F Facebook

I tried. Not all that hard, but a little, to use Facebook. But for me, it sucks. I am photo-obsessed. I love to look at pictures my friends have taken of their adventures. I loved seeing that Barry and Al had a young moose in their yard, looking through their window, last week. I spend a significant amount of time checking people's photostreams, finding other people like me who hike and adventure and take photographs of it - I look at people's photostreams who have commented on friends' photos. But the other stuff on Facebook, aside from the photos: the trolling I do looking for something new - the self-obsession and self-congratulation that is a constant (like my father-in-law so perfectly put it one day, "Facebook. If you're not bitching, you're bragging.") - the data mining that makes me extremely uninterested in sharing much of anything that might actually connect me with people I truly do wonder about - I find annoying. So why seek out a space that annoys me? Why indeed. Now I know some may read this and think I am wrong and find great possibility in Facebook, and that is fine with me. Keep it. But it is not for me. (Mind you, I only have 10 friends, I think - so I will NOT be missed.) I will likely create a "group" for my Outing Club, because that makes sense to me, but other than that and keeping an ear and eye out for photographs, I am done.

And another morsel I was sadly done with - my last Fat Tire Amber Ale.  This is a good beer, one I enjoy greatly.  And I can't get it up here.  I drink it out west; I drink it down south.  You know you love a beer when you take a freaking picture of the last one.  So to those of you who can drink Fat Tire on a daily basis - drink one for me - today - please. Crack one on the Summer Solstice. 

April 27th - Al, Sarah and I went down to Badbury State Park to ride bikes.  It was the first day the trails were open (since the fall) and we had a great ride -- fast.  Love these girls.  Riding my first Women's Ride of the summer tomorrow -- wahoooooo!

I organized a group to help out on White Cap during this year's Community Service Day for sophomores.  Typically I collaborate with the Carthage ATV club, but this year, I wanted to share the love and get on a non-motorized trail.  The kids did really well (I was not feeling well this day and weekend (when I was in the Whites helping to guide the next group of New England cohort Trail to Every Classroom teachers), so I took very few pics -- got a few of them working, but...) -- they helped the trail by clipping it back, posting new signs, cleaning out water bars, etc.  Mahoosuc Land Trust - you are doing great work; keep it up.

I also did my annual Service Learning Trip on the AT with a group of 9th graders on the weekend of May 31/June 1.  It went incredibly well.  I am making a movie for them (sure I am!!!! gotta get that done too) and will post the link for that for those who are interested.

Graduation happened - like a blur.  I did a lot of work with speech writers this year, and that was fulfilling.  I only heard one person say they thought the speeches were unimpressive, every other person I spoke to or heard speak of graduation were moved by the speeches.  It is a treat for me to hear the speeches of the students I did not work with, especially when they are as genuine as some were.  I think the kids did an incredible job with their speeches.  Second from the right is my Outing Club president.  Oh. My. Goodness.  I am going to MISS her next year.  She is an integral part of the club.  We will share our last official trip of her high school year this Wednesday and Thursday on our culminating trip up in Rangeley.

June 9 - Sunday - the four of us, Sarah and Warren rode for about two hours up around Sugarloaf and the Carrabassett River.  Great ride.

Lotta moisture in the air - from Al and Barry's deck for the after ride beers.

A little later - the Bigelows come out and Sugarloaf goes in.

My flowers in my yard.  They make me happy.

More happy

What an INCREDIBLE day to be out and about and doing ANYthing outside.  This is EmJay's little rugrat.  10 weeks old, ironically named Achilles (he is a pipsqueak and I think will always be a little man).  He did great with my dogs (and they with him) - he made it up and down White Cap on his own - nice job!! 

Old Speck and Bald Pate.

Lots to talk about - we sat there and talked for a long time.

This is what he did while we talked.

Dix is so sweet - seriously - she is full of love.

Lady Slipper on the summit of White Cap.  Clearly I should be significantly thankful that there was a strong breeze, as you can see the little black fly in the right-hand corner of this pic.  They were out, but rendered powerless with the wind.  Phew.

Me and my babies - notice the winter hat and windbreaker - yup it was that chilly.

Old Speck and Bald Pate just peaking out - all three dogs and EmJay...

Looking SouthWest-ish.

Phoenix and Mt. Washington (far left) and of course, say it with me, Old Speck, to the right.

I love glacial erratics.

Dogs on "Blister Rock" - so named by Kylie and Caleb when they were little.

Getting a drink from the spring.

Once back to the farm, I helped with some weeding.  This is the red leaf and green leaf lettuce.

And this is Jim working on the kale - it is looking good down there.  Cannot wait to be eating from the garden again.  Soon.

And today we will ride bikes, work around the house and enjoy a Sunday together.  I am so thankful to have much fun with my man - he is my buddy to be sure - and he gets me.  For that, I am thankful.