Island Update Ending September 14, 2002

WEATHER: Interesting weather this week. Monday it was 87 on the island, but Portland set a record of 93 breaking the old record for the date of 88 set 42 years ago. It was also a FD day, that is we slept with the fan on in the bedroom. That made 6 fan days this year. On Wed our weather station recorded a wind speed of 52MPH at 2042, Thu and Fri had wind speeds in the 40s. We also had a little rain. Temperatures ranged from 87 to 66 for highs and 70 to 54 for lows.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK: 1. Paul and Casey now have our web site up and operational so check it out at THISLLDO.COM. It is rather neat! 2. I finished renovating the upstairs porch after the roof leak in 1999. I guess I started the same year because we bought the ceiling tile just before we left for the winter.

Sunday starts the week out with Mass at noon, a really lousy time. We worked around the house, did some visiting, watched some of the Bills/Jets football game because that was the only game we got and watched some tennis. Not much accomplished, but we were tired. Mon was back to our busy schedule starting with Mom's doctor appointment for her ear so we had breakfast before the doctor, followed by BJ's for gas and stuff, Home Depot, CVS, bank, Shaw's, Chinese for lunch, Christmas Tree Store after which we were pooped so caught the 1630 boat back the island. Two huge cruise ships today, The Carnival Triumph with some 2400 passengers moored at State Pier and The World moored up where the Scotia Prince comes in. The World had a reported 200 passengers and I will quote what Mr. Monroe the city's director of transportation and waterfront facilities said in the newspaper after he was given a tour of the ship. "The ship has 100 apartments it sells to 'the higher end' - those who can afford to plunk down $2.25 million and up for a floating condominium. The company calls the concept a 'home away from home away from home,' suggesting that those who have second homes may need to escape even them from time to time. Owned by Residensea Ltd, the ship began sailing this year, cruising through southern Europe, up to Scotland in time for the British Open golf championship and continuing its wandering ways until it winds up in Hawaii for the end of the year. The World also has 88 'guest suites' for those who can't swing the $3 million or $4 million for an apartment, but can handle more than $7,200 per person for a nine-day European cruise." They also have a practice putting green with real grass.

Back to reality. Tuesday was on the hot and humid side so we worked to recover from yesterday. Caught the 1000 boat on Wed to go get Mom' s hair cut and run a few errands. We had lunch of delicious fish and chips at the Public Market. Thursday we were back at the doctor's to have Mom's ear checked out. We had lunch at a place out near Two Lights that burned last year, but was rebuilt. Not so hot so we have crossed it off our list.

On Friday we puttered about the house and that was when I finished the upstairs porch. I also finished refurbishing the stained glass window. I am now in the mode of finishing the things I have started this summer with no new projects if I can help it.

I am a little later than usual tonight, but we were talking the Paul on the phone. I also have included more stuff than usual tonight. Anyway, that should about do it for this week. Love, Dad