June 16, 2015

A murky late spring day (fog, clouds, threat of showers). 

Ken's work vacation has ended.  He's off to Logan International to serve American Airlines fliers.  I'll greet him next when he arrives home shortly before 12:30 AM, in the morning.  Meanwhile, I'll soon be preparing for my work shift at the Cutty Sark.

Last week, Ken spent three days with his family, in Wethersfield CT.  Returning here Thursday evening after my work shift.  Friday, as Ken thought he might venture to the beach, he drove me to work as my car has the beach parking sticker applied.  He picked me up , at 8 PM, and we ate dinner at The Steak House.   We were up early, on Saturday, as we had agreed to prepare and serve French Toast at our church's prayer breakfast.  Only 12 of us, but our efforts were appreciated and we had a nice social time followed by discussion relating biblical teachings to current events.  I worked my normal afternoon/evening motel shift, closing out at 8 PM.  Sunday, June 14, was the date we have selected as the anniversary of the beginning of our relationship four years ago.  He brought in a dozen roses and we exchanged cards before leaving for church.  Following the service three ladies from church joined us for a brunch of lobster rolls at Shore Road Market. After "chilling-out" for several hours, Ken & I went to Ogunquit for dinner at Roost followed by a drink at The Front Porch.  Early Monday morning we dropped my car at a local repair shop to have a ball joint and front struts installed, a $900-ouch, but a necessity at 98.000 miles on the odometer.  It was ready for us when we returned from grocery shopping  in Portsmouth later that afternoon.  Enjoyed a quiet evening at home where Ken prepared snacks for us as we watched TV.  He had unsuccessfully tried to install a wireless TV device that will allow us to view photos, etc., from his phone, on our TV.  He'll research the installation further with knowledgeable co-workers today.

Time for me to prepare for my work day.

April 4, 2014

 Tue., Apr 1 - Ken tried to "April Fool" me by reporting that one of the cats had severely damaged the fabric on the back of our new recliner.  The evening prior I had reproached Mandy cat, verbally and loudly, because he had attempted dig his claws into the fabric and had inspected the fabric, finding no damage, so I did not react as expected to Ken's attempt. :-)  Prepared my income tax for filing, worked on monthly finances, walked Wells Beach in the late afternoon, breezy, temps in the low 40s.  Watched a TV movie and the news while waiting for Ken's arrival home from work.

Wed., Apr 2 - Ken off work (his "weekend"), we gave our regular volunteer time to Soup's On.  Recuperated for a short time then went to York to get haircuts and walking Ogunquit Beach. Following that, we stopped at the "Front Porch" for a drinks and nachos closing out the evening at home watching a couple Netflix episodes of Queer as Folk.

Thu., Apr 3 - Ken's final "weekend" day; we stopped in at "On the Maine" gift shop where Ken replaced his engagement bracelet (matching mine) that he had lost.  Then we completed our weekly grocery shopping in Portsmouth (BJ's & Market Basket).  We enjoyed a nice steak dinner that Ken prepared then settled down for another couple of  Queer as Folk episodes before calling it a day.


Today dawned nice and sunny, albeit with quite crisp temps still.  Took care of mundane household tasks and prepared this blog.  After lunch I filed my income taxes online and received confirmation of their acceptance. 

April 7, 2014

The month has started in spring-mode.  There's been a fair amount of sun, a bit of rain, a moderate measure of wind, and temperatures have finally ascended to the historical "normal" range.  However, the only new growth that I've observed is that of weed plants.  Today, clouds encroached on a flawless sun-drenched day rendering the sky a light shade of gray.

I've been walking the beaches at Wells and Ogunquit as time and tides allow often finding seaglass on Wells Beach and actually picked up the first piece I've ever found at Ogunquit Beach having walked both beaches for longer than 10 years.  Today, I only walked to I walked to pick up the mail finding it comfortable to wear nothing heavier than my North Face liner over a long sleeved t-shirt. 

Too much time, today, has been spent at the computer.  Have had difficulty in locating this blog site that I created at the end of March, then lost.  I've also been researching web sites for contemporary praise and worship music with printable piano lead sheets and music books with a selection of songs that might be good for choir renditions and\or for the congregation to learn for use during our church's worship services.  I am a member of the choir and also a member of the Board of Deacons whose principle responsibility is to govern the type and form of worship services.  As Deacon Moderator, I will be leading a discussion on changes that our church faces as we search for and eventually call a new minister.  Fortunately, the current interim minister counsels us that if we stay as we are the chances of growth are limited and the church may simply age into oblivion as current members age and he has entered some out-of-the-box ideas for stimulating membership growth. 

December 16, 2015

Soup's On has been the focus of this day.  Volunteering to assist serving a complimentary Christmas roast beef dinner for citizens of the area seems a good way to complement the individual Spirit of the season.  When we can, Ken & I volunteer to serve at the semi-monthly repasts. 

Today Ken suited-up as Santa and I donned a t-shirt emblazoned with an elf motif complete with a sparkly elf hat as the "senior elf".  ;-)   On this occasion the local Rotary club provided the ingredients for the meal and enlisted the aid of 16 local highschool students to help with serving the 85 guests along with clean-up.  Upon arrival, each guest has a photo taken with Santa and prior to being served the meal all joined in a holiday song.

Unfortunately, midway during the proceedings Santa (Ken) started feeling ill and went into jovial acting mode.  By the time clean-up was well in hand, thanks to the attending students, he was more than ready to head home where he spent the rest of the day between our recliner and the bathroom.  By bedtime, with the aid of some over-the-counter meds, he was feeling much better in spite of TV review and commentary of the very unfortunate Republican Party presidential candidates' debate of the previous evening.  14 candidates and not one of the lot is qualified to fulfill the position.

December 15,2015

What a week was last week!  Ken was on vacation.  Monday, Dec 7, we drove to Wethersfield (CT). Ken had samples of his blood taken for a forthcoming doctor's appointment.  We removed selected items from his storage unit to bring back home.  Tuesday we puttered around completing miscellaneous household Santa's Toy Box tasks. Wednesday we shopped for toys to be used at Santa's Toy Box, using cash donations from church members.  Thursday, we directed and assisted with the setup of the church premises to be used for Santa's Toy Box.  Finished the day with dinner at The Steakhouse, as they were closing for the season on Saturday and we would not have an opportunity to dine there otherwise until spring.  Friday, the opening of Santa's Toy Box...preparation and assisting patrons.  Ken played his part as fully costumed Santa wonderfully, and I donned an elf t-shirt and hat assisting as his senior elf.  Saturday, Santa's Toy Box again, then premises cleanup and remaining toys stored and made ready for disposal (thrift shops, etc.).  Sunday, after worship and brunch, we crashed.,  Yesterday, Monday, we once again drove to the Wethersfield area for Ken's annual physical.  Enjoyed a nice dinner at one of Ken's favorite restaurants, then Ken played Santa (fully costumed) for 2 young grand-nieces and a toddler grand-nephew, with senior elf in tow.  Rainy drive back to Maine in heavy traffic punctuated by the failure of a towed trailer directly in front of us that showered sparks and debris over three lanes of interstate highway some of which left reminders on the body of my Elfmobile.  Home safe and asleep by midnight.

 

December 4, 2015

Another crisp but beautiful sunny day.  Ken & I went to church, sang in the choir, and as deacons dutifully served communion to the congregation.  Lunch followed, with several ladies of the church, at the hospital cafeteria.

Later in the afternoon we attended an annual function of Mainestreet bar, in Ogunquit, "Spirit of Giving".  Upon our request we each had earlier received a child's name, gender, age, clothing and shoe sizes, along with a gift wish list.  The children are from impoverished families or are parentless kids waiting for placement in foster homes.  Today's function was when the gifts were collected and prepared for distribution to the children in diverse areas of the state.  A buffet luncheon was enjoyed , along with a concert of Christmas songs presented by a group of local men.  Of course, Santa and Ms. Santa (a local guy in drag) were on hand. 

Spent the rest of the evening in "crash" mode. Except for the extremely frustrating process of reinstating my unemployment benefits.

December 5, 2015

Ken took the day off in order to participate in York's Festival of Lights parade.  He created the concept for a parade entry, using my Dodge Caliber (dubbed the Elfmobile) to advertise our church's Santa's Toy Box event and to remind the public that our church is active throughout the year, not just seasonally.  Two of the ladies of the church joined us at the church to transform the vehicle.  That effort was accomplished within the following 4 hours, with the aid of a third lady who had less time available.  We donned elf motif t-shirts over our cool weather garb along with elf hats and drove to the parade line up area.  All went well, the parade of approximately 20 entrants was well attended.

 

Upon returning to the church we defrocked the Elfmobile and bid the other elfs adieu.  Ken & I stopped at The Old Village Inn in Ogunquit where we had a drink and light dinner, still dressed in our parade attire. 

 



December 3, 2015

Prepared church bulletin and insert for Sunday's service on my computer.   Went to the church, in York Beach, copied and prepared them for use. 

December 2, 2015

First Wednesday of the month: Volunteering at Soup's On.  We served a smaller group today.  Misty/showering weather may have contributed to the low turnout.  Upon returning home, took a short nap and then worked on the magnetic signs for the "elf-mobile"; the transformation of my car into a parade float as part of York's Festival of Lights parade, on Saturday. This to not only advertise our church's Santa's Toyshop event but to remind the public that our church serves the community year 'round.  Snacks instead of dinner in that I had a full meal at Soups On: franks, baked beans, coleslaw, brown bread, topped off with a Shaine's of Maine ice cream sandwich.  TV was monopolized by reporting of yet another random shooting in Bakersfield, CA.

December 1, 2015

This is the first day of this year's seasonal winter unemployment at the Cutty Sark. I arose at my regular time (between 7 & 8 AM).  Ken took his car to a local repair shop for the annual state inspection.  Upon his return we ate breakfast and I worked on the computer massaging, then printing 12 copies of the poster for our church's upcoming Santa's Toy Box event while he prepared for work. Following

Ken's departure I drove to York to distribute the posters.  Put one in the church fellowship hall, stopped a the motel to pick up my "final" paycheck.  Took posters to Kennebunk Savings and deposited my check, went to the Town Community Services office where I left a poster and was given a tour of the Food Bank facility where another poster was left.  Left posters at Bagel Basket, Library, TDS Bank, a dry cleaning/laundromat, Bank of America branch, and the Community Services thrift shop. 

 Upon returning home a phone message from a local beauty salon advised me that Ken's Santa's wig had been cleaned and was ready for pick-up.  As the hair dresser did not charge us for either the wig or the beard (done earlier), I took a small poinsettia and a like-sized frosted fern with a little snowman nestled among the fronds along as an indication of our appreciation.  A case of copy paper I had ordered was delivered during my absence.  It being mid-afternoon when I finally returned home, I prepared my dinner instead of waiting until the traditional time of 7 PM. 

Took care of some laundry that Ken had started the previous evening, then took a short nap before the newscasts.  Now that has been completed, I will now retire to my recliner and watch The Rachel Maddow Show.

Janiuary 21, 2015

January 21, 2015

A new year stretches before us.  I have not set any resolutions because follow-through of that category is not one of my strong points.  Instead, I will occasionally review my accomplishments to date and will either revel in my successes or wallow in self pity. ;-)

The year dawned with no big surprises.  I have been enjoying my annual hiatus from the motel since November first.  My volunteer effort at Soup's On has been reduced to the first Wednesday of each month (not enough able bodies to continue it on a weekly basis).  This month, Ken was working his full-time job so I spent the time missing his presence as I helped serve the meal.  Brought a couple delicious pot roast meals home that Ken and I enjoyed during the week.  Our days have been blessed with fewer snow storms, and temperatures have rocked between extreme cold and somewhat mild.  Ken and I enjoyed a trip to Wethersfield (CT) for his annual physical exam.  He has been under treatment, locally, for removal of cancerous skin lesions.  I completed multiple physical therapy sessions due to shoulder rotor-cup pain and continue with daily exercises at home to which I've added time on my stationary bike. 

Volunteer work at my church occupies a significant portion of my time.  Ken joined the church a few months ago, so we work together on many of the projects.  Most recently, as worship services are held in a smaller adjoining room to save heating fuel, we rearranged the pulpit and seating areas to more fully accommodate the services.  I continue serving as Deacon Moderator.  Also, I prepare the Order of Service bulletins on my computer along with copying and assembling them, and I submit any publicity to our local newspapers, radio and TV stations.  This evening I will be attending a Church Council meeting so I'd better end this and get that process in gear.