MY LAST FLIGHT - VACATION TO CURACAO

Vacation Log…. Day 1

Rose at 2 am and had a quick coffee and bite with Marilyn before she drove me to the airport. Security was long and tedious. I can’t tell you how many times my passport was scanned and I was checked. I lost count. I had my letter in hand but I didn’t set off any alarms! Thank God. I forewarned them that this might happen and showed them the letter explaining my medical test on Friday.

I arrived in Miami and thank goodness I didn’t have to go through security again. I was in a secure area. The only wrinkle was that the plane we were to take had a problem. When you see the crew getting off the plane you know it isn’t good. I would rather be safe than kiss the Caribbean Sea and be bait for the sharks. Someone had a brain wave to get us a different plane rather than wait 2 more hours for them to replace a part and fix the one plane we were supposed to fly in. We all took the train and found the platform and gate we needed to be at next. I just followed the crowd and made small talk so I could identify with other passengers in case I got lost.

Funny enough when I went to get on the bigger plane, they wouldn’t allow my carry on. That was a dilemma. I didn’t chance my lap top in my suitcase so I had to check my carry on with all my meds and the extra wallet with money in it which I forgot about until afterwards. Now I was really stewing. At least the suitcase was locked. Then I worried that my luggage wouldn’t arrive with me now that the plane was changed. (That’s happened to me before.)

The next leg of my trip was uneventful other than a few bumps with turbulence here and there. Cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet and an outside temperature of -50, it is hard to imagine life below as you sail through the heavens.

We were two hours late arriving in Curacao and I was anxious about my meds and money in my carry on. As we were deplaning and heading down the escalator to immigration, a fist fight broke out in front of me. These two big boys were going at each other right on the escalator. One security guard arrived and tried to quell the fight. I was ready to back peddle on the escalator as I didn’t want to end up right in the middle of the skirmish. By the time the escalator reached its location, I took a wide berth of the guys duking it out. One lone security officer was left to handle the situation. I can sympathize with him being a former security guard myself for a brief stint. Welcome to Curacao!

After breezing through immigration, I found my luggage and immediately retrieved it. Luckily my ride to the hotel was still waiting for me holding a sign with my name on it. Hurray!

After a shower to wash away the day’s travel I sat down to a glass of Merlot and a rib eye steak. It satisfied my hunger after only eating mini pretzels that the airline gave out and a ham sandwich costing $15 U.S., oh yes and Marilyn’s toast.

It is gloriously warm with an ocean breeze making that 84 degrees’ wind chill quite comfortable. It is a desert like Island but the water is so blue. I can see why so many of the travelers were divers and snorkelers. Not me. I’ll stay by the safe pool with no sea monster.

In closing, I think medals should be handed out to airline travelers for what they have to go through today. This will be my last attempt at flying anywhere again. I’m just not cut out for all the rushing, technology driven way of doing things and the horrendous crowds and lineups. It’s for a younger generation I’m afraid. That being said, there were some very kind people who helped me through the process today, mostly fellow passengers who endure this year after year.

Vacation Log - Day Two

I arose about 8 am and prepared myself with facial sunscreen before heading off for breakfast. The place was empty of guests so I had my pick of tables and left over scraps from the buffet at my choosing. I had a long chat with the server and she showed me where to shop and about the floating bridge. After finding a shopkeeper who spoke English, he pointed in the direction of a pharmacy so I could purchase my Deep Woods Off and 50+ sunblock. I also grabbed a bottle of water which was a godsend in the heat. I was prepared for a little walk about. 

I wish I knew Spanish or Dutch but most understand English and are fluent. I can’t even detect an accent of any kind which is unusual. Off I went to check out the main shopping district after crossing the floating bridge. I felt like I was tipsy making my way across it to the other side. I watched the waves crash against the seawall on my journey over this unsteady walkway. I paced myself as I knew I wasn’t use to the heat although it didn’t feel that bad with the strong gusts of ocean breeze.

I stopped for lunch by the canal and had my ‘once a year’ beer. They had small bottles there so it was perfect. Not feeling well, I don’t need anymore prompt to being woozy. I made sure I walked off the little bottle before tackling the floating bridge again on my way back.

I had a sandwich and noticed the pigeons walking about looking for crumbs. A few were missing their toes and walking only on their knuckles. Being a bird lover I took pity on them as they cocked their head in recognition of my noticing. Quietly I slipped small pieces of my bread under the table trying to be discrete. One by one the birds came until I had about 8 tickling my toes with their tiny feet running across my sandals. I think a few other guests noticed something or perhaps thought I was a bird whisperer.

notice his left foot missing toes

I made my way back across the bridge feeling a bit melancholy after passing by the jewelry shops which seemed to trigger thoughts of my recent theft. After a quick visit to a local museum, I retreated to my air conditioned room and showered off the bug spray and sunscreen before taking a nap.

As late afternoon approached, I decided to trek over that floating bridge again and look for a restaurant. I found one tucked away off the main drag and settled down to a hamburger and salad. I asked if they sold a wine cooler. The poor guy literally picked out a wine cooler but not the drinking type. He went on to say it was not for sale. I giggled and explained it was the drink I was after. The owner produced a bottle of sparkling wine cooler and poured me a glass.

The meal was actually delicious and better than the $50 meal I had last night. Once again a little bird perched himself on the armchair beside me and I couldn't resist feeding it. The sparrow like bird eventually took it from my hand. So I shared my dinner with another feathered friend while missing my own at home.

By six o'clock the sidewalks roll up and as I learned so does the floating bridge! I approached some Dutch tourists and asked if they knew how to get across the channel without having to swim it? They pointed to a ferry down the way that would taxi me over. I caught the ferry in time and made my way back to my lodging. The evening is lovely and that ocean breeze heavenly as I sit by the pool typing this post. Despite all the Deep Woods Off I'm wearing I'm still getting bit. I hope I don't acquire that Zica? virus. It's dark now and only 7 pm.

Vacation Log - Day 3

This morning I sauntered down the long winding hill that spills out onto the main thoroughfare. I had spied a canal site restaurant last night so I decided to try breakfast there. The winds were gusty so I took my napkin and tucked it away in my purse along with my array of pills. Afterwards I decided to walk the floating bridge again but this time taking a different route once I had crossed over.

I timidly explored another section following the seawall for a while. As long as I could see other tourists I felt I was OK. This new avenue brought me to municipal buildings and the police station. Along the way I snapped a few photos and took some video. Down some other unexplored streets I found another eatery that I will try tonight. Ribs are on the menu there.

It is a cloudy day here with the occasional show of sun. You really must hydrate yourself in this climate so I picked up a soft drink to take back to my room. A can of Coke is $2 U.S. Everything on the island is expensive as everything must be imported. I'm quickly chewing through my meager funds. No lunch today but I did score an orange and banana from the 'all you can eat' buffet this morning.

I took note of my path so I could find the rib shack tonight. Soon I was among familiar shops and streets with the floating bridge straight ahead.

view from just outside my room last night

Like a drunken sailor I stepped onto the shifting floor of the bridge. You don't have to feel alone with your tipsiness. Not everyone has developed the balance of sea legs. Some people stagger more than others while some hang on to the rail for support. It is mostly a gentle pulse of the sea that rolls along but once in a while the strong winds whip up the water and that soft rock becomes a galloping horse.

my breakfast view with the floating bridge in the background

One of numerous statues throughout the city.

After my early morning stroll, I went for my massage. It was a hot stone massage but unlike at home, this tiny girl was not so gentle as she tried to release my very tight muscles. It was more of a therapy massage than a relaxing one. It hurt!

I decided to grab a salad as I was feeling a bit light headed after the massage. I stopped off on my way back to my room at the onsite cafe. I must say it was the saddest salad I have every had and it was just salad - no chicken or anything. It looked and tasted like yesterday's castoff. The lettuce was limp with the edges trimmed in brown and soggy. Only the croutons were half way decent. I guess we Canadians are way too polite to complain. I ate it despite the fact I wouldn't feed it to my dogs. Here is a photo of the lame salad. You tell me.

After that sorry excuse for a salad, I decided to wade into the pool. I have the entire place to myself. Thank God! I forgot that even though the girl had toweled off some of the oils, my feet were still slippery. I hung onto the railing as I descended into the pool. When I reached shoulder height I briefly let go of the railing only to slip and get dunked. I'm sure it was a scene out of a Peter Seller's movie. I gathered my composure and looked around to see if there was any maintenance people looking on. Luckily nobody saw my splash! They would have been roaring with laughter I'm sure. After that I watched each footstep as I walked to the shower-off tap. The stone is very slippery when you have the remnants of oil on the soles of your feet. That was the end of my dip in the pool.

I decided to take a nap as I wasn't feeling well. Maybe it was that salad or the heat or both. I retired to my air conditioned room for a spell.

Off I went in search of that place advertising ribs. My dad would have been proud as I'm finally getting my sea legs and can walk that floating bridge without a stagger now. I repeated my travel noting the landmarks I had filed in my head earlier. I walked aimlessly around trying to find the place. I came upon what I thought it was only to see the signs retrieved and the place deserted. I didn't want to get caught again with no bridge to walk across like last night. Just as I arrived I could hear the warning bells going. A tug was making its way out to the port and the bridge had been moved. Luckily they brought the bridge back so I could once again stroll across its wide deck with purpose and stability.

I traveled another section I had gone before. Not too far off were I had breakfast. It was an old place tucked away at the bottom of a hill. As I walked up the steps and into the bar area, I was transformed into another time and space. This was more like it!

I was an hour early for dinner but the staff were gracious and prepared my meal ahead of time. I had told the waitress that I was looking for a better place to eat than my lodging provided. I lucked out with this one. Thank heavens I didn't purchase the 'all inclusive' package with meals. After the salad this afternoon and two other thrown together meals, I'm glad I could make my own choice of where to dine.

It was so nice to to relax to soft music floating on a sea breeze and the warmth of sunshine to heal my aching bones. No arthritis meds since I've been here so there is magic in the sun, sea and air.

Here are a few pictures of my dining tonight. It was as scrumptious as it looks. Scalloped potatoes baked to perfection and the presentation of the main course of beef tenderloin and it's dreamy sauce and vegetables was delightful. They presented me with my dinner 15 minutes ahead of dinner time to boot!

I think I must have looked Dutch. She talked fluently to me as though I was Dutch. I smiled and responded back in English. She immediately switched language with that Dutch flavour to its tone. It is a somewhat confusing island with dialects of Dutch, English, Spanish and a mix of all three to have its own language. Surprisingly, not everyone speaks English. I hear more Spanish than anything.

Tomorrow I'm off to a beach on the other side of the island for the day. I will be collected from the hotel at 9:30 a.m. I decided to stay indoors this evening as no amount of deet will deter these mosquitoes. I have so many bites. I think they are immune to Deep Woods Off.

My dining room tonight.

Hot roles with creamy garlic butter and spices to start.

The main course.

  Vacation Log - Day 4

I had a leisurely breakfast before catching the shuttle to the sister resort on the other side of the island where I could spend time on the beach for the day. With all the winding turns and ring roads, it would make anyone who suffers from car sickness feel really bad. I was a bit queasy by the time we arrived but the feeling soon lifted once things stopped moving about.

This by far was my best day. I'm no city girl. This was more to my liking. Few people and wildlife abounding. I was in heaven with my feathers.

I've never seen so many unusual birds. A flock of small wild green parrots squawked their way by. I recognized that sound immediately. There is no mistaking parrot calls. I felt I was back with my birds and thinking of Num Nums who is about the same size of these. There were so many of the Island's national bird the Trupial. Their vivid yellow, black and white feathers were striking. There was one little songbird I did recognize and one which I once owned. It was the brilliant yellow Saffron Finch. Then there were the 'Sugar' birds and small doves, beautiful sparrows as well as a Wren version of some species. (I must look them up so I can identify them properly.) The best part was that they all joined me for lunch. Just me and the birds - no one else. I did manage to take a short video of the crazy Canuck talking to the birds and inviting them to feast with me, which they all did. Timid at first, they eventually came to me and ate some of my lunch.

I made my way to the beach and found a nice hut to hide from the sun. I read my book and then let the ocean wash over my feet and ankles. That was it. I had watched the drivers and snorkelers struggle to keep their balance just wading in so I wasn't about to embarrass myself like yesterday by slipping and falling when a big wave would rush the shore. I'm terrified of the pull of the sea and respect its power. I'm quite content to be a land lover. My father on the other hand loved the sea and anything to do with water in general. I never inherited his love of water. But then again he never could be comfortable around horses. Touche.

The Island is lizard land and at this location I have never seen so many. Iguana's rule here and this location was loaded. I'm not a lizard fan so I was cautious of these mini Komodo Dragon looking creatures. They are harmless but ugly. One approached my lounge chair. It shook its head up and down, so I did the same. I'm not sure what the message was, but maybe it was its way of saying hello. At any rate it passed me by and went on its way.

As I walked the grounds checking out the blooming bushes that must require a good amount of water to survive in the cactus barren lands, I noticed hundreds of smaller lizards running to nowhere in particular. They scurried about as I walked by. Then the occasional Iguana would cross my path. They might seem slow, but if frightened, they can really scamper!

I arrived back at the lobby waiting for my 3 pm ride back to 'civilization.' The vehicle had experienced a flat tire on route so it was an hour late picking myself and another passenger up. Some of the staff hitched a ride back to their towns. I had been offered a coffee and surprisingly enough an attendant passed me a cup and saucer while I was seated in the van. "Oh dear." I thought to myself. I'm not good at holding things, never mind being in a moving vehicle on windy roads. The ladies were chuckling and told our female driver to take it easy on the bumps since I had a hot cup of coffee that I was precariously balancing in one hand. I told everyone to stay clear of me as I held the cup and saucer out to the side. Our speedy driver slowed longer enough for me to more or less empty the cup of its contents. Then it was full speed ahead. I must say, it is unusual to find a woman driver these days that can handle a stick shift with ease. As the palm trees whizzed by, I hung onto the handle. They don't seem to use seat belts here.

I arrived at my destination and retreated to my air conditioned room for a bit. Tonight I laid plans to go back to the same restaurant I frequented last night. I was not disappointed. As darkness quickly swallowed up the light of day, I walked with purpose down the narrow dark streets back to my lodging. With key in hand I entered and locked the door behind me. Tomorrow I pack and head home. I'm hoping smooth sailing this time but who knows.

Here are some pictures from today.

Looking down from the "enter at your own risk" location.

SUMMER VACATION 2015 - NORTH BAY

DAY ONE

THE MASSIVE ROCK CUTS…jutted out to greet us. Home was near as we point Bubbly due north. It took us the better part of 3 hours to finally get the cruise control to work. I’ve never used it before now and it was an absolute bugger. I still don’t know why it all of a sudden worked. We had been through the manual and tried every combination. So in desperation and in lieu of my finding a good size rock and stick to create my own cruise control, we called Bob the fixer

We went over all the same combinations we had tried and then like magic, the damn cruise control finally locked in. By that time we were at Huntsville. My leg was in spasms after holding my foot to the gas pedal that long. I even switched feet which made me sort of a contortionist for a bit.

As we rolled through the “Gateway to the North” we stopped for lunch at the Marina on Trout Lake. It was an absolutely perfect day with lots of sunshine and wonderful dry heat, unlike the humidity we often get at home.

After lunch I took Kirsten to my old childhood haunts. I would take her on a journey of discovery from those passages in my book she had read about. 

So sad to see empty lots where the stables of ponies, saddle horses and race horses once lived. Hard to imagine the tiny apartment attached to the stables where old Mr. Pigeau kept house was no longer. The drive in theatre/training track is now a Hundi  dealership. Even the swamp has been drained and transformed from the wilderness wonder it once. Here is where lynx, marten and foxes were common place. Now it is a populous subdivision of homes instead of the vibrant wetlands it once was. My old homestead still looks grand in its elder years even though some of its majesty of the beautiful bungalow in the forest is lost to concrete, brick and blacktop. The old oak tree and maple still stand proudly as centurions of the past. 

I drove the route we walked to school in all types of weather. No school buses for us. I think Kirtsen was amazed at the long 3 mile walk we did every day.

After dwelling in the memories of my past for a while, we checked into our B&B on the sandy warm beaches of Lake Nipissing (pronounced Nip pi sing.) As a side note: I just had to tell the proprietor that I had a chuckle when I viewed their video trailer advertising their B&B. Whoever narrated the short video couldn't pronounce Nipissing correctly. Instead it came out as "Ni pissing." I would have changed that it it were me.)

Again Kirsten was awestruck by how far you walked in this shallow lake with its deep sand base free of rock before the water flowed over your shoulders. It was so warm and refreshing just to walk the knee high water. We did a very unscientific measurement counting footsteps as we returned to shore. After 211 feet, we still had not reached our shoulders in water. This is the Lake Nipissing I remember. A non-swimmer’s delight but still with the big open water concept that you can stand up in at all times!

The sand was blistering hot as we quickly ran to the shade area. I haven’t walked on an oozing sand beach in years, nor have I wore that black bathing suit I bought 10 years ago and have never worn. It was time to break it in. Even if I didn’t swim in it, at least it got wet.

After a short nap we dressed for dinner and headed out to meet my old family friend. Time ticked by as we waited for our party to arrive. Karen came in and wrapped me in a big hug and kiss.  After some time had passed, Karen’s husband Peter came by and joined us. I haven’t met him before and we became fast friends. As Karen would later reveal, he was ‘the little nice French boy’ her dad once gave a lift to. Years later Karen would marry him. Our instant bond was apparent when he talked about his good friends who happened to by my childhood playmates – 99% of them boys. Girls were in short supply so if you wanted to play you had to be with the boys.  It was so good to hear how their lives had turned out after more than half a century has passed. We are all seniors now but those days of playing in the tree house and going to the beach returned to flood the memory banks; still as fresh as yesterday.

I can only imagine how bored Kirsten must have been as we chatted away about the old days. She did have a meager plain baked potato for dinner.  Poor kid. Her food allergies suck. No wonder she is so tiny.

We arrived back at our beach resort to catch the dying rays of sunlight as the waves crashed on the beach and a rosy glow in the west settled into night. It is like being on an ocean front cottage. A warm breeze fans the hot air and kisses your skin with the softness of a summer’s night. I know I will sleep well tonight. 

GOOD SOULS WATCH OVER US

My Mother on her 86th Birthday

A TRUE TALE

The day my mother passed away peacefully in my arms just a month after her 86th birthday, was one of the most anguishing days that crushed my heart. I had been her caregiver in the last years of her long and meaningful life. I had become very close to my mother in my mature years and learned to appreciate all that she was.

The day of her funeral was a blur with so many people attending. In her 87th year, that is a remarkable thing when so many come to say goodbye. She had left an indelible mark on all those she had touched. She loved and was loved as the gentle kind woman who gave so unselfishly of her being.

It was a cloudy day. The grey skies matched the somber mood during the funeral mass. Afterwards, people returned to the house for the reception, As my brother and I joined others in the garden and on the balcony we looked up. A strong beam of sunshine smiled on our faces directly over the house. In all directions, those impenetrable clouds surrounded the one spotlight from the sun that shone down on the little home that my mother loved. It was a surreal moment that took everyone by surprise. That was the first sign. I took it as mother's way of thanking everyone for their kind words and thoughts on this the celebration of her life.

Mom Rests on Bench at Front Door

For anyone who has lost a loved one knows the pain after the mourners leave and move on with their lives as it should be. It is such a desperately lonely moment left with our grief. Whether or not you believe in spirits or are Doubting Thomas's, this next unexplained occurrence might sway your beliefs in the hereafter.

It was roughly two weeks after the funeral when I cried myself to sleep hugging my mother's robe. At exactly 3 am in the blackness of night, I was awoken to a voice coming from within the bedroom closet. I recognized the voice as I raised my head from the pillow, confused but strangely not fearful. No, it wasn't a voice from the grave entirely. And no, I wasn't dreaming it. It was my aunt's voice and she is very much alive. Strange indeed but I will explain.

Years ago it was popular to give greeting cards with a recorded message inside. When you opened the card up, it played the message. My mother always held onto special cards she squirreled away as keepsakes. She only kept this one particular voice card with a cheery Merry Christmas message from my dear Aunt Nancy. They were very close and not just as sisters-in-law but more like siblings. The message recorded was: "Hello Barbara, (my mother's name) I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas." Then the tune would start..."We Wish You a Merry Christmas....."

At 3 am that morning the card began to play the recorded message. I noted the time by looking at my alarm clock. I rolled out of bed and went to the large walk in closet in search of the voice. After lifting several boxes of clothes, personal papers and the like, I came to the closed lid box that contained my mother's greeting cards. Digging through the pile of cards I finally laid my hands on the card repeating the message from years ago. I was curious but had a suspicion that it was my late mother's doing.

I returned the card back into the plastic box in which it was contained and piled the other cards on top of it. All the other boxes were stacked over it in their original order.

Then on the same day, at exactly 3 am a week later, that same card woke me from my light sad sleep. "Hello Barbara" it began again.... This time I dashed out of bed and ran to the closet. I threw all the boxes off and rummaged through the one containing that particular card. It was still playing even though it was closed shut and not triggered to play by physically opening it up. I spread the covers of the card open to allow full volume of the voice message that was drawing me closer. It was the first time I had smiled since the funeral. There was no mistaking it. I was convinced my mother was trying to send me a message that she was very happy in her new eternal life and wanted to make certain I got it. I looked up at the ceiling and said "OK mom, I know you are with me. Thank you for letting me know."

Several months later as I told this story to a few close friends they thought it was somewhat creepy. Many asked if I was at all frightened. I emphatically told them I wasn't. I was at peace and not in the least afraid. I decided to collect the box that contained the voice card and show them. As I opened up the card, no sound came forth, then, or ever again. Coincident. I think not.

I believe that sometimes we receive subtle messages to ease our sorrow. These moments can give us inner strength knowing that good souls watch over us.

Sherri, myself, Barbara Hosken, Connie
our Friday luncheons

COTTAGE VACATION

View of the shoreline.

DAY ONE – arrival early evening

I switched things up this year since I was physically in no shape to camp after my little misstep on the weekend. So I went to a friend’s cottage. I had less than two hours to clean the birds and double feed and water them, throw some essentials in a bag, pack all the animal food, give Bob the contact numbers for hay help, shower, pull together a few groceries, find the bird’s travelling cage and get to the barn to meet my guide. This was after a full day at the barn. Marie graciously offered to help me with chores today so I could get away for a few days of R&R. She mucked all the stalls for me and helped me with feed and turnouts. We finished by 4 pm.

On the road I followed my tour guide along the 115 highway. Taboo was riding shotgun in the passenger’s seat while D and Zoey Pearl guarded the back seat. I probably got some strange looks as Taboo rode the whole way hanging upside down in his cage, blurting out the occasional ‘hello’ to passerby’s. No screaming, just soft “hello” as the pavement disappeared beneath our tires.

Toot rolled along through each small town before we finally arrived at the turnoff point. The narrow road would have been impassable if we met another vehicle. Trees stubbornly guarded the brush on each side. For a few brief moments it was a squeeze but I made it through slowly and cautiously not touching any tree trunks or branches with the wide west coast mirrors on my massive medium duty truck stretching out so far. Toot sneaked into the open parking lot. We had arrived.

After a brief tour I was shown to my cabin where the dogs and I would sleep. 

My Little Bunkie

Taboo was only temporarily in the room seated on his perch and T stand. He had fresh water and pellets to munch on so that would help settled him down from his feet hanging travel exhibition in the truck. Tomorrow he can explore the grounds a little outside from the safety of his perch. For tonight, he is in his crate locked inside Toot. He’s guarding my purse there. I locked the truck just in case. Can you imagine if someone tried to steal Toot. The frigging bird would give them heart failure if they managed to open the door and try to hot wire the truck. I can just see Taboo welcoming them with his famous ‘HELLO!!!” followed by a party laugh that would wake any residents on the entire lake. His belly laughs would bounce off the calmness of the water and carry for miles like a hyena calling into an eerie night of black.

After a dinner of spaghetti with hamburger mix with diced tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, peas, onion and other assortments of veggies we retired to the living room for a nice glass of wine. The ache in my hamstring and hip was subsiding.( Probably the red wine talking.) The drive wasn’t that long just 1.5 hours, but long enough for my back to protest and numb up my legs. Still I made it and walked it off as best I could to get some normalcy back into my gait. The secret to healing is to NOT take too many pain pills but let your body tell you when to stop and rest, keep moving moderately but pushing your limit oh so slightly each time. That is going to be my plan of action.

  

Ready to read a chapter of my Anne Rule thriller before clicking off the bedside light and slipping into the effects of my sleep disorder meds. My half hour is just about up so I should be feeling that heavy eye droop shortly. Dogs are down for the count. Zoey Pearl is in on her own bed I brought from home while King D has his own private couch to sleep on. 

 

DAY TWO -  a writer’s paradise

It was mostly a peaceful night until the rain came but only for a brief interlude. I had forgotten to take D’s collar and bells off so every so often I would be stirred from slumber by the jingle jangle of his collar. Zoey Pearl had a good night but was eager to go for her morning constitution at 7 am. My body protested as I tried to swing my stiff and cranky leg out of bed. Out the door went Zoey and I crawled back into bed. About 20 minutes later I heard her foot steps on the wood blanks outside the door.

View from my Bunkie

 By nine a.m. I decided it should start my day of ‘doing not much.’ The sun was up and smiling on the woods and lake just outside my window.  After a quick morning wash, I proceeded to feed the dogs and grab a little breakfast for myself. My friend joined me with her cup of tea before heading back home. She showed me how things worked and where to find what I needed

‘THE COTTAGE’ is a sprawling mini estate of little out buildings and bunkies including one large lodge type home. It even has several basements and a workshop. There are so many spacious rooms with all sorts of nooks and crannies inviting you to explore. The original cabin nestled beside it just a few feet away, dates back to the 1900’s. I have yet to be exposed to the museum of treasures it must hold. That will come later.

The Big House

The massive stone retaining wall.

Another Bunkie

The Big House

Garden Flowers

Garden

A quick history describes this property as quite derelict and in rough condition just four years ago. Verandas have been built, fireplaces unblocked and lit after 30 years of vacancy, and on and on. This is a vacation home that has a steady flow of family and close friends from early spring to fall. It is not the hospital white and germ free environment -type of cottage. It is a carefree, kick off your sandals; sit in wet bathing suits type of holiday home. So a little beach sand tracks in; it’s not the end of the world.

It houses a huge country kitchen with a stocked pantry that matches the enormous size of the room and the many people it feeds on weekends. Double everything here: fridges, dishwashers, laundry etc. etc. 

Partial View of the Bonanza Kitchen

D at home in the Kitchen.

I spent the day reviewing my first draft run of my fictional novel to get back in the flow of writing it again. I decided to punctuate the rest of the day with reading and watching a classic B&W movie on the satellite TV. The dogs mostly slept including Taboo. He stayed on his perch in the big house viewing the lake. No bugs from inside. He is enjoying the quiet time and change of scenery. A few branches will entertain him as he chews and scratches his feathers with it.

Taboo in the Great Room

Working Fireplace after decades of being boarded up.

One of Two Spiral Staircases Leading to Upper Level

Master Bedroom with Sitting Area and Lakeside View

Pensive Picture looking out onto the Deck

Animals Enjoying the Great Room

Zoey Pearl seems to be suffering from a form of dementia. She appears really lost here and is constantly walking, pacing the house and outdoors. It’s not the sort of novelty thing a new place brings that invites you to explore. She just seems confused and uncertain in her travels. She will repeat the same route over and over. Finally she gets so tired she just lies down. She is not eating like she normally does with the starvation grip on food. D on the other hand thinks he’s died and gone to heaven. That big comfy couch that dogs are allowed up on is just his cup of tea. As for Taboo, he too is one happy bird.

D making himself right at home.

Zoey Pearl a little out of sorts but finally settled.

DAY THREE – invaders from the burbs

I rose to a lot of leg pain, the type of gnawing ache that makes one feel queasy in their tummy.  After eating some breakfast and pills washed down with a cup of coffee, the pain started to lift. It is still there but less invasive.  The deep ghoulish bruising from my injured hamstring is just rising to the surface. I don’t dare where shorts or I’ll have all sorts of stares and comments coming my way. It is quite the show of purple and black. Reminds me of what happened in Africa when the bruising on my hip surfaced a week later. I can tell you the pain is less but it is still a reminder and very sore.

This morning I worked on my fiction novel some more. I need to do some research before I can continue to write the next chapter. It’s coming along as I believe I have developed all of my characters now. I’m so new at this fiction writing I hope I can pull it off. 

Well soon my company will arrive so I’ll take a break from writing and maybe walk out this leg some more.  The solitary mood of the cottage will soon revert to a lively party like atmosphere.

The guests converged on the cottage like deer flies on moose. Each car rolled in with copious amounts of food. The refrigerator was packed to the freezer. The laughter soon began while the beer and wine flowed. Taboo of course thought this was the biggest party ever. Apparently he is a very sedate bird compared to the other feathers that normally resides here during the summer. I was told so often that he was such a delightful well behaved bird and not to worry or ‘shush’ him if he squawks a bit loud.

Soon we were overrun with dogs. Four more dogs joined Zoey and D. The much younger canines just couldn’t get D to play with them or Zoey for that matter. The water was a swimming 80 degrees. D as usual didn’t want anything to do with paddling in the lake. He’s a land lover like me betraying his Labrador side of the family. That’s OK D. You can drown in water so you don’t have to tackle the lake if you don’t want to. However, Zoey did retrieve a ball in the water a few times. The one Husky/Shepherd dog was quite jealous of Zoey’s fetching abilities. Everyone seemed to have a grand time.   

Zoey Pearl struggling in the water but still enjoying the fetch.

By evening the dogs had quieted down and were hanging on the edges of the table cloth hoping for droppings of that drool tempting steak being served up. It was a scrumptious meal of baked potato, salad and rib eye steak from the Barbie. I have never been offered so many glasses of wine. The fellow we will name “Cupcake” seemed to be a wine merchant. That was his favourite choice of red wine.

Soon the curtains will close on the day. Tomorrow morning I will pack up Toot and head out for the final trip home with Taboo riding shotgun on the passenger seat and D and Zoey Pearl riding in the rear as backup.  Haying calls! *I want to take this opportunity to graciously thank my hosts for opening up their summer home to me for a couple of days of tranquility and reflection.

Original Cabin dating back to the early 1920s

Another Garden Pic

*POSTSCRIPT: no names or location were revealed in this post. Otherwise I would have to kill you.