July - #63

Summer is definitely my favorite season!  I prefer the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer for so many reasons.

Firstly, I love the longer days. The sky begins to lighten around 4:30 am here, in the Greater Boston area. It's so much easier to get out of bed when the sun is shining, isn't it? The air is warm; I throw open all the windows and the morning air is fresh and fragrant from my garden flowers. Shorts, a tank top and flip flops are my uniform of choice. I put the coffee on and the day begins!

July started off with fireworks - literally. Our town, Stoughton, began festivities for Independence Day on Friday night, July 1st with a glorious fireworks show. It had been five years since the town's last such display; it was a welcomed event!   Our parade marches through our tiny town center on the morning of July 4th. To me, this is the essence of small-town America. It is a really fun, local gathering for residents supporting our town. 

 

In between the celebrations, I have begun going through our travel trailer - thoroughly cleaning, making lists and getting it ready, little by little, for our next big adventure. I realize also, I need to start firming up our travel plans and make reservations. 

Since we've been home, it feels like we are bleeding money.  I don't have to say it - we all know how expensive everything has gotten these days.  I thought I would have a chance to save a little since we were home for many months; that isn't going to happen. 

We spent five really nice days with Brooke and the kids up in North Conway, NH; we Air B&B'd a townhouse, located perfectly to everything! It was comfortable and spacious and outside of one take-out dinner, I did all the cooking (which I didn't mind).  The only downside for me was feeling under the weather. I had a cold - as did Wally. But, I pushed forward and enjoyed our trip.  I especially loved Storyland. I'm surprised I had never taken my girls when they were little! It is a great park with a wonderful variety of rides that are actually just my level now! LOL. We also visited the Aquarium and took a ride on the Scenic Conway Rail. North Conway itself is a really pretty and busy little town - lots to do!

                                  

  

Charlie and I are working on another project.  He does the actual work - I just give my input. We are making a "catio" for Miss Minnie.  This will allow her access to the outside through a window. Pictures to follow upon completion.

It is now July 20th. I am happy to report I have been diligent and completed all our travel reservations for October! I created a spreadsheet with all the info - days, places, mileage and costs. It is done!  I have also researched each area to see what activities are offered and we might partake.  I am getting excited about our trip! Next, is getting the trailer ready.

I'm also excited about our new addition to the TT - our map! Charlie and I have actually visited together during our marriage 25 states.  We hope to be adding 5 more within the next year and then the following spring of 2024, we plan to travel west - across the middle and northern states to visit that area of the country neither of us have ever traveled.  And, we also just received a wonderful gift from our son-in-law, Rakib.  He bought us great t-shirts for our travels.  We are planning to wear them the day we leave again!

  

Next week, the very end of July, we are visiting our friends in NYC and we are all taking a little diversion to Atlantic City for a few days.  I haven't been there in years - Charlie I don't think ever. We are also planning to get tickets to the Van Gogh Immersion.  That should indeed be a highlight!

Needless to say, we are having a great summer! During my regular everydays, I attend classes at the senior center (exercise, yoga) and will be adding a meditation class to the mix.  I participate in a Scrabble meetup on Thursdays, go to the gym - which is great on these super hot days, go for walks, and I finally, finally finished reading a book! That has been a struggle for me. Still enjoying cooking and baking... the days just go by! Charlie is still working on the catio.  He loves a good project! And in between, he is busy with his radio stuff and motorcycle. This is a very happy time of life for us both.

         the catio 75% completed

Home Life - #62

 Extended travel really gives one an appreciation for being at home. It's been two months and I still feel that excitement of something new - yet everything is familiar. There are so many places and people we still want to visit and we've been busy filling up our calendar. I have been getting up early everyday! We have really been enjoying our time with the littles. I need to get back on the road to get some sleep again! 

  

First things we've been tending to are our medical appointments - bone density, mammogram, urologist, dentist... we're getting it all done! Charlie and I also got our second Covid boosters. And I just reminded myself - have to schedule an appointment for our Minnie's visit to the vet.

I spend a little time everyday cleaning our apt - it's small and easy to manage. I love working in our gardens and I am done with my mulching and planting of flowers. I'm working on a hardscape garden around Charlie's shed as a regular garden doesn't seem to work there.  I love using rocks in my gardening. I walk around everyday pulling little weeds before they have a chance to grow. I started a small vegetable garden inside my wheelbarrow again - tomatoes and cucumbers. They are doing great! My hydrangeas are in full bloom - this is my favorite flower; the wild black raspberries are ready for picking, too!  Other projects I have given myself - trim all the plants, rearrange the wood pile, reorganize the shelves in the garage, resand the patio. Our trailer just returned home from maintenance this past Monday, that will be another whole project in itself!

Charlie had started going into work welding at his old job a couple of days a week and was enjoying it until he butted heads with the owner and told him "goodbye". We don't need aggravation from work at this point in our lives - especially when we don't need to work. I'm kind of hoping they work things out - but Charlie says he's not returning. Well - I always find something for him to help me with at home.

In July, we have rented a townhouse in the North Conway/Attitash area in New Hampshire and will be going with the family for 4/5 days.  We haven't been up that way in quite a few years and it should be a good time - especially with the littles. We are also visiting friends Ellen and Yori in NY at the very end of July and we are planning an excursion to Atlantic City with them for a few days as well.

In August, my daughter Holly will be coming home for a visit for 5 weeks and I have been running ideas by her about things we can do! Looking forward to our time together.

We had the great joy of a visit from Mimi and Tom, friends from Skyline Ranch! So wonderful to see them and catch up on their fabulous adventure.  We've been following their journey on Facebook.                          

This week we look forward to July 4th fireworks and celebrating with friends. The summer always seems to go by so fast.  I am now counting down - 3 1/2 months - to getting back on the road! I am starting to get serious with my planning and making reservations as I confirm my route.