This summer feels like a whirlwind even on days like today when I have not much more to do than recover from root canals and watch Scrabble nationals coverage online. (Yes, I said root canalS. I’m looking for sympathy! I am a major scaredy-cat when it comes to going to the dentist.)

I’m getting ready to work hard in September. I’ve joined a new writing group, with at least one other Odyssey graduate, which I will begin on September 6. I have a lot of optimism. (I know, I keep saying I’m optimistic. Well, I am.)

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Picked berries.

Went to a birthday party on a boat.

Attended a nature conservation dedication.

Tried to identify the birds of prey seen from the top of Mt. Lookout. (We think they were red-tailed hawks. Their scream was marvelous. I can still hear it.)

Played clarinet duets!

Picked berries.

Snuck into Canada a couple of times.
(This is a fairly verbatim transcript:
Border official/guard/booth person: Where are you from?
Us: Massachusetts, Virginia
Border official/guard/booth person: Do you have anything like guns?
Us: No.
Border official/guard/booth person: Have a nice visit!)

Ate. A. Ton.

Waded to a little higher than my knees in that icy lake. Next visit I’ll go deeper.

Came in second in the official sunset rock skipping competition.

Took goofy pictures from the moving car.

Picked berries.

I had a wonderful time.