“To write about something is to live it twice.”

and, unfortunately this calendar year (and even back into 2023) there are many adventures I have not written about to relive – probably giving you an idea I have not been doing anything – “au contraire” – Yes, maybe I have not been on long trips, but my time has been filled with other adventures that have kept me closer to home:

Acquiring and designing an AYU “retreat”
Selling my pick-up truck
Finally replacing my old drive with a new one
Passing BLACK BEAUTY on to its new home after 14 years in residence
Extensive stripping and repainting of “44”
Moving “Auntie Myrtle” in to “fill various voids”
Living without heat due to failed boiler for 27 days ending 14 November

And now, Gary and I have again “escaped” back to the 19th century joining Rudyard Kipling at his Carriage House – meaning I must write. Always having high expectations of what I will accomplish on these “external hibernations,” I did cut down on “work” that I brought limiting myself this time to:
1-three books to read – 1/3 of one read
2-four books to prepare enticing descriptions to maximum return on eBay – Done
3-a carton of old issues of NEW HAMPSHIRE PROFILE magazines to review
and catalogue – Box not opened – no review
4-seven file folders of past “shunpikings” to write about and then share – Moved around Only
5-and many DVDs to wile the nights away – not to mention our traveling movie theater – ask me about my “big screen”

And, into my second full day away, with 20 percent into my “cozy mystery” the quote to share, and for us all to remember and reflect upon — “… This is a great spot…It’s crazy it is so close, yet it feels so far away.” (Greg in KILLER PARTY: A Tourist Trap Mystery) — RAY RECOMMENDS: Find that special spot that feels “far away” yet close to be “rejuvenating.”

What did Gary and I accomplish so far? We had a starting plan – and with flexibility to deviate from our plan. After dinner Friday we set up our movie theater, dialed in and started watching Season 4 of ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. Ten Episodes, the plan to get started. … but,

The writing and “cliff hangers” so wonderful one episode rolled into another — the “cliff-hanger” for the next season revealing at 2:40 am (first deviation from the plan).

“Catching Up” I have updated my LOG OF ADVENTURES, previously only having listed my January 2024 start. Below is a list of outings I hope to write to remember about – a roadmap so to speak, and click any image for a larger view:

October 6-9 — Camp Sagamore

September 15 – Island “Fix”

September 8-10 – Canada without Passport

August 17 – Jamaica (Vermont that is) and August 24 Crown Point Road

March 12-15 – Red Lion Inn and New Discoveries

Even more delinquent – checking my notes, hopefully this is all I also need to complete:

Manchester, Vermont, HOLIDAY INN TOUR – December 9, 2023
Vermont INNDULGENCE TOUR – December 2-3, 2023
CRUISING THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL on the LOIS MCCLURE – October 2023
ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY RIVER – middle of trip July 2023
Finish LAKES, LOCKS and LONG RIVER (Hudson) – September 2019
Finish COAST TO COAST TO COAST (Amtrak) – June 2019
MAINE – August 2016

I am enjoying “reflecting back” and am anxious to finish my older posts so I can also visually “reflect back.” If you see in my lists above something you wish to see before other postings are completed, send me a note or comment and let me know what you would like to see soonest.

And, I do have some ideas left for the last six weeks of this year to explore and experience. Stay safe and well, as always, yours, RAY