Monday, September 27, 2010

Did I Forget to Mention - Vacation Update


Did I forget to mention that on the way home from Provincetown a week and a half ago as we drove through the light on North Main Street in our town, the F-250 sputtered and groaned.  Leon got it to go another two miles or so, but as we started to climb the rather steep hill which is our our road, about two miles from our driveway, the Ford died.  We were at the very side of the road against a stone wall guard rail.  Couldn't even open the camper door to get the dog's dinner or a Diet Coke.

Leon knew exactly what it was - the computer was fried - because it has happened before - this being the third time.  An hour and a half and Good Sam Road Service couldn't find a tow for a Our Truck and Fifth Wheel, so the town cop on the scene called a local garage.

Meanwhile a friend picked up me and Benni - it was Benni's dinner time and he was hungry - and brought us home.  I fed the dog, got in the car and picked up something for Leon and me from Micky D's.  (We don't usually eat the stuff, but this was an emergency).  Leon was too upset to be hungry, but I get hungry in a crisis (I get hungry no matter what) so I ate part of his.

When the tow arrived, the mechanic said it could't be the computer, no way.  So he towed the camper attached to the truck, the two miles up the hill and back home.  Was barely able to get the camper off the street - to his credit, having two vehicles in tow (a 30 foot fifth wheel and a 20 foot truck) was real tricky. and after we unloaded the camper, towed the truck to the garage.  The last two miles took three hours and cost $150.  Well, guess what?  The computer was fried due to water seeping in - for the third time.  OK, Ford, what's going on here.  At $1000 to $1200 a pop, replacing the computer every 16,000 miles is not a viable option.  Does anyone know how to prevent this?  Three different Ford Dealership/Service Departments could not prevent the problem from recurring.

And, Russ, don't give me any Chevy lip, ya hear?

So we're all home safe and sound, as you know, and the summer is just about wrapped up.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

A New Season

I've been so fed up with the world of humans, the governments, the politics, the religionists, the celebrities, the corporations, the pundits, the media...and I'm tired of reading or writing about any of it.  So here are some photos of nature, the only thing that is steady...though even nature seems to be acting strangely lately.

The Season of Mums
Birch leaves on the mat
Now I've been playing in the woods since I was a kid and I have NEVER seen these milkweed beetles before.  Like I said, even nature seems to be acting strangely lately.  Does anyone know what they are?  I'll have to google it.  It's a milkweed bug nymph.  Who knew?

The maple leaves are changing early this year.
The ubiquitous, invasive Japanese Knotweed
Goldenrod has a bad rep as a trigger for hayfever, but the color is spectacular.

Even the knotweed can put on fall colors.

Another unexpected phenomena: cabbage worms in the fall.  Usually the moths lay their eggs on tender young cabbages and broccoli in early summer.  This summer was free of cabbage worms, till now.  Go figure.

Some Last Photos of Provincetown

Definitely click to enlarge...










Monday, September 13, 2010

Paradise Lost

Clouds Over the Harbor - The Schooner Hindu was not in Provincetown This Year

Vacations do not always meet our expectations.  We tend to approach the "vacation" with a mix of anticipation, excitement, and, given our own proclivities, expectations that might include anything from "time to do nothing" to getting sloshed every night for a week.  My expectations tend toward the former.  I enjoy the opportunity to do things other than working, cooking, cleaning, entertaining and thinking for other people.  And time to do nothing at all.  Call me selfish. A friend (who I honestly don't remember inviting) stayed with us for almost a week.  He was thoughtful, considerate and cooked breakfast and brought groceries.  But we, Leon and I, had looked forward to the two of us having alone time.  Oh, well, I figured I must have invited the guy, so I was accommodating.
Leon looks forward to social interactions, talking with friends and strangers alike, kidding around, making small talk, talking about cars, and doing things to ensure that others have a good time.  Like inviting friends and acquaintances to enjoy the things and activities that we have come to enjoy.  Unfortunately, this sometimes interferes with my "doing nothing".

When that happens I get cranky.  I don't like always being the cranky old fart, so I go along.  We go through contortions to provide others with a nice time, then ... well it just seems like more work than it's worth.  Labor Day beach picnic.  An Over-sand Pass, a Beach Fire Permit, a grill, two coolers, drinks, ice, pork ribs, sausage, paper plates, plastic utensils, grill utensils, condiments, firewood, chairs, a folding table, beach umbrellas, blankets, dog food, dog's water, dog dish.  Two trips out and back to get everyone to Race Point.  Others brought dogs (both canines and wieners) and rolls and cole slaw and drinks.  Fun for six.  Then after a stress test,  five more people show up.  This is supposed to be fun.  Yeah, I know, so don't lecture me.  Not fun for me.  I went beyond cranky.  It gave me a sour taste for days.

Leon got his bubble burst too, when a friend commented on his somewhat grating sense of humor.  He likes to rib people.  He can dish it.   He does like to kid around and sometimes gets repetitive - I guess that might translate "annoying" to some.  But Leon would walk over hot coals to help you out - drive a few hundred miles if you asked him.  He's towed campers for people.  Bought a used car for an employee so he could get to work.  Helps out perfect strangers.  But he got told.

And even Benni got a new view of the dog park that he enjoys so much - when he got attacked by another dog at the dog park.  He got scared and seemed shocked by the reality that not all dogs are nice.

So, between the hurricane Earl that fizzled out but delayed our trip, and some dashed expectations, our trip to Paradise this year was not all heaven.

Still, as I always say: "A CLOUDY DAY AT THE BEACH IS BETTER THAN A SUNNY DAY AT WORK".  (unless of course you work as a beachcomber or something). We are fortunate to be here:

Pines in the Dunes

Cranberry Fields Forever - Wild Cranberries in the Dunes


Cranberry


Bayberry - the Wax Berry Was Used For Candles
Tide Coming in Through the Dunes
Drive on Beach
Grasses















Blemished Rose






Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Some Photos of Provincetown September2010



Two Girls From Back Home - We're Not in Their League

Commercial Street at Night


Beach Art
Another Sunset
Over-Sand Pass Required




LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails