While washing dishes this morning, I thanked God once again for sending me a personal chef. Not only is Ron exceptional in the kitchen, said by the woman who thinks everything is cooked on high, but he loves it. Cooking relaxes Ron, helps him unwind. I’m grateful he chose me as the beneficiary of his stress relief.
Over the course of nine years, we’ve developed our own routine. I build fires and do dishes; he cooks. Give and take, as in all things. Ron’s parents helped me learn the value of the routine in marriage.
When Ron and I were first dating, his mom was in the last years of Alzheimer’s. She was still using a cane when we met but soon progressed to a wheelchair. Watching Ron’s dad take care of her was a privilege I will never forget. Once, I fussed at Ron for not helping his dad get his mom into the car. Ron responded, “They have their routine. They know what they’re doing. Let them do it.” And he was right.
Trust me when I say, after living single for 41 years, adjusting to marriage had challenges. Learning respect and value for Ron’s opinion changed my life. I’m not always right, and two heads really are better than one.
Sidenote:
D’Bot, as we affectionately call our robot vacuum, is becoming part of my pack-up routine. We purchased a new one for home and moved him here. Getting rid of things in our house means moving them to the trailer. D’Bot works well on the camper but still manages to find ways to get stuck. I’m not worried about Artificial Intelligence taking over the world anytime soon:-).
On to New York, again!
Watching the trailer slide backward as the hitch engaged was terrifying when it didn’t stop even more so. I looked at Ron and said, “Shouldn’t you get in the truck or something in case this thing goes?”
He smiled at me in the way he does when he thinks I’m cute and said, “Nah, it’s all in the hitch.”
Once again, he was right. Ron said it happens all the time, which is why he has such a strict routine about hooking up. Also, the reason why I’m not allowed to walk behind the trailer. Ron said he’d had a couple of incidences that scared him.
At 10:01 a.m., we pulled out of site 91, heading to Manchester, NH, for lunch with Ann Marie.
Overall, Hid’N Pinesis a great location for Old Orchard Beach (OOB). An easy bike ride or walk to the ocean. Quiet hours aren’t until 11:00, and it wasn’t quiet. However, the noise is children playing and families laughing, so not bad noises.
Ron said Old Orchard Beach Campground gets good reviews. The park had a freshly painted log beam fence and bright, colorful signs easily noticed while driving by.
Ron said as we were leaving OOB, “Bye Maine. Old Orchard Beach, I like Old Orchard Beach.” I responded, “Me too!”
My friend Ann Marie gave us an official welcome to New England with a goody basket full of local delicacies, including sweet potato treats for the pups. And she treated us to lunch with a delicious pizza from the local market. As Ron keeps saying, “Everyone is so nice here.”
Visiting with Ann Marie was a highlight to our day. Parked in Walmart, a company welcoming RV’ers, we opened the slides and talked about old times. I love the ability to invite friends over wherever we are, and it was great for the pups. We opened the windows and let them nap in the fresh air.
Ann Marie’s kind spirit and warm smile are missed. Our days of working together at Nautica ended years ago. Thankfully, we’ve stayed in touch since. We’re hoping for many more visits in the future.
Of course, Ann Marie and I started talking, and I forgot to introduce her to Ron. Finally, about 10 minutes before we parted ways, I remembered. Ann Marie and I’s time together was short; I didn’t want to waste it. Plus, I feel like everyone knows Ron; I forget they don’t:-)
We do love New England; everyone IS nice:-)!
Since we missed church on Sunday, we were listening to LCC’s service at 1:57 p.m. when we passed into Vermont. I didn’t have time to grab my camera for a picture of the sign. Seeing the mountains in their fall foliage is definitely on the bucket list for a future trip.
Driving through the Green Mountains of Vermont, breathtaking!
We heard, “Welcome to New York,” at 3:40 p.m. from our travel companion, the GPS. The Adirondacks are the next range over from the Green Mountains and where we’ll spend the next three days.
Sitting at White Hall stoplight, Ron saw the sign for Ticonderango, 26 miles; Ron said, “Grandma worked there.” When I asked for more information, he told me she was a telephone operator in Ticonderoga for a while. Our conversation about family led him to remember his Dad’s first job, parking cars at Frontier Town.
At 4:23 p.m., we pulled into Whippoorwill Motel and Camp Site (WW); by 4:55, after routine set-up, we were enjoying an adult beverage. Ron was stung with a bee on his lower lip while backing up; thankfully, no allergic reaction.
Driving Route 4 for 2 hours “keeps you on your toes,” as Ron says. The drive was a much-appreciated change from I-95.
Our neighbors, GMC Nor Easters Group 
Ron’s description of our drive, “Up and down the mountains we went.” Capturing the vibrancy of the drive was impossible. As much as I tried with my camera, I failed. After passing through one quaint town, you’d come upon another. Ron’s right; it was an up and down day of travel, thankfully with no issues. Life on the road is never dull.
After settling into WW, we headed to Lake George (LG) to check out the area. Five miles from the campground, we passed several other camping options on the way. Spanning 30 miles, LG is a sight to behold. Nestled into the Adirondacks, the lakefront was hopping with people.
We had a drink at Boardwalk Restaurant and Marina while watching the boat traffic float past us. Of course, I love the floating Tiki bar. I could tell from Ron’s look; the answer was no without even asking.
Although not the ocean, we did get our toes in the sand picture. Lake water is cold.
Fireworks are at 9:30 every Thursday, lucky us. I wanted to hang out at the lakefront until time for the show. Ron, however, wanted to go back to the campground. He wasn’t in the mood to wait two hours.
“Plus, we already saw fireworks once.”
I did my best to convince him to stay, but I lost that battle. We may go back; time will tell. We’re both tired from all of the traveling. And we did already see fireworks once.
After coming back to the campground and cooking dinner, we went back for the fireworks. Why not?
On the way back to the truck, I found $2 laying on the ground. Ron said, “You’re rich.” Well, I’m $2 richer and a day older.
Another day full of fresh memories. Two weeks into our exploring adventure and we’re both tired. Glad we’re staying here for three nights.
If I didn’t write everything down, neither one of us would remember all we’ve done:-).
Tomorrow we tour Schroon Lake, Saturday looks like a rain out. Wifi is strong and as Ron says, “I haven’t worked as much as I’d hoped.” Saturday is a work/rest day. Who would have thought we’d pray for rain?
Night friends, the meandering Morrison’s need rest.