Water Water Every Where

I spent a wonderful New England weekend up in Maine. I can’t imagine what it must be like in the height of summer. Now was the perfect time to go – it was 70s and sunny and not too crowded or hot. It was great hanging out with Cec and the kids. Of course, before evening on the first day (Friday) I had already thrown my back out “kind of”. “Kind of” meaning my lower back hurt like #&!! but I could still pick up things if I approached from the right angle. Which meant I kept picking up the kids. Who can resist! Two nights back in my own bet and I’m getting better. But it was useful having two adults for managing the two kids.

It was a ton of sun and sand and wind and playing with the kids and water as far as the eye could see. The pictures I took were on Cece’s camera which turned out great. Some are posted on her blog, here. So I think it might be time for me to get a new camera. My pictures never turn out this decent and I usually chalk it up to user error. And I got a surprise Birthday present - including a Japanese embroidery kit. Really hip and modern (mid-century modern - my favorite).

And it’s nice being connected. I’ve been able to take advantage of some wonderful New England trips through friends. Stuff I wouldn’t if I were just a tourist (or didn’t have cool friends). We ended up staying at a friend’s house in York Maine which was so much nicer then the bunk beds we were scheduled to use. And the retreat was so perfectly situated next to Ferry Beach with veranda sitting and a nice little community of people. It was fun people watching – especially the young teens. The ratio of girls to boys was off so trying to figure out who liked who was a complicated mess of a love triangle. Anyways got some knitting done but we were very exhausted heading back home Sunday.

Sunday I started noticing my messages. I couldn’t wait for a nice hot shower in the comfort of my home. But it turns out that while I was away there was a water main break, which I’m sure you heard about. It affected over 2 million people and there was a run on bottled water. And Monday was wicked hot and humid. But by this morning, everything was up and running and tested and the green light was given. Which speaks volumes to the workers putting in overtime to get it fixed.

And it was a nice affirmation to the community I live in. Before I even got back home I had had a handful of people call, text and email me about the water, in case I hadn’t heard. Which frankly, if I had been home Saturday I don’t know if I would have found out before I used it in the morning. We didn’t get a chance to stop and get water on our way back but it turns out I didn’t need to. My landlords had bought a bunch of water and left me a couple of gallons which was really sweet. So I was all taken care of – no worries. And after a few days of no potable water I’m very appreciative of being able to just turn on a faucet and voila – which unfortunately puts front and center how many millions of people still don’t have this luxury.