Out

We woke up to a chilly morning yesterday. It didn't deter us from our (almost) daily trip in town. Even being an introvert, I have found that I need to get out daily to be energized. It gets me motivated for the day ahead and I'm more productive. The twenty minute drive never becomes a chore for me. Lately the little one has been using the "sunglasses" her cousins gave her when the sun is in her eyes. It's amusing to peek back and see two pink hearts staring at me.

The music for the road is always different. Yesterday was a Steely Dan kind of day. I've played their music countless times in combos and have fallen in love with their unique sound. This song was a favorite of mine; I not only played the trumpet, but I also sang. A lot of fun and many good memories.

The drive is mostly pastures with farm houses here and there. We point to the trees, to the houses, to the birds flying above, and slow way down when we get here. We have to almost come to a complete stop to say "hi" to the cows and make an insane amount of mooing noises. Only then can we move on...

I've never really enjoyed driving, and having a little one that usually needs to be entertained while on the road doesn't make it any easier. But there's something about this drive that is meditative to me. The rolling hills, the people who always seem to be outside regardless of the weather that offer a wave and smile, the cows busily munching on their piles of hay, the frozen lake, the dips and turns through pines and meandering through fields of snow. It's all so peaceful and certain. It's always there; no matter what.

So the drive has become a relaxing and soothing activity. The little one knows exactly where we are and where we are going. She starts mooing 100 ft. before we even see the cows. I'm sure the drive has become a stable and expected part of her routine as well. When we finally reach town there is much clapping in the back seat, followed by enthusiastic pointing as we pass over the river. She knows what comes next.

Comments

[Becca]

It all looks and sounds idyllic! I wish we had a bookshop-coffee shop like that on our doorstep! Looks like it would make for a beautiful bike ride-would it take too long too cycle? or is it just too cold to cycle? Do people cycle in Maine? Maybe I`ve been here in Japan too long!?

[Ram in the Thicket]

Thanks for taking us along on your drive ;o)

[Amy]

That photo with the sunglasses is so PRECIOUS. Thanks for sharing.

[Dawn]

I love the way you told that story with the pictures. You live in such a beautiful place. Have a great day.

[Shelley]

Oooooh! Your post today makes me miss Maine. My sister lived in Newcastle for a long time, I've spent a lot of time there.

[Sarah]

I am so homesick! I used to work in Gorham NH and drive home to see my folks in the Bangor area, across route 2 most of the way. There's nothing like doing that drive in the early morning, watching the world come to life, seeing the lights on the barns and fewer in the houses, then more activity as I got closer to home (it took me about 3.5-4 hours usually). Thanks for the pictures!