Cottage in the rain.

I've been off line for a while at the cottage. It rained for the full week with Maya having one swim and me wimping out in the shower. If this had been 15 years ago, the only bathing option was the lake and we were much hardier for it. I miss those roughing it days because I was fit enough to enjoy the experience. That all changed with the stroke.

The stroke robbed me of my coordination, balance, strength and self confidence. Now I trip over uneven ground, I need a ladder to get out of the water, I can't get in and out of the canoe easily, but I can paint, take photos and walk. I still swim well and the added body fat has improved my already formidable floating ability. It's true, I float like an air mattress without needing an air mattress. It's quite remarkable really.

Maya and I took our three cats (the cousins) to the cottage together. It was their first cottage experience and to say they enjoyed it, is putting it mildly. They had a party after their initial nervousness passed. Inside and out the kitty train was always in motion. Mousing involved Willy catching the mouse and carrying it in his mouth round and round the house, followed by Twee and Choco bringing up the rear with a perplexed expression on his face - huh "what's going on. I better run to catch up". Then there were the many nights of passionate sex for Willy. The object of his affection was big fluffy Twee who was not impressed. All the cats are neutered but they do still have erotic moments usually with fluffy sweaters, towels, cushions and to Willy Twee is the best cushion ever. As mentioned above, Twee was not impressed. Outside, Choco came into his own. Normally he's a follower and timid, but outside he assumed an adventurous and brave personality. Willy was much less crazy than I had expected and actually stayed close to home.

Maya worked on her dissertation, I read and puttered as always. Many good games of scrabble were enjoyed on the rainy evenings - many rainy evenings. I was attacked by chiggers who stealthily bit me without my noticing until the bites started to itch. I got to enjoy yet another novel experience up there. Each year something happens that leaves me asking "what the...?"

Nevertheless we had fun together and it was worth it. We have so little time to be together these days. Next week I'm going back alone with Willy for the rest of August. Let's hope I'll see some sun. So I'll be off line again. See you in September.