Vacation land

Are you ready for a vacation?  Then come on up.  There is vacancy now.

 

We have had our share of visitors, but are always ready for more.  Mary's brother Timmy was here for a few days, having come back east from Mexico's Baja for a little R&R following his operation.  He has a huge scar and lost a lot of weight, although not the kind of diet one would recommend.  He stayed here for a few days, and showed us a couple of sites we had not seen - Bennington Pottery and an apple orchard store.  Easy places to dispense with your cash.  We saw him again, after he moved over to stay with John and Marilyn who were having a birthday party for Colleen.  Fun.

 

We also had a visit from Mary's teaching colleague from Maryland and her husband:  Susie and Dave.  They introduced us to a new concept: FOMO.  Fear of Missing Out.  And, while they were here, it seemed like we didn't miss out on much.  Tanglewood, Mt. Greylock, Clark Museum, Edith Wharton's home and gardens, King Kone (photo of Dave)and Dreamaway Lodge, for dinner and music.  (recommended: Sweetback Sisters)

 

What we haven't had here is rain.  And, our garden and yard shows it.  Right now it is threatening to rain, and we hear thunder, and while the weather map shows rain all around, still nothing but a few drops. 

 

A little while ago, I looked outside and saw squirrels and crows on our blueberry bushes, rabbits and woodchucks in our yard, eating weeds I hope.  We also found this week a monster poop, right by our woodpile and garden, which we fear is bear scat.  As we are closing in on final permit/inspections, the conservation commission guy came out and said he saw a deer trail going right through the yard.  And, when we pulled up the black erosion fence, I saw four snakes.  Time for a cat, maybe a dog.  

 

Other news from around - Joe has found a new apartment which he will be moving into this week.  He's seen Margaret a few times and discussed plans for the weeks ahead.  Annie had a big birthday (25) and will celebrate again when she comes home next week (yeah).  

 

Hey, how's your summer going?  We hear David and Paula are planning a trip out west, and Peter and Janet are doing a swing through New England in August.  Andrew and Lur went to Green Lake, and reported that it was HOT! The John Boyles are planning a family reunion in South Carolina followed by a drive out west as well. 

 

When we were at Tanglewood this week (for the 75th celebration) we brought along a Canada book to plan our August trip to Newfoundland.  Exciting.

 

Any other plans out there?  Yes!  New Jersey in less than two weeks.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

 

Love from up here.