Vacation

Back from a week's vacation up in New Hampshire.  Unlike my last vacation, this one was not supposed to be strenuous, just relaxing.  I have had a group of friends up for many years over Columbus Day weekend, after which I usually drain the water system for the winter.  This year, Columbus Day weekend would not work for some in the group, and since the Archdiocese changed the week of our annual Priest's Retreat to the week prior to Columbus Day, it would have been a bit rushed to prepare for so many people arriving the day after I would get up north.  So, we decided to try Labor Day weekend, figuring it would be warmer weather and stay light longer.  All of which proved to be true - the temperature part certainly helped overcome the dampness of all the rain we had.

On top of that, I had to have some engine repair work done to my car, a process that we all know never goes without a hitch.  The first part of my week was beautiful weather, and I got a lot of mowing done in my back field.    It took several tries, but I managed to eradicate the yellow-jacket nest that I 'found' when I mowed two weeks ago.  Or maybe I should have said THEY found me.  And, I uncovered a white-faced hornet nest as well.

Every year, my friends look to do a 'project' when they come up.  This year we were attempting to rebuild my picnic table.  I had measured the rotting pieces - the legs and most of the supports ahead of time.  However, as we dismantled the table, we found even more rot.  So, we returned to the lumber yard, and decided to build a whole new table.  And since we decided not to cut the 8' pieces and throw away the 'scrap', I now have an 8' table instead of a 5'10" table.

All that is left of my last table are the pieces for the fireplace, and the top which is salvagable.

A man and his toys are not easily separated, and one of my friends brought his outdoor movie projection system.  It was like our own private drive-in.  We saw 'Salt', a spy-counter spy, suspense thriller that was very good, and a John Candy blast-from-the-past double feature.

On Saturday we went to the Hopkinton Fair.  It was a steamy hot, humid day, a blast from the summer.  That mixed with the animal smells proved interesting.  It was not a good day for the diets either, although the price of the deep-fried oreos kept us away from them - a dollar per oreo!  Yikes!

My friends never disappoint with the food they bring.  I am now the proud owner of a squash like you have never seen before.

I must confess I do NOT have a permit to carry that in my vehicle.  Fortunately, I was not stopped by any of the State Police on my way home.   
I can assure you it is not loaded!  Not too sure what I will do with it, though.

Well, it is back to work.  School is in full swing - we have an Open House tonight.