Stone walls in the woods

I really like the history of New England. During our move I noticed stone walls bordering roads, in the woods, surrounding a garden and crumbling by an old house. The stories these stones must tell--family settling the area and gathering from nearby. I think they're a strong reminder of what once was.

More pics from Thanksgiving and being ill

Jackson somehow knew I was not feeling up to par.

Mayflower replica in Plymouth, Mass.

Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

For Thanksgiving we drove to Plymouth, Massachusetts and watch all 51 Pilgrims marched to the top of hill above the town (that was the number of pilgrims who made it through the first winter in 1620).  We saw the replica of the Mayflower - supposedly 5% of the wood is from the original Mayflower.  I can't imagine getting on a rickety boat that small with 100 other people and going across the Atlantic and then arriving, building a house, hunting and farming for food and making a new life in the middle of nowhere with blister cold winters.  Then we drove a little further into Cape Cod - I can't quite remember the name of the little crossroads we were at - and ate Thanksgiving at an english tavern.  I had the lamb chop and Emalee had the roast turkey.

I've been tagged. . .

*It's yellow and red watermelon.
I was tagged by my friend Shannon to post a picture from my photos, taking the fourth picture from the fourth folder in my pictures. I have dozens of folders, but here's what she asked for. By the way, Shan, I love your recent artwork!!

It's a Wonderful Life

Mark and I have been married for three wonderful years. . .

Thanksgiving window boxes

About three blocks away there's a house that has professional window boxes that are done every 4-6 weeks with the season. Thank you to everyone who thought I had the skill and ability to do such lovely work. I'm not the one responsible for these lovely displays but I do enjoy them!

Patients and Patience

First it was Jackson with the broken leg. Now it's Mark who is the patient. He had abdominal pain Thursday and after a doctor visit Friday afternoon learned he had appendicitis. It's Sunday now and Mark's about 36 hours post surgery and snoozing on the couch. 

We took a short walk this morning in the FREEZING cold. My patients are doing well. Mark will need patience to take it easy for the next 10 - 14 days. We'll be in the home state of Thanksgiving instead of Montreal this year. I've pondered driving to Plymouth on Thursday to see if they have anyone dress up like Pilgrims and Indians. I'll definitely post pictures if we do!

Amherst, Mass.

Mark and I thought that Amherst was a cute college town that you might find in the Southeast. The building above was my favorite.

Recent trip to Long Island, NY

I went to Long Island a few weeks ago and just uploaded the pictures. The trees were amazing that week and the auto ferry ride across the Long Island Sound to Connecticut was beautiful. On the drive from CT to MA our friend Edgar called with an invitation to dinner. He'd been working in Maine that week and bought live lobster. Mark met me in Providence to enjoy Ed & Mandy's hospitality and amazing food.

Prayers answered

Jackson is now cast free. We have no more follow-up appointments at the vet's office. Yahoo!

Good things

Good things are happening around the Holmes' household:

1. We sold our Toyota today. 

That was my first car to drive in the decade we live in. I was so proud and it served me, and later Mark, very well.

2. Our building sold.

I was concerned that we might receive a 60 day notice any day now. I found out we won't be rushed out any time soon. The new owner of 395 Marlborough will wait 1-2 years before gutting the place. I'm relieved.

3. Jackson is on the mend. 

Our vet estimates 1-2 visits because his wounds are healing nicely. Thanks for the prayers. I'm so relieved he doesn't need surgery!

4. We booked a great hotel for Thanksgiving in Montreal, Canada.

5. The Gators are playing well this season.

That makes Mark happy.

6. Will, Jenny and kids are in the States to stay.

 I'm thrilled that we can call without having to consider a 13 hour time difference. Welcome back, we're SO GLAD.

7. I'm reading a book I really enjoy, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. 

I love getting so wrapped up in a book that time slips by.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Barrack and Sarah! Don't forget to vote on Tuesday.