Puddles and Patterns

Puddles can look really icky,

  

  and not worth investigating,   

 

but really when you look closely, 

there are  often intriguingpatterns to notice

Approved

Another positive step to check off our list - Dale's UK visa to live with me till 2028 has been approved. All our next planned steps are now possible ...

If he behaves well, I will allow it to be renewed!

This approval came through on the same day that my eldest brother had his British citizenship bestowed in Miami. Lots to celebrate tonight.

Luscious Mud

Mud season is here, and walking outside feels like an exertion, like walking on soft beach sand or through deep snow! Our untarred roads are glidey; car tires slide into the grooves of muddy channels, and there's no steering out of them, you just have to commit to the trajectory you find yourself on. It's a funny feeling not having total decision-making control.

Book Antiquaria

I found a home for some of our oldest books - Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery. I really didn't want to see them go into a dumpster because they were dated. Our Transfer Station would likely throw them out, and the library book sales have some reservations about older books, for which they may not have a market. 

I wasn't looking for remuneration, just appreciation for old books that still have a life and value to them. We dropped them off in Portland and felt happy about doing so.

Our coffee table and field guide Africana books were claimed by a friend at the Lake Stewards of Maine this week, too. Things are moving ... sometimes slowly, but all in the right direction

Loony

Back in 1999, Dale made a loon 'hat' out of high density 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 whilst 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!

Melt

Melt is happening

Ice slowly disintegrates

One drop at a time

Doesn't this look like the hands and forearms of someone doing push-ups?

Slice of Ice

I've been watching this strange slice of ice crystals for a few days now, and have been curious about its unusual shape. 

I think snow/ice accumulated along the channel between the glass and frame of the storm door, and as the temperatures warmed, the snow edges drooped downwards from the frame, leaving this distinctive shape.

Gorgeous Patterns

Look at the beautiful rust and water marks on this piece of paper found at the bottom of our metal camping chest - pretty neat!

The patterns and sinuous lines are gorgeous