Island Update Ending October 9, 2005

We started out the week with 2 very large cruise ships, the Carnival Triumph which moored at State Pier and the Constellation which anchored in front of the house. Amazingly enough, although it was a beautiful day, the Constellation had disappeared in the fog that moved up the channel around noon. It remained a beautiful sun shinny day here on the island. By nightfall we had become engulfed also. This was also TEA day which turned out to be just great! We started out early since Dad promised Dong he would pick him up so he could retrieve his truck he had left at the house. That done, Dad started making scones and fortunately made two batches because, as he tends to do, he set the temperature wrong on the stove and burned the first batch. The second turned out perfectly -- they were the blueberry, apple, pear ones. Mom did everything else and had a wonderful looking table which we took pictures of. There were nine for tea (also coffee) counting ourselves and we all sat on the porch. They must have enjoyed themselves because they strayed for over 2 hours. We really had a great time.

Up early in the fog on Tuesday, breakfast (cereal), caught the 0815 boat, stopped at Tony's for just 2 donuts, arrived at the airport, bought coffee (they don't sell donuts anymore) and sat and watched the people go through security while waiting for Mo and Laurie to arrive. They were hungry when they arrived so we stopped for breakfast at the Friendship Cafe followed by a stop at a house salvage place on Congress Street. What neat stuff they have there. Diane you would love it. Then it was off to get fish and shrimp for supper and catch the 1415 boat. Drove around the island in the fog, but used the van, not the golf cart. A bit chilly and damp. Mom's baked haddock was as always delicious. Liverpool at night: Mo won. Yes, it is still foggy at bedtime.

Wednesday was Happy Birthday Mom day. Up early in the hopes the fog had lifted and we could go to the other side of the island to see the Queen Mary 2 arrive. What a laugh -- we couldn't even see down to the water. We heard a ship anchor and we heard a ship get underway around 1800, but who really was out there we never saw. We were slow in getting up, but eventually we went for a walk roughly up to the 5th Maine (to look something up about fish chowder) and back via the store. Mom and Laurie made fish chowder from Mom's leftovers gathered during the summer while Dad and Mo planted Sea Roses. Some time during the day UPS arrived with a package for Mom and Dad from Glen on the West coast (actually Portland Oregon) who for 3 4th of Julys has visited us here on the island. In the box was a king sized red, white and blue quilt which one has to see to really appreciate. What a surprise! For supper we had Pork Wellington courtesy of Greg who left it in the freezer for use later this season. Another delicious meal. Liverpool tonight - Dad won. Yes, it was super foggy at bedtime.

Thursday we were up as usual and still in a dense fog. We decided to putter around town so caught the 1000 ferry. In Portland the fog kind of disappeared, but it stayed overcast. We had lunch at Walter's and visited who knows how many stores before catching the 1630 boat back to Peaks. We sort of collapsed, got our second wind and had a light supper. Liverpool tonight was won by Laurie and Dad. It is midnight and we can see Portland.

Friday arrived with no fog and what a beautiful warm day it was. The cruise ship Silver Whisper arrived first thing and left around 2200 or so, We were waiting for it to leave while playing cards so we could go to the back side of the island and see this lighted up ship heading out to sea. We kept checking and checking and would you believe we missed it! We took Marissa MacIsaac tour of the island this morning. It was quite good and took about 2 hours. It was warm enough to have lunch on the porch, rather unusual for a week into October. Just puttered around until time for supper. Mo and Laurie took us out to dinner at the Cockeyed Gull. Good as usual. Liverpool tonight - Mo won twice.

STORY FOR THE DAY: This morning Mom got up to take a shower and Dad was still in bed when the bedroom door opened wide and while Dad waited for Mom to come back into the bedroom she didn't, but a few moments later the porch door opened. Dad got up shook the cobwebs out of his head and told Lawyer Perry that he would have to stay on the porch and closed the door to the porch. Take it for what it is worth.

Saturday was Happy Birthday to Dad day - We woke up to heavy fog and lots and lots of rain during the night and all day long. We all went to the craft fair at the Inn on Peaks, buying a couple small items. We kind of took it easy all day. Tonight we went to the Harvest Dinner at the 5th Maine which is always very good. This time they had some tables set up in the hall which was much more quiet and peaceful, although cooler, than the dinning room. Then it was home to some more Liverpool - Mom won twice and Mo once.

Sunday, as one might suspect, started out with rain and fog. We had already decided that if this happened we would forego eating at the Lions Club so Dad fixed his usual Sunday morning breakfast. We all went to church, raining, so we drove van style. After church (rain had now stopped) we cleaned up and caught the 1245 to meet Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Dick and to go see Lettice and Lovage, a very funny show put on by the Portland Stage Company. They perform in a very small theater where there are no bad seats even for Mom. We all came back to the island for supper and Liverpool. Six people makes this a very different game - Uncle Dick won.

That is about the best I can do for this week. Sorry we are late.

Love, Mom and Dad