Day 88- 10 Years Later , September 11, 2011

There are few days in history when events are such that everyone remembers exactly where they were or what they were doing when they heard the news. Today was a day for retrospection, the phrase , “Where were you when…” kept coming to mind. Days like the invasion of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President Kennedy, the first man in space, the first landing on the moon, the death of Elvis Presley and the attacks on the World Trade Center are just a few that come to mind for me. Both Carl and I sat before the television in the camper watching the events unfold on this 10th anniversary much as I did on that horrific and eventful day. Only today was a much more believable scenario. Ten years ago, I sat stunned, thinking it must be some horrible mechanical accident, unbelieving that anyone, in their right mind, could dream up and put action such events. The world is a much different place today and things can never be the same as they were. After careful debate, our plan has also changed once more. This latest change will see us home in a few days. The new plan is to leave Western Village RV Park on Monday morning and head for Hershey, PA to spend a couple of chocolate filled hours learning about the stuff that fills my head with dietary suicidal notions. I hope to learn the truth about chocolate actually being good for you. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Crystal Cave in Kutztown, PA for a tour of the underground limestone formations. From there, we’ll head north and spend the night in Dickson City, PA at the local Wal-Mart. On Tuesday, we’ll continue north into New York, driving up through The Adirondacks to end at Ausable Chasms campground for the evening. Wednesday will be spent in and around the geologic wonders of the Chasm. I’ve heard about it but never visited so I understand we’re in for a treat if the weather’s good. We’ll spend another night at the campground and head for the Lake Champlain Ferry at Fort Kent, NY on Thursday morning. If all goes as planned, our arrival into Burlington will leave us with a 3 hour trip home. Okay, so that’s the plan. What I can’t figure into this travel plan is any Irene or Lee damage remaining in Vermont. We’ll know when we get there. The good news in all this is when we get to Vermont detours, we know the roads they might switch us to, unlike in Lancaster County, PA. This afternoon, we went to fill up the gas tank and grab the last few groceries needed for the last of our trip. Carl swung by the cinema and I discovered we had about 5 minutes before the next showing of “Apollo 18” began. Believe me when I tell you this is one of the worst movies I’ve seen in a long time, it’s a Blair Witch Project rip off and it wasn’t worth the $13.50 we paid to see it. And don’t even get me started on the popcorn and coke that cost $12.25. The tally stands at 3 movies viewed over the 12 weeks we’ve been traveling. I guess it’s true what they say, “two out of three ain’t bad”.

Change Of Seasons

Sometimes, while sitting for hours at an event, there’s nothing to do while other times, things happen with surprising rapidity. Take this weekend at Quechee, VT. It was the middle day of a three day event and it was really hot. The vendor next to us called out to me and asked if I had my camera handy because there was something in the tree across the parking lot. It was a Peregrine Falcon perched high in a Pine Tree overhead. That was fun. Later, a lady walked by and I heard that same neighbor call out to grab my camera. There, in front of my exhibit area was a little girl, no more than three years old, trying to walk with two of the largest baskets I’d ever seen. I just couldn’t resist! That night, the temperature changed from summertime to autumn and dropped to 37 degrees. And, as luck would have it, the heater wouldn't work in the camper.

"All My Bags Are Packed.."

I woke up, this morning, humming the words of that Peter, Paul and Mary tune and thinking how corny it sounded. But part of it is true in a way. I suppose it could have just as easily been the words, " On The Road Again". In fact, the suitcase is packed. The racks, mats, framed pieces and every thing else I need to exhibit my work are in the truck which is pointed towards the driveway. Even the cooler is ready for travel. It would seem that everything is under control so why is it I have this nagging feeling that I've forgotten something important? Actually, this isn't a new feeling. I get it every time we travel. The feeling this morning is a good thing. It would be a bad sign for me to be completely confident that everything is ready and all is under control. Still, it makes me wonder. Have I done everything I can to be ready for this first show of the season? It's a long event; three days and it's a fair distance from the house; St. Albans,VT. I have a few hours to sit and obsess about it and perhaps I'll even think of a couple of minor things to toss into the bag before it's stowed in the back of the truck. When all is said and done, everything will turn out just fine. Nothing important will be left behind and in the event that I have forgotten something, there are stores to shop in where we are going. St. Albans is not the end of the world, after all, but you can see it from there.

This post had been completed when my husband called from his place by the dining room window to tell me of the two deer that were grazing just a few feet from the house. I went into stealth mode and headed for the camera. Unfortunately, we didn't see their three companion sentinels on the other side of the house and all five bolted when I opened the living room door. I do, however, have a plan in motion. The photo was not taken on my front lawn.