Low Tide at the Canal

Every year for about a week the canal gets drained for inspection and, if necessary, repairs are made. I guess this year, whatever they've found has required more extensive repairs than usual. It's been draind for several weeks, so far.

Along with the drained canal, our usual walking path which follows the canal on the opposite side from what we call 'the Far Side of the Canal' (the 'Near' Side?), has been closed for some kind of unknown (to us) repairs, also for quite some time.

I'm not sure when all of this is supposed to be complete but, in the mean time, it smells a little like low tide - and it's not all that pretty, either.

 

One of my many 'favorite' views.

Not so much.

A Quick Trip

Last weekend, Jake and Lauren (and a friend) were camping in a town about an hour away. Despite the threatening rain (and later, actual rain), we drove over and managed to have a enjoy a quick visit with them - some of us (though not me), even making s'mores.

A too quick visit (they're always too quick) but lovely to see them (as always).

 

Also...

I love the smell of a campfire - any time, really. But it smells especially nice on a slightly cool, rainy day.

Apple 'Picking'

On Saturday, one of Sam's social groups was offering free apple picking at one of the local orchards. As opposed to pretty much every other social group activity he goes to, this activity isn't exactly social. People arrive at different times and head out on their own. 

This is not to say by any stretch that it's not enjoyable or worthwhile. It certainly is. Only that it's not exactly a group activity.

In our case, the activity goes like this: 

-Sam and I drive to the orchard.

-Sam gets a (very) small (though free) bag from the caseworker who is sitting behind a card table on the porch.

-Sam and I ride the tractor out to the orchard.

-Sam picks apples, occasionally putting them in his bag but more often than not, eats them.

-Sam and I drive home.

So, pretty much a typical Saturday of Sam and I spending the day together.  

In other words, a great day.

Cars That Almost Run Us Over: Number Three in an Unfortunately On-Going Series.

(For the details of this pathetic ongoing series, look here.)

Here's today's special edition of Sam and I almost getting run over. What makes this special is that if you print each photo out on an index card, you can almost make your own flip book!

Like always, note the Walk Signal in the background. Also note that, unlike some of the other "incidents", today's episode doesn't involve anyone not bothering to look to their right (or even stop, obviously) before they turn 'right on red.' 

These fine people are running the red light and crossing traffic, presumably to make sure Sam and I don't take advantage of our unearned right of crossing the street safely - or possibly they are in an understandable hurry to get their morning donut at Dunkin' (not pictured)...

Photo #1: Note the Walk signal (yes, I know. I already said that). Note also the front bumper of the car barely in the frame on the right.

 

Photo #2: "Man, I could really go for a donut! For some odd reason there are no cars are moving. This is my lucky break!"

 

Photo #3: "Hey, I want a donut, too! If that guy in front of me can run a red light (and walk signal) and not worry about getting a ticket (probably town policy), than it's my God-given right as an American to have a potentially 'fresh' donut just as soon as that thought enters my large brain!"

 

Photo #4: "Did it! Got through the light before it turned green! I think I deserve TWO donuts today! Also, I sure am glad this town doesn't bother to ticket people who run red lights!" 

The End.

Disclaimer: All quotations above are hypothetical and do not necessarily reflect the actual so-called "thoughts" of these drivers.

An Evening Walk

After the Fair but before Rachael had to head back to New York, we managed to squeeze in an evening walk across the iron bridge, through the woods and along what we fondly refer to as "the far side of the canal."

It's a pretty walk any time of the year but it seems especially suited to a fall afternoon, when the sun is low and someone you love will soon be leaving.

At the Fair

Here are just a few of the many, many photos I took at this year's fair. As with the parade, there are a few things that made this fair different than the ones of recent years.

First of all, Rachael was able to partake in all this Fair excitement. I don't know when it was she was last able to join us (I'm too lazy to look through my old photos) but it's been quite awhile.

The other thing you'll notice (maybe) as you look through these exciting photos is that Sam, along with going on his usual merry-go-round asnd bumper car rides, actually agreed to goo on the Ferris Wheel with me. Granted, he clutched the pole the entire time. But at least, unlike years ago, he didn't keep his forehead pressed against the pole as well. So this was a big deal.

And he also decided to goo down the giant slide - which I think is the first time ever he's done something like this. Another big deal.

All-in-all, a good time. And good company.