Island Update Ending August 6, 2006

Another successful week has passed. My how the time flies.

Mom and Dad were up in time to go walking with Denise. We kind of hung out today. Pete and Dad got the chain saw trimmer out and did in the nearly dead remaining cherry tree. They also did some serious trimming of the apple tree by the road, the maple tree in the parking lot and the always growing maple that insists on getting in the way of looking toward Portland. Tripoli tonight.

Tuesday turned out to be kind of warm although there was a breeze all day long. Diane, Pete and Shamus walked around the island first thing then we all just sort of goofed off all day long doing such things as giving Shamus rides in the gold cart - He really likes that. Dad did drag Pete up to the 5th to change some light bulbs. By bedtime it was still a bit on the hot side so Tuesday was fan night number 3 for this year.

Wednesday was as advertised, hot! Mom and Dad had to go to town so Mom could get her haircut. They caught the 1145, made a short trip to the Farmer's Market, then to the hardware store and got Mom to the hairdresser in South Portland about 1250. Dad went to the paint store and a couple other places, picked up Mom at 1330, then to the fish market (we how had a very heavy canvas Bean bag) dropped Mom at the ferry, took the car to the parking lot and was back at the ferry at 1355 ready for the 1415 ferry. The highest temperature we read on the car thermometer was 105 while waiting at a red light. Mostly we were in the mid 90's. We had a terrific thunderstorm before supper of Haddock, corn on the cob etc. and by 2300 there was a cool breeze coming in the window of a hot house. This was more like a 1/2 fan night depending on the individual and room.

The decent weather was back on Thursday. Mom and Dad walked with Denise. The Sullivans all went to town. Dad worked on a storm/screen door for the 5th and a couple pillars on the house. Mom and the "girls" visited Marge. Diane et al returned on the 2015 after a hard day of shopping. They were all ready for popcorn.

Friday started out as very rainy, but by mid morning the rain had stopped and it turned out to be a beautiful day. Dad hustled off to the 5th with another guy to decide what to do about a major mold problem in one of the new rooms. Diane did laundry, Pete worked on the tall hedge - height consistent with past years, but now much narrower. I guess it will all fill out in a year or so. The boys worked hard at dumping the debris over the bank. Mom baked banana bread and a blueberry pie with the able assistance of Lauren. We topped the day off with lobster. The non lobster eaters (all but Mom, Dad and Pete) got to eat leftovers.

Saturday was another beautiful day. Dong arrived on the 0745 boat from Portland to see Diane and to bring 30 egg rolls his sister had made this morning. Delicious. Various people went to various places, but the day's events included the annual fair at the "Club", talked to a roofer about the leak around one of the chimneys (going to check this on Monday we hope), bought a rather new riding mower with a broken drive belt, checked some 5th Maine problems with Dong and eventually everyone returned around noon. Dong left on the 1245 boat. Pete and Dad got the mower up on blocks. Actually Dad slide 6x6's under the front wheels while Pete picked the mower up. Ice cream after supper and Tripoli finished off the day.

Pete, Lauren and Shamus left today, Sunday, on the 0945 after a breakfast of eggs and Canadian Bacon. Pete's luck never changes much to the frustration of Diane. There was a truck and lots of cars in line for the boat and there was no way he was going to get on that boat. Wouldn't you know there was a car in front of him with no driver and they stuffed the final 2 cars, including Pete, on that boat. They made it home safely in about 11 hours. Mom and Dad made it to 1000 Mass. Diane took down the paneling in the bay window in the master bedroom. The ceiling is bead board as expected and the wall is covered with deep maroon burlap. Interesting. Now we have to decide what to do next. Mom washed and repaired the curtains we were going to replace so they are now looking real good. Dad worked some on the porch railings and pillars and finally repaired the replaced the broken light in the bathroom. We watched the football game for awhile tonight and now we are ready for bed.

Love, Mom and Dad