Yeah, I’m Working This Week

Thus ends a long and relaxing holiday(ish) weekend here at the compound. No major trips to report, as it’s been just windy enough to keep myself and the visiting parents off the boat. If you’re thinking of asking me how the fishing has been, I suggest that you don’t. Just trust me on this one. Also on the list of subjects not to bring up? The Red Sox offense.

Moving right along, I skipped the Fourth of July parade up in Bath today, which I haven’t seen since I lived back here. For those curious as to what a small town Fourth of July parade is like in Maine, my Mom’s one word summary was “unassuming.” My Dad’s recollection didn’t extend far beyond the Shriner’s cars and the fact that they delayed the parade 30 minutes to take someone riding a tractor off in an ambulance, so odds are he’d concur with that assessment.

The rest of the weekend was killed with a couple of trips to the Y, some multiple hour afternoon naps, and a few buggy hours fighting the good fight against the forces of nature better known as our yard. Speaking of which, if anyone has a goat they’d like to rent, you know where to find me. The lawn is at the point where it needs to be cut just about every other day, and it’s not small. Or horizontal. If I can’t get a goat, I may salt the earth. Even my parents would have to admit that that would save a hell of a lot of time.

Anyhow, some actually relevant information vis a vis my availability for the upcoming two weeks.

Monday/Tuesday

For those of you taking the two days off, you’re now on my enemies list. I’ll be in the office, although working a reduced schedule. I will not be taking any briefings, as I’m woefully behind on my admin work and will be using the time to catch up. If that sounds like blogging will be light, you’re probably right.

Wednesday

Like most folks in the States, I’ll be off celebrating our country’s independence. Probably with beer. No calls, in other words.

Thursday/Friday

In the office, working a full schedule. Assuming, of course, that nothing goes terribly awry on Wednesday.

Week of the 9th

Out of the office and not reachable. As discussed previously, it’s been a long, long time since I had a real, live vacation, ergo I deserve one.

Plans are sketchy and depend on some moving pieces, but a 3 hour ride up to Acadia National Park is likely, as is a day trip to Peak’s Island in Casco Bay capped off by a Seadogs game (and maybe even a pint at Ri Ra’s?). A visit to Boston may also be in the cards, especially if I find myself in possession of tickets to a Sox game. If I get really ambitious, I’ll try to hit Monhegan Island as well, but that may be pushing it.

One thing is for sure: there will be fish caught at some point. Whatever it takes – bait fishing, nets or dynamite – there will be fish caught. On a less violent note, I’ll probably indulge in some Mr Rogers style getting-to-know-you time with the new camera.

But more on all of that as it develops. Have to get through this week first anyway.