Sunday, October 12, 2025

Getting started...

 I often find that getting started on any project is the hardest part. If I sit down to write an article, I may struggle a ridiculously long time to get the first words typed, but once that is done, the writing flows.

 My fall "to-do" list is sitting on the kitchen table, and it is daunting. One thing on it was to move the firewood from last year close to the house so we could burn it first. This year's wood is neatly stacked along the driveway, and we wanted to keep the old stuff separate. There is a little grassy area just by the main entrance that was a likely spot to put it, but I was concerned it would look junky. Then I had the idea to stack it in a circle, which I thought would look tidy and nice. Over breakfast this morning, Chris asked which top three things on my list I hoped to get done today. Getting that wood taken care of was number one. I ran a quick errand, and when I got back, he had laid out a perfect circle and begun placing pieces of wood down to build the stack upon. I was so pleased to see that circle begin, I jumped right in to help. It was a beautiful morning, and we soon struck a nice rhythm, listening to the thunk of logs as our project began to take shape. 


We are both pleased with the end results. 


Next on my list was getting the windows put up on the goat house. Cold weather is coming, and (hopefully) some rain. We take the windows down in the spring so the goats have fresh air, but I love having the windows firmly attached before the cold winds begin to blow. 

In this picture, Charm, the little brown goat, is staring up at the new addition. I think she is grateful. They have already begun growing their thick winter coats, they know the seasons are changing.

The third item on my list was a doozy. The floor of the goat room is sand, topped by very (very!) heavy rubber stall mats. These mats make it easy to shovel and sweep soiled bedding up, give the animals solid, smooth-fitting flooring, and add a little insulation as well. One of the mats was deeply sunk down in one corner, making cleaning difficult. It was also a trip hazard. Chris gamely jumped in, muckling the mat with stout pliers to pull it out the door. We had a couple of hundred pounds of sand in the truck and filled in the hole. Then we (mostly HE) dragged the mat back into place and spread a layer of fresh shavings. The goats seemed to approve. 

We crossed a few other smaller items off the daunting list today, as well. Then a shower and a much-appreciated nap. I didn't need much help getting started on that. 



Monday, October 6, 2025

Getaway...

 Saturday morning, we scooted out of the house as soon as the chores were done and headed to Greenville, Maine, for a little getaway.  We spent a weekend in Greenville last fall and loved it, and could hardly wait to go back. Chris reserved us a lovely room at the Greenville Inn, a charming old establishment with gorgeous woodwork, vintage wallpaper, stained glass windows, and  wonderful staff.      


  Our room even had a fireplace, but the weather was so warm and perfect that we didn't get to try it out. 

We spent a lovely afternoon on Moosehead Lake riding on the tour boat Katahdin. The foliage was at peak perfection, the mountains rolling darkly on the horizon. A feast for the eyes. 



The cloud formations were stunning. 


Back at the Inn, we sat on the porch and enjoyed a glass of wine and more beauty. 


We had a nice supper out, thought the king-sized bed was ridiculously large, and were up early for more exploring. 



We met a friendly local and visited a bit.

We took in more beauty. 

And in general, enjoyed uninterrupted time together. It was a lovely autumn weekend, well celebrated.