North Norway

NORTH NORWAY — It is already 78 degrees outside as I write this. Charlie Verrill and Dell have gone to pick strawberries in Minot before the heat gets unbearable. We have been gorging ourselves on the berries for several days now but I had the last ones on my cereal this morning.

Our wildlife refuge has some new visitors. The doe has my forgiveness as she was eating for three. Twin fawns have been coming to the birdfeeders. They lead mother a merry chase as they prance off without her and she looks exasperated as she follows their lead.

We also have a mother raccoon who is evidently nursing. Cannot wait until she brings her cute young ones out where we can see them. After cutting off branches right and left I think Dell has finally won his battle with the gray squirrel. He hasn’t been in the feeder for days now.

Third time was the charm and we obtained our drivers license renewals this week. We took every document we could find that proved we were who we claimed to be, not some illegals. Passed the eye test with ease and I didn’t even have to have a new photo taken. I look bad enough that they didn’t want to risk the camera again. Dell had his taken as he showed his discharge and they do it different for Veterans.

I am told the Casino is doing very well. Reportedly Saturday night there were hundreds of cars there and two big tour buses. We are waiting awhile for things to settle down before we go and try the restaurant.

Dell’s niece from New Hampshire is coming up today with friends and will try her luck with gambling. She said she made a little extra money and that is her limit. Hope she is one of the lucky ones. Casinos do not stay in business by having too many winners.

I think it is nice to have some money flowing from New Hampshire to Maine instead of it all going the other way.

Duane Hayes continues to improve, albeit slowly. Scott Hayes called from on the road when he was heading out to Texas the other day. Both his sons are being married this fall, one in September, the other in October.

As do not see them very often I have trouble picturing them old enough to take on the responsibilities of marriage. Am happy for them and wish them well.

Dell is back and now hulling the beautiful, large berries he picked. I had to interrupt myself to find him some containers to put them in. We had dental appointments yesterday and then ate at Market Square. Clifford and Trudy Morse and daughter, Peggy were there.

Peggy used to come by on horseback and told us she is still riding. I know it is good exercise but horses do not respect me. The last time I was on one he tried to knock me off by going under a low branch.

Pat and Charlie have lots of fun with the live animals the cat, Shyla, brings them. The other day Pat came downstairs with some papers to recycle and finds the mighty huntress poking under the woodbox. Pat went to get the yardstick and Charlie came in to change his boots and Pat hears “What was that?”

The chipmunk has run over his feet. Let the fun begin. Pat closes the door to the living room and chases the chippy out onto the porch where he promptly runs behind the tables instead of out the door. She rattles some stuff beside the tables and he runs back into the entry.

So — block off the porch, open the overhead garage door and poke him with the yardstick. He walks hesitantly to the open door as though it might be a trap, looks back at Pat for final approval and dashes into the garage. Hopefully Shyla is done hunting for the day.

Dell had a birthday and we celebrated our anniversary recently. Pat made a delicious, rich chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting for Dell which we had with coffee on Sunday as well as ice cream and punch. There were quite a few of us gathered to hold baby Luke and watch the antics of Six. There being little of interest on TV now, I have been reading in the evenings.

I like mysteries and non-fiction and happened upon The Amateur by Edward Klein. It is a compilation of over two hundred interviews with people, some who have known Obama for over 20 years. There are positives and negatives expressed and it is a very readable book.

Some say it is the most important political book of the year. Read it and see what you think.

This heat has brought the Walmartians out in force. I saw a couple in Lewiston the other day that could only fit part of themselves into the skimpy sundresses they were trying to wear. To each their own.

It is now 86 degrees and I turned on the air conditioner. We try to be frugal but enough already.

In conclusion I know I was taught to respect my elders but it is getting harder and harder to find any.