Loony

Back 1999, Dale made a loon 'hat' out of foam, that he could wear on his head whilst snorkeling, so that he could hang out with the loons on Lake Androscoggin. A few people noticed it in the background of one of my recent posts, so thought I'd tell you all a bit more about it. It is now looking for a home ...

He carved the underside out like this, trying it on for size until he got it right.

He happened to answer a knock at the door during this process, wearing it on his head - our neighbor didn't remark on it, or question it, just handed us our mail and left! She'd always known Dale was eccentric, I guess. Her lack of a reaction still makes us laugh!

This is what it looks like in the water, when worn properly - what you don't see is the top of Dale's snorkel, which stuck up behind the loon's head.

Up close

He had a fair measure of success with it, but the loons always seemed a little perturbed - we think it might have been too large.

Wrapping Up

So much to do! Dale is the supreme wrapper and packer, maybe not as good as I about tossing things out (I'm a SPECIALIST in this area), but we work as a team, and I'm his assistant wrapper, chef, sometimes-baker, Dump runner and washerwoman. 

Here is is, working on an heirloom-from-grandparents bookcase, stuffed with scarves, gloves and jackets and then cling-wrapped flush and held in with stretch foam wrap. Items are being carefully labeled and listed with itemized notes into a spreadsheet. I would never be able to be this diligent - it's not for me; way too detailed - well, unless it's an lake-related. Then it's a totally different story where I can happily count stipules and hairs - I guess it's about whatever passion rocks your boat!

We have things listed on facebook marketplace, waiting to be desired ...

Our dining table and chairs have sold, but we've always had multiples of things, so we're using a temporary table in the meanwhile, and we have empty things piled up nearby. 

It's a maneuvering, shifting maze, and the surprising thing is ... I've only broken a glass and the venting receptacle for the dryer so far (even while believing I'm being aware and careful).

We will be joined by Dale's friend Hein very soon. He's going to do the heavy lifting and work on dismantling the train layout in the basement with Dale while I continue working upstairs.

Small Things

Amidst the flurry of sorting, sifting, tossing and packing, I finally came across this treasured business card, now about 32 years old, given to me by the kind passenger who helped me out when I traveled alone with 2 babies, from Brussels to Boston. He held my sleeping Lucy while I dealt with an overtired, stressed out toddler mid-flight to Boston.

I misplaced his card on reuniting with Dale and moving in, but on the eve of us leaving, it has resurfaced. Turns out, he is a friend of one of our lakeside neighbors! He gave me his business card saying I could reach out to him if we needed anything - I never needed to, but always wished I could find his name and address to thank him - now I can! Amazing! We CAN all be this generous and amazing! It meant the world to me.

Sweet House Guest

We're delighted to have Miss P-A with us for a short stint, while her owner takes a vacation. She's a welcome distraction from the humdrum task of packing and sorting and tossing

She's finding so much dirt and fluff!

She has sea glass eyes and the softest fur ever!