08/04/2008: "The Wonders of Relaxation"
music: With or without some sunshine, I'm determined to have fun!mood: Where is the sun anyways
More memoirs from my home away from home.
North Augusta, (the sleepy town in which I now reside and weekend until October), borders the St. Lawrence Seaway, so often the weather, or rather, the severity of the weather is often dictated by the ebb and flow of winds off the Seaway. On Friday night, after a marvellous dinner, we sat and yakked, on the old country porch, talking about our fun day, and watched the most magnificent lightning show.
The Wonders of Relaxation
It was non stop action and lights ricocheting across the horizon. As a matter of fact, I don't ever recall seeing lighting like this. I was completely engrossed in watching. I dared run across the polo field to the trailer. Despite the squeaks and squawks from a complaining Merlin, I stood steadfast in sheer awe at the show unfolding before my eyes. Naturally, my camera was miles away.
I had a most restful sleep under the rhythmic song of raindrops pounding the roof of the trailer.
Mornings of Bliss
5:30 am. The perfect time to see the morning layer of fog hovering over the fields. My little port-a-potty works well. I'm pleased with my purchase.
It's time for a coffee, freshly ground with some Bailey's. Perfect way to wake up, walk the field and enjoy the morning, and so we did. My best pal Merlin in tow. Merlin is a magnificent companion. He never says no, is always ready to go where ever our adventures may take us.
There is always something to do at a stable. A stable is no place for workers who like to twiddle their thumbs. I decided to make myself useful today and willingly took on those box stalls. I remember a time when cleaning 20 or 30 stalls was nothing to me. This morning I did a total of 4 stalls, (I think), before my body, arms, hands and energy konked out. Oh wow, am I going to be sore tomorrow! oh yes, I can feel it already. I tried to offer up as much goodwill and service as I possible could. I hope the owners saw me trying. It took me forever to clean those stalls. It's hours later and I couldn't hold a broom if I tried. My fingers are full of blisters, and my hands hurt like the dickens!! I feel great!!!
I finished my chores, took a nice shower, had a good country breakfast then headed back into the stable to start riding and ponying the horses. That is such a feel good thing for me. I did two sets of two. I felt, (again), like a million dollars. To get back into the routine of bandages, tack cleaning, the wonderous smell of cleaned leather, the thunder of hooves. I am truly happy here. It's who I am. It's what I do. It's what I need!!!
After a great session of horse..... I heard about a nearby town that was a "must see", so... cleaned up, left Merlin in the country kitchen with his new friends, and off I went.
Merrickville, Ontario
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According to statistics, per ca-pita, Merrickville, Ontario, is the 2nd best city in Canada to live in. I dropped in Saturday afternoon after my grueling but fun morning workout at the stable. I instantly fell in love with Merrickville. It comes complete with it's own fire engine red phone booth, street urchins, aged loiterers from the old Canadian Legion, restos, pubs and Inn's galore. It's a long weekend here in Canada so there are people and tourists everywhere. It's also a town with nautical locks, so there's plenty of boat action down by the locks. Traditional British pub food and libation, afternoon tea, and fine wining and dining are on the menu everywhere.
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Walking to the, "Merrickville Beat", means one chatzke store after another. (A true town after my own heart). I could easily go broke in a town like this; and this is a dog friendly town to boot. Every street corner, every store, every where, offers dog hitches, water and welcomes to canines. Please come with your dog. They are welcomed here. shhhhhh don't tell Merlin! I left him back at the stable.
Notable finds are Mrs. McGariggoles who makes her very own mustards of every conceivable flavour, spice and colour. Mustard Sauces, Chipoltes and Chumichurees were jumping out of the work everywhere, a true delight for the Epicurean palette, and total culinary overload; and WISELY, and I mean wisely, they offer up samples at every aisle. I'm such a sucker for samples. A virtual degustation without borders! There is absolutely no way to leave the store without a handful of "something". I purchased the most devine shortbread cookies ever, some mustards, get this; some German spatchzels!
AND Ohhhhh look!!! an LCBO (booze store) - just had to run in and get some Bailey's, some rum (every half decent household should have brown rum in the cupboard for Pete's sakes), and some wine for dinner!
I'll probably go back for the Merrickville Fair on the 10th of August. Can't wait to see what the locals think of Peeny Weeny in her little riding habit complete with stroller. That ought to turn heads.
I'm sore everywhere. I'm walking like a cripple. I can hardly move anything on me, including my fingers which have already cramped up several times. All that exercise perhaps? I don't care. I'm loving the way I feel. I feel alive! This beats sitting behind a stale desk and computer screen any day.
I'm pooped! I know I'm going to sleep like a fallen ton of bricks tonight.
I'm back to my little home away from home and see AnnMarie walking Merlin over to me.
Apparently he was a little stinker and ran around her kitchen showing everyone his little chowchow teeth. He was so busy looking for me, that he went up the country stairs, got stuck up there, then had a 'cow'. Poor chowchow. Oh well, he's here with me, now snoozing and no worse for wear. When I head over to the main house for dinner he's going to have to stay here on his own and guard the trailer like a big boy and NO squeaks Mr. Merlin! You're made of finer fibre than that!
Tomorrow there's a match. I get to umpire, so I'm excited about that. (given I can actually manage with this sore, retched, old body, to get back up on a horse again). Oye! Stay tuned for more. I"ll keep looking for the sun.