Rain

Since I arrived here in the Berkshires last Saturday, the rain has become increasingly frequent. The basement's flooded a every time, some of the driveway washed away, the back yard has been flooded in some areas, some portions of roads are flooded or have been washed away, there is loose gravel, etc. etc.

I went into Boston yesterday and had lunch with a friend; fun change of scenery. Also wanted to see Emily, but she was busy with family things. It's nice that the more I visit the city the more familiar and comfortable I've become with it. When I went the first few times I felt somewhat intimidated and hermit-ish but now I'm feeling better.

Had dinner with some new friends last night and the night before I made quite a feast of bbq chicken and roasted parmesan veggies. Thanks to Giada!

Supposedly the rain should hold off for the rest of the day (though it's incredibly humid and damp) and I think I'll walk the couple miles to West Stockbridge to find some stationary to do some writing.

My Great Vacation

I am on day three of my "Great Vacation." Spending time out here in the Berkshires is quiet, relaxing, beautiful: tranquil. It wouldn't be great at all if I wasn't spending the time with Michael. He is in the middle of his first Tanglewood season with the Boston Symphony and he just got tenure so things couldn't be going any better.

The weather's been off and on. It's rained at least one time every day that I've been here. Today we opted to take the Volvo out for lunch. Clear skies, no wind, lovely. We made it to Stockbridge (so touristy, blah) and ate, and then Michael started getting nervous about the weather so we high tailed it back to the car. Trying to decide if we should explore the Berkshire Botanical Gardens, a decision was made for us as it started to rain! Oh boy! Was I able to stay calm as Michael got really worked up over the rain on his 45 year old vintage car. Being stuck behind very slow drivers added to the tension and the stress. When we finally made it back to the house, we raced to dry off the car as throughly as possible. I don't know how long we were at it for, but it entailed Michael under the car drying, and me using my hair dryer to get the water out from between the body and chrome trim. It's a beautiful car and quite enjoyable, but being that it currently has little to no rust, keeping it out of non-perfect weather is of utmost importance. I've never experience such quick and drastic changes in weather as I have in the past three days.

I wonder what adventures tomorrow will bring!

I cannot commit

I just cannot commit to blogging. When I decided to do this a while back, I thought it was something I could stick with; guess not.

Last weekend I traveled to Boston to see my man. Oh boy was it so good to see him! Though he had been here for a about five days earlier, it was great to get out of KC and back East. It had been hotter and more humid here than I care to remember and in Boston, it was a cool and breezy in the high 70s, low 80s. NICE! We explored some outer communities, had lunch at Symphony Sushi, and walked and walked around the city. We had a fantastic meal at Pico's on Tremont and then I was determined to trek it to the other side of the city for a piece of original Boston Cream Pie at the Parker House Hotel.

On Sunday we drove out to the Berkshires and got settled into Michael's summer house in Richmond. Wow! I had seen it in March when we first checked it out, but in the fullness of summer, it's so much better than I remembered. The house is on a few acres and is isolated between sunny meadows and green forests. I hate to say that it's perfect (because nothing ever is) but it's perfect. So quiet, lots of different birds singing, and totally serene. There's even a massive claw foot tub to soak in, and the windows in the bathroom run low enough that you can see out into the back.

On Monday before I left, we explored the Tanglewood grounds. I had no idea they are as expansive as they are! There are so many paths and trails to take around the area with maps posted every so often showing, "You Are Here" so you can find your way around. Rolling hills, open spaces, and areas of forest and wild flowers. Why did I have to leave? To come home to take care of Molly Cat and work my job. I miss having summers free.