Island Update Ending July 30, 2006

Yesterday was one of those days where we were running just a bit behind, but we are back to normal today I think.

The week started off with another beautiful day. Mom and Dad went walking with Denise and 4 others - big crowd today. After lunch we watched a tape of Portland circa 1940. Parts were okay, but most were rather boring happenings and not about the city. Then we had a quick tape of last year's island Halloween and lighting the Christmas tree. They were kind of fun. Dad managed to get the lawn mower going after it had sat out in the driving rain a couple times and then Cindy mowed the lawn. Dong came by to check out the roof/chimney, but we decided against it. While that was going on Mom and Cindy went up and got lobsters. They only had1 1/4 lb size, but they were very good. The girls decided to sneak out tonight, but typical of a couple 16 year olds they were not too smart about it.

On Tuesday we were all off on the 0815 boat headed for LL Bean which also included wondering around Freeport of awhile. Then it was off to lunch. You think Dad is a picky eater, you should see Rachel. Anyway we settled on KFC which seemed to suite everyone. Then we dropped the girls off at the Mall while Mom, Dad and Cindy went to the Christmas Tree Shops. We managed to pick a few things up there and catch the 1630 back to Peaks. Pizza (another compromise) for supper.

Cindy et al departed on the 0615 boat on Wednesday. Mom and Dad came back for coffee and breakfast and then caught the 0945 to town and the Farmer's Market plus some just wondering around town a little which we had not done since we flew north. We picked up some Haddock for supper and caught the 1415 back. We had to be back because Dad was docent at the 5th and besides that it was hot in town. Mom had supper ready when Dad got home and did it ever taste good. We then went to the 5th to see a presentation "Meet Eleanor Roosevelt, Advocate for Universal Human Rights". Great show and the place was jam packed full.

Thursday we debated on whether to go to town or not, but finally decided to stay home, not to rest but rather to relax a little. This included cleaning up the house, washing sheets and towels , making beds and just doing stuff like that. Mom finally got to eat her lobster roll for lunch so it was probably a good thing we didn't go to town. Donc also stopped by this morning. Tonight Dad had a 5th Maine monthly meeting and that pretty much finished the day.

Friday we decided to catch the 0815 ferry to do some grocery shopping. Every once in a while we do something right and that was the case today. We caught the 1215 back and already it was 86 degrees. We did stop and have breakfast at Mama.s followed by a stop at the hardware store and BJ.s Those few things pretty well filled up the morning. There was a nice breeze on the island although it was a rather not breeze. Later the thunderstorms moved in and it cooled off nicely.

Things kind of ganged up on us Saturday. The day started off with the Peaks to Portland swim, postponed from last Saturday. After that it was the 5 mile run around the island. After lunch we had the annual house tour this year put on by the 5th Maine. Mom spent the first 1-1/2 hours at one of the house as a guide then Dad picked her up and we went to the other four. The 5th does that every other year and always has what are considered island cottages. Rather interesting and lots of fun. After that Dad went up to the 5th to help set up for tomorrows pancake breakfast. Not bad for a Saturday.

Sunday we were both up bright and early for the pancake breakfast, like about 0530. Too early to go so Dad made coffee and we enjoyed just relaxing on the front porch. Mom dropped Dad off at the 5th about 0700 to get ready for breakfast starting at 0800. Lots of people working so Dad didn't have too much to do until the end and clean up/put away time. Mom joined us after the 0815 mass and she probably worked harder, at least that is her story,. We served over 300 people. We were home by 1300, relaxed a bit, and were off to Millie's 90th birthday party about 1500. Very nice affair at the "Club". The Sullivan crew, including Shamus, showed up on the 1735 ferry to complete the week for us.

Love, Mom and Dad