Island Update Ending September 9, 2007

Monday got started with the fire alarm at the police/fire station waking us up before six this morning. It turned out to be a fire on a boat at Jones Landing (where the Rebel used to come in) and as far as we know no one was hurt. Kind of exciting in that the ambulance boat brought over firemen from the mainland and also the fire boat responded more or less after the fact, but then it is the slowest. That was the excitement for an otherwise routine, but beautiful day. This was lobster day and Tim and Diane arranged to have lobster shipped from the 3 Brothers lobster house. This was Tripoli night after the lobster clean-up.

Tim and Diane departed on the 1000 boat, first in line, having taken the car up 0800. Mom and Aunt Jeanne did whatever the rest of the day while Dad and Uncle Dick were at the 5th Maine hooking up smoke detectors, working on the phone system and helping, or more likely hindering, Dong's work. Uncle Dick went to bed after dinner while the rest of us played Spite and Malice. Couldn't tell if there was a winner or not. Wednesday was Farmers Market day, but all we managed to get was blueberries (for pie) and a box of cherry size tomatoes which were of various colors. They seemed to turn out to be of various flavors and Mom allowed as they were quite good. We also went to a very nice window shade shop where they make shades like the house has and which seem to be hard to find. Anyway, we are trying them and ordered shades for the Pineapple Room. Mom and Aunt Jeanne shopped for a couple hours at The Christmas Tree Shops, but Dad and Uncle Dick elected to go to a brand new Lowes. We had a late lunch at Rosie's, where we like to go at least once each summer. It is a Bar which also serves food which is very very good. It is located just a few blocks from the ferry terminal. We managed to catch the 1735 back to the island where everyone collapsed. We can't seem to take all this running around like we used to.

We awoke on Thursday with the arrival of the Explorer of the Seas at 0700. This was its first trip to Portland. It is 1020 feet long (100 longer than its mooring at State Pier) and carried 3835 passengers. Dad and Uncle Dick worked on the phones again at the 5th as well a giving Dong a helping hand on a couple things. Mom did laundry and worked in the garden. Aunt Jeanne?? Jeanne and Dick did take Mom and Dad out for a very enjoyable supper at the Inn on Peaks. Liverpool tonight - Dad won.

Friday was a rather warm day, but it cooled off after dark. Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Dick left on the 1115 boat. Mom and Dad did their usual things after guests depart. THE GOLD PLATED (it must be) SHOWER PUMP IS INSTALLED. Except for the price Mom is breathing a sign of relief after all these years. It is amazing how much has been accomplished this summer.

Saturday turned out to be a lazy hot and humid day. Reportedly a high of 92 in Portland, but still not a fan day. Dad cleaned up the dust in the shower room made by the pump installation and then got carried away and painted the floor. Mom worked on the dust in the rest of the house. Concrete dust is everywhere. This was a take it easy day and we did. Sunday we discovered it was rather chilly downstairs. It seems Dad forgot to close the front door after sitting awhile on the front porch before going to bed. Only one mass at 1000 now, but there was coffee, donuts and cakes afterward in the Rectory. It was a chilly day, only in the upper 60's with rain starting the day out. First rain this month. A very quiet day watching football and tennis. One can certainly tell Labor Day has come and gone.

It was a busy, fun week. It is hard to believe the summer season is really over. My but it went fast.

Love, Mom and Dad See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.