We have had a most fantastic summer so far this year. It didn't start off so great weatherwise- it rained, rained, rained all of late spring right through mid July. Finally- ooooooh so slowly- the rain started to subside, and we actually had a few sunny days. Then, about the beginning of August, summer decided to grace us with her presence- and she arrived in full force. The three H's could be found everywhere- hazy, hot, and humid. But after months of everyone complaining about the rain, no one had any patience for anyone complaining about the summer weather we'd been longing for.
The Firefighter and I have had quite a fun summer. Last summer, we kind of pushed ourselves too much, staying busy not only on weekends, but also week nights. Now that may be fine if it's just one or two people who rent a tiny apartment and have nothing to do to keep a house up- or their energy- but we decided not to do it again.
This summer, we've done probably more than we've done before since we've been married, but it's been way more relaxed and so much more enjoyable. Somehow- somehow- I've managed to stay on top of most household chores. IE laundry's been done regularly, new bathroom is kept clean, dust kitties haven't turned into dust lions- it's been a good feeling to keep the house- mostly- and still do so much.
We kicked off the summer with the annual Rogers Family Gathering over the 4th of July. It was a rainy, dreary weekend, but we managed to find enjoyment in each other, if not in the weather. We then rested for a weekend, then took the Firefighter's mom camping at a local campground. That campground has become our favorite go-to place for a fun, easy, restful but full of activity weekend. We kayaked and fished, and ate, and kayaked some more, and rested. It was great.
The next weekend we headed out on the Great Wilderness Adventure. Silly ole me decided it would be fun to try this "wilderness camping" that the Firefighter raves about. "It's so great", he says; "we'll load up our borrowed kayaks or canoe with alllll the stuff we'll need for the weekend, which by the way can't include any more than one pair of pants a piece and 3 pieces of stale bread to live off of, a tarp to wrap up in while we sleep, and an ax to find firewood and fight off wilderness creatures". Oh yeah right- way to sell me. (OK maybe he didn't say it EXACTLY like that, but it's what I pictured).
Well, turns out- he was right! And, we didn't stick to 1 outfit and 3 pieces of bread a piece. We actually went with friends of ours, who- bless their whole bodies, not just their souls, as people usually say- had an 18 foot boat at their disposal. Ah, things began looking up! So, we piled tent, food, chairs, fishing gear, stoves, lanterns, tarps, 4 adults, 2 kids, 1 dog, and a partridge in a pear tree in that boat, and off we went on Lobster Lake to find our wilderness campsite.
Might I just say that I expected a little field that we had to cut the grass down to set up our tent, finding rocks to make a fire pit, and using the nearest big bush for our bathroom. Ohhh no- we had a big fancy double-picnic table setup, very nice stone fireplace, fanciest outhouse I've ever seen, and a beautiful view. It wasn't really roughing it at all! The weather did kind of stink- that rain again- and the mosquitos were always ready to attack, but we had a fantastic time. And, I caught my very first fish. Can't beat it.
Then we took a few days off to rest up...and headed to South Carolina! The Firefighter's nephew is in the Navy, and is stationed there for his training. So, we took a short vacation and mixed in a visit with him. Perfect trip- Firefighter fell in love with the place, saw lots and enjoyed the HEAT, visited with his nephew, and just had a ball. He's already posted his resume and who knows what the future holds. I can get used to saying "y'all" , I guess.
Then we took a few more days off... a few weeks, actually, and really enjoyed being home. In that time, we were in the local parade- I rode in the fire engine with the FF-- wayyy cool; went to Old Orchard Beach a few times, started canning what little produce we got from our sorely-rain-damaged garden, went to an outdoor concert in OOB again with my folks and enjoyed the pure summerness of it, and cleaned out the house. A good purging of CRAP- I mean, junk- periodically is so necessary no matter where anyone lives.
So, we've had a rest, and are now headed out for the rest of our summer. This weekend is camping with my family at Littlefield Beaches, the campground we've been going to for years because- well, it's just too awesome to not make it a habit; then we're headed to Black Brook Cove for some more camping in the boonies, but this time at an actual campground with people around. People we know, no less.
It's going to be great- I can't wait! Pictures will come soon of the great adventures.
