Island Exodus, Tides, & Manly Work

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I still don’t know what motivated the two men (last names Hunt and Flagg) in the early 1700s to plant apple trees across the length and breadth of this Island. I do know that descendants of their efforts are all over the place; in yards, in the woods, on top of cliffs, along the roads, and anywhere else something can grow.

There was a bountiful harvest this year and, as of this weekend, most of those apples have been picked, piled in baskets or stuffed in nylon sacks. Those that haven’t already been taken to the mainland to decorate the ground around tree blinds are now loaded in trucks preparing to leave on the first ferry. Deer Season starts on Monday and our population will be at the bare minimum for at least the next week.

One hunter said he planned to hang the deer he got from the rafters of my garage. I told him that, even if I was willing to have a dead animal draped over anything on my property, he would have to rebuild the structure when it collapsed. My outbuilding will not support a few hundred pounds swinging from its tiny beams.

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In any case, most of the wood I had delivered has now been cut to length. I have already begun splitting and stacking the smaller pieces (i.e., the ones I can lift) and I’ve been promised that the rest will be dealt with soon (meaning after the great Bambi hunt). So, there will be no room in the garage for meat.

I’m getting closer to finishing all my winter preparations. Small things, like getting the winter clothes out and putting away the t-shirts, are in progress. The summer garden tools have to be put away in the basement and the winter shovels brought out.

Fish now has a new winter jacket and I got some great patches for the one I use to mess with firewood. My boots, gloves, and hats are all in good shape – this is very positive news because I hate clothes shopping.

Many things I need have doubled or tripled in price in the stores and on Amazon. Luckily I was smart enough this year to buy my firestarter, long reach matches, water filters, etc., in the summer. 🙂

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Getting the sun porch set up again means I can hang some of my pictures. I also finally unwrapped a gift from Patty and Richard – a tide clock and barometer. It’s beautiful and, once I figured it out, now tells me if it’s ebb or flood and when the next high or low tide will happen.

I’ve lit the fire a few times, but unless there’s a cold wind I don’t have to keep it going. The cats disagree with me, however I’m still in charge until they grow thumbs and can do it themselves.

Today I’ll do some splitting/stacking and then read a book. I don’t really have much choice – we’ve been told to expect a power outage from 9 til 3.

I’ll try to keep posting (sort of) regularly, but if I don’t you should just assume I’m doing chores which mostly involve loud machinery. I still think we’re going to pay for this unseasonable weather and would like to be ready. 🙂

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