Island Update Ending July 4, 2004

Yes, I am a day late, but what can one expect for a long weekend.

In case I didn't mention it before, I can't say much about the real weather because the weather station is still on the house in Fairfax. I was loosening bolts to remove it and put it in the car when I realized there were lots of bees flying around. It seems they were building a nest on the underside of the wx station and I decided they could have it and we would proceed north without it.

Monday we were up bright and early, but waited to catch the 0945 ferry to pick up Pam and Christian at 1314. Ran errands, as usual, and really accomplished a lot. The parking gal is away so we didn't arrange for parking. The airport seems to have growing pains so while we were trying to find out about the flight in the general disorganization of the place, they were already in and waiting for their baggage. Part of the confusion is caused by these homeland security nuts who are trying to figure out what their function in life is. Anyway, we caught the 1415 boat. Christian is full of energy and Mom and I are still pooped and there is no connection here, just a general fact. By next week we should get a chance to rest. Still no shower, but I have high hopes for tomorrow. A neat thing today was when we got back the lawn had been mowed. I don't know what it is costing us, but is sure is neat.

Mom and I caught the 0815 to go to the commissary. We had to walk up in the rain though. We had a successful trip and are now pretty well supplied. I tried to renew our Brunswick base decal and homeland security has struck once again. No renewal because our legal residence is Virginia. What a bunch of baloney! We had fish and chips in Brunswick. The place we really like at the public market is closed and gone. Bummer. We caught the 1735 back to Peaks after going to the nursery for plants since we brought the car back to the island. Plants were not too good, but we did the best we could. They had such a severe winter that about half the perennials were killed off. Since the sun comes up about 0500 we have decided our only recourse is to go to bed at 2200. That seems to be either working or we are finally settling into Maine Island living. Shower work started today, but it is no small task! Paul is also hooking up hot water to the little sink in the downstairs bathroom.

Wednesday we were off to the farmers market in the car on the 0945 boat. Pam and Christian also, but they were on their way to the museum. Finished stocking up on food we think and also brought back fresh strawberries and a couple plants. Paul finished up the shower, we can use it tomorrow, plus the hot water to the downstairs bathroom. We paid for parking only until the end of September. I guess construction of the new port area, parking garage or whatever is scheduled to begin. Fresh haddock for supper, delicious.

Thursday and Friday were relatively peaceful. Mom cleaned and washed windows that always drive her crazy. Pam and I got the rest of the furniture out on the porch and I worked on preserving the wooden furniture we got a couple years ago. I guess we have settled in. Now just getting organized and doing the routine things. Still lots and lots to do, but then there always is. Nothing pressing, however.

Saturday Jeanne, Dick and Allison arrived for the 4th. The house is filling up, but it is neat that it is used so much.

Sunday started with church, visiting with people we hadn't seen yet this year, my usual Sunday morning breakfast, David (Jeanne and Dick's son) with his dog (really nice dog), watched the parade of decorated pickups, bicycles and golf carts, made our usual 4th of July cake, had hot dogs and hamburgers for supper, watched the really good fireworks and went to bed.

Paul is now set to put this on our web page (THISLLDO.COM) so you can always find it there. If you have never gone to the web site you should. Paul and Casey did a great job.

Love, DAD