From the Great Cape to the Not-So-Great

Before I get into our August drama, I'll recap the Cape Cod vacation, which was fabulous in all ways. We had picture-perfect weather each day. We arrived in Hyannis as expected in time for bed, having left later in the afternoon to beat the Boston traffic. We then got up early enough to beat the traffic into Orleans. We don't get the keys until about 2:30, so we went to the beach for a while, then to Cook's for lunch. We ran some errands and then got the keys to set up house. Our cottage is perfectly situated close to Skaket Beach and far enough away from the commercial side of Orleans. We love Wellfleet, but this has turned into a good alternative.

We spent the majority of our days at the beach -- either the bay or the ocean side. Jack got some kayaking in. He and Patricia took bike rides most mornings. We got to the drive-in to see a double feature (our first): "Despicable Me," and "Toy Story III." The first was better than I expected; the second was as good as I expected. Maybe even better. We got to the flea market (not so great this year) and Provincetown. Margaret got a new charm for her bracelet at the Silver Unicorn in Yarmouth. We managed to get to the Wellfleet Library for a visit and to a couple kettle ponds. We also had our annual dinner at the Lobster Shanty. But then this year, instead of going out for a final dinner, we brought lobsters home to eat. It was fun, but I got way too much food -- between the lobsters and steamers. Next year we vow to make it two weeks because one week just isn't long enough.

We had only been home a week when we had disaster strike. Margaret was on a trail ride with Grandma Downs and was thrown from her horse. She landed hard, was out for a short time (doesn't remember what happened) and broke her back. She is on the mend -- the spinal cord thank God wasn't involved -- but she's in tremendous pain. We will take her to the spinal institute in Burlington Sept. 1 (or sooner if we can get her in on the cancellation list). She must remain as quiet as she can and pretty much goes from the bed to the couch. Activity is strictly limited. It's been scary, but we've received best wishes and prayers from so many people. That part has been very uplifting. At least school doesn't start until Sept. 8. Dance doesn't start until the week of Sept. 27. Although she won't be able to take dance right away, we'll see what the doctor says about October or November. Susan said she can observe for as long as she needs to.

My friend, Kathleen, and her daughter, Sydney, are set to visit tomorrow, so that's good, and that will raise Margaret's spirits as well.

I go in for my wrist surgery Sept. 3, so we're going to be quite a pair. But in the meantime, we're trying to enjoy the rest of August while we can. This summer has been glorious weather-wise, and I'd hate to lose what little summer we have left. It's only the 12th. Brigid has one more full week in the pre-school room; then they take a week off, and the week students return to college (Aug. 30) is the week she starts pre-K. Jack begins his full-time teaching gig that week as well and bids farewell to (full-time) work at the Press. It's a huge step for him, so all you readers out there (all three of you) please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the rest of this mine field of a month.

Photos will be posted soon, including one of Margaret in the ER at Fletcher Allen. (I'm a scrapbooker, after all.)