Subject: Weekend Update: Vacation in Maine
Date:    Mon 7/10/00  3:52pm

I had a shower this morning. The particular effect of that statement
is lost on all but those who have experienced camping without one for
a week.

Somewhere in the lower middle part of the Maine woods continuum, 
members of my extended family gathered to rekindle some childhood
memories and create a few for our own children.  My father organized
this gathering and two of his sons (Steve and me) and their families
went along. We also brought along my father-in-law, which proved very
fortunate for us because our cabin slept him, Joy and me while the
other cabins each had six; the 4 girls with Grandma and Poppie Metcalfe
in the lakefront cabin and the 4 boys in Steve and Sharon's cabin
in the woods.  Although none had a shower, all cabins (thankfully)
had long ago abolished the outhouses in favor of flushing accoutrements.
(This isn't to say we didn't bathe throughout the week, but sinks
and washcloths do not provide a sufficient replacement.)

Don Reed (a retired college professor) has a summer home in Casco, 
about 25 minutes from our campgrounds.  He brought over a canoe 
for us to enjoy for the week.  He also loaned my Dad a small motor
for one of the rowboats available for the cabin users.  We appreciate
his continued generosity!

On Tuesday evening, July 4, storm clouds rolled in just after local
fireworks had completed.  The lightning was severe enough to knock
out power to the homes and cabins around the lake where we were
staying for 18 hours.  We were lucky enough to pack the refrigerator
so that it didn't lose much cold.  The storm drove out the early week
humidity but replaced it with a breeze off the lake water that kept
the crew from doing much boating, swimming, and fishing. We took the
kids go-cart racing and miniature golfing on one particularly breezy
day.  Fishing turned out to be such a popular sport with the kids
that I bought an inexpensive rod and reel for the kids sometime
that week.  All the bass that we caught were set loose with sore
lips.

Sharon's daughter Kara suggested that the girls sleep out under the
stars one night and, with the support of Emily, convinced the older
girls to do just that.  Grandpa wasn't keen on the idea but figured
that they were old enough and would be just outside the cabin
on the beach.  They lit a campfire and said that it was their best
time for the whole week.

We did whatever we wanted, which was what vacation is about: 
horseshoes, "Knock-out" basketball, reading, rowing, fishing,
sitting, talking, shopping (antiques and junk), eating, walking,
playing cards, etc. Beyond the activities, the value was the 
intergenerational and interfamily interactions.  We usually get
together for just a few hours on special occasions.  This was an
opportunity to get together for a week.  I think the only thing
I'd change is having the accommodations a little less rough (we're
spoiled now), and having my other brothers able to participate.

Before we left on vacation, though, most of my extended family did
get together for our annual Independence Day family gathering 
(sans Russell and his family) in July 1. (I know; I should have
put this information first.)  Pepperell wisely celebrated the
fourth on the first to allow residents to enjoy an extended weekend.
We enjoyed the company of additional guests, David and Paula Bickom
along with David's parents. More arrived later in the evening for a
caravan to the Pepperell fireworks display on the town field. It was
an excellent display by anyone's standards and certainly outstanding
for such a small town as we have.

On Monday, we turned the house over to the Gonzalez family for
the week to enjoy the Manor and to keep their house in showing 
condition.  (Anyone know of someone looking to buy a GREAT house
in Haverhill, MA?)

I'm back at work for a week before turning myself over to the 
Junior Camp authorities and several 9-to-11 year old boys.  So
look for the next update in a couple of weeks... if I survive.
At least the camp has showers!

Mark