North Norway

NORTH NORWAY — The swamp maples are turning color and the ash tree outside my window is shedding leaves. Dell just came in and described a brown and black fuzzy caterpillar to me and asked what kind of winter it foretold. Beats me.

If the cat grows an extra thick coat I figure it will be cold. In Maine you cannot go wrong if you predict cold, snow and some ice. It has been just perfect to sit out on the porch and watch the world go by these last few days. Sweater weather with practically no humidity.

The family had a big party on Labor Day with 27, more of less, attending. We had a cookout with the usual foodstuff, hot dogs, turkey and hamburgers, salads, lemonade, soft drinks and several desserts.

We gathered at the old homestead now occupied and owned by Pat and Charlie. You would be bored if I listed all, but Luke, the baby, and Six at two years old provided all the entertainment I needed. When I got home I took a nap. Just watching all the activity tires me out.

We have had a busy week so far. AARP held its monthly meeting with a luncheon and speakers. They spoke on the food supplement program and how one may qualify.

It appeared to me that most of us could be eligible. Rather than going hungry, especially the children, it can be a lifesaver. As they stated it did not cover liquor nor cigarettes I said I wasn’t interested.

Actually they are encouraging people to use this program at your local farmer’s markets both to eat a healthy diet and to support the local economy.

The Oxford Chapter AARP is going to sponsor a food drive on October 13 to help fill the Food Pantry shelves. We hope you all will give generously. Time and place to be announced.

Tuesday we went to Portland to the Marine Corps luncheon. Seems to me we are all growing older with the resultant ailments but we soldier on. I do appreciate the Marine Corps spirit.

Mary and Frank had their whole family together as Pam and Dylan are settled in at Ocean Park for now and Tricia and Katri came from Massachusetts.

They had a lobster feed except for Luke who had his usual diet. Pam is interviewing for a job and has some good prospects with her experience.

Dana and Paula are busy, busy as usual. They had to deliver a load of forms to the Casco job and they went to Cabela’s to get some work shoes Dana likes. They ate at the BBQ place and had plenty left over to bring home.

They also stopped at New England Music to pick up a CD player to replace the one that gave out on them. Deecy, their cat, doesn’t know about the CD player but loves the box it came in.

Hope you are enjoying the Fair. Such nice weather. I am back to doing aquatics in the pool after a five-week hiatus.

It is both tiring and invigorating. Had my annual physical and I guess they think I will be around for a spell as they made another appointment for next year.

A man who correctly guesses a woman’s age may be smart but he’s not very bright!