Saint Furlough

The Patron Saint of Nothing - nothing can happen on Furlough Days.  We can't work; we don't get paid.  Schools are closed.  Coaches can't coach, grass around the school can't grow - the schools are shut down.

I work with some funny people - some recovering Catholics like myself - filled with guilt and obligation - but it sure does breed a special humor, this allegiance I share.  Someone I work with (I have my guesses) coined this term - we have had to take 3 Furlough Days -- and this is the third one and the first time I have heard it called Saint Furlough Day -- I love it.

Tomorrow we leave for North Carolina -- we are staying in Brevard  this year, and I am looking forward to landing at this bike shop that has beers on draft -- check out their website and look for the photo that shows the history of biking (and drinking?) in this area.  We learned about this shop while riding at the Bent Creek recreational area where the trails are so buffed out and so fast.  We met this really nice, local couple who remarked at our Maine plates - we were in the parking lot, muddy and shoving food in our faces - we talked for awhile.  They were kind enough to tell us that we are really missing out if we do not hit Brevard.  So I have contacted The Hub via email and we will roll in there on Sunday afternoon and get the inside scoop on just the kind of camping and biking we look for, get maps and get a beer.  So looking forward to it.

Today, honoring the non-practicing Pagan that I am, I am working on this Furlough Day.  I have whole wheat bread working as I write this - dishes in the sink to do before I embark on Whole Wheat Pumpkin muffins and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.  Gotta head over to White Water Farm for some local Maine beef for the trip -- and, and, and...  There is a lot to do and I am thankful for MANY things -- good music in the kitchen (Beck is rocking right now), a full blue sky with sunshine, a full day to prepare for the trip, the financial means to make this trip, the killer workout I had at UMF gym last night (thank you ALISON) and the many miles ahead (I LOVE ROAD TRIPPING!)  Awwww yeah!

This is where we are headed.  To this climate.  

I took these this time, last year.