Just to demonstrate my love for my readers, I'm posting today's blog, despite having one foot in the coffin. I may have overdosed on Airborne and Echinacea-Goldenseal, and yet, I still think there's an invisible giant with his foot on my head - and he keeps pressing down, harder, and harder.

I figure this is either the crud that's been making its way thru our office, or it's the effects of P90X - one or t'other.

But...I'm not here to moan and groan, I'm here to tell you about the horseback trip with WWO.

I took the two girls with me on this trip, seeing as how they both love horses. H has some experience with horses, having taken lessons when she was young, but I had practically none, and I don't think W has a whole lot either. Because H and W were my guests, the guide put the three of us together, so H had to suffer our slowness - although, I'd like to point out it wasn't mine or W's fault we were so slow - it was the four women in front of us who had no control whatsoever over their animals, and another woman who was afraid to go fast. Typical adult thinking - they think they need to protect the poor little children, but of course, who do you figure would like to gallop their horse - the frail little 70 year old, or the vibrant 17 year old? And yet, they stuck us behind the frail little 70 year old - who, I admire for being out there (she's probably really only 50, but hey - she looks about 65 - 70), but I wish they had put her in the back, not us.

But, I make this sound like we had no fun at all. In fact, we did have a nice time. I didn't get a whole lot of shots of all of us, and those of you who know me, know I won't post any of them with the girls faces clearly visible. To explain this - I don't believe in putting someone on my blog until they give me permission. And I don't believe in putting a minor on the blog until his or her parents (both) have given their permission - and since I don't have H's or W's parents permission...you don't get to see their lovely faces. Such is life. Get past it.

Still, here is one nice view we saw along the ride.

And here are all of us lined up, for a picture. Odd place to take the picture. We were all baking in the sun, and you can tell we were all pretty tired of sitting there, waiting for the guide to snap pics from each and every camera brought on the trip. The blue dot, third from the back is me - trying to shade my face.

For the most part, we were in nice shady/cool areas. Either shaded by trees, like you see here, or nice and breezy as we trotted through an open meadow.

Also, this is Rambo - my trusty mount. I had very little problems getting Rambo to heed my wishes, until the end when he was tired, but I still wanted to go fast - then he was a tad stubborn. But trust me, considering the girl in front of me kept walking through tree branches, compliments of her horse, Pearl, and the one in front of her liked to walk over bendable shrubs in order to scratch his belly, I'm not about to complain about Rambo being a bit lazy in the end. And besides - he matched me perfectly- look at those colors!

OK, I'm going to bed now.

Later.

Acadia '09 - Day Six - Last Day

For those of you who are fans of the movie Logans Run, you'll understand when I tell you "Last Day" in Acadia felt a little like "Last Day" in Logans Run. You hope you'll get to renew and come back really, really soon.

As last day's go, this one couldn't have been nicer. The SigO and I spent the morning biking the Carriage Trail. We started out at Witches Hole, went around Eagle Lake, then Jordan Pond, past the Jordan Pond House, around the Carriage House, and back up the around the other side.

I would highly recommend this ride to anyone. There are a few climbs, but nothing the average rider couldn't handle, easily....so long as your chain doesn't pop and you don't lose momentum, like the poor SigO - he had to push through some pretty tough times on account of this. Also, he tricked me into stopping halfway up one hill - the things he'll do to get ahead - and I lost momentum on that hill - still, if you keep a steady pace, this is a great ride. About 17 miles long, with incredible views all along the way.

Here is one of my all time favorite scenes - marshy grasses on the border, then the lake, then the mountains - hard to beat.

Needless to say - I tend to take several variations on this shot.

Then there's the shot from on high -

and one from the trees

We rode past waterfalls, bluffs, and many other beautiful sites, but stopping to take pictures when you're on a bike is much harder than when you're hiking. Not to mention, you just can't do justice to some of them - like the waterfall. We sat and enjoyed that for a while, but none of the pictures we took really came close to displaying its beauty.

After the ride, we went back to Bar Harbor and had a small lunch on the pier - one of the places we always eat - we almost missed it this time - isn't it funny how important those little traditions become. We've eaten at this place every time we've come to Bar Harbor, and even though this is only my third time, it would feel like we'd missed something if we had forgotten to stop here this trip.

Having satiated ourselves, we rounded up the girls and managed to find the only boring path in Acadia. Mind you, set anywhere else, this would be a great trail. But compared to the rest of the trails in Acadia - yawn. We followed the directions given us by our proprietess in the B&B, but she obviously is on this trail for her dog's sake, not the views. Living in the area, she probably focuses more on what's away from the crowds than what vistas are offered.

We did find a fern gully for H (SigO's daughter - you know I don't like to put names in my blog, but I'm tired of referring to her as the SigO's daughter, and I'm tired of referring to her friend, as ...well, her friend...so we'll call that one "W" - and yes - I fully expect you to remember these designations from now on!). I'm not 100% certain of the story behind this, but apparently, ever since she was a wee one, H called this type trail "fern gully".

Also, the birch trees were pretty great. And the SigO almost knocked one over on H. That was exciting. We were noticing how many of them were dead or dying, and he looked at one and said: "Maybe there's a disease - look at this one ", and H did - from directly under it - as he proceeded to completely knock it over - barely missing her. So, for those of you keeping score, first he marches her 5 miles fed by false hopes and lies, then he makes her vomit, then he nearly brains her with a birch. Ah...parental love. The true reason we make kids so resilient!

That night we ate at a lobster bake type place down on the ocean. H was, ironically, the only one who ordered Lobster, although the SigO did have some in his "cobb salad" - if you can call a salad with lobster a cobb salad - but that's what they called it. We didn't get to sit outside as we would have preferred, but we did get to witness the best sunset we'd seen all week.

As if the island was reminding us that it was our last day - the sun was setting on our vacation - and wishing us a good year between this night, and next year, when we return.

Acadia '09 - Day Six

This is the day we climbed the Bubbles. It's such a nice, easy climb, over in no time, and the view from the top is another stunner. All four of us climbed it this year. Last year, one of our group was having issues and didn't make it to the top, so I stayed behind with her, and then went up by myself a little later. On that particular trip, I noticed that you can get down to Jordan Pond from up there, and explored around, trying to figure out the path, with no luck - also, I was on a timeline since I had to get back with the rest of the group. This year, I found the path, and now my goal for next year is to hike the bubbles from the other side. I want to start at the Jordan Pond house, walk up to the South Bubble, and climb up from that side, then down to the parking lot, where we plan to ghost a bike, and I'll ride the bike back to the pond house, get the cars and come get everyone else. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Anyway, I didn't take many pictures from the top of the Bubble since we have about 11ty billion shots from up there.

I did (barely) get a shot of this falcon that was soaring around. He came so close to me at one point, but I didn't have the camera ready yet - and sometimes, I think we're so busy snapping photos of everything that we actually miss out on some things, so I'm not too sorry about not getting that shot - I couldn't have done it justice anyway.

Still, I knew you'd squawk at me if I didn't show you what it looks like from up there (although I'm SURE I showed you last year), so here's a shot from last year.

And here's a shot of the bubbles from down by the Jordan Pond house. In case you're wondering, and in case I didn't mention it last year, the bubbles are named for the girlfriend of the guy that donated the land to the park. And they are apparently reminiscent of one of his favorite body parts. Not my story. I wouldn't make something like that up.

One of the distinguishing features up on the south bubble is balancing rock, shown here. We traditionally take pictures of all of us trying to roll it down the mountainside, but apparently we took those shots on the SigO's camera, not mine, so I don't have those for you.

After we climbed the bubbles, we headed back over to the quiet side for lunch, which, tragically, in case you've forgotten, is where the Lilac Lily is. Chloe (shop owner) was happy to see me again - needless to say. And I didn't disappoint. I found more yarn.How is that possible, you may ask - well, I take that back, only a non-knitter would ask that. For those non-knitters reading this, try thinking of it this way: Yarn = Crack for knitters. So, this time I got all this yarn for an afghan I saw Chloe knitting - it's Cherry Hill, and I've used Cherry Hill for socks (my sister-in-law's and the Domster's socks are in Cherry Hill - just so you guys know) and I like the way it knits up. Besides, Chloe's afghan sold the yarn for her. I also bought these two buttons. No idea what I'm going to use them for, but I wanted them the first day I was there, but I didn't see them until the SigO walked in the door, and he already bugged out when he saw all the yarn I was buying. So, I got them on this trip. Of course, I left him and the girls down at the lunch counter while I went yarn shopping - again - and I was checking out when I saw him coming down the street towards me. I shouted "Quick! Here he comes!!" to the amusement of the entire store. Pretty silly of me since he would have to pack it in the car to go home. You'll be happy to know there was still room in the car for the two girls when we did finally head home a few days later.

Anyway, after the lunch/yarn binge, we headed over to Long Pond for some canoeing. Now, this is the same pond that created so much havoc with us the first year. That year, we rented a two person kayak, and could not keep that damn thing straight. Apparently, the SW wind on the pond wreaks havoc with the boats. So, much wiser this year, we rented a canoe instead. We were going like gang-busters heading out. We were sure we were going to make it to the mountains - and we did get very, very close, but we had much less time this year, so we turned back, and thank heavens we did, because as soon as we turned around, the pond gremlins began messing with us again. Nothing as crazy as that first year, but we still had quite the time keeping the boat straight - and this a canoe, I'd like to remind you. When we did finally turn it back in, and were telling the rental lady about our adventures, both this year, and the previous, she laughed and told us they call the kayaks the "divorce boats". So, now we know. Long Pond is not a place for anyone without a very strong relationship.

It is pretty though. These are the mountains we were heading for.

And here is the cutey patootie rowing hard.

Isn't he just cute as a button?! And he so loves it whenever anyone tells him that - make sure you get the opportunity the next time you see him.

On the way home, we saw this fellow munching down on some poor hapless souls apples. He didn't give a dang about us, let me tell you. We stopped the car and had plenty of time to take some snaps of him chowing down.

When we got back that evening, I went shopping, yes, again, at Fabricate, a quilt shop in Bar Harbor. She had some of her batiks on sale, and I still want to put together the quilt I was supposed to be working on at Hershey this year, so I picked up some fabric from her. Also, she's a fellow knitter - there's a surprise - so I got this recycled silk from her.She doesn't want to really sell yarn, because she's right across the street from another yarn shop, called Bee's. The irony is, she felt it was safe to sell this yarn, because she didn't think anyone else in the area would carry it.

Whoops.

Headed over to Bee's afterwards, and found this.

Also recycled silk.

The one at Fabricate is from a sari. Not sure where this comes from.

Still, after all this, I was finally satiated - for now.

So ended another great day in Maine. We have only one day left, and you'll have to wait til Monday to hear about it.

Acadia '09 - Day Five

Finally - the Precipice. Doms, you might want a shot of vodka before reading this. Oh - right - you don't drink. OK, deep breaths. Ready? Go! Read Fast!!

In case you've never heard of it, the Precipice is a trail up Champlain Mountain and is the most challenging, best known trail in the park. For our last three trips, it's been closed. The first and third because we were there during nesting season for the Falcons, and they close it down for that. I have no idea why it was closed the second year. It just was. Overall, it's not as "woooo, scary" as people make it sound. There are a lot of places where you've got bushes between you and the plummet to your death. Plus, the view on the way up distracts you from scary thoughts.

Still, there are certainly a few spots where it's a bit nervey. Although you'd think the iron rungs would be such a place, for me - since we were going up, not down - it wasn't really that big a deal. After all, you've got four points of contact the whole way up when you're on the rungs. Much scarier is when the ledge you're on is barely wide enough for you to walk along and it slopes, ever so slighly downward - and there's gravel, and a little slickness from the recent rains. Those are the scary parts.

There are also a lot of just plain ole challenging parts - like bouldering up one long trail, and pulling yourself up over rock shelves and ledges. In all honesty, I think I was the most worried when about 2/3 up the trail, my arms were just worn out from all the pulling and I was wondering if I'd have the strength to pull myself up the iron rungs. But, once we got to the rungs, it seemed a lot easier to me from there. Probably because I knew we were almost to the top and I was going to make it.

One of the rewards of making this climb is having your picture taken here.For those of you who can't read it, the bottom line says "People have died on this trail!" That would be a good sign to have at the beginning of the trail....before you start - wouldn't you agree?

Once at the top, a lot of people sat and enjoyed picnics that they carried up with them. I would have enjoyed doing something like that as well - to sit and enjoy these views - but there ain't no way I was going to add even a few more ounces of weight to have to haul up that mountain other than my own body weight and the weight of my water bottle. So, no, in this case, I didn't take any knitting with me. I plan to be several pounds lighter the next time I climb it, so maybe I can spare some room for a sock or scarf in progress on that trip.

The walk down is really very easy. So, so, so much easier than going down the Beehive. Nice, long flat rocks, instead of bouldering down. On the way down, we saw the boat the two girls were taking out for their whale watch - it's that tiny little speck in the distance.

Also, you can see main stree in Bar Harbor from up there - we were staying in a little B&B off that street, so that was cool - kinda like spotting your house from the plane.Of course, after it was over, we stopped at the Thirsty Whale, for a drink in our favorite beer garden, served by our favorite bar tender, who just so happens to also be a knitter. The poor SigO - he thinks we're taking over the world. His words to God's ears!

I can't wait to do this again next year!!

We interrupt this regularly scheduled broadcast

I know - I was supposed to be telling you about the Precipice, or Acadia - Day Five, but that will have to wait, and I don't think you'll be disappointed, since you get to read about what a bonehead I can be sometimes.

Sunday morning, at 0900, I decided it was time to clean out the pantry. I was sick and tired of every time I try to find an herb, or a bottle of vinegar, I had to dig for 15 minutes, and sometimes still couldn't find it. I was sick of going to the grocery store, and bringing home food that I already had plenty of, but couldn't find. So, this was it! I was going to tackle the beast.

First, let me tell you, the pantry is no small deal. It's about 5'x4'", and 9' tall. Plenty of space for disarray, but still, I thought I could finish it in a day.

So, I began by pulling everything out. Everything. Pots, pans, bakeware, food, spices, papertowel holders, you name it, it was in there, and out it came and got placed in a designated spot on the floor or countertops in the kitchen.

Then, I began to scrub. I really wish I had a before and after, so you could see where the molasses had spilled over, or the grease had accumulated, but take my word for it - it was grody in there.

Once I was done scrubbing, it was clear to me I needed to paint, and line the shelves with something that's easier to clean. And here's where the boneheaded part comes in.

I blame my father. He had these cut corners genes and he passed them along to me. Because, let's face it, I didn't want to have to buy paint brushes, drop cloths, rollers, pans, etc, etc, just to paint the pantry. I mean, damn, I wasn't even going to paint the shelves. So, yup, I bought spray paint.

I'll give you a moment to stop laughing at me.

Recovered yet? OK, good, get ready for more.

When I began to asphyxiate, I turned on the ceiling fan.

yeah, yeah, yeah. Yuk it up.

When I emerged from my fog of paint, and looked at the kitchen, I saw I'd need to stop working in the pantry and immediately begin cleaining the paint off the walls, cabinets and floors before it set.

So, you can see how it took me longer to finish this project than originally scheduled.

By 8:00 Sunday night, I had all the paint cleaned off where it shouldn't be(mostly), all the paint applied where it should be, and all but the bottom shelf lined with contact paper. The dishes, food, spices, etc were still all scattered throughout the kitchen.

So, Monday, I took a personal day in order to complete this project. One thing I forgot to tell you - I wanted to have two levels on the shelves that store the bulk of the canned goods, jars, etc, so I stacked a level of bricks along the back, and put contact paper over those as well.
Here's the end result. I finished everything, cleaning up after myself and all, by Monday around noon. I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to buy an area rug to cover the paint on the floor in the pantry (Remember, I said "mostly removed paint where it shouldn't be.)
I was very happy with the end result, even if it was a drama fest getting there.
But now, it was noon, and what to do, what to do?
Then I remembered! In Stitches is having their 15 year anniversary sale! Woo Hoo!! I certainly deserved a prize after the last two days, and boy did I find one.
This is Araucania Rehue, in color #8 - Orange Multi, and color #1 - Green Solid. It's made from baby alpaca and silk. Very soft. Very pretty colors.
And this is the hoodie I'm going to make with these colors - the orange multi will be the bulk of the knitting, but the ribbing for the buttons, and around the hood will be in the green. I think it's so gorgeous, I began last night. And since I'm using a different yarn than what's called for in the pattern, I even knit a swatch.
Yes, I knit a swatch.
Try not to faint.
Oh - I forgot to mention. I also bought this air sanitizer to use down in the basement to clean up the SigO's cigarette smoke. This is even better than a lava lamp if you ask me.

Last, but not least, since I deprived you of the news from Acadia - here's a nature shot for you.

I saw this guy swoop down and grab something out of the tall grass. I couldn't get close enough to see what, but I could see him chomping down on it. I'm sure it was nummy. The world is his pantry. Too bad he can't pull all our litter and crap out, and give the planet a good scrubbing, huh?

Acadia Day Five tomorrow - I promise - unless I don't.

Acadia '09 - Day Four

This was the day we made the SigO do the beehive twice. Don't even begin to feel sorry for him - he loves this stuff!!

Here's how it went. In the morning, I went up to Greathead (hey, I didn't name it!), which is a gorgeous hike with beach views almost all the way around. The first part looks down on Sand Beach - the only strip on the island that's really suitable for wading in the ocean - or swimming if you're a polar bear. I did part of this hike last year, and what we didn't know is that you can go all the way around Greathead and it will bring you back to your starting point, with views all the way around.

This first one is of Sand Beach, at the beginning of the hike.

This is a view of Otter Point, from the tip of our little peninsula.

Around the corner a bit, is a view straight down from our perch.

Then, on around, we saw this guy climbing the rocks.

Finally, this is one of the last of the views before you start heading around the backside of the peninsula to get back to the starting point.

After a brief lunch, we left the girls in town, to spend some money, and I drug the SigO back to the Beehive. If you wonder why he had to do it twice, it's because he and his daughter have been doing it since she was about 9 years old, and she continues to force herself to do it each year, although parts of the trail are a tad bit terrifying since you're walking across a very narrow span with a steep ("omigod, omigod, I'm gonna die" type steep) drop under you. She's a bit frightened of heights, so this hike is especially rough for her, but she toughs it out every year so she can face her fears and stare them down. I admire her greatly for it. And so does her friend. But that doesn't mean her friend is willing to do the same thing, so I usually take her friend up Greathead, while the SigO and his daughter do the Beehive. But hey! Last year, I missed the Beehive due to this and didn't want to miss it again. Hence the reason the SigO had to do it twice this year.

And get a load of these views - you can see why I didn't want to miss it again:

This first is only part way up - I'd guess around half-way. I can't remember what it is.The SigO will know, but since he's still not contributing to the blog (boo, hiss), we may never know.

This is, I think, the same area, from higher up.

And this is the top.

But the real fun of this climb are the places that are a bit hairy. You can see the abject terror in the SigO's eyes.

And here he is, showing you his gorgeous bod. Either that, or he really has lost his beach ball - I know he's lost his marbles!

So ended Day Four. Monday - The Precipice!!