Dock of the Bay

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No boat rides today, but I could've used one to get to the errands done in the constant tropical downpours plaging us here since yesterday.

Only one more day of local flooding to endure as "Hurricane Kyle" blows by on his way up to the Maritimes.

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No power outs yet, but the work computer wouldn't stay online in the rain Saturday, so the work-order papers weren't on time, n I ended up being delayed at work until 5 am- ugh! Plus the building leaks buckets in places, so I offered to sell pool passes again.

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The roads were treacherous n puddles to drive around were very deep from many inches of rain. The trailer park down the hill, which is shaped like a bowl, is loudly being pumped out again. During my travels this evening, a manhole cover was bubbling up gushing, overflow water like a fountain, badly flooding the road. I took the long way around the lot to the market. Still, I managed to bang the truck into several underwater, hidden pot-holes. Driving a boat would've been easier...

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N this is only extraneous rainfall we're dealing with, not the actual storm itself! We should be getting more wind n water in Sunday with that one-

Bogged Down

My latest round of injuries is keeping me totally occupied with the basics of just eating, sleeping, n getting through work. I'm suffering from a dependence on the use of generic tylenol.
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Even one hour past the re-dose time at work, n I'm throbbing with anticipation until my hands are free enough to swallow more so that some relief might follow.
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It's a toss-up. What hurts more, getting slammed in the shin with a 150 lb metal rack, or a new tooth-ache? My leg is really bone-bruised n split open. The tooth is complaining often, every time I eat, n with the cooler air outdoors, too sensitive when I speak.
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If only I could sit down for work, didn't have to climb stairs to my apartment, n could put up the leg until it stings less. If only I had a few extra hundred bux to spend filling cavities at the dentist before they bore too deep, then all this mouth misery could be avoided.
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All I've got extra lately is soreness n trouble doing everything! Thinking clearly is near impossible, while being constantly interrupted with discomfort n unpredictable sharp jabs. Reading n sleeping have been difficult.
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Still, this achey Day Off I managed to get some chores accomplished. I had to secure all the deck items, because we're expecting some storms to roll in the next several days. Seems the wet weather will be wreaking havok with all the fall week-end plans around here, such as King Richard's Faire folks.
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Just what the local economy needs, no one out at the planned activities. Another slow shopping week-end, with a possibility of power outages due to predicted Northeaster strong wind n water damage.
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The post pics are cranberry bogs located near my village. They're all vamping up to get ready for harvest.

Barnicles

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The texture on this rock exposed by low tide shows many generations of barnicle condos. I didn't get to wait for the water to come back in, but I know they were anxious to be picking dinner particles out of the sea again.

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Today I saw many locals digging sand holes down at the point on the front beach. Just a few days ago they finally lifted the shell-fishing ban. All the kids were pitching in to help dig. The parents were looking forward to some free dinner which usually costs alot of bux.

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Good thing I'm not the harbormaster, because I didn't spot any permits. Also they're supposed to fill back in the holes, n no one did. Every one tends to do stuff after five pm so they don't get in trouble around here.

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Can you believe I live here but don't eat seafood? Most folks would be filling their own buckets...

Easy Day

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What a beautiful Day it was here today. Partly cloudy, but it made the sky interesting to watch during my travels. Not hot, not cool, with a light breeze, it was just weather perfect! This pic was taken at my fave town beach at low tide. I hiked from one end of the exposed sand bar all the way down to the bird preserve area.
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There was a school bus of high school biology students there walking the see-thru waters in search for different life-forms. They squealed a bit when they spotted a spider crab. I didn't go out in search of pinched toes, but did bend to touch a razor clam sticking end-up out of the sand. The long, thin, cigar shape shot back down under the wet sand with a quick plop. I didn't know they could move so fast-
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My week is seeming so strange because I'm used to doing so much, n I've slowed to a much deserved crawl. I'm not getting as much as I'd thought done. I'm sitting down alot, n getting alot of good nutrients eaten. I've gotten in some reading time. Some previously put-off items were accomplished, though. There's plenty more to do, but I've felt more like goofing off n took the option.
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My hands don't hurt from working, so I'm typing more stuff, my supplies all set up for doing paintings, n now I can play instruments without being too sore. Of course I'm so out of practice it's pathetic. There are so many songs permanently etched in my brain, luckily I'll never forget how to do those! The stuff learned within the past decade is more fuzzy, however.
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I feel so much better after a few days off in a row, too bad I'll have to go back to work again soon. I'll try to make the most of what's left. I'm not quite up to high gear again tho- (Not until they make me).

Budding

My squirrel-trimmed sunflower stem has sprouted five new flower buds. I wonder if I can keep the critters away from it long enough for the blossoms to bloom, n if the weather will stay warm enough not to frost it-
Dare I hope for sunflowers to see?

Post #401

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To commemorate the 911 day, of course I reflected on the event, which can't be ignored the second I know it's the date. When I commented about "Look what day it is" at the work time clock, I got no response at all, pure indifference from the Portuguese n Latin American immigrants around me. I was alone in my regard for the 2001 events.

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When most of my coworkers talk about their country, they don't mean where they are, but where they grew up. They don't see that attack as an attack against them, even when they chose to live n work here in the USA.

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My experience in my travels that day, including errand stops, in 2008 stated loudly to me that most people are moving on with their lives about that issue. People aren't dwelling on it.

Personally, I'd like to make 911 a national holiday, because to me it's a sacred day when so many undeserving people were ripped away from their loved ones n their lives. In my mind it compares to D-day, n Pearl Harbor. I'd wanted that day off because I knew I'd still react with deep sadness to my knowledge connected with it. I couldn't get the day off, n ended up posting about unrelated stuff- I was too tired to put my thoughts into words in time. I did want to comment my sentiments that it'll always be a day of non-complacency in my mind.

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Not only did I reflect on the events all day long, after work I watched the HBO documentary video "In Memorium: New York City 9/11/01." I'd bought it in '02. The film includes footage of some of the disturbing WTC tower moments, as well as funeral portions of some of the lost lives, n those left behind recalling last conversations. I've watched it every anniversary since. I had to get my emotions out. It doesn't pay to deny them, ignore them, or pretend what happened doesn't affect me.

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This year in August I'd also gotten around to watching the "United 93" film. Re-enactments aren't as tough to see, n at least they pay tribute to the deceased by being as true to the characters thru research as much as they could be. Also the I liked the bonus footage provided about the characters, n the names list of those lost on the flight out of Boston. (Note: I grew up 15 miles away from Boston")

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I still haven't seen the other "Twin Towers" movie starring Nicolas Cage I saw at Blockbuster yet. Maybe I will soon. I haven't been to the new memorials constructed in Boston, NYC, Shankstown, or DC this year, but would someday like to include them in my itinerary of important places to visit. To me, the event n the anniversary will always be important.

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Strange, I was the only person in my travels all day who mentioned the anniversary aloud. I hope everyone found some way to regard, honor, n respect those lost that day seven years ago. We take life, safety, n our loved ones for granted far too often (Amen).

Isles

In the BG of this pic from last week, you can see many boats moored in front of the land masses fading into the distance. I hope to have more pic-taking time this upcoming week.

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Finally, I have some time off to try to catch up around here. I don't have alot of grand plans besides chores n projects which previously got pushed off the table.

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Even just sleeping will help me alot at this point. It's supposed to be a bit rainy the next few days. After two days off in a row, I may actually be able to think clearly again-

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If it rains alot, I may have to postpone the yard work. The lawn is a mile-high again. I still have to pick up branches shed in the Hanna-rain storm at the base of MapleBeard from last week. Then I've still got to get all the things I wanted to get last week n had to wait on. I need a tube of white paint before I can play with those. I have bike tires to assemble just waiting for time. N time I haven't had, while feeling ambitious enough to get to these simple tasks accomplished. Also, it's time to get ready for the winter season with weatherstripping stuff.

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I'm probably trying to cram too much into the allotted time-frame, but that's normal for me. First I'd better collapse n Zzz out awhile- I'll be back zzzz ...

Rest

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Here's a few tied down to the short pier I wouldn't mind taking for a cruise sometime.
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A bit too chilly for it today tho- It's suddenly dropped for an overnight in the 40's. I had to close the house windows for the first time since April.
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Well, another co-worker had a painful mishap today, so Day Off has again been cancelled this week. I'm very over-tired too. A few more days to go yet before I get to relax (darn)!

Tattered

I wonder how much work this salvage vessel will have as a result of Hanna blowing thru tonight. It's pretty windy out there now.

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I went out to shop n do errands, but wish I'd more to spend. Rainy days are good for browsing. I had to spring for some new wipers because the drivers side ripped n flopped yesterday on the way to work. I had to drive home in the rain peering thru the two clear inches free of raindrops on the windshield whenever lights shone.

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Today I fought to get myself up early. At the parts store, I hurried to change the needed piece in the parking lot as rain sprouted again. I don't do that chore often enough, I realized, when it took me too long to figure it out again. (Note: being too short to see the clip is a handicap). I managed to get it done just before the main deluge descended.

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Then I spent too much time in the stores. Most of what I need to get has to wait another week. My work shoes are sporting holey-toes for work this week. Now back home again for the remainder of Day Off after dark, n I'm feeling really tired from only getting a couple hours of sleep. Unfortunately, There are a few more projects demanding attention before work owns my time again. Back to my self-inposed grind... n the tropical winds.

Lull

The first quiet Thurday evening here in my village for Day off has arrived. There was no line to wait in at the little store, n no band-shell movie drawing in a large crowd. I had no trouble finding free parking right next to the pier.

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The day was warm n sunny, so a few folks were out n about. I finally got a pic of the tourist cruise boat which has been out on harbor n canal runs all summer every other time I've been on the pier.

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The winds n choppy seas were up, so most seacraft are moored or tied. Soon the numerous boats will dwindle down to the few that brave the cold season.

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The impending rain from tropical storm Hanna is on the doorstep, n may be followed by the next few hurricanes running in. I wonder if I'll need to move in all the stuff out on the deck for the storms before a big one roars in for a close call. At least I pay attention, n have respect for the power of storms.

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One day I hope to have enough income to afford a boat. Some folks even live on them, n travel to the warmer weather. It must be scary in the storm season tho-. Altho the price of fuel here has dropped down to $3.50 per gallon, I don't know how these folks come up with the joyride bux. At least the cruises n fishermen get a return on the investment.

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A small craft that operates under paddle-power wouldn't be a bad idea at this point. Even a canoe or rowboat can cost several paychecks these days. Sailboats are more difficult to manuever using windpower, n most use a small putt-putt motor for the inner-harbor, dead-wind conditions, or emergency situations. They're also famous for flipping over in gusty wind.

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Today was a windy, gusty, day. But the mood was calm, n the air was warm. Not a good one for a boat ride, but pleasant enough for walking n hanging about.

I tend to always use my experimenting with the digi-cam excuse often. You'll be seeing more of these.

Summer Wanes

I can't wait until this work-week is over mainly because the place is quieting down again, n that's the way I like it. Calm, peaceful, less traffic on the roads, n there'll be fewer work orders to fill for the first time since early May.

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September starts to cool off a bit, but it's still warm enough in the daylight for the beach n toe-dipping. Soon we'll have the Scallop Fest n Harvest Fest for us townees. I haven't made it to a flea market all year yet! Discount T-shirts n sunglasses are my fav fall bargains there.

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Hopefully I'll get to rest up so I can wake up in time for the long anticipated festivities... Apres Labor Day is always my favorite season. I hope they decide to give me some time time off so I can make the most of it. Not Day Off yet tho-

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Have a good back to school week folks-