Before the trip blog begins…

I have been completely irresponsible in my duties to the our faithful readers about updating this website.For that I apologize. However, it has been a busier summer than either of us anticipated.In summary:

The Roof

It is done. We have two beautifully rebuilt chimneys and two new skylights. One is a modern skylight that is crystal clear and lets all kinds of light into the house. The second was refabricated from the original. We asked that they make it in copper. So now, in the bathroom, we have a soft glow of copper illuminating the bathroom when we take a shower.

This is the modern skylight that is over the staircase.

This is the refabricated skylight in the bathroom.

One of two beautifully built chimneys that our neighbors across the street can enjoy.

The garden.

We have been diligently working on remaking our garden. Our lilies, daffodils, and grape hyacinths were beautiful but are done for the season. The Good Mr. Dr. planted pumpkins, giant sunflowers, nasturtiums, French marigolds, and lavender in the back. Everything is growing, much to our amazement. We have been fighting white powdery mildew on our pumpkin plants but two pumpkins are growing. One is growing on the fence and we’ve had to make a sling from old pantyhose. The other is growing under the willow tree. No pictures yet, but they will be forthcoming.

The long view down the center of the garden.

Lavender in a pot. These make great tea and make the house smell good.

What is left of the first couple of cups of blueberries from our orchard harvested in June.

One part of the pumpkin patch and sunflower field.

Our grape crop was looking really good.

One section of the vinyard, as of late July.

That was until the local wildlife got a hold of them. Some creature has been picking the entire bunch, taking two grapes, throwing the bunch on the ground, sucking the juice out of the grapes, and then throwing the husks on the floor. Our grape crop has been decimated by either squirrels or raccoons, or both. I will admit that I now truly understand the strong feelings of loathing directed at these animals. We are now trying a variety of repellents, including a chili pepper and garlic mixture that is sprayed on the plants. That seems to be somewhat effective. Here’s to hoping.

Most of the work has gone into the hardscaping. We have built a small bench space on one side with a circle kit bought from Ashland Landscape Supply. We highly recommend this place to folks living in the area. Our Good Friend Mr. J helped with the digging it out. When they did, we discovered steps. The only explanation we could think of was that the back of the house was at some point lower than it is today.

The gentlemen digging a really deep hole.

The Good Mr. Dr. supervising.

"Hey!"

Steps from a bygone era.

The men had to stop working when it got dark and the mosquitoes started to feed on them. The Good Mr. Dr. finished it up a couple of days later.

The Tenure Party/ Fundraiser

The Good Mr. Dr. and our other good friend, Dr. C, were awarded tenure this year. In order to celebrate, and raise money for one of our favorite East Boston organizations, Zumix, we threw a party. One of the Zumix alumnus played a couple of songs for us. Food was provided by local caterers and restaurants. As per usual, there were games, prizes, and fun to be had by all.

A view from the side early in the party.

The Good Mr. Dr. and Dr. C awarded shades to signify their "coolness."

The girls come to visit

My baby sister and niece came for a 10 day whirlwind visit. The highlights of this visit include:

• A horrible overnight bus ride from Boston to New York to visit Ms. C. Our advice is: don’t take the 2 am Fung Wah bus. Unless you could sleep in a foxhole, you will not rest at all, which completely defeats the purpose of taking an overnight bus.

In Times Square. Woo-hoo! Sort of.

• A facing of fears as Baby Sister and I go down the 40 foot zipline at the Ecotarium.

Getting ready to conquer our fears. Well, at least me and Baby Sister. The Niece thought it was quaint.

• The Tomb, BBQs, lots and lots of Uno and a bit of Taboo as well.

At the Tomb for the first of two visits.

She always could sleep anywhere.

Notice the completed hardscaping.

Practicing their Taboo skills.

Trip to Nashville

The Good Mr. Dr.’s mother has a timeshare with Wyndham Vacation. So, we all decided to take advantage of this and meet in Nashville for a few days of southern hospitality. I will start posting pics of our roadtrip to Nashville, our stay in Nashville, and our roadtrip home shortly. Until then, be safe and happy.