusiasm for just about everything - I can't wait for December to end.
I have had some joyous moments... an event in January brought out old friends and new ones to play and get inky in the middle of the night. While the weather was bitter - the enthusiasm was not to be dampened. There were other events that made for great days as well... there's nothing so soothing like getting together with good friends for inky therapy. Though not all events were strung out on good thoughts and happy endings... some things just need to come to an end. Thus the final event at Thomas Point Beach. Many memories made making the decision to stop hard - but frankly with 2 camping events before my August event - the numbers were dropping and I figured folks just had had enough. Time to move on.
I love hosting events... hiding boxes for folks to find. Bringing folks together for inky therapy makes me momentarily happy - but things just seem unfulfilled lately.
With so many things just not working out the way I'd hoped - both professionally and personally - I feel slightly defeated. Work was especially difficult this year. A work associate who I had dealt with for many years at a much higher detail, working on many projects together, seemed to spiral out of control finding me in HR. My work atmosphere is less than positive but I'm wondering if it's just my cynicism at this point that sees the problems spinning all around me. I love my job and hate my job. I love going to work and hate going to work. Work has kept me awake at night and kept me home in tears and frustration.
Thankfully - pulling me through the year are two of my children. While Veronica has moved out of our lives to a large degree, Christopher and Ashley bring me considerable joy. Ashley was kind enough to spend her 23rd birthday entertaining her mother on Friday the 13th in June. We had a fabulous day hiking, planting and laughing in the rain. Then just recently Ashley and Christopher visited Battleship Cove and the Lizzie Borden House. Just their tales alone brought me vicarious joy.
But as the year comes to a close I can only hope that spirits rise and tides change direction. Wishing everyone out there a wonderful new year full of hope, joy and happiness. Even if you have to go out of your way to find it.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Looking forward to 2014
I will have to say, 2013 was a rough year for my family, many of my friends and myself. I will not be shedding any tears to see 2013 close. It was a year full of pain and anguish, frustration and heartache and very difficult decisions. But as the year winds down, I'm hoping for myself and everyone I know that 2014 is a much better year.
2013 brought unwanted changes - some necessary, yet still heart breaking. In 2014 I'm hoping that the changes I make will bring brighter and happier results. Less anguish and more laughter. It seems like what we refer to as the "year from hell" started right before Halloween last year and progressively got worse over the next 12 months. Happily - while very different, this Halloween seemed to be less stressful and more serene... granted I was hopped up on pain meds and recovering from post-surgery in the hospital - but when your surgeon bring you candy, things can only get better.
Another thing that happened in October was a trip to Salem with my sisters and Ashley. Good times with family should only be cherished - and as the years roll along I've realized that some of my happiest of memories have been made with my two sisters and my oldest daughter. With these three women - we can share foolishness and laughter that can only make one's heart sour into recovery. I will admit, growing up - my youngest sister I didn't have second thoughts about. We were half sisters with many years between us. But as adults - we are probably the most alike. We share similar passions in hobbies - not to mention are both employed by LL Bean. So we can share similar tales of employment woes as well.
But it is also with Laurie, Colleen and Ashley that I feel like laughter - true tears rolling, stomach killing doubled over laughter can be shared. We bring out the best of the most foolish with each other and can laugh at each other without getting mad about it. We all bring different perspectives to the table which always makes our outings unique and fun filled. Heading off to Salem the Saturday before Halloween was no exception. There is nothing funnier than bringing an empath together with a doubting Thomas... especially at a séance. Having a shop owner try to sell Colleen - the 'cerebral' member of our group - on the virtues of Runes lead Laurie and I to double over in laughter in the middle of the store. The only thing that made it better was watching Colleen's face change with amazement during the séance when the medium made references to our mother as she passed by us. Even trying to 'set-up' the medium didn't work - which lead to some very interesting conversations after the trip. Sometimes a 'Hen Party' is the perfect solution for what ails you.
November was pretty quiet... as I was recovering from surgery, and we had just moved - almost all of which Ron did by himself, I sort of became bummed at my inability to unpack all of the towering boxes in our new house. To keep myself from going batty - and from loosing too much brain matter from daytime television - I went shopping. While the ends justified the means, shopping when you have no income is not a really smart idea. But in the long run - it did work out to my benefit. I had all of my Christmas shopping finished, wrapped and mostly under the tree with ribbons and bows by the first weekend in December. The first year in many that I wasn't completely frantic trying to get everything accomplished in December. Mentally I was getting into a better place and emotionally I was getting there as well.
December after work I could come home and sit and look at my tree - which Christopher and Ashley did a fabulous job decorating - and just relax. Things were getting better. While my life wasn't complete void of frustration and worry - and there isn't an adult out there whose life is - it seemed more manageable this year. I was able to enjoy December more than I have in the past. Even working longer hours and extra days didn't seem to put a damper on things for me.
Now that peak is over, Christmas has come and gone with little to no drama and more laughter than I remember from last year, I'm hoping my life has turned the tide. That more happy days are on the horizon and better times will follow. I already have so many good things to look forward to, right off the bat. In January I'm hosting an event inside LL Bean! And so many folks have already signed up to come to it - that I'm absolutely AMAZED! Who would have thought that folks would really go for the idea of a late night boxing event at a shopping mecca? I can't wait for things to start coming together.
Friends will gather in February for another small event or two... some boxing but sometimes just fun and games. I'm hoping to get my house settled completely and finally unpack the rest of those boxes that are still stacked in the back 'storage room.' A room that will hopefully turn into a craft room/office of sorts. I have many boxing adventures to look forward to this year. One of Christopher's favorites is back again - Jiffy's Tour the Fort event in May. Christopher was so sad when we didn't tour a fort last year - but this year it's back! Then we have KITES to look forward to, mini golf with our friends in Saco and of course letter boxer's Christmas in November. We are also deep in the planning stages for Christmas in August. Christmas - while full of stress and lack of time - has always been my favorite holiday. My biggest regret every year is that I can't spend it with more of my friends. I've always dreamed of having a tree trimming party to start off my holiday season - but I've never been able to do it. There's just not enough time in December - and the weather can be frightful! So all of those Christmas dreams - we're pulling them together and doing them in August.
I'm also hoping to spend more time with my sisters. Laurie made Colleen and I shirts to match one she also has that say our names and "Hen Party." I'm thinking us hen's need to spend more time together. Our husbands might not agree - but I think if we feed them - they'll deal with us for a little while! Something else I managed to do this year was finally attend the Kora Shriner's Feztival of Trees. It was amazing! It is definitely going to be on my annual holiday must do list. Not knowing what to expect - just Colleen, Emily and I went. Next year I'll definitely bring Christopher. The trees are amazing - and it's a feel good kind of fun buying raffle tickets and dropping them into the 'candy cane' striped poles, even though you have no chance of winning the trees... the money all goes to a great cause.
When the weather is warmer - but it's dark enough early enough, the three Hens and Ashley hope to go back to Salem for a candle light walk. It seems Laurie and Colleen have never been to the Salem Witch museum... so we'll do that too. The lines in October are CRAZY! So we spent more time shopping and people watching than actually enjoying the fascinating history that Salem offers - and we need to get back to that charming restaurant that we ate at a few years ago...
I'm also going to finish editing the stories I've written so that Ashley can do something with them. I've always written because its been cathartic for me. Sadly - this past year - with everything that has been happening, writing couldn't help me. I felt mentally blocked in a depressed and anxious sort of way. Which is odd - because in the past, writing has always helped me push through. But last year I just felt boxed in and unable to break the seal to find release. Since I'm dreaming storylines again - I think the tape that held me boxed - has finally given way. While this always brings new ideas - I'm determined to finish things I've started first. I've have started one new project - one which I hope will be a cherished Christmas present next year. I also have thoughts on another one - similar, but different which will require some creative energy for me to make. I can see it in my head... I just have to let my mind relax enough to let it happen on paper. I've never been a very 'artsy' person - and this project would push my boundaries - but it's one I really want to do - and I think I have the space and time and mental relaxation to be able to accomplish it this year.
So with all of this drivel - what it really boils down to is hope, aspiration, inspiration and laughter for 2014. For myself, for my family and my wide circle of friends as well. For everyone who mentioned that 2013 was a yucky year - here's to moving on to a much better 2014. And if you happen to have been one of those lucky souls that had a great 2013 - here's wishing you an even better 2014! I know I have much to look forward to and am more than willing to forget what I will happily leave behind in 2013. Happy New Year everyone. And here's to a successful hunt on the flipside!
2013 brought unwanted changes - some necessary, yet still heart breaking. In 2014 I'm hoping that the changes I make will bring brighter and happier results. Less anguish and more laughter. It seems like what we refer to as the "year from hell" started right before Halloween last year and progressively got worse over the next 12 months. Happily - while very different, this Halloween seemed to be less stressful and more serene... granted I was hopped up on pain meds and recovering from post-surgery in the hospital - but when your surgeon bring you candy, things can only get better.
Another thing that happened in October was a trip to Salem with my sisters and Ashley. Good times with family should only be cherished - and as the years roll along I've realized that some of my happiest of memories have been made with my two sisters and my oldest daughter. With these three women - we can share foolishness and laughter that can only make one's heart sour into recovery. I will admit, growing up - my youngest sister I didn't have second thoughts about. We were half sisters with many years between us. But as adults - we are probably the most alike. We share similar passions in hobbies - not to mention are both employed by LL Bean. So we can share similar tales of employment woes as well.
But it is also with Laurie, Colleen and Ashley that I feel like laughter - true tears rolling, stomach killing doubled over laughter can be shared. We bring out the best of the most foolish with each other and can laugh at each other without getting mad about it. We all bring different perspectives to the table which always makes our outings unique and fun filled. Heading off to Salem the Saturday before Halloween was no exception. There is nothing funnier than bringing an empath together with a doubting Thomas... especially at a séance. Having a shop owner try to sell Colleen - the 'cerebral' member of our group - on the virtues of Runes lead Laurie and I to double over in laughter in the middle of the store. The only thing that made it better was watching Colleen's face change with amazement during the séance when the medium made references to our mother as she passed by us. Even trying to 'set-up' the medium didn't work - which lead to some very interesting conversations after the trip. Sometimes a 'Hen Party' is the perfect solution for what ails you.
November was pretty quiet... as I was recovering from surgery, and we had just moved - almost all of which Ron did by himself, I sort of became bummed at my inability to unpack all of the towering boxes in our new house. To keep myself from going batty - and from loosing too much brain matter from daytime television - I went shopping. While the ends justified the means, shopping when you have no income is not a really smart idea. But in the long run - it did work out to my benefit. I had all of my Christmas shopping finished, wrapped and mostly under the tree with ribbons and bows by the first weekend in December. The first year in many that I wasn't completely frantic trying to get everything accomplished in December. Mentally I was getting into a better place and emotionally I was getting there as well.
December after work I could come home and sit and look at my tree - which Christopher and Ashley did a fabulous job decorating - and just relax. Things were getting better. While my life wasn't complete void of frustration and worry - and there isn't an adult out there whose life is - it seemed more manageable this year. I was able to enjoy December more than I have in the past. Even working longer hours and extra days didn't seem to put a damper on things for me.
Now that peak is over, Christmas has come and gone with little to no drama and more laughter than I remember from last year, I'm hoping my life has turned the tide. That more happy days are on the horizon and better times will follow. I already have so many good things to look forward to, right off the bat. In January I'm hosting an event inside LL Bean! And so many folks have already signed up to come to it - that I'm absolutely AMAZED! Who would have thought that folks would really go for the idea of a late night boxing event at a shopping mecca? I can't wait for things to start coming together.
Friends will gather in February for another small event or two... some boxing but sometimes just fun and games. I'm hoping to get my house settled completely and finally unpack the rest of those boxes that are still stacked in the back 'storage room.' A room that will hopefully turn into a craft room/office of sorts. I have many boxing adventures to look forward to this year. One of Christopher's favorites is back again - Jiffy's Tour the Fort event in May. Christopher was so sad when we didn't tour a fort last year - but this year it's back! Then we have KITES to look forward to, mini golf with our friends in Saco and of course letter boxer's Christmas in November. We are also deep in the planning stages for Christmas in August. Christmas - while full of stress and lack of time - has always been my favorite holiday. My biggest regret every year is that I can't spend it with more of my friends. I've always dreamed of having a tree trimming party to start off my holiday season - but I've never been able to do it. There's just not enough time in December - and the weather can be frightful! So all of those Christmas dreams - we're pulling them together and doing them in August.
I'm also hoping to spend more time with my sisters. Laurie made Colleen and I shirts to match one she also has that say our names and "Hen Party." I'm thinking us hen's need to spend more time together. Our husbands might not agree - but I think if we feed them - they'll deal with us for a little while! Something else I managed to do this year was finally attend the Kora Shriner's Feztival of Trees. It was amazing! It is definitely going to be on my annual holiday must do list. Not knowing what to expect - just Colleen, Emily and I went. Next year I'll definitely bring Christopher. The trees are amazing - and it's a feel good kind of fun buying raffle tickets and dropping them into the 'candy cane' striped poles, even though you have no chance of winning the trees... the money all goes to a great cause.
When the weather is warmer - but it's dark enough early enough, the three Hens and Ashley hope to go back to Salem for a candle light walk. It seems Laurie and Colleen have never been to the Salem Witch museum... so we'll do that too. The lines in October are CRAZY! So we spent more time shopping and people watching than actually enjoying the fascinating history that Salem offers - and we need to get back to that charming restaurant that we ate at a few years ago...
I'm also going to finish editing the stories I've written so that Ashley can do something with them. I've always written because its been cathartic for me. Sadly - this past year - with everything that has been happening, writing couldn't help me. I felt mentally blocked in a depressed and anxious sort of way. Which is odd - because in the past, writing has always helped me push through. But last year I just felt boxed in and unable to break the seal to find release. Since I'm dreaming storylines again - I think the tape that held me boxed - has finally given way. While this always brings new ideas - I'm determined to finish things I've started first. I've have started one new project - one which I hope will be a cherished Christmas present next year. I also have thoughts on another one - similar, but different which will require some creative energy for me to make. I can see it in my head... I just have to let my mind relax enough to let it happen on paper. I've never been a very 'artsy' person - and this project would push my boundaries - but it's one I really want to do - and I think I have the space and time and mental relaxation to be able to accomplish it this year.
So with all of this drivel - what it really boils down to is hope, aspiration, inspiration and laughter for 2014. For myself, for my family and my wide circle of friends as well. For everyone who mentioned that 2013 was a yucky year - here's to moving on to a much better 2014. And if you happen to have been one of those lucky souls that had a great 2013 - here's wishing you an even better 2014! I know I have much to look forward to and am more than willing to forget what I will happily leave behind in 2013. Happy New Year everyone. And here's to a successful hunt on the flipside!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Team MudCup plays as tourists
So - normally when Amber and I head off for a day of boxing we have a whole list of boxes and a well plotted path to find as many as possible. But our main box of interest - could have been a total bust by the time we made it to its location - so we decided to basically run amuck. We boxed without a specific agenda... shot from the hip as we made our way to our destination. This is a MAJOR change for us. Very much out of our comfort zone. How on earth were we going to manage to not conquer a list of boxes? The one thing that helped - no 'list.' I was with 'Traveling Teacup' and she has no list for boxes over the border. But somehow a Green Tortuga has been haunting her Maine list for a while. So after talking about making the trip for about 4 years - today was going to be that day we conquered the turtle!
Even without a list and an agenda - we still had plenty with us depending on how the day went. Teacup and most Maine boxers have their "BIBLE" - I don't have one for Maine, nope - I have one for New Hampshire! Go figure. So we were heading out - two bibles in the back seat. Teacup's Maine bible (though it was slightly hidden by camo tape) and mine. Two gazetteers and Maggie to annoy us to death! We were good to go. I pulled into her driveway at 6am and we were off after a brief Sweet Tea stop. Destination - Glen House, NH. We made a couple quick stops en route to gather a couple drive-bys we missed during Acres of Wildlife and then continued towards the border.
We saw it looming ahead of us - and as we crossed, the oxygen was sucked out of the car - Amber's world started to spin and she somehow managed to keep the car heading westward! We drove through a relatively quiet North Conway and made our first New Hampshire stop in Glen to pick up a Swan Ride. Now - sometimes in the morning - we tend to take clues literally - or we don't follow the directions the way they are meant. And because of this - sometimes we land in some strange positions. Like limboing under chain link fences in a parking lot. I didn't try this. First of all - I wouldn't have fit. Secondly - when it says 'watch your step' and I see a drop off - I'm hugging the car door : ) Or a tree if the car isn't close enough. Amber on the other hand (in cream colored jeans none-the-less) was shuffling between the fence, a rock and the watershed in no time. After checking the wrong location REALLY well - we opted to head BACK to the correct end of the fence and try a different tactic. Yup - we could avoided getting Amber all muddy if we had maybe been a little more awake... but I doubt it. So after collecting the swan... we continued a bit further north. But not without needing a U-turn in our trip. Of course I had us heading in the wrong direction trying to get to Wildcat Mtn. But we only ended up a mile or so out of our way. Which the way we roll - is a relatively short miss-direction : )
Back on the right road - we set off in search of a turtle. We drove through the White Mountains admiring the lovely views and vast expanses of green timberlands. We made it to Glen House a bit early - so we thought we'd have a visit with a 'Well Defined Gentleman' before our gondola ride up the hill. Yeah - I did mention that we were playing tourists, didn't I? Hiking up was out of the question as we do NOT have scaling the 4000 footers on our life list : ) So after chatting it up with the locals who were convinced that the view at t top was "Awesome!" we set off to jump into the gondola. Not a simple feat as I'm deathly afraid of heights and Amber hates confined spaces. We were just glad we didn't have to share our box with anyone else as they were already pretty warm. Our distinguished and friendly car corraller gave us a bit of advise before locking us in the box - look down for wildlife. And off we went - up the hill. It didn't look too intimidating from the bottom - but as we climbed the mountain - and the base lodge was getting smaller and smaller - we were happy we had seen geese, turkeys and a fox while driving in the car because our eyes were looking at the horizon, NOT down!
And let me tell you - on a clear day, the green trees are lush and pretty from a gondola! Those big HONKING monoliths of rocks that turn into ski jumps in the winter look might intimidating in the sunshine of summer. But the brooks were happily babbling for us and the water looked clear and cool from above. The only part of the ride that was slightly 'jostling' was every time the gondola hit the crossbar supports. Then we'd swing just slightly and twist, not to mention the slightly horrifying grinding noise it made - probably a noise chatty skiers don't hear one their ride to the top. Besides - if it breaks in the winter - their descent to the ground is padded by feet of white stuff... all we saw were those very large erratics! But we chatted out way up and then we noticed the birch trees. From below you don't see the devastation they suffer from the tormenting winds. But from the gondola - boy do they look different. Like trees out of a Halloween landscape. All broken off branches devoid of any leaves. And there were miles of them dotting the hillside. Kind of made us sad for them. We love birch trees, these looked so devastatingly sad.
But further up we climbed. Who knew the ride would take 13 minutes one way? Well Amber did - but that's besides the point. I was certain she was wrong - it didn't look that far up to the top. Then we rode over the first 'section' and still couldn't see the top departure building. So maybe 13 minutes isn't an exaggeration. And look at that - out of our view went base camp. Mt. Washington was a lovely sight off in the distance. Up, up, up we rode. Now getting into the cab at the bottom was kind of clunky... like walking onto one of those moving walkways... only this was heading around a corner. Se we discussed how we were going to try and improve our 'dismount' at the top. After all - we only had backpacks, not skis and poles : ) We were in sneakers, not ski boots. So we should be able to master this with relative ease. Yup - like a pair of drunken penguins with vertigo. Smooth let me tell ya!
But we made it out of the car at the top with a young gentleman kind of chuckling at us. I think we were the first landers at the top that day. And boy we are an amusing pair??? So we ambled off the platform - trying to get out land legs back in working order. Trying to squelch the vertigo and the sheer panic of being 4000' feet in the air. Trying to look like the proper tourists - we had to have our photos taken at the top. "Look! Mt. Washington!" Yup - we can ham it up with the more foolish of them! Then this wonderful man came over and offered to take a shot of us together. How could we refuse? That would have been rude... so we posed again like foolish tourists : ) We chatted him up a bit. Seems he was on his way to 4000 footer 38 and 39 today. Made us feel like slugs - but we were tourists - so it was okay. What I found amazing was that he had just finished hiking UP Wildcat and he felt the need to stop and have a couple cigarettes... really? How the heck could he breathe climbing up? Amber was concerned that he didn't have enough water... my thoughts were that was the least of his worries. But whatever.
So after playing the proper tourist - we ambled around a bit looking at the signs and views from all advantages. After all we did pay $15 a piece for this experience - didn't want to rush through it. So up over the rocks and into the trees. Damn bugs survive at 4000'. And of course - they taste just the same as at sea level! Yucky! Spit, cough, hack - removed my sunglasses and tried to catch up to Amber. No need, she already had the box in hand. So back out to the sunlight. A few more bugs for the protein content. No sense wasting nourishment at these altitudes - yeah, right. And we cracked open a VERY wet turtle. He was swimming in water. Now normally turtles like a bit of water. But when its fetid and icky - its time for a clean up of his shell! Our came the towels and trail magic supplies. Okay - so we forgot the supplies. But we did have one of my HHs. So we pirated everything from that to rescue a turtle before we put him back under his rock.
So we strolled around a bot longer. Thought about looking for that hinted at geocache, but opted to give it a pass since the trail was muddy and I had my fill on bugs. So instead we chatted up with some flip flopped other tourists who were looking for the falls. Since we had no idea which direction to ship them we suggested that ask the young man on the loading platform. We left them as they contemplated trying to hike the trail and headed back to the gondola. Now let me tell you - our loading technique is pretty good. And as long as we are both facing the direction we need to - we might be able to handle the 13 minute descent. With the thrill of the turtle in the win column on our day - we chatted about our next direction. Well... there is Mt. Washington : )
More on that tomorrow.
Even without a list and an agenda - we still had plenty with us depending on how the day went. Teacup and most Maine boxers have their "BIBLE" - I don't have one for Maine, nope - I have one for New Hampshire! Go figure. So we were heading out - two bibles in the back seat. Teacup's Maine bible (though it was slightly hidden by camo tape) and mine. Two gazetteers and Maggie to annoy us to death! We were good to go. I pulled into her driveway at 6am and we were off after a brief Sweet Tea stop. Destination - Glen House, NH. We made a couple quick stops en route to gather a couple drive-bys we missed during Acres of Wildlife and then continued towards the border.
We saw it looming ahead of us - and as we crossed, the oxygen was sucked out of the car - Amber's world started to spin and she somehow managed to keep the car heading westward! We drove through a relatively quiet North Conway and made our first New Hampshire stop in Glen to pick up a Swan Ride. Now - sometimes in the morning - we tend to take clues literally - or we don't follow the directions the way they are meant. And because of this - sometimes we land in some strange positions. Like limboing under chain link fences in a parking lot. I didn't try this. First of all - I wouldn't have fit. Secondly - when it says 'watch your step' and I see a drop off - I'm hugging the car door : ) Or a tree if the car isn't close enough. Amber on the other hand (in cream colored jeans none-the-less) was shuffling between the fence, a rock and the watershed in no time. After checking the wrong location REALLY well - we opted to head BACK to the correct end of the fence and try a different tactic. Yup - we could avoided getting Amber all muddy if we had maybe been a little more awake... but I doubt it. So after collecting the swan... we continued a bit further north. But not without needing a U-turn in our trip. Of course I had us heading in the wrong direction trying to get to Wildcat Mtn. But we only ended up a mile or so out of our way. Which the way we roll - is a relatively short miss-direction : )
Back on the right road - we set off in search of a turtle. We drove through the White Mountains admiring the lovely views and vast expanses of green timberlands. We made it to Glen House a bit early - so we thought we'd have a visit with a 'Well Defined Gentleman' before our gondola ride up the hill. Yeah - I did mention that we were playing tourists, didn't I? Hiking up was out of the question as we do NOT have scaling the 4000 footers on our life list : ) So after chatting it up with the locals who were convinced that the view at t top was "Awesome!" we set off to jump into the gondola. Not a simple feat as I'm deathly afraid of heights and Amber hates confined spaces. We were just glad we didn't have to share our box with anyone else as they were already pretty warm. Our distinguished and friendly car corraller gave us a bit of advise before locking us in the box - look down for wildlife. And off we went - up the hill. It didn't look too intimidating from the bottom - but as we climbed the mountain - and the base lodge was getting smaller and smaller - we were happy we had seen geese, turkeys and a fox while driving in the car because our eyes were looking at the horizon, NOT down!
And let me tell you - on a clear day, the green trees are lush and pretty from a gondola! Those big HONKING monoliths of rocks that turn into ski jumps in the winter look might intimidating in the sunshine of summer. But the brooks were happily babbling for us and the water looked clear and cool from above. The only part of the ride that was slightly 'jostling' was every time the gondola hit the crossbar supports. Then we'd swing just slightly and twist, not to mention the slightly horrifying grinding noise it made - probably a noise chatty skiers don't hear one their ride to the top. Besides - if it breaks in the winter - their descent to the ground is padded by feet of white stuff... all we saw were those very large erratics! But we chatted out way up and then we noticed the birch trees. From below you don't see the devastation they suffer from the tormenting winds. But from the gondola - boy do they look different. Like trees out of a Halloween landscape. All broken off branches devoid of any leaves. And there were miles of them dotting the hillside. Kind of made us sad for them. We love birch trees, these looked so devastatingly sad.
But further up we climbed. Who knew the ride would take 13 minutes one way? Well Amber did - but that's besides the point. I was certain she was wrong - it didn't look that far up to the top. Then we rode over the first 'section' and still couldn't see the top departure building. So maybe 13 minutes isn't an exaggeration. And look at that - out of our view went base camp. Mt. Washington was a lovely sight off in the distance. Up, up, up we rode. Now getting into the cab at the bottom was kind of clunky... like walking onto one of those moving walkways... only this was heading around a corner. Se we discussed how we were going to try and improve our 'dismount' at the top. After all - we only had backpacks, not skis and poles : ) We were in sneakers, not ski boots. So we should be able to master this with relative ease. Yup - like a pair of drunken penguins with vertigo. Smooth let me tell ya!
But we made it out of the car at the top with a young gentleman kind of chuckling at us. I think we were the first landers at the top that day. And boy we are an amusing pair??? So we ambled off the platform - trying to get out land legs back in working order. Trying to squelch the vertigo and the sheer panic of being 4000' feet in the air. Trying to look like the proper tourists - we had to have our photos taken at the top. "Look! Mt. Washington!" Yup - we can ham it up with the more foolish of them! Then this wonderful man came over and offered to take a shot of us together. How could we refuse? That would have been rude... so we posed again like foolish tourists : ) We chatted him up a bit. Seems he was on his way to 4000 footer 38 and 39 today. Made us feel like slugs - but we were tourists - so it was okay. What I found amazing was that he had just finished hiking UP Wildcat and he felt the need to stop and have a couple cigarettes... really? How the heck could he breathe climbing up? Amber was concerned that he didn't have enough water... my thoughts were that was the least of his worries. But whatever.
So after playing the proper tourist - we ambled around a bit looking at the signs and views from all advantages. After all we did pay $15 a piece for this experience - didn't want to rush through it. So up over the rocks and into the trees. Damn bugs survive at 4000'. And of course - they taste just the same as at sea level! Yucky! Spit, cough, hack - removed my sunglasses and tried to catch up to Amber. No need, she already had the box in hand. So back out to the sunlight. A few more bugs for the protein content. No sense wasting nourishment at these altitudes - yeah, right. And we cracked open a VERY wet turtle. He was swimming in water. Now normally turtles like a bit of water. But when its fetid and icky - its time for a clean up of his shell! Our came the towels and trail magic supplies. Okay - so we forgot the supplies. But we did have one of my HHs. So we pirated everything from that to rescue a turtle before we put him back under his rock.
So we strolled around a bot longer. Thought about looking for that hinted at geocache, but opted to give it a pass since the trail was muddy and I had my fill on bugs. So instead we chatted up with some flip flopped other tourists who were looking for the falls. Since we had no idea which direction to ship them we suggested that ask the young man on the loading platform. We left them as they contemplated trying to hike the trail and headed back to the gondola. Now let me tell you - our loading technique is pretty good. And as long as we are both facing the direction we need to - we might be able to handle the 13 minute descent. With the thrill of the turtle in the win column on our day - we chatted about our next direction. Well... there is Mt. Washington : )
More on that tomorrow.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Mud in deep...
So lots has been happening in my world over the past few months. Some of it good, but unfortunately so much more has not been. I've been living in crisis mode. Trying to survive every day - just hoping the next will be sustainable. It takes a lot out of a person when your world starts to crumble around you. When those you thought you trusted the most - betray you. When those you held the closest start to slip helplessly away and you have no control over the situation. And any time you try to make something positive happen - only the worst is derived from your actions.
This has been my life for the last eight months. Sustained barely on the edge of keeping my own mental state together - just pushing through each day - because I had to. Days I would take a shower - just so I could cry away my pain as I felt like I had no shoulder to cry on. My family was under attack, some from within - some from without and I couldn't deflect the negative fast enough. I sustained and painted a happy face - while all the time my insides were crumbling away.
I've had what I would consider an adversarial life. Everything I have - I've had to fight to get. Nothing has come easy for me. And inside I so often wonder why I was brought here at all. I've lost more than most will ever understand. And yet I persevered. I'm Irish - and I always say if I didn't have bad luck - I wouldn't have any at all. But one thing I have had is my inner drive to learn new things and try to share those with others. When my chips are the farthest down - I try to bury myself in projects, activities and work.
I've never considered myself really good at anything. I'm a hack... I can get through - make a great show of things - but I just don't have the self-esteem or drive to propel me to greatness, not do I really want to either. But I do like to share what little I do know with others. Letterboxing has granted me a unique avenue to do some of those things that I can quietly enjoy and re-energize with. This past year, knowing that Live and Breathe was practically in my back yard - I opted to not host a long week camping event. Bu that just made for idle hands - so I opted to champion a friendly rivalry for PAL day. I worked hard all year to get Maine boxers motivated. I worked had to develop series that I had been toying with for numerous years - but never put through because they just didn't fit my event themes. The timing seemed perfect for some competitive fun.
Unfortunately - when things were beginning to work their way closer to PAL day, things at work and in my home life started to quickly unravel. Mentally I was stretched. Emotionally I was zapped. What had started out as a fun journey - was quickly turning hellish. I wanted it over. I wanted everything over. Nothing seemed to end fast enough - everyone demanded more from me and expectations grew to the point I was going crazy. I knew - if I mentally wanted to get through with my sanity - something had to give. But deadlines are deadlines - and I rarely let one - lapse without completing what's been assigned to me. And it all took its toll.
When the 'competition' started to get down and dirty - so did inbox messages. everyone wanted things fixed to suit themselves and their own needs. My hobby - which was barely keeping me sane - was suddenly turning into a nightmare. I've never enjoyed competition. I'm not competitive by nature. And if pushed into one - most times I just fold. This time I crumbled. My inbox exploded. Comments became adversarial. People wanted more and more - demanding more and more. I final shut down. Tuned everything and everyone out. I had to escape. I had to regroup. I had to stop the attacks. In the process I might have offended some - and I'm sorry for that - but I needed to save myself. I needed to find the joy that letterboxing used to bring me. I had to find a way to get my family back on track and try to help them recover from everything that was happening.
I'm still trying to recover. Letterboxing does seem to bring me some joy - but I still feel the attacks around me. Try as I might - I feel their impact, I can't seem to miss them. Letterboxing and its community has brought me so much joy. I've developed friendships and been to places that I never would have had I not discovered Atlas Quest. But when things get overwhelming - the last thing you want is the hobby that is supposed to renew your energy - take it away. Friends that make you happy - suddenly make you sad. When that happens - ties need to be cut. Relationships need to be restructured and you go into protection mode.
There are so many things I should be doing - but letterboxing always calls to me. So in my own way - I'm slowly rebuilding that bridge back to what used to be a strong island. It's going to take a while for me to finish it - so I'm asking for patience. My family is still in crisis - so I really do not need my hobby in crisis as well. I need it to go back to being my refuge. And hopefully it will very soon.
This has been my life for the last eight months. Sustained barely on the edge of keeping my own mental state together - just pushing through each day - because I had to. Days I would take a shower - just so I could cry away my pain as I felt like I had no shoulder to cry on. My family was under attack, some from within - some from without and I couldn't deflect the negative fast enough. I sustained and painted a happy face - while all the time my insides were crumbling away.
I've had what I would consider an adversarial life. Everything I have - I've had to fight to get. Nothing has come easy for me. And inside I so often wonder why I was brought here at all. I've lost more than most will ever understand. And yet I persevered. I'm Irish - and I always say if I didn't have bad luck - I wouldn't have any at all. But one thing I have had is my inner drive to learn new things and try to share those with others. When my chips are the farthest down - I try to bury myself in projects, activities and work.
I've never considered myself really good at anything. I'm a hack... I can get through - make a great show of things - but I just don't have the self-esteem or drive to propel me to greatness, not do I really want to either. But I do like to share what little I do know with others. Letterboxing has granted me a unique avenue to do some of those things that I can quietly enjoy and re-energize with. This past year, knowing that Live and Breathe was practically in my back yard - I opted to not host a long week camping event. Bu that just made for idle hands - so I opted to champion a friendly rivalry for PAL day. I worked hard all year to get Maine boxers motivated. I worked had to develop series that I had been toying with for numerous years - but never put through because they just didn't fit my event themes. The timing seemed perfect for some competitive fun.
Unfortunately - when things were beginning to work their way closer to PAL day, things at work and in my home life started to quickly unravel. Mentally I was stretched. Emotionally I was zapped. What had started out as a fun journey - was quickly turning hellish. I wanted it over. I wanted everything over. Nothing seemed to end fast enough - everyone demanded more from me and expectations grew to the point I was going crazy. I knew - if I mentally wanted to get through with my sanity - something had to give. But deadlines are deadlines - and I rarely let one - lapse without completing what's been assigned to me. And it all took its toll.
When the 'competition' started to get down and dirty - so did inbox messages. everyone wanted things fixed to suit themselves and their own needs. My hobby - which was barely keeping me sane - was suddenly turning into a nightmare. I've never enjoyed competition. I'm not competitive by nature. And if pushed into one - most times I just fold. This time I crumbled. My inbox exploded. Comments became adversarial. People wanted more and more - demanding more and more. I final shut down. Tuned everything and everyone out. I had to escape. I had to regroup. I had to stop the attacks. In the process I might have offended some - and I'm sorry for that - but I needed to save myself. I needed to find the joy that letterboxing used to bring me. I had to find a way to get my family back on track and try to help them recover from everything that was happening.
I'm still trying to recover. Letterboxing does seem to bring me some joy - but I still feel the attacks around me. Try as I might - I feel their impact, I can't seem to miss them. Letterboxing and its community has brought me so much joy. I've developed friendships and been to places that I never would have had I not discovered Atlas Quest. But when things get overwhelming - the last thing you want is the hobby that is supposed to renew your energy - take it away. Friends that make you happy - suddenly make you sad. When that happens - ties need to be cut. Relationships need to be restructured and you go into protection mode.
There are so many things I should be doing - but letterboxing always calls to me. So in my own way - I'm slowly rebuilding that bridge back to what used to be a strong island. It's going to take a while for me to finish it - so I'm asking for patience. My family is still in crisis - so I really do not need my hobby in crisis as well. I need it to go back to being my refuge. And hopefully it will very soon.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Daily Commute
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!
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!
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!
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