August 2024 Island Trip – Day 10

It’s amazing to me that it’s the last day of August. Every year it’s amazing to me that it’s the last day of August! The sunset is moving south, the vine maple is turning color, the onions are ready to harvest, and the poppy seed pods are ready to sprinkle about the garden.

My DH was able to get on the earlier boat, making for a more relaxed homecoming. He took the vast majority of our gear home leaving me with the firewood, my briefcase and purse, and coolers for the lamb.

My day was punctuated with nice conversations:

• Our neighbor to the east stopped by. It turns out her grumpy tummy was a solid bout of anxiety, and we talked about what caused this. An adult child is struggling with a failing business and health issues, work was a mess this week… Sometimes reflecting with friends helps you go, “Oh! I do have things going on causing anxiety.” She was feeling better today. It was good to spend time with her.
• I popped down the house to dig up some lovage (a celery relative) for my friends that we buy lamb from. I tapped on the door to say good bye to the tenants. Turns out he’d already dug some up! So, now I have some too. This was a plant my mom put in decades ago. The tenants are the first one’s who have used it in probably 20-years. My lamb dealer goes to church with my tenants! It’s a small community.
• When my friend brought me the lamb to the ferry line (what a sweetie!), I gave her the lovage. We’ve known each other since high school, and enjoy each other’s company. Every minute visiting with her is worthwhile 💕.
• Tim called while I was waiting for the boat. It’s doubtful we’ll see him until next spring. He’s not ready to think about coming up for Christmas given things going on with an antique piece of commercial real estate he owns down south. I’ve been coaching him re insurance. His carrier pulled out of the state (fire risk), and I happen to know folks. Essentially I’m going through the proverbial Rolodex. He’s making some headway with his own research too. He was very gracious, telling me my advice always had legs and how much he appreciated my input. Then the conversation devolved into hilarity about a possible bear on the boat, and my truck being full of lamb, and that I was to be extremely careful…😂

The drive back was a little tedious even though it’s short. My DH helped unload everything. Firewood tomorrow… I got the lamb in the freezer, and the apples in the second fridge. I’ll start apple sauce/butter over the next two days. Everything else is finding it’s way back to where it belongs. The cat is on high alert, staring out various windows. Constant vigilance no matter where he is. Someone’s gotta do it! 🐈‍⬛ 🤣