Out and About – This Old House 2

Harkness and Seaside

Yesterday was one of those early May days that remind a person of the simple joys of being alive and being able bodied to *just do things*. It was warm, sunny, breezy… T-shirt weather, my favorite. I got my barn chores done early, took a quick shower and hopped in the car with my doggo, Kai…

The air smelled of fresh earth and spring blossoms and because I headed down to the shoreline, salty balmy air. I wish there was a feature on this laptop to transport the scent along with the photos. When I do these walkabouts I breathe deep and slow, sort of nourishing my lungs and my peace of mind with all that goodness, flushing out any lingering toxins.

Harkness park is such a jewel bestowed on the residents of this state, and the now abandoned Seaside Sanatorium is an eerie contrast, just down the road from it. Seaside has an interesting history…. you can read more about it here if you’re so inclined.

First, behold Harkness Park…. It never ceases to amaze me and truly my gratitude overflows for people who had the forethought and the generosity to bestow their properties to the general public, for the welfare of all. Amen for those beacons of light, for the humanity they embody and share with us all.

On to Seaside – it was an eerie experience, haunting, really. I was glad there were a few other dog walkers there. Hard to imagine why this property didn’t flourish for generations to come as a hospital, a respite, a recovery centery, an elderly housing complex …… any of these things could have been beautifully done here and right on the water, surrounded by a nice neighborhood and nearby bustling town.

I had a physical last week and thankfully all is as well as a 60 year old can expect. I still have 20 pounds to lose but I did lose a little weight, and the sugar and cholesterol numbers improved. Had my eyes checked a few days ago and all good there too, just a small bump in the reading glasses number. I’ll take it. The hiking and walking and barn chores and light weight training is helping me stay strong – I always remember what a dear older friend of mine said some years ago…. I asked her what her secret was to staying so fit and strong as she approached 80. She said… KEEP MOVING. KEEP DOING ALL THE THINGS. DON’T START BEHAVING LIKE AN OLD PERSON. And so I plan to do just that. I hope you’re taking care of you, too – it’s so important to find something you enjoy doing to help your body and mind stay active… if you’re not already doing so, it’s never too late to start. Just do it. Sadly…. she ended up with dementia in her late 80’s, but she is lucky to have strong family support and the money to live in an excellent facility near that family with her own apartment.

On that subject… I have several friends who are living with and caring for their spouses who are suffering from either dementia or alzheimers… and several community members have either died from or are living with the same awful disease. It seems more prevalent now than ever -scary! What I have learned from both of them is…. family and friend support is so important. One of them has very little of either and at this point feels very isolated and alone, feeling trapped in her home as she cares for her husband. The other has tremendous family support and has found a support group that really helps her in various ways. It makes all the difference. If you know someone who is in the same position, please reach out in any ways that you are able. …. and no small deed is too small. If you are unfortunately IN that position as care giver…. remember…. you matter too. Reach out, don’t suffer alone…. and carve out time for self care, whatever that looks like to you. It’s not impossible, and it might at first feel uncomfortable to ask or seek, but do it… for you. You are just as important as the patient.

I hesitate to say anything at all about the present political climate….. I and many others are sad for this country and hoping with all we’ve got that eventually most of this country will right the ship and lean in to decency, grace and humanity again….. We deserve so much better, we are capable of so much better…. The world deserves better from us.

Onward.

Maine… what a catch!

The first few times I traversed the Maine landscape was with an old boyfriend when I was 20 years old. His aunt lived in the Bangor area and we explored Bar Harbor and attended the Fryeburg Fair. Loved it! For whatever reasons, when I married and we grew our family, Maine points weren’t on the radar for vacations… we headed over to the cape and I fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard, so there is where we spent our coastal region getaways. We will still visit in July, I need my fix of Vineyard time… but!….

I actually convinced the Mr. we’re not spring chickens and time is of the essence… we need to start slowing down the work machine and take time to explore and enjoy and relax. One never knows when that time has come and gone, right?

SO. Ogunquit, Maine was recommended to us and it’s just a three hour easy drive up the coast. I booked it. We went… we LOVED it… and we loved it so much we’ve booked a few days in September, a girls trip next time with my mom, my daughters and my grands.

In short, the people were happy and friendly and helpful with local information, the businesses all take pride in what they do, that’s so obvious.. the beaches and waters are clean, the air fresh, the food just phenomenal! We were told it gets much more crowded once the kids get out of school and I believe it. May, however, is perfect timing. Marginal Way is a wonderful walkway into Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Beach awesome for kids, especially little kids. I’m really looking forward to the return trip in Sept.

I hope all is well in your world. Tune out all the noise at least sometimes… it’s a wild, troubled world we live in, and we can’t let the undertow drag us all down, ok? This life, this time right here is all we’ve got. Make the most of it ❤ Onward and till soon….

59

Well, shit.

This is the weekend of my 59th birthday, and while I certainly feel it, I’m also so grateful I’m still here with a body still willing to carry me on ahead for a great while longer… that is my ultimate hope, anyway. I have vowed to take better care of this vehicle, and while I haven’t abused her horribly, there’s room for tweaks and there to I shall go.

Yesterday my faithful dog, Kai and I took a 3 mile hike through some very pretty trails, an easy trek with no scrambles through Pine forest and supply pond with swans and turtles and even a skunk making an appearance. No photo of that particular encounter. The weather was gorgeous and there were others out there enjoying it too. I love those days when it’s obvious everyone is in a better mood, spirits are lifted, faces to the sun 🌞

Later in the day, the Mr. and I had a late lunch/dinner at a friend’s restaurant on the water, I chose a healthy meal of fish tacos and then threw it under the bus with a chocolate orange martini. It is what it is.

Tonight the family gathered around our dining room table for a celebratory dinner, and it is these moments I am always most grateful for.

And may I say… this grandmother chapter of my life… and I have had several friends concur regarding theirs too… is truly the best chapter in some ways, just truly such a joy💗 .

Saw this next image on Facebook and honestly… do I have to say anything at all here? Well maybe just… ugh, ugh ugh ugh ugh. I’ll continue to pray for us all.

Some spring inspiration for this St. Patricks Day….

Till soon –

Ahhh… Vitamin Sea!

After all chores and errands were done I put my walking buddy in the car and together we enjoyed a walk on the beach. There were quite a few others with the same idea, but this particular beach is miles long with plenty of open space, no houses to claim territory… open to the public. I was reminded of the tremendous gifts we are given when people who are philanthropic and environmentally conscientious leave a gem such as this for all to enjoy forever and ever, Amen. Such is the case here, and I feel so lucky to live nearby.

Although it’s still chilly and there’s snow dotting the landscape, Spring is definitely letting us know she’s on her way, it was that kind of day. You know others are feeling it too when you are greeted with smiles or a warm hello – even Kai was given a few “well hello, fella” greetings by passers by.

As Susan Branch would say…. a red letter day. 💗

Till soon –

a Quilt of a post

Well let’s start with an actual quilt! Through blogland I have met some wonderful people, some of whom I consider dear friends. I have been collecting my son’s old t-shirts from childhood with the intent of having a T-shirt quilt made for him. Finding someone to do it proved difficult.. and then it dawned on me I have a very talented friend who does all sorts of creative things including sewing but mostly weaving beautiful towels, rugs, shawls, etc. for many years. So I asked Hilary over at Crazy As A Loom if she’d be willing to give this project a go, and boy did she ever! It came out better than I expected, my son loves it too. She said it’s her first T-shirt quilt, and her last, LOL. As I suspected, it’s a mighty pain in the a&& to make, but I am so grateful she was willing. My son and daughter in law are expecting their first child in May and one day this will be an heirloom for generations to come. It’s so warm and cozy.

Not sure if it’s the strange weather, a too warm and then frigid cold winter we’ve had here in New England… this fibromyalgia body has been in flare. When that happens I’m tempted to get lazy and slow down but with all the barn chores that’s not really possible and I do find if I keep moving I’m better off. I walk often and hike occasionally – this weekend we went over to the Scout Camp at Deer Lake and hiked to Fat Man Squeeze. I’m glad I still fit! When I adopted Kai he was a timid soul, so much so that on these hikes he would be afraid to go over big logs, afraid to climb rock and ledge, afraid to go into caves or up the very narrow squeeze. With the trust we’ve built over the past two years, while he’s still timid, he has come a long way and easily goes where I go without freezing, without me having to carry him up and over as we did initially. It’s a beautiful thing. Truly he is the best walking/hiking companion I’ve ever had.

I’m not a bendy person, so certain forms of Yoga make me look like the walking dead…..but yoga is really good for this fibromyalgia body and years ago I found a DVD set and used it for a long time and it really helped. It was great for beginner or low level yoga people like me. We got a new Tv system and no longer had DVD player and I just stopped, which was dumb. I’m thrilled to say I just found the exact series on Amazon prime $15 purchase and I can do it right in my office while it streams on my screen or on my flat screen tv in the family room via prime video. If this sounds like you to some degree- I highly recommend the Kate Potter series, seasons 1 and 2 in particular. It’s Calming, fun, enough of a work out that you accomplished something, and helps you stay limber, strengthens your core and overall body.

I’ve also carved a little time out for painting… the bridge picture is coming along… still much to do but I’m happy with it’s progress…

The following made me laugh out loud, and anything that does that is worthy of sharing…

Reading a good book right now, that gives a different perspective on the fallout and a different kind of victim of the Holocaust.. another dimension, another layer I had never given thought to before, and I have mixed feelings about it as well. I recommend it if you’re a reader – very well written

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods… Thank you for stopping by

Till soon!

The State of Things…

I don’t even watch the news anymore, rarely skim the headlines, truly shy away from anyone posting political crap on social media, and I used to be one who chirped.. a lot! I just cannot believe the utter shit show across the entire political system, our governing bodies. I decided my sanity and well being is more important than absorbing all the toxic noise, misinformation, ignorance. And we all know in our deepest well of knowledge that we don’t change the heart or mind of another person who will believe what they want to believe, no matter the detriment to themselves or others. So I stopped trying to do that, too. And I must admit, I’m not so sure those I trusted are trustworthy enough.

It’s freeing! I’m spending more time improving the quality of the work I put into my day job, this farm, the critters in my care, my family, myself. I picked up the paint brush again and completed a piece for a friend, and I have a new one on the easel. It all feels like the right thing to do.

The completed piece – this tells the beginning story of an immigrant who was born in this house ( no hospitals anywhere near) and raised here until his family moved (legally!) to this country for a better way of life. They have worked very hard for a long time with two successful businesses now and just built a beautiful barn and home here in town. He wanted this painting made as a reminder of their journey.

New on the easel… when completed it will be a snowy scene of a Vermont covered bridge in a town we visit often, many good memories and hopefully more to be made.

The weather has been good and bad and iffy and good and bad again. In between raindrops or frigid temps I’ve been walking with Kai again, and recently my son and I have gone on a few short hikes. It feels good to keep going.. and we’ll get more hikes in when weather permits.

This is Deer Lake Reservation, which has just been sold by the Boy Scouts of America after a lengthy campaign by locals and state representatives to save it from development, to Pathfinders, which will keep it as a camp and public recreation area and wildlife refuge. There are extensive trails, too.. this is a BIG WIN for nature, for campers and the general public who appreciate and recognize the value of open space. There are many cabins the scouts and other campers used, and they will be kept up by the new owner and used in summer camp programs.

This quartz wedged in a large boulder looks like teeth!

We’ve also been down to the shore for some winter walks…

This next scene is going to be my next painting, on a bigger canvas for the living room if it comes out decent. I am so grateful for this New England lanscape, diverse and beautiful in all seasons.

Our girls are in the second trimester of their pregnancies now, we are all so exciting for Jonathan and Mia to arrive. The eternal worrier in me keeps praying all will go well for both moms to be and their babies, and the dads as well! Baby showers being planned, I’ve already got a shelf full of childrens books I’ve been collecting for many years ( I’m a big fan). The baby clothes nowadays are so much more fun than when we were young mothers! and the baby equipment too.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods or piece of the plains, spit of sand on the shore or your stamp on suburbia… what have you been doing to stay sane in these troubling times?… creativity, better health, new horizons, perhaps travel again? Covid is running rampant again around these parts, my son and daughter-in-law just got over it. People are masking up again….just.. ugh.

closing this post with a few pieces I’ve found inspiring or profound…

Till soon-

Enders Island

There is a little island jutting off another little island (Mason’s Island) just a causeway away from the towns of Stonington and Mystic here in Connecticut that is open to the public year round. I’m surprised it’s taken me all these years to discover it, but here we are. It is described as follows: Enders Island is an 11-acre island off the coast of Mystic, Connecticut and the site of St. Edmund’s Retreat, an independently owned and operated Catholic Retreat Center. The ministry of Enders Island is dedicated to the work of spiritual care, recovery from addiction, and education in a variety of fine arts within the Christian tradition—both in-person and online.

Mom had cataract surgery last week and I had a few hours to spend during her procedure. Enders was nearby so I went exploring this lovely, serene place. I had the place almost to myself and it was indeed a cold winter day, but the wind was gentle and the sight of it all was warming in a way that is hard to describe. There are some memorials scattered about, I don’t know whether there are remains on the property or if these are just stone testaments to the love people had for them. The little chapel at waterfront is full of messages and little gifts for the deceased who are dearly missed…

I’ll let the photos do the rest of the talking here…

This little chapel is obviously a place of great solace for many.

Standing out on the rocks in front of that little chapel, I felt the power and the calm of the sea, the air, the solid footing below me that has been there for eons. There was the peace of the many souls who created and embelish this sanctuary, the peace of those who visit this place along their journey, both among us and beyond…. a peace this weary soul needed.

Till soon, friends –

Holidays during Pandemic times

How were your holidays? Scaled down like ours? We managed some smaller gatherings and I’m grateful we’re all still here and relatively healthy. We even did a weekend at The Woodstock Inn, a favorite place for us. Last year’s trip was cancelled because Vermont was basically closed to outsiders, and this year still looked different but was enjoyable, regardless.

Christmas came early while in the Woodstock village, the Mr. obliged my obsession with these boots as we kept passing them in a store window and they whispered to me every time, I’m not even kidding.

The Inn was magical, the depleted staff did a fantastic job with a difficult scenario.

Christmas rolled around and we did what we thought was best – smaller gatherings, and some of them cancelled.

🎄 Mom holding a delicious refreshing Christmas Drink – the Poinsettia – Prosecco, Elderflower liquor and a splash of cranberry juice, with some frozen cranberries thrown in. Mix together according to taste – pretty and yum. I’m not a big drinker but I like a refreshing one now and then and this hits the spot. And kills the germs, right? LOL

We’ve decided to scale back down the restaurant dining since the new Covid surge, but we did get out to our favorite cafe in Stonington, the Dogwatch. Their “power bowl” is my favorite – packed with healthy eating. the Town of Stonington is beautiful any time of year, but especially during the holidays.

The kids and I have done some hiking and that is the single most awesome thing that happened to me this year- upon the adoption of Kai, my spirit dog as my mom calls him, I knew he needed a lot of attention and trust building and hiking was a good way to do it. That also gave me the opportunity to tone up and get in better shape, and my adult kids don’t mind hanging out with mom to do it. I’m not a gym rat, I hate being stationary to exercise. Treadmills, elipticals, blah blah blah. Get me out in the scenery and I can go for miles, and so I do. It’s been a win for all of us during pandemic times and my goal is to continue exploring trails long into the future.

Yesterday’s hike at Hammonasset State Park on Long Island Sound, Madison, CT

Wishing us all good health and much joy in the years ahead.

Nature, the ultimate recharge, my cathedral

… has always been nature and the animals. In my quest to keep this aging body moving and in good working order, I’ve been walking and hiking more… my newest rescued dog Kai as my faithful companion. He is such a joy because he loves the outside time and he doesn’t pull! That’s a bonus I have not had before, not even with little Sally with the twisted front legs, which don’t slow her down one bit.

The biggest bonus is.. my kids actually like hiking with mom! So now and then I am accompanied by some of my most favorite people, too. The only nuisance are the damned ticks. I have found the all natural Cedarcide spray does help repel them. I buy it on amazon.

Lost Lake at WestWoods, Guilford, CT – my boy introduced me to these awesome trails –

A train occasionally blows through on the tracks – I look forward to hiking these trails when the snow lands, Polar Express comes to mind.

This is an old quarry area, hence the large blocks of stone, and below is an old horse watering station.

The trails of Parmelee Farm are close to home and we go there often. My son was hired to enhance the trail system and he and crew are doing a beautiful job.

When I’m not out in the woods or mucking stalls or editing for work on this computer, I try to get upstairs to sit at the easel – newest painting I’m working on is a scene from a recent hike on Barn Island, such a glorious day and fun new discovery for nature walks, I decided to try to capture it on canvas. Still much to do with it, but here’s where I’m at ….. with Michael Bolton on Amazon music – I may be 3/4 deaf, but I remember the nuances, and the beat tells me where we’re at in the song. The Brain is an amazing thing, this I know for sure, and in this way I can still enjoy music on a whole different and definitely less satisfying level, but still, there’s joy in it. Grab it where you can!

Some good advice and humor for you as we head into the weekend –

We’re all just walking each other home – Ram Dass

Till soon, friends…

Barn Island

Yesterday was so gorgeous we decided to get out with Kai and explore a new-to-us walking area – the 1,013-acre Barn Island Wildlife Management park in Stonington/Pawcatuck, the State’s single largest coastal property managed for wildlife conservation. The property provides a diversity of ecosystem and habitats, including hilly uplands, agricultural/open fields, mixed hardwood forests and salt, brackish and freshwater tidal wetlands. The property is very popular for hiking, cross country and snowshoeing, mountain biking, wildlife observation and hunting.

The Barn Island Loop is approximately 3 miles long, easy walking, and the scenery is beautiful. The only issue were the ticks, which I found several of on both myself and Kai when we got home. I got in the shower and he got a tick bath shortly after.

I downloaded a great app for hikers/walkers of the great outdoors – Alltrails. We tooka detour and it came in handy to get us back on the main loop.

I do see my next painting in one of these images. just a glorious day 🙂