Down On The Ranch(o)

Howdy once agan, everyone! I'm coming to you from the great state of Vermont, home of Rancho Descansamos ("We Rest") and the Stager/Velasquez families. Pepe and I managed to wend our way through Vermont's winding roads to arrive here around lunchtime Wednesday -- perfect timing, huh? -- and have spent the time catching up with Lisa and her folks, as well as reuniting her with all her childhood photo albums, held in my care for over 10 years unbeknownst to me (but knownst to her).


And here are Lisa and her mother and Lisa's son Kevin looking over old times while I struggle and strive to unload Pepe for my stay. ("Hey, that's okay, folks. Don't mind me.") I didn't realize it, but one of the albums were Lisa's first one with her first camera she got as a child. What a reunion that must have been for her.


Of course, one of the things that is a must here on the rancho is an afternoon walk of the dogs down to the pond for a look-see into what's in store for this summer. So far, there will be plenty of salamanders, and at least one frog, as one popped up for air right in front of us.


Of course, the dogs, Clea and Ally, lost no time in tormenting the local amphibians with romps through the water. Here's Clea getting in only as far as her tummy (she's a sled dog, not a swimmer), while Ally didn't mind at all just jumping right in, being part Lab and all.


Another happening around here was the belated celebration of my birthday, complete with what looks like as many candles as each of my 57 years. The rather bemused look on my face is actually staged, as I was trying to recreate a photo that just surfaced of my grandfather and a similar-looking birthday cake of his own. It was as if he couldn't decide whether he should blow it our or ring up the Volunteer Fire Department. Whatever the case, we had to hurry up and do the shots, as the conflagration was threatening to melt the icing on my German Chocolate Cake -- my very favorite.

Well, I guess that'll have to do it for now, as I've got to get ready to hit the road for Acadia today and wind this little tour up once and for all. Thanks for checking in from time to time and urging Pepe and me on with well wishes and desires of your own to be out on the road. I'll check in again from Bar Harbor. Till then . . .