What about.....we're all little a like, aren't we?

The other night Jeff and I had a discussion about guns.

If you think I'm gonna talk about the right to bear arms.....  think again.

Every year or so ( and this has gone on for many years) Jeff likes to update me on his guns - what he has, where it came from, who it came from, what his plans are for it, etc...  He gets them out one by one.  He tips them in his hands back and forth, checking it all over, looks up at me, gives me the low down, the history - what he shot with it or/and plans to shot with it and how much meat that has or will put on the table, and then wipes it down to keep it shiny and clean.  He sets it ever so carefully against the wall and proceeds onto the next one.  I won't tell you how many guns or how long this takes - I lose count and then get confused....

As I stand back and watch I realized - we're all a little a like, aren't we? 

He gets his guns out and handles them much the same way I pull out my fabric.

I pull it out, run my hands over it, smell it (not sure why I smell it, and no, Jeff does not smell his guns.) and proceed to tell Jeff where I got it, what my plans are for it and how warm it will keep us once I turn it into a quilt..

So, what is it about being alike that doesn't end with just Jeff and me (or is it I, doesn't matter to me you get my point) - I watch him and Ryan do the same thing - they pull out the guns and...  you know the story.  Then I find Lindsey and I (or is it me......just trying to keep you on your grammar toes)  in my sewing room pulling out fabric and....(no, Lindsey doesn't smell it like I do) you know the rest of the story. 

Do we all share our precious treasures with the ones we love. 

What do you have for precious treasures that you like to get out every so often and clean, polish and smell!!!

What about..... Jewettville North North

Last week we sold our camp.  We referred to it as Jewettville North so when we bought a new camp just six miles north of the old one, we refer to it as Jewettville North North or new camp.

So now, we officially own one camp - Jewettville North.

Let me introduce you.....

This is in March when we bought

 

This summer....

Again, March

and again, summer

 

 

 

She's a beauty, and we've already started making memories. 

 

Stayed tuned as I take you with me through the demolition, renovations, repairs, installations, decorating,  and did I mention there will be wine (wink, wink).

 

 

 

 

So, what is it about saying goodbye to something that has been such a huge part of our lives, and saying hello or "how you doing" (say it like Joey from friends, no, try again like you mean it...... much better) that makes my head spin - goodbye, hello, goodbye, hello.......  

What about......Aug 27th

For those that know me they know what this date means to me.  But for those that don't .......

Aug 27, 2008 was the day our world fell, dropped, exploded into a million pieces, the bottom completely fell out.... it was the day we lost our son in a motorcycle accident.  Okay, we didn't really lose him, we know where he is, so why is this the phrase that is used.  I use it, I hear everyone else use it, but it still doesn't make sense to me.  Is it because of my faith that I know he's not lost, alone, searching for someone, something..... anyway, that's a whole other discussion.......back to the date.

For the past 5 years we - family & friends - have gathered at our house (around that table that I shared earlier).  We receive tons and tons or texts, calls, emails and people that stop by ...... which we absolutely love!!  We love that people remember, that they know what a horrible day it is.  We have thought about this day - We want this day to feel better, be different, not be so terribly sad.  We would really like to wipe this day of the calendar.  But, we can't.

So, if we could put our spin on this one, this day, we would proclaim it Jason's Day.  We would play basketball and soccer, go fishing, leave some tire marks on the road, go to the fair, and yes, enjoy a beer for him while listening to some very loud music.  That's what we're gonna aim for next year.  We will never forget what this days means and we will still look for all your texts, emails, phone calls and visits ( these are what get us through the day and make us stronger ) and, you're always welcome to come fishing with us.

It wasn't planning on putting this on here, but I write here what's in my heart and on my mind.

I remember the day of visiting hours before the funeral, a old friend said to me "time heals, Pam, but there will always be a scar".  I get it..... I wish I didn't.  The scar hasn't healed and I now know it never will. 

So, what about this scar - every so often it "acts up", it might be August 27 or it could be any other day ......... it's like an old battle wound.  Some days I can put a Band-Aid on it and it's okay and other days........ let's just say it "acts up". 

What about..... Friday Fun Memories



 

"Wintah"

place:  Jewettville

when:  December 2012

 

 

This was the snowstorm we missed.   We were in the northwest mountains of Maine when a "Noreastah" hit home.  Hardly any snow in the mountains - but plenty of snow at home.  I sat at camp while receiving pictures from Mom and Dad showing the huge amounts of snow on their deck.  On our way home from camp Dad called to give me the total snowfall amount, to which I replied - "Oh, I wished I'd been home"!  To that he replied "I told your Mother your a good 'ol Maine girl and you'd be sorry you missed it"!

 

So, what is it about August that already has me looking forward to snow.  Could it be August is my least favorite month or could it be I AM a good 'ol Maine good girl - I'm telling ya there's nothing like the feeling of being "snowed in". Clean white snow covering everything. Trudging (is that a word?) through the snow in hip boots.  Shoveling......and shoveling...........   I love it!

 

 





What about..... the table

This is my table. 

 

You can call it the kitchen table or the dining room table.

I refer to it as "the table". 

She's old. She has teeth marks where the dogs chewed, an imprint of a nail that sat to long, chairs that don't match or even stayed together (the seats on the chairs are not attached) and she has a little twinkle when she talks. 

Oh, the stories this table could tell.  This is where we sit with friends. We eat, but more importantly,  we talk, we discuss.  Mostly I sit here with girlfriends - and the things women talk about around "the table"..........


-sewing ideas, blunders, patterns
-food - we talk about food a lot
-we share lots of recipes and some of "the recipe" (the Baldwin sisters would be very proud - good night John Boy)
-our children, grandchildren and parents (I am very lucky that two of these girlfriends are often my mother and my daughter)
-gardening, freezing, canning - somehow food gets back in the discussions
-a little bit of politics - not much - but a little
-religion - again - not much -  but a little
-we make plans - some together - some apart
-we tell hunting stories - yes, we're good 'ol Maine girls - we hunt
-we have figured out (or tried) how to end world hunger and promote world peace
-we curl hair and discuss hair color
-we talk weight loss, nutrition and exercise
-there have been many celebrations
-we talked about technology - cell phones, ipods, ipads....
-yes, there have been many talks about sex
- talks about how to get our feet as smooth as a baby's butt
- we have shared our child birth experiences, in detail
- there have been tears shed as sons leave for the middle-east
-and tears shed for the parents, husband, grandson, brother and son that aren't here to sit at "the table"

The only thing "sugar coated" at this table is the blueberry cake and apple pie


We have planned quilts at this table, hunting trips, menus, hair color, hair cuts, shopping trips, birthday parties, weddings and the list goes on and on.......

So, what is it about "the table" at our house that makes it so much more than a place to eat?

We gather.

From there, the possibilities, friendships and rewards are endless.

Come, sit a spell............

What about.....Friday Fun Memories

Friday Fun Memories

 

 

 

 

"Camp"

 

place:  Jewettville North

 

when:  Sept 1997 - March 2013

 

 

So, this is my camp.  This is where my kids where camp raised, where we took them to play, relax, and spend time with them.  Where friends and family came to "play" and "relax" and "spend time together".  This will always be the place where my heart and soul take a big "sigh".  There is nothing like walking thru these doors taking a big whiff of the wood - or camp smell as I like to call it, and feel my whole body change, it settles......... it breathes simply.......... it simply breathes......

 

 

This camp is now for sale. 

 

We have a new camp.  It lacks the smell and the wood - but we have already started "playing" and "relaxing" and "spending time together".

 

This is where we will "camp raise" our grandchildren.  I don't feel my heart taking the big "sigh" when I enter, but when my grandson arrives thru those new doors it does give off a big smile.  He too, will have the joy of being "camp raised".

 

What about ....????

What about..... this file I keep on my computer? It is a file I have labeled "daily inspirations", it has quotes and sayings that I started keeping way back in 2000. I was never sure why I kept these but I have decided that I'm gonna share. I'll post them on days when my creative writing dial doesn't turn up all the way to high.

Some of these will be funny, some insightful, others will be motivating while some will bring tears to your eyes. I will take them from the file as they are - in no special order.

So with that...........

Next on the list -

One of the oldest human needs is having someone wonder where you are when you don't come home at night.

What about...... dancing with wolves, etc..

You've heard of Dancing with wolves, running with knives.........?  Right?

But have you heard of swimming with glasses?   If not, make a note to self  "if you wear glasses when jumping in the water you probably won't be wearing them when you come out of the water".

I speak from experience.

Need I say more?

So, what is it about losing a pair of glasses that makes you feel completely lost and unable to function normally, oh, wait - you can't see - lost in blurriness.  By the way, I think it even diminishes your hearing, wait, maybe I read lips and didn't realize it.

What about......Friday Fun Memories

Friday Fun Memories

 

 

"Baby" Jason turns 1 this Sunday

(maybe the future King/Queen of England will share his birthday)

 

place:  my office

 

when: July 2012

 

 

 

So, what is it about being this baby's Nana that makes me giddy inside.  When does a "baby" become a toddler, when do I stop calling him Baby Jason, when do I stop wondering how he slept last night, if he's had enough vegetables, has anyone put sunscreen on him, does he have a life jacket when on the boat, what's that bug bite on his leg...... 

 

 then I hear my mother ask my daughter " do you have sunscreen on? do you have a life jacket?  what's that bug bite on your leg?....... 

 

 Looks like my wondering is gonna last awhile!

 

 

 

What about.....Friday Fun Memories

I was browsing through some old photos today and decided that every Friday I'm going to post a fun photo - maybe from the archives, maybe recent.  I have tons and tons of fun photos and I'll share the memories with you.   This is gonna be fun!

So.......

wait...... I can't decide what photo to post......  okay.......

Friday Fun Memories

 

 



Birthday Cake Martinis!

 

place:  Jewettville North

 

when: April 2013

 

 

 

Three with huge smiles and two trying to hold onto their glass 

 so how many did we have?  Was that our first or our last?

 

So, what about memories - get out there and make memories people - they're WICKED important!



What about.....another moose hunt!

And the winner is............


drum roll please....................

 

My hubby

 

Can I please get an AMEN! 

 

Thank you.

 

He's been putting his name in for over 20 years and he finally got his name drawn.

 

 

 

 

He's modeling his new hat - Moose Festival 2013.  I think I should get a big black marker and write WINNER across the back.  What ya think??

 

 

Looks like there will be a mighty moose hunt in October at Jewettville North (which reminds me, got lots to tell you about Jewettville North).....  Oh, oh, oh,  the stories I will tell.

 

 

So what about this thing called a moose hunt that makes a grown woman flutter with excitement.  Could it be the people that will crowd into camp - I love a crowded camp!, the thought of - what will we eat - I love when we're all together to eat!, or the fact that my husband, the mighty hunter, put my father in as his sub-permitee (the only one that can go with him carry a gun, and be by his side (there's rules about how far away they can't get from each other)) *sigh*...........

 

I can't wait!



OMG!

OMG! 

If you know me, you know that I don't usually use this phrase, but OMG! have I really been outta the blogging since last September??!!

In case you're wondering why, let's just say.......

I'm adjusting to being a grandmother and all I want to do is spend time with that precious little one..... gosh ain't he cute......

Anyway,

to catch up....

I'm a Nana
I shot my Moose - 859lbs
still haven't figured out tin foil
still don't know how clapping or appaulding every became
why is a wood duck not called a tree duck
does the loon in my pond really understand me when I talk to him
still haven't lost the extra weight
yes, the ice is out and I've had coffee on the dock
I've got a camp I'd like to sell ya - what was I thinking......
said something the other day about grandbaby # 2 - again, what was I thinking.....
(no they're not expecting, but you shoulda seen their faces when it popped outta my mouth)
I've made another quilt or two
discovered I love popcorn
lost my ipod
lost my wine opener (but I still have the husband that can open a bottle of wine with a drill and a screw,  *sigh* what a guy, my hero)
found my business card case
Oh, and, almost forgot to tell ya the important stuff, yes, I've had a glass of wine on the dock

See,  I've got so much to share with you.   Bet you can't wait!


So, what it is that keeps bringing my back to this blog, why do I find a need, or is it a want, to share the mundane and the amazing with people I know and don't know.  Is it a creative outlet, a writing inlet or a sharing pond (inlet, outlet, pond..... get it?)  (Sharing pond..... sharing pond.....if you use the right tone of voice you can actually see us floating around the pond in our little floatables, enjoying a glass of wine, discussing world problems.........this is where I would play that tingly music that shows I'm dreaming......)

or is it that I think there are some things that just need to be discussed, mulled over, tossed around, etc..  I don't want to talk politics or religion.  I want to discuss the important stuff - why does corn pop into popcorn, why a wood duck, where the heck does tar come from.

Oh, and, has anyone seen my ipod?