Monday, August 25, 2008

The End of Summer?



Whew! What a week it has been. Last Sat. Kelly and I left the shore and headed to Toronto. Friday before we left turned out to be one of the best days at the shore in August. What a miserable month it was! I feel so bad for the people who were only there in August, the weather was terrible. Michael and Gina were there from the 2nd to the 7th and had no sunny days, none of those perfect Amherst Shore days that we all love so much. Kelly was there from the 1st till the 16th and only a few sunny days. If they could have been there in July the weather was unusually good! It is very different to have the luxury of being there for 6 weeks and not have to worry about the rainy days. I REALLY like the fact that I was able to spend 6 weeks at the shore this summer. I hope it is the beginning of many LONG summers at the shore.

In summary, the summer had 3 parts for me. The first 2 weeks were me and TJ and the farmhouse and the perfect weather. Low key and what I love about the shore, slow pace of life, great weather, spending time with the people who were there and just enjoying life. The second 2 weeks were the frenzy of friends, family, the games and mixed weather. Rachel, Matt and Daniel were there along with Katie. I love this time too but there is so much to do and so many people to spend time with I want to clone myself so I can enjoy it all with energy. Then the last 2 weeks that turned out to be very different this year. Michael and Kelly both came a little later this year and the weather was less than perfect and so many people left early due to the games being so early and they came for them. Many of us agreed that it was a "different"summer. I think the main reason was that the games were early this year and some people came for the games and then left so early and then others came later and there were no games. Who knows? It was a little "different". Still good to be there and see everyone regardless of the weather and the situation.

Back home, Kelly and I spent 3 absolutely lovely days in Toronto before we left for St. Louis. We had the days we wish we had at the shore. We rode our bikes to yoga and also went on a long bike ride and we ate outside and just enjoyed the perfect weather! Then on to days......and days....of driving. Kelly is happily back at school and I FINALLY am home for a few weeks. I think the drive today was the straw that broke the camel's back. I'm done. In a good way.

Comic relief? At the border my car was searched for the first time EVER since I have been crossing the US/Canada borders. Just what I needed. Yes, I had more than my 2 bottle quota of wine and paid the duty after being very stressed about being stopped. I guess after 20 years it was bound to happen. I'm glad all I had was 4 bottles of wine. I guess my "wine smuggling" days are over. I will just have to learn to love the limited selection I have up here. Sigh. Oh, but it was so nice to be in a land where the selection was great and the prices were low! I miss that.

Back home, it was refreshing to come "home" for the first time in my life to a place that was not sweltering in August. My neighborhood looked lush and green. The flowers looked healthy and not tired and the fresh air felt soooo good. I think I will like this next season.

Time to sign off, too much babbling for now. Glad to be in one place for a while.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

The craziness of mid vacation



It is mid vacation and I am working on being exhausted. The annual Christie Brown games were last weekend and much fun was had by all. I did not really participate much this year because of the arm injury. No volleyball and softball with two plates in my left arm! I did do the three legged race and that was about it. The Browns won this year, surprisingly as we were missing many key players.


Then the week flew by with a margarita party, the cousin dinner (at the farmhouse!) and dinner at the Browns for Lesley's birthday. All in all a very fun week but a very full week.


Kelly and Michael and Gina (girlfriend) arrived on Friday to rain and grey skies. We haven't seen the sun yet, boo hoo. Last night was a big party for the Atherton/Swetnam cottage and we danced until it was way too late/early. Today is recouperation day and tonight will be lobster dinner and stay at home night. Much needed by all.


Michael and Gina are here until Thursday and then TJ will be gone back to work and it will just be Kelly, Rachel, Daniel and I. I think I may even be able to read my book again and get some things accomplished. We love seeing everyone but also enjoy the peace and quiet when it is all done.


Some pictures to share.....
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