Home again after a wonderful weekend back in the Berkshires (unfortunately solo, Rich stayed at home with the puppies). I had the opportunity to spend more time with my mom and uncle from Seattle as well as see my sister and her family from PA. But that was just the beginning!
Fall has arrived in Berkshire County, or at least that was the rumor, but Friday afternoon and evening were sweltering. Hot and humid like the south! After that, Mother Nature settled down and gave us cool, fresh breezes to go with the fall colors and quickly falling leaves. Dry weather will make for earlier-than-usual bare trees.
Saturday was our family reunion where I saw relatives I haven't seen in 32 years. Well, don't we all look a bit different!! My father came from a family of 11 children so with spouses, children, ex's etc. it makes for a pretty large and varied bunch. Of course we had only a small subset of the whole group but it was fascinating to see aunts and uncles, who I had previously only known and viewed through a child's eyes, from an adult perspective. And to hear their stories of growing up and behaving like kids-it was really entertaining.
Seeing all of these older family members can't help but make you feel grounded and attached to a larger whole. Since we have never lived close to any family (mine or Rich's) for any length of time, it was a special opportunity to reconnect. Most importantly, this aging group got to spend a pleasant afternoon together - and for a happy reason, not another funeral. Even one brother who was missing was able to talk to everyone on the phone. I think everyone left with a smile in their heart. Wish the other couple of missing folks could have been there.
And I think I received the best gift of all. Not only did I see alot of faraway but familiar faces, I had a chance to glimpse, over both weekend visits, something I've always wondered about. My dad died 3 days after my 22nd birthday so I never had the blessing of an adult relationship with him. I've wondered so often what that would have felt like. My Uncle Rick looks SO MUCH like my dad, has similar mannerisms - and political views!! At first it was eerie spending time with him. But I quickly realized what a gift this was for me. I had this little window of time to see what it might have felt like, how the conversations might have gone, a bit of what I missed. It was wonderful!! I could not have asked for a more heartwarming visit and am looking forward to the time when I can travel back to the west coast to see him again.
So now it's back to school (tonight) and, I hope, subbing to earn some money. While we continue to plan for a future change of address (when???), we will start working on all those home improvement projects and spend time enjoying Maine while we can. Cuz after all..."it's the way life should be"!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Back Home Now
Sorry for the delay in this entry. As Rich indicated, last Friday we headed north on "big roads" to reach my Mom's in Richmond, MA by that night. It was nice to be able to see Lauren, briefly, for lunch beforehand though. The weather in Gburg remains warm and fairly summery so we weren't too shocked - yet. Stopped to buy ADAM'S COUNTY APPLES as promoted by Lauren-they're good!!
We arrived in the Berkshires about 9:00 Friday night to see my mom and visit with my Uncle Ricky from Washington (state). I have not seen him in 23 years! We stayed thru Sunday and had a great time catching up...couldn't have been any better ending to our vacation!
But, alas, our trip has draw to a close .We know this partly because of the wad of receipts (and no cash), because the realities of life are staring us in the face AND the weather is COOOOOL and fallish. Boo hoo. Yes, it was colder in the Berkshires than in Maine, but our trees up here are beginning to turn and the evenings are chilly. Summer is winding down gracefully...
While talking on the last leg of our journey, (boring I495, and most of you know what I mean), Rich and I reflected on what we had learned - and not learned- through our travels. Did we live into any answers?? Yes. We learned that we still love spending time together and wish we could do it more. We learned that there are some strikingly beautiful parts of the mid-Atlantic states and Gulf South...and there are some areas that just don't fit us. We learned that "our" plan of heading to Louisiana for two years might not be part of the Grand Cosmic Plan, but that's ok. There is something equally exciting - or more so - waiting for us. We have goals to work on while still in Maine and we will continue to be open and alert to those new challenges that might come along. So even though we are physically back in Maine, we will continue to be looking for paths to follow, leading us into the answers we await.
We arrived in the Berkshires about 9:00 Friday night to see my mom and visit with my Uncle Ricky from Washington (state). I have not seen him in 23 years! We stayed thru Sunday and had a great time catching up...couldn't have been any better ending to our vacation!
But, alas, our trip has draw to a close .We know this partly because of the wad of receipts (and no cash), because the realities of life are staring us in the face AND the weather is COOOOOL and fallish. Boo hoo. Yes, it was colder in the Berkshires than in Maine, but our trees up here are beginning to turn and the evenings are chilly. Summer is winding down gracefully...
While talking on the last leg of our journey, (boring I495, and most of you know what I mean), Rich and I reflected on what we had learned - and not learned- through our travels. Did we live into any answers?? Yes. We learned that we still love spending time together and wish we could do it more. We learned that there are some strikingly beautiful parts of the mid-Atlantic states and Gulf South...and there are some areas that just don't fit us. We learned that "our" plan of heading to Louisiana for two years might not be part of the Grand Cosmic Plan, but that's ok. There is something equally exciting - or more so - waiting for us. We have goals to work on while still in Maine and we will continue to be open and alert to those new challenges that might come along. So even though we are physically back in Maine, we will continue to be looking for paths to follow, leading us into the answers we await.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The slow road
This is Rich reporting from the road tonight.
2010 will go down in history as the "Summer of Road Construction". From one end of our trip, to what is too soon becoming the other end, road construction has been the most consistent aspect. Not even the heat has lasted as long. Today was another beautiful day, just as yesterday was. Sunny and comfortable.
We started in Asheville, NC, driving around downtown and visiting the Mast General Store. What a neat place to shop, or just poke around. If you ever need some candy from your youth (assuming you are over 30), this is the place to find it.
We next drove through Winston-Salem, then left the Interstate, and started our northward journey on a State Highway. Now we know why they built the Interstate system. We got behind every slow driver, truck and construction delay you can imagine. We even got stopped at 4:45 (middle of rush hour) while someone decided to string new cables across the highway!
We are spending the night in Harrisonburg, VA, in the heart of the Shennendoah Valley. The next town over is Bridgewater, the home of both Bridgewater College, and Lauren's friend Nick Picerno, the Chief of Police for Bridgewater College (long story, nothing bad). Very nice town, nice campus.
Dorrie had a flashback to gradeschool as we were driving around Charlottesville (yes, again). After much hard work and thought, she remembered all of the main characters from the Walton's, even the sisters who made the 'recipe'. Does anyone remember who the man was that they both liked? We took a side road looking for Walton's Mountain, and the Walton's museum in Schuyler, but gave up before we found it. Time was running short, and the road was still long. Besides, we had to leave something for next time.
It was about this point that it dawned on us that we weren't going to be able to take the slow road all the way through Virginia. So, in Charlottesville, we found ourselves back on the Interestate, this time heading west into the Valley.
Tomorrow is a day to make time. A straight shot up the highway to Gettysburg, lunch with Lauren then onto the Berkshires.
2010 will go down in history as the "Summer of Road Construction". From one end of our trip, to what is too soon becoming the other end, road construction has been the most consistent aspect. Not even the heat has lasted as long. Today was another beautiful day, just as yesterday was. Sunny and comfortable.
We started in Asheville, NC, driving around downtown and visiting the Mast General Store. What a neat place to shop, or just poke around. If you ever need some candy from your youth (assuming you are over 30), this is the place to find it.
We next drove through Winston-Salem, then left the Interstate, and started our northward journey on a State Highway. Now we know why they built the Interstate system. We got behind every slow driver, truck and construction delay you can imagine. We even got stopped at 4:45 (middle of rush hour) while someone decided to string new cables across the highway!
We are spending the night in Harrisonburg, VA, in the heart of the Shennendoah Valley. The next town over is Bridgewater, the home of both Bridgewater College, and Lauren's friend Nick Picerno, the Chief of Police for Bridgewater College (long story, nothing bad). Very nice town, nice campus.
Dorrie had a flashback to gradeschool as we were driving around Charlottesville (yes, again). After much hard work and thought, she remembered all of the main characters from the Walton's, even the sisters who made the 'recipe'. Does anyone remember who the man was that they both liked? We took a side road looking for Walton's Mountain, and the Walton's museum in Schuyler, but gave up before we found it. Time was running short, and the road was still long. Besides, we had to leave something for next time.
It was about this point that it dawned on us that we weren't going to be able to take the slow road all the way through Virginia. So, in Charlottesville, we found ourselves back on the Interestate, this time heading west into the Valley.
Tomorrow is a day to make time. A straight shot up the highway to Gettysburg, lunch with Lauren then onto the Berkshires.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Today we see the Smokies
Now my mom has been making pilgrimages to this part of the country for several years. She loves this area and we have never seen it. Today was the day.
We drove through Great Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park.Those mountains really do look like they go on forever! They are more forested than the western mountains of CO, WY, MT and ID and not as high, of course. There is a gentle, undulating rhythm as you look out across the peaks. Breathtaking. The roads are twisty and turny and fun! The tourist towns of the area are beyond tacky. Didn't stop, didn't want to. The smaller, quieter places are lovely.
We had the good fortune to be able to reconnect with an old friend from Maine today, Chris, and meet his terrific wife, Cathy, and brand new baby, Hannah. It was great to have the chance to see them all. We also had another reconnection- of sorts. While visiting the town of Hendersonville (really nice!!), NC, we found a little shop which sells intricate German Christmas ornaments (among other cool European treasures). The lady who owns the store lived for many years in Germany. She and her husband became friends with many of the owners/artisans of the German companies which produce these amazing wooden or pewter gems. Each piece, still after generations, is painted by hand by artists in their own homes. Ok, cool, so why is this a reconnection?? When Rich was young, his family lived in Germany and collected many German Christmas ornaments which have now made their way to our annual tree. He was DELIGHTED to see so many of the things he remembered from that time in his life and take that walk down memory lane with the shop owner. Sometimes, the most unexpected moments can just make your day.
Now we are winding down for the day with our respective books. Late afternoon ice cream served as dinner (see Mima, you're wearing off) so it's cheese and crackers now before bed. What would our children say? They would join us!!
Tonight we are staying in Asheville which we will check out a bit in the morning before heading back through Virginia. There are a few more towns we need to investigate......hee hee
We drove through Great Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park.Those mountains really do look like they go on forever! They are more forested than the western mountains of CO, WY, MT and ID and not as high, of course. There is a gentle, undulating rhythm as you look out across the peaks. Breathtaking. The roads are twisty and turny and fun! The tourist towns of the area are beyond tacky. Didn't stop, didn't want to. The smaller, quieter places are lovely.
We had the good fortune to be able to reconnect with an old friend from Maine today, Chris, and meet his terrific wife, Cathy, and brand new baby, Hannah. It was great to have the chance to see them all. We also had another reconnection- of sorts. While visiting the town of Hendersonville (really nice!!), NC, we found a little shop which sells intricate German Christmas ornaments (among other cool European treasures). The lady who owns the store lived for many years in Germany. She and her husband became friends with many of the owners/artisans of the German companies which produce these amazing wooden or pewter gems. Each piece, still after generations, is painted by hand by artists in their own homes. Ok, cool, so why is this a reconnection?? When Rich was young, his family lived in Germany and collected many German Christmas ornaments which have now made their way to our annual tree. He was DELIGHTED to see so many of the things he remembered from that time in his life and take that walk down memory lane with the shop owner. Sometimes, the most unexpected moments can just make your day.
Now we are winding down for the day with our respective books. Late afternoon ice cream served as dinner (see Mima, you're wearing off) so it's cheese and crackers now before bed. What would our children say? They would join us!!
Tonight we are staying in Asheville which we will check out a bit in the morning before heading back through Virginia. There are a few more towns we need to investigate......hee hee
A long ride......
I am mixing days here in my posts so please forgive. After visiting Natchez we headed north and spent the night in Pearl, MS right outside of Jackson. The next day was a long one of driving, getting tired and getting silly! We ended in Knoxville, TN and finally visited a Texas Roadhouse steakhouse. OK, the steak was just as good as everyone has said. Try it if you are not a vegetarian.
Here is my bit of wisdom for the day. Everyone believes they live in the most beautiful spot in the world or at least it represents some sort of paradise in their mind. I have heard folks say that who live (in my opinion) in much less than optimal circumstances-or even downright ugly places. But to them, it's THE BEST place...and isn't that wonderful? Even with it's looonnggg winters, Maine is right up there with the beautiful places in my mind. But many believe West Virginia is "almost heaven" or that they wouldn't want to be anywhere that isn't sweet home Alabama. Those license plate slogans mean something to them. Anywhere can be beautiful...it's how and where you look.
Here is my bit of wisdom for the day. Everyone believes they live in the most beautiful spot in the world or at least it represents some sort of paradise in their mind. I have heard folks say that who live (in my opinion) in much less than optimal circumstances-or even downright ugly places. But to them, it's THE BEST place...and isn't that wonderful? Even with it's looonnggg winters, Maine is right up there with the beautiful places in my mind. But many believe West Virginia is "almost heaven" or that they wouldn't want to be anywhere that isn't sweet home Alabama. Those license plate slogans mean something to them. Anywhere can be beautiful...it's how and where you look.
I'm behind...but I'm on vacation!!
So here is the overdue update. And, ahem, if I could just point out that I am not as behind in my posting as others (katie).
New Orleans was every bit as wonderful as ever. Yes, it was hot and sticky, but it's fun and energetic. It is the gastronomic disneyland that most only dream of, too! Over the course of 4 days, we had all sorts of delicious treats to eat and it's probably best that I don't live there because I would be the 400 lb woman who has to be taken out of her home with a crane. There are more intriguing bars and restaurants in that town than one could explore in a lifetime!
It was FANTASTIC to see Katie and Zoey. We took an interesting jaunt down to the bayou country where it is easy to see why the recent oil spill so critically impacts their lives. There is little dry, firm land down in the lowest reaches of LA. Not only are their livelihoods dependent upon the water but their very existence hovers on, over, or next to it 24/7. We saw evidence of oil both in the marsh grasses and along the beach in Grand Isle. There are also signs posted reflecting bitterness toward BP, similar to those following Katrina-and I can't say that I blame them one bit.
After sadly leaving NOLA, we headed north into Mississippi. We wanted to see Natchez and it didn't disappoint. If you want to see the lovely southern architecture of the 17 and 1800's - that which did not get destroyed during the Civil War, Natchez is your place. An awesome spot.
New Orleans was every bit as wonderful as ever. Yes, it was hot and sticky, but it's fun and energetic. It is the gastronomic disneyland that most only dream of, too! Over the course of 4 days, we had all sorts of delicious treats to eat and it's probably best that I don't live there because I would be the 400 lb woman who has to be taken out of her home with a crane. There are more intriguing bars and restaurants in that town than one could explore in a lifetime!
It was FANTASTIC to see Katie and Zoey. We took an interesting jaunt down to the bayou country where it is easy to see why the recent oil spill so critically impacts their lives. There is little dry, firm land down in the lowest reaches of LA. Not only are their livelihoods dependent upon the water but their very existence hovers on, over, or next to it 24/7. We saw evidence of oil both in the marsh grasses and along the beach in Grand Isle. There are also signs posted reflecting bitterness toward BP, similar to those following Katrina-and I can't say that I blame them one bit.
After sadly leaving NOLA, we headed north into Mississippi. We wanted to see Natchez and it didn't disappoint. If you want to see the lovely southern architecture of the 17 and 1800's - that which did not get destroyed during the Civil War, Natchez is your place. An awesome spot.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Back in The Big Easy!
OK. So I'm old and too pooped to post last night. But here it is Friday morning and I'll bring everyone up to date...
Yesterday morning we left Columbus, GA and almost immediately entered sweet home Alabama. We visited Auburn, home of football power Auburn University. This was on our list of towns to see. A very pretty place, a very impressive school. Then we began the LONG trek across AL in a crisscross way so it was a looonngg trip.
Probably the most memorable part of the Thursday journey was arriving in Biloxi, MS and traveling from there right along the Gulf Coast through Gulfport, Pass Christian and Waveland. We have never visited this area and certainly had not seen the landscape since Katrina came through. Wow. Using the stories on TV as our frame of reference, it is utterly incredible how much was wiped off the map. Some hotels and homes (very fancy ones) have been repaired or rebuilt and have that true Gulf look. The casinos, of course, are alive and well. But there remain so many house lots right along the shore sporting a curb cut, a driveway, and maybe steps to nothingness. Now I know there is much debate over whether those homes should be there in the first place and, moreover, whether they should be rebuilt. That controversy aside, it is shocking how much damage was done.
The beaches here are white and tropical. Also empty. The time of year or the oil spill? Don't know. We cannot see any evidence of oil driving through. And don't even get me started on the interesting plants!!!
The very BEST part of our day was our arrival in New Orleans, just in time to see the Saints victorious once again. Having left NO the day after their post Superbowl victory parade, it was fun to back for the beginning of their next season! We joined Katie at a bar to watch it all on a BIG screen. It was great to see so many friends we had met in the past. You can't beat the welcome NOLA offers!!!
So today is Friday and the old farts slept in while the young one had to go to work. There is some beautiful poetic justice in that....We will be relaxing today and trying to make contact with some people down here who are attempting to help us reach the big goal.....two years of disaster work.
Will post again with any news...
Yesterday morning we left Columbus, GA and almost immediately entered sweet home Alabama. We visited Auburn, home of football power Auburn University. This was on our list of towns to see. A very pretty place, a very impressive school. Then we began the LONG trek across AL in a crisscross way so it was a looonngg trip.
Probably the most memorable part of the Thursday journey was arriving in Biloxi, MS and traveling from there right along the Gulf Coast through Gulfport, Pass Christian and Waveland. We have never visited this area and certainly had not seen the landscape since Katrina came through. Wow. Using the stories on TV as our frame of reference, it is utterly incredible how much was wiped off the map. Some hotels and homes (very fancy ones) have been repaired or rebuilt and have that true Gulf look. The casinos, of course, are alive and well. But there remain so many house lots right along the shore sporting a curb cut, a driveway, and maybe steps to nothingness. Now I know there is much debate over whether those homes should be there in the first place and, moreover, whether they should be rebuilt. That controversy aside, it is shocking how much damage was done.
The beaches here are white and tropical. Also empty. The time of year or the oil spill? Don't know. We cannot see any evidence of oil driving through. And don't even get me started on the interesting plants!!!
The very BEST part of our day was our arrival in New Orleans, just in time to see the Saints victorious once again. Having left NO the day after their post Superbowl victory parade, it was fun to back for the beginning of their next season! We joined Katie at a bar to watch it all on a BIG screen. It was great to see so many friends we had met in the past. You can't beat the welcome NOLA offers!!!
So today is Friday and the old farts slept in while the young one had to go to work. There is some beautiful poetic justice in that....We will be relaxing today and trying to make contact with some people down here who are attempting to help us reach the big goal.....two years of disaster work.
Will post again with any news...
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