TheCapeBlog

We were planning to go to the last Log Lunch of the Williams College school year but the electric company truck blocked our driveway. We figured there was no point in asking them to move it: a lineman was in the bucket.

I installed a dumb but nonetheless effective gate closing device on the small deck door. That way we can keep Jett confined to the deck.

Ron hacked off a chunk of dead bush by the other side of the deck.

Greylock’s mobile and online banking apps were “experiencing intermittent difficulties”.

Duh: the harness we bought for Jett is fine. I had it on upside down. We drove to the Pittsburgh Petco for help and while I was there, picked up info on training. Ron took him for a walk and said he did fine. We’ll see.

I’ve been seeing ads for the Country Store in Shaftsbury and today seemed a good time to try it since we wanted to get a harness for Jett at PetCo in Bennington.

The store reminds me a little of the West Barnstable General Store but with only modest selections of sandwiches, a few cookies and limited refrigerated and shelf-stable groceries. From the number of customers that came in before and after us, I’d guess they’ll be adding to their repertoire before too long.

Jett was close to excellent in the car and very excellent at Petco.

Later in the day I redeemed my blood donor gift card at Carr’s for seeds and plant spray so Ron could finish treating the climbing rose (he did).

I think the harness we got for Jeff is mismarked: too small. We will exchange it.

Millie jumped the fence and caused a ruckus next door. Alyssa hauled her back.

This evening we attended a splendid concert, first night of the Williams Spring Jazz Nights. Three superb sets. We especially appreciated the progress made by a couple of students we saw and heard last year.

I started spraying the climbing rose, and Ron offered to finish the areas I couldn’t reach; gladly took him up on it.

I emptied wastebaskets and loaded the truck yesterday with three leaf bags, recycling and trash. Ron took it all to the transfer station.

He also did a couple of walks with Jett.

I did more raking and cutting down in the Southwest corner of the yard.

Also fixed the wall faucet on that side of the house! Untangled the hoses and watered the bulbs and the transplanted bushes and tree.

Did a grocery run for ice cream.

I finally got BRC2 in good enough shape to upload web pages and database objects to the server.

That was this morning.

This afternoon I finished planting the bulbs and bare root phlox in the flower garden extension. Dug up a lot of small rocks but no boulders. Watered the three transplants.

There’s a problem with the faucet on the side of the house, water is pouring out of the top. I hope it’s not a big fix.

Ron sprayed what looks like entrances to a wasp nest in the umbrella on the deck.

Jett and Ron did a walk and I’m not sure but they may be done for the day. It was hot, 90 in the sun.

I invested in Make, the company that puts on the Make Faires.

Ron and Jett went on a couple of long walks.

Millie came over to play and got a little testy when Bell played fetch with Jett.

Ron got a haircut.

Got four Netherlands bulbs in, hope to finish planting tomorrow.

Yesterday I bought supplies at Aubuchon and was pleasantly surprised with the changes they’ve made. Found everything I wanted, too. Picked up garden staples and plastic netting for the new garden.

Worked for most of the day on BRC2. Want to upload code and revise procs tomorrow.

No cooking, leftover pizza for lunch and cucumber sandwiches for supper.

Raining this morning and expected to continue today and tomorrow.

I slid on the stupid slate at the bottom of the deck stairs and hurt my left shoulder.

Poor Jett was brave and trotted outside to take a leak in spite of the rain.

The electric company was working this week on our street. Asplundh did tree maintenance earlier.

Between taking care of Jett and yardwork, Ron and I have been too tired to participate in evening activities.

We spotted a sign for the farmer’s market, which was a pleasant surprise, and stopped in for sourdough bagels, which are usually sold out, homemade jams, apricot and pistachio biscotti, scones and eggs. The vendors were happy to see us, the rain seems to have discouraged the usual traffic.

Had bagels and hardboiled eggs for lunch and vanilla pudding that I made this morning for dessert from milk that was included in senior center and food project lunches.

Jett had his first local grooming session. We got a recommendation from our neighbor’s mother and the salon did an excellent job with him.

They found 8 ticks, some dead and some not; concerning. I hope the flea and tick med is working but in any event, it should be easier to spot them now that his hair isn’t so thick.

The groomers did a fabulous job and he looks great. They said they like him and want him to come back, he was so well behaved. He was ravenous when we got home, hadn’t eaten this morning.

Rain stopped a short while ago. Trees have started to leaf, landscapes are becoming quite pretty with the new green and the gorgeous fruit and magnolia trees.

I went out for half-priced Domino’s. Ron had parked the Corolla so close to the garage wall that I couldn’t back it out so took the truck.

After supper, I managed to free the Corolla but destroyed a metal container that held screws, other metal pieces and a tube of silicon caulk. The tube of caulk exploded and made a mess, which we tried to clean up.

Ron took Jett for an evening walk.

The landscaper was here. He dug out the three grasses and, appropriately, planted two trees, a lilac and a shadberry. He also dug up and transplanted the poor hydrangea that never had enough sun.

I finished cleanup of the area next to the driveway.

Ron made a dash to Rockland to get a document notarized.

We attended the Log Lunch. I went to a presentation on weatherization at the Senior Center.

Hot today, over 80 degrees.

Cleaned out the corner garden. Pulled or dug out a pile of garlic mustard and removed leaves.

I must replant the tulips and daffs in a better spot. Between me and the dogs, just about all of their leaves have been knocked down.

Millie visited today, and the dogs behaved very well. Bell came over and made friends with Jett again. Very brave boy!

Ron raked in the back while I did a run to Walmart for my meds (two) and bread. Picked up wine for us at the big liquor store in North Adams.

Salad, wine, cheese and crackers for supper. We are both tired. Ron summoned the energy to take Jett for a walk; I did some kitchen cleanup.

My eyes are healthy and I don’t need new glasses.

I used the leaf blower to clear more of the garden by the deck.

Passed on deck renovation for this year, too expensive. Contractors were understanding.

Used one of the hoses for the first time to irrigate the new Serviceberry. Over filled it but it drained pretty easily. Hose worked fine.

Jett and Ron went for a couple of walks today.

I’ve had two tick bites this week. Found a small tick crawling on my arm this evening.

Susan, thank you for trusting us with Jett and for your generous gifts. Jett’s sweet nature is a testament to your care. We are so happy and grateful to have a real family again. Marcia and Ron

Garden Blossoms Florist, Pittsfield MA