Day 4–The Moorings CG, Belfast, Maine

We left Limington just before 9 am. Tiffanie was expecting the delivery of the granite steps for the entry at 9 am so we thought we should get our MH out of the way of the delivery truck.

 

Ron opted to take  scenic route 1 to the CG so it took us longer then expected to get there. We had prepaid and new our site number so check in was quick. Our site gives us a nice view of the ocean, just what we wanted.

 

We had been up since 4:30 am (don’t ask why) so after lunch we took a very long nap. After our nap we sat outside enjoying the ocean breeze and view.

 

The evening  cooled down dramatically and it was early to bed for us.

Day 3–Visit with Tom & Family, Limington, Maine

We woke to another beautiful day. As the day progressed it got more humid and really hot. There was an occasional light breeze that made it bearable. Tom’s yard (acreage) is quite beautiful and serene. Can certainly find peace and solitude here.

 

                                          

 

Tiffanie made blueberry pancakes for breakfast. They were delicious with the fresh blueberries she had picked.

Later we took a ride to the local ice cream stand. We all had cones but Ron opted for a sundae. He was shocked at how big it was. but somehow managed to at it all! LOL The dogs got a treat also – ice cream doggy style with a dog bone on top.

We drove to a scenic overlook that had a spectacular view of the lake and mountains. Just what we would like to have for a view when we retire from RVing.

 

                                              

 

                            

 

Later, back at the homestead, we spent time indoors because it was cooler then outdoors.

 

 

                                              

 

Ron was so hot he put the AC on in the MH.  The rest of us joined him including the dogs.

 

                             

 

 

                                       

 

Tiffanie made a delicious dinner incorporating some veggies from her garden.

Tom lit a fire  and we sat around talking. Tom, Tiiff and Adeline  took a dip in the hot tub before heading to bed.

 

We had a great visit and Bo and Jewel got along just fine. We’ll be leaving in the morning for Moorings Oceanfront Resort in Belfast, Maine.

Day 2–Visit with Tom and family–Limington, Maine

The morning was beautiful and we sat out on the patio drinking coffee and chatting.

Later,  Tiffanie, Adeline and I went out shopping to pick up some supplies for their hot tub and food for Bo. It is about a 40 minute ride to the mall but the scenery quite pretty.

Ron and Tom walked the perimeter of his land (18 acres) and said the dogs enjoyed their time together and were getting along really well.

 

                                  

Once we were all back at the homestead Tiffanie decided to go up the hill to pick blueberries for pancakes in the morning. It was blistering hot so the wimps decided to stay back and sit under the umbrella. LOL

About 20 minutes later Tiffanie comes running down the very steep hill  in her flip flops (I was impressed) carrying a basket of blueberries. Bo and Jewel were running with her so we thought they were all just getting exercise. Then Tiffanie yells out “We have a situation! I didn’t know Jewel was a hunter.” Right away I thought – OH! they are running because something is chasing them but there was nothing behind them.

Then Tiffanie tells us that Jewel cornered a porcupine and had quills stuck in her face. I immediately got her up on the table, Tom gave me needle nose pliers and I went into ICU –Code mode and was so focused I could see clearly even though I was wearing sunglasses. Jewel not only had quills stuck in her chest but also her face and in her mouth. Everyone was so focused on her and her immediate needs that we didn’t get any good pictures. It was difficult to see the quills because they were white against her white hair.

 

Not Jewel but a good example!

Below is just  a few of the many quills removed from Jewel. She was so good when I was pulling them out and only cried when I pulled the ones stuck in her lip – resulting in her bleeding.

 

                                                      

What an event. Could not believe she  had quills stuck on her tongue and on the roof of her mouth. She was so over heated from the stress and high ambient temperatures that we all went into Tom’s basement so she could cool off. Not only were all the humans concerned – Bo was also and was hovering around her with a look  of real anxiety on his face. In the end, Jewel was no worse for wear and we all believe that  she would hunt down another porcupine given the chance.

We had a light dinner and by 10 pm we were wiped out from the excitement and the heat of the day so it was off to bed for everyone.

Day 1 - Travel Day and Visit with Tom, Tiffanie, Adeline and Bo Jangles, Limington, Maine

We finished putting the last few items in the MH and left our house on our trip to Maine around 9:30 am. The traffic was fairly light in Boston but we ran into several slow-downs for road construction. We made two pit stops and arrived at Tom’s around 1:30 pm.

 

It was good to see everyone and to meet their beagle Bo Jangles for the first time. He sure is cute and full of energy.

 

 

Jewel wasn’t quite sure  what to think of him but they soon began playing with each other.

 

 

 

 

 

Once settled into our parking space we began our  first day of our visit.  Bo is a character and didn’t like to share his food.  So when Jewel was eating a bone –or anything else Bo gave her what for. Jewel could have cared less and mostly ignored Bo. LOL

 

 

Tom and Tiff  shoed un their huge garden!

 

Later in the day Tiffanie made a very delicious clam boil.

Then Tom started afire in his newly built fire pit on his just finished patio and we chatted until midnight.

 

We had a good day and looked forward to more of  the same on Saturday.

Day 6–Seattle to Boston on Alaska Airline

Our flight wasn’t scheduled until 3;45 pm so we were able to sleep in. I printed our boarding passes from home  and to our surprise Ron and I were both exempted from taking off our shoes or having  our bags checked for electronics. Yeah, getting through security  and leaving our shoes on it cool.

At the airport I did remember to tell the TSA guy that I had a knee replacement so I was diverted to an x-ray machine instead. Yuck!  We arrived at the airport two hours before our flight so we settled in for the wait.

Our plane left on time and was pretty uneventful arriving in Boston at 11:55 pm. Alaska has a guarantee that your bags will be on the carousel within 20 minutes of debarking the plane or they will pay you $25.00 for any delay.

Sounds good – not so much. Instead they make you sit on the plane at the gate until all the luggage is unloaded. After a 6 hour flight one does not want to sit on the plane unnecessarily. People were not happy.

Finally we were allowed to leave. We arrived in baggage claim and our friend Wes was there to meet us. It was now 12:25 am. We waited and waited for our bag and once again (remember our return from South America) and no bag. We only checked one bag and we had left it with the ground crew at 2:20 pm Seattle time.

The baggage claim rep asked if we were on the Seattle flight and if we were waiting for our bag. Yes!!!! Well, it never made it on the plane and now it is 1 AM and no bag. They told us TSA was responsible and our bag was not arriving in Boston until the 7:30 am flight from Seattle arrives.

Everyone is gone and our luggage is not here!

 

They gave us a $100.00  voucher for another flight but we have not received it as yet and then sent us on our way. I’ll just add that I called Alaska Air at 9 am to see if my bag had arrived. It had, and I was told it was being put on a truck for delivery and I should receive it in two hours. By 3 pm I called again  and was told by someone different it was not put on the delivery truck but they would expedite it so my bag would arrive shortly. Shortly never happened and at 6:30 pm I called again. The dispatcher told me my bag was on the truck but not to expect it before 4 am and where could they leave it.

HMMM- too many stories – but the bag was finally delivered and the note from TSA stated they did not open my bag until 4:10 pm – 15 minutes after my flight left. So what were they doing with my bag for two hours?????

We will be heading to Maine to visit our northern family then on to The Moorings CG for a week overlooking the ocean. More blog to come.

 

Day 5–Auburn, WA–Graduation Celebration

After a restful sleep we awoke to another beautiful day here in Washington. Patrick cooked a hearty, delicious  breakfast for us. We spent the morning lounging and chatting. Later in the afternoon Kelly and I picked up the food for Megan’s party.

She had an early afternoon party given to her by her Dad and she got to Kelly & Patrick’s around 4:30 pm. She opened her gifts and then we had some really good barbecue and ribs from The Caveman.

 

   

Loving her supply of paper towels and toilet paper! LOL

After opening  her gifts we dug into the food. It was a fun afternoon with lots of laughs.

   

                                                        

 

 

                                                  

    

                                            

 

                                       

Megan and Toby had to leave – both had to work in the morning and faced a 90 minute drive  back to Ellensburg. It was another fun day and so very happy we were able to be here to be part of Megan’s accomplishments.Tomorrow it is back on a plane to MA. It has been a whirlwind week to say the least!

Day 4 – Graduation Day, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA

                               

We were up and out the door by 7 am. The graduating class is so big and the venue too small to handle all the people so the college held three separate graduations! Megan’s graduation  was at 9:30 AM with first come first serve seating.

 

 After dropping Kelly off at Megan’s apartment Patrick, Ron and I went  to the stadium to secure our seats. We were first in line waiting for the gates to open.

 

The morning started out cool but quickly heated up so we found ourselves sitting in the bleachers in the hot sun. We were sitting in the same spot  that we sat in at the West Point Graduation with the sun in front of us – enhancing our tans! LOL

 

                                                                     

                                                                                                                                             

As it turned out we were sittting in a great spot because Megan’s seat was at the beginning of the row directly in front of us.

 

 

Ellensburg native and alumnus Doug Wood, president and COO of Tommy Bahama,  delivered the keynote commencement speech.  Interestingly, we noticed that most of the  graduates had their cell phones out. Some were snapping pictures, others texting. Boy the world has sure changed.

                                                     

Megan is receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree with  a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology. Way to go Megan!

 

                                                             

The graduation was very long (3.5 hours) and hot in the bright sun. Everyone was happy when it was over especially the graduates who had to sit in the direct sunlight with their cap and gowns on.

Megan with her very proud Grandparent’s,  the Levesque’s and the  Tremblay’s !

 

 

      

                                           

          

          

After graduation Megan went to lunch with Toby and the Levesque’s. We headed back to the house to grab a bite, pack  and make the trip back to Auburn to Kelly’s. By the time we arrived home it was close to 7 pm and we were all tired from a very,very busy and happy day. Tomorrow there will be a small get together to celebrate Megan’s graduation at Kelly & Patrick’s.  Looking forward to seeing Megan again before we return to Massachusetts on Monday.