NaBloPoMo Fail--Part Two

I forgot to post last night. No good reason. I had a few things on my mind, but don't I always? At least I hope I have things on my mind--especially creative thoughts.

Anyway I woke up around 3:30 and realized that I had forgotten to write anything.

I'm bummed that I missed another day. But not as bummed as I would have been if I had made it to November 29th before missing a post.

I'm not going to beat myself up about it. It's not the only goal I won't reach. But it was definitely doable. Sigh.

Today at Bradley Park

I haven't gone to the gym in a while (I don't want to check just how long.) Today I chose to take Lola to Bradley Park. As long as I don't let Lola take me off a main trail, we get a good 30 to 40 minute fairly vigorous hike. At Bradley, the paths are rough with tree roots, stones and branches, now covered in dead leaves. We walk up hills and climb stone walls.

Bradley is a little off the beaten trail--I would have never found it by chance. Luckily, a man I met walking Lola at Schenck's Island told me about it.

Usually Lola and I have the park to ourselves-all 82 acres. Today was no exception. The temperatures were only in the 40's, but it was sunny and pleasant. Lola bounded up and down hills, sniffed out scents and tried to dig under fallen tree trunks.

I thought of Spike and how lucky we were to be able to let him go off leash. Lola remains tethered to me for her own good (and my peace of mind.) She still enjoys herself.

Transitions

Thanksgiving is officially over. As I mentioned yesterday, I started seeing Christmas trees on car roofs. I went to a tutoring session at a decorated home. It must be Christmas season.

Christmas always seems to sneak up on me. Usually because the holiday hoopla starts so early, I lose track of it. I didn't notice that this year. Maybe because I haven't been in many stores lately.

I'm bummed that I had to take care of some expensive car repairs two weeks ago. I second guess if I should continue to put money into my 20-year-old car, but it beats getting a new car. It's worse to pay out at this time of year.

Three of my students are taking the SAT on Saturday. They may all take the test another time or take the ACT. I hope to see them back soon.  At least I start another class the following week. I need more work.

NaBloPoMo Fail

A few hours ago, Jeff asked me I had forgotten to post yesterday.

I said no, I had written something. Maybe I had just forgotten to publish it.

It was two lines, three if I count the title.

Title: Signs of Christmas

Text: Yesterday I saw my first Christmas tree on top of a car. Today I saw two more.

I played with lines when I was stuck in traffic yesterday.

car top Christmas trees
on their way home

to Jersey?

Back tomorrow.

Back Home

Our dog sitting stint ended today. It took me a bit longer than expected to run the dishwasher and finish the laundry. The towels seemed to take forever to dry. I didn't get home and unpack the car until 4:50. For some reason the drive home was exhausting. I wanted to just veg. But I had asked a friend to go out for drinks, and it was too late to cancel.

We headed to Sedona Tap House for drinks and appetizers and talk. I did enjoy getting out and visiting. But I'm glad to be back home now, vegging with Lola snuggled next to me.

Thanksgiving Day

When I was growing up, we would eat Thanksgiving dinner around 4 PM.  Today Jeff and I went to visit his parents, ate at noon and were done by 1:30. I'm still getting used to early holiday meals. Jeff's dad resides in the health center; we took him to the main dining room today. He enjoys seeing people that he usually doesn't see.

Unfortunately he wasn't feeling well. After dessert, he went back to his room to take a nap. I don't think he even finished his coffee. We visited a bit more with Jeff's mother before returning to take the dogs to the Bark Park. There weren't many dogs there, but Jake played with a black lab named Carly. Lola ran around a little on her own.

My brother and his wife had Thanksgiving dinner with my mother at 11 AM. That's too early for me. Today was also Jim's birthday, so he wanted to spend it with mom. Jeff and I will probably see her on Saturday for dinner. 

A few years ago I speculated about future Christmases. I'm starting to wonder about Thanksgivings as well. We'll make sure to enjoy ourselves whatever develops.

Safe and Sound

I didn't work today, and Jeff worked remotely until 2. It was nice not to have to battle traffic. We did go out; I visited The Christmas Tree Shop in Danbury around 10. After 2, we all went back to the Bark Park. Neither Lola nor Jake ran as much as they did yesterday, so that was a disappointment.

I hate traveling over the holidays. For years, I've managed to avoid it. Apparently the getaway day has expanded. I stopped home for a few things before I headed to my 6 PM tutoring appointment last night. The normally half-hour trip took me an hour. I heard on the radio that all routes out of Manhattan had 40 to 90 minute delays. Airports were busy since last weekend.

 Luckily for us, we are here, settled in, and ready for just a short drive tomorrow.

Failed Photos

I was outside with Jake. Jeff had put the deck lights on; the tree branches against the night sky were beautiful. I grabbed my phone and took a few shots, but no luck getting a decent photo.

Going through my gallery, I found a picture I took at Cascade Mountain Winery.  Unfortunately, I'm not able to post it right now. It's some kind of peace post with the saying, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in different languages on different sides similar to this at Wisdom House.

The photo from Cascade is better. I'll have to add it later.

Edited to add:

Back to the Bark Park

Jeff's in the office today and tomorrow; he left in was dark and returned in the dark. So it was up to me to take the dogs out. We started with a visit to the back yard. I had to leash Lola because yesterday she wondered off--not far--but into wetlands with lots of thorn bushes. I was not happy.

Around noon we went to the Bark Park. I'm in awe of dog walkers who can handle several pups at a time. I was challenged just getting from the car to the park entrance with Jake and Lola. Jake seemed to enjoy the park. He played with a few other dogs and went up to all the people for petting.

Later in the afternoon I attempted to take both dogs for individual walks. I took Lola out first and had to fight Jake to keep him inside. Lola and I didn't get far. A few cars passed by and she got scared. Jake did much better but we kept the walk relatively short.

Let's see how tomorrow goes.

Jake-Sitting

Yesterday Jeff, Lola and I headed up to Ridgefield. We're watching Jake when his family is away for Thanksgiving (returning on Friday.)

Jake is a sweet, mellow dog. He and Lola get along by mostly ignoring each other. He doesn't seem to mind if she sleeps on his bed or chews on his bones or toys. I did have to reprimand Lola when she growled at Jake when he came too close to the two of us. Jake didn't seem to mind.

Today the four of us went to Ridgefield's Bark Park. The dog park's been redesigned (maybe relocated) since our last visit with Spike. Lola and Jake seemed to enjoy it. I started with Lola in the small dog area (under 40 pounds.) After a few minutes, she tried to climb up the fence dividing the small and large dog areas. So I took her over to the big dog side where Jeff and Jake were. Lola seemed more comfortable there. We stayed for about 40 minutes.

I'll return tomorrow and/or Tuesday: I can't walk both dogs on my own. Jeff's working from "home" Wednesday, so that will be nice.

Justin and Mark

Today I led a tour of the WPA Murals. I came up with the idea (don't like the word ideate even though it's concise--too affected for me) designed it and planned it.

Mural artist Justin Gruelle chose to illustrate literary works. His six murals at Norwalk City Hall depict three of Mark Twain's works: A Connecticut Yankee in Sir Arthur's Court, Innocents Abroad, and Roughing It. 

13 people signed up and showed up for the tour--a great turnout. It was a good group--everyone participated including an artist who shared his perspective.

Bonus: I'm getting paid for designing the tour. I didn't expect payment, but I can sure use it.

An Anniversary

459 years ago, Queen Mary I of England died, at the age of 42.

Mary was somewhat rehabilitated for me by The Myth of Bloody Mary. It's hard to understand how the Catholic/Protestant differences got so violent. It's even harder to ignore the burning of heretics.

Mary had a rough life--for a royal .I have sympathy for her, and I understand how she would hate Anne Boleyn. Her world upended because of her father's lust. (I don't buy that Henry was all that concerned that his marriage was invalid--he had a papal dispensation.) Her father was a cruel tyrant.

Mary's death lead to one of the best reigns in English history-that of her half sister Elizabeth. How she would have hated it, if she had known.

Final Thoughts on our Interlaken Getaway

We went away last weekend for two main reasons.

The first was that Jeff and I hadn't been away together for three years. Even though we were gone for only three days, it was wonderful. As we drove up Route 7 and approached Merwinsville (really Gaylordsville) in New Milford, I realized that I was smiling. I love going to Lakeville, Millerton, Harney's tea tasting room, wineries, and hiking trails.

The second reason was to get Lola away. Our friend Annette had invited us to visit her in Baltimore with Lola. I was concerned about Lola's ability to handle a five-hour trip plus any time alone at Annette's house. So an overnight trip with a drive longer than a hour would be a good start.

Lola did well. She was a little skittish as we walked through Kent, better in Millerton which had less traffic. She loved the grounds of Interlaken. We knew she would, and that was one of the reasons we selected Interlaken. We also got a good package--Interlaken's Autumn Getaway.

Positives of the trip: getting away in general, Lola adapting well to new places and being mellow when entering rooms with many people, letting people pet her, hiking up Kent Falls, walking the Harlem Valley Railroad Trail, visiting DiGrazia, Sunset Meadows and Cascade Mountain Wineries, and Litchfield Distillery, tea tasting and shopping in Millerton

Downsides of the trip: getting away on one of the coldest days of the season, our disappointment with Morgan's. In the past, we found several delicious options on the menu. This season the selections were limited and pedestrian  (a boring selection of appetizers and salads--New England clam chowder--yawn) and no specials. My first entree of skirt steak was delicious, desserts were good, but the rest of our selections were just okay. What a disappointment for our favorite restaurant.

Regardless, a great getaway.

Thoughts on Thoreau

I thought my reading had slowed before. I'm practically at a standstill now.

I finished Walden a while ago (vague I know) and am about a fifth through Backwoods and along the Seashore.

From Walden, I loved Thoreau's discussion of the morning. He said all memorable events transpire in morning time and atmosphere. Poetry and art date from that hour. But then Thoreau says it doesn't matter what the clocks say. "Morning is when I'm awake and there is a dawn in me."

I'm more of morning person than a night owl. I've love to tap more into Thoreau's morning magic.

A Substitute Post: Warning, Complaints Ahead

Writing a daily post is harder this year than it's been previously. I haven't been blogging regularly. I'm trying to plan my posts--thinking about specific dates for specific posts, and then what I can write on any day, such as TV, movie and reading topics.

I had planned to do a wrap-up post on our weekend getaway. It was successful for the most part.

But I don't feel like writing about that now. It's late, and I want to complain about my day in bullet points.

• I got locked out of my work website
• I called IT Support around 8:20 AM; the message didn't bother to tell me that I'd get no help before 9. I didn't know if I should wash my hair/take out Lola. I didn't want to miss the call.
• I couldn't review a student's score in my second work website without an student ID. 
• I requested the ID but didn't get one.
• When I finally got into the first website, I couldn't view my student.
• Hurricane Irma limited the veggies I could buy at the supermarket (shallow and selfish, I know--but this is my complaint) 
• I got an annoying email implying it was my fault that a meeting hadn't occurred. I previously said when I was available.
• I didn't have the copy of a test that I thought I had--and needed it for a tutoring session this afternoon. Quick stop at the office required. Almost made it on time except for a school bus stop. 

It helps to vent (thank you Jeff.) It helps to write everything down to see how petty it all can be. I've got to learn to ignore the petty stuff. 

Getaway Hangover

We were only away for two nights, but there's a nice feeling of getting back home.

Unfortunately, I also experience vacation hangover. We got home around 4, ordered takeout pizza, and I made a salad of organic greens, did a little unpacking and then vegged. It was Outlander night.

I felt bad because Jeff had to get up at 5:30 to go to work. Then I felt bad for me because I had to drive him to the train station at 6:30.

My car was at the auto repair shop. My original $600-700 estimated repair cost doubled because a mechanical problem created a safety issue. I have an old car. I always second guess myself about putting more money into it. But it's less money to fix my current car than to get a new one. When we were at Interlaken, I was able to compartmentalize and just not think about my car. But this morning I woke up around 4, worrying about money to fix it. Ugh.

I was homebody for most of the day: unpacking, running the dishwasher and doing laundry. I picked up my car around four, then took Lola to the dog park. Have to take care of my girl.

Interlaken Getaway--Day Three and Home Again

We made plans to visit Kent Falls Brewing Company on our way home today. Alas, it was closed. At least we found out before we hit the road. Instead we decided to go home via Routes 44/22 in New York State. First we returned to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail in Millerton and walked for about a half hour. Then to Harney and Sons tasting room.

We visited Cascade Mountain Winery and Restaurant for wine tasting. We had the tasting room to ourselves for most of our visit. Cascade offered the most generous tasting we've seen lately--seven complimentary tastings, and then a selection of five for $5.00.

We probably would have stayed for lunch, but we weren't hungry enough around 1. Also, a group of six or seven had just entered. We figured we should exit with Lola.

We played it by ear the rest of the way. I was worried that I made a mistake selecting a turn onto Route 39. Then we hit the intersection with Route 37. We took 37 and stopped at White Silo because of the trail Lola loved. It was a nice, half-hour hike: cool but pleasant. On our last visit, it had been humid and sticky. After that, we came straight home.

Lola wagged her tail as we unlocked the front door.

Interlaken Getaway--Day Two--Millerton, Goshen and Litchfield

After breakfast at Interlaken, we drove to Millerton, NY for a  long walk. The icicles show how cold it was.

Despite the cold, I enjoyed the trail. It's an easy walk along paved trails.But 70 minutes might have been a bit too long--my feet were numb.But Lola was still raring to go.

A visit to Harney & Son for tea tasting afterward was comforting. Jeff bought tea and I bought socks from a store down the street. We drove through Lakeville and Salisbury before we went south to Sunset Meadow Vineyard. Next we had lunch based on a Vineyard employee's recommendation. Our last tasting stop was in Litchfield.

After that we returned to Interlaken for a walk down to the lake before it got dark.

We had room service dinner again. Lola seemed a bit worn out and content to rest.

Interlaken Getaway--Day One

We choose this weekend for our getaway because Jeff is off today for Veterans Day (observed.) We didn't plan for record cold.The weather has definitely put a crimp in our hiking plans.

We left shortly after 10. Our first stop: Di Grazia Vineyards. We haven't been there in years, so we did a tasting. We left with a port and a dessert wine.

Our next stop was Kent. We walked around a field with Lola, stopped at my favorite store. and picked up sandwiches to go. Lola was skittish and uncomfortable walking in town.

A short ride up Route Seven, we arrived at Kent Falls State Park. As expected, Lola loved it; she bounded up the trail. But she did seem disappointed that she couldn't go down into the water.

We're settled now in Woodside House, after a walk. Lola also loved going down to the lakeside. Looking forward to a delicious dinner.

A Post of Miscellany

First, a few clippings:

The New York Times Book Review October 8 2017 Our Back Pages:

Larry McMurtry said that "writing is a way of herding words..." I love the image.

Time Magazine, This Just In (not sure of the date)

A finding from International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that people walking dogs because they think it makes their dogs happier, are also happier. I could have told them that. I've often written that I've enjoyed my walks with Spike and Lola. That there are only a handful of days each year where it is horrible to walk a dog. 

The New York Times Book Review November 5, 2017. I was skimming through and saw an illustration of George Washington. My first thought was that he looked just like George Tobias. I probably first saw George as the neighbor in Bewitched. But he was a Warners Brothers actor so I saw many of his films.

I returned to the gym today It had been a week-and-a-half since my last visit for no good reason.Will I be sore tomorrow?

A Chance Meeting

or another post about Lola.

Lola and I were on our second loop around Oyster Shell Park on the lower trail by the river. I heard a dog bark. On the top of the hill, a beagle was calling to Lola. He pulled on his leash to start down the hill. Lola tried to climb up the hill. We met in the middle of the trail instead. His name was Tony; he was one year and five months old.

Lola and Tony were happy to meet each other, but their joy was short-lived. I don't know what Tony did, but it went too far for Lola. She snapped at him, and that was that. I love that Lola will hold her own against other dogs.

Back to Cove Island Park

Last spring I took Lola to Cove Island every week or two. After Memorial Day, we couldn't go because we didn't have a resident parking sticker. Last week I remembered we could return now that the summer season is over.

Today Jeff was off for Election Day, and I didn't have any appointments. After we voted, we headed to Cove Island with Lola. She loved running around (albeit on a leash.) It was cold--in the mid-forties--but it felt colder because it's been so warm lately.

This is one of the good things about living with a dog. Lola gets us out walking and hiking. Otherwise on a day like today, Jeff and I probably would have just vegged inside.

Thanks Lola.

100 Years for NY Women

One hundred years ago today, New York State passed a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. This vote may have lead to the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution three years later.

A hundred years. In some ways a blink of an eye. In another, a lifetime.

Tomorrow is election day in Norwalk. I will exercise my right to vote.

Lola the Brave

Today on the Norwalk River Valley Trail in Wilton (Sharp Hill Road to Twin Oak Lane) Lola was intrigued and scampered up this pile of rocks. Her descent was a bit more cautious. 

It's so much fun to hike with Lola. She is so happy to get out on the trails and always enjoys herself. 

Spike and Lola and Fall Back

Today is Spike's birthday; he would have been 17. It's also Lola's half-way--based on her designated birthday of May 5.

Jeff cooked today. For breakfast, he made blueberry pancakes. We drank toasts of prosecco to Lola and Spike. Later we all went to Schenck's Island for a walk. It was raining lightly for much of our walk, but Lola was intrigued by various scents. I remember Spike also seemed to especially love the scents after it rained.

We had a snack of pumpkin-apple soup and toast in the late afternoon before I headed out for a tutoring appointment. When I returned Jeff had made a prosecco drink and a dinner of flank steak, broccoli and a veggie medley of potatoes, peppers, onion and garlic. (I love the term vegetable medley.) Delicious.

Then we watched Outlander and vegged: a nice evening together.

We miss you Spike; we'll love you forever.

Happy half-way day Lola: we will make you happy.

Early Night

The last few nights I've found myself falling asleep on the couch as we're watching some TV show or movie.

I'm going to guess that it's happening tonight because I got up around 6 AM. I woke around 4:30 and never got back to a deep sleep.

Too bad because it's fall back night. I should been enjoying another hour. Maybe I can be productive with that hour tomorrow.

Last DPF of the Season

When I saw Jenn and John on Halloween, I mentioned that it would be 70 degrees on Friday. I wanted try for one more DPF.

A few of us made it tonight for a short visit.

Here are some images.

This is Fall?

Officially, we're six weeks into autumn, But it's 70 degrees.

I heard on the radio that this October was the warmest in history.

I tried not to think about the long term results of a warm fall (and warmer temperatures in general.) I'm trying to enjoy the current 70 degree weather.

Lola and I visited Winslow Park in Westport for about 45 minutes today. I try to go there every week or two. We met a a beagle named Brandy.

I had left Lola for about five hours earlier. I had a tutoring appointment in New Milford, then ran several errands: Bed, Bath and Beyond, Caroluzzi's Liquor Store, and Shop Rite. I owed her a good outing.

You can have a easy walk at Winslow by following paved paths. That's not Lola's way. Her way isn't particularly tough, but you have to watch your footing at times.

Hoping we can pull together one last DPF tomorrow.

The Baseball Season Ends Tonight

I love baseball.

Yes, the games are too long.

Yes, there are too many commercials.

No, I don't like the juiced balls.

But Game Sevens are awesome.

The season started off well for the Mets. Soon things went south. I guess the Mets season was over in June, though I still continued to watch and hope.

As the post season started, I was rooting for the Cleveland Indians. They had come so close to winning last year and had the longest World Series winning drought. The Yankees eliminated them in the first round.

I don't like the Yankees. I'd only root for them if they were playing the cannibal Nazis. I don't like the Nationals. There was a year when I rooted for them. It must have been before Bryce Harper; I can't stand him.

I worried that with my luck 2017 would bring a World Series of Yankees v. Nationals. At least I was spared that.

So I rooted for Houston in the ALCS. I was ambivalent about the Dodgers/Chicago.

Onto the World Series. I would not have selected these teams. But: We may not always get the world champion we want, but we’re definitely getting the world championship we deserve.

I'm rooting for Houston. They've never won a world series, and the city's recovering from a hurricane. My sister used to say we don't root outside our league. As much as I hate the designated hitter, I don't feel the same way.

As I wrote that last line, they did it. Congratulations Houston.

NaBloPoMo

I'm going for it again: NaBloPoMo even though I can't find a 2017 link via Google.

As I typed that line I got this email. Good timing.

I also got a NaNoWriMo email the other day from my old Linked-In group. That's too ambitious for me.

NaBloPoMo is enough of a stretch for me. I've barely bloggd lately.

Here I go.