Parading by morning, cottaging in the afternoon

Saturday happened to be the hottest day of the summer--something above 95 degrees in most parts of the state. As luck would have it, I was scheduled to be outdoors for a big chunk of the day at the third of the three Old Home Day celebrations in my legislative district.

After my first shower of the day, I left the Lodge at an early hour (for a Saturday).

Unlike the other politicians, who were marching in the parade, poor souls--a very lengthy parade through parts of two towns--our district's reps were riding in the giant blue and white Cadillac Convertible, with the top down. There were a ton of people (and dogs) lined on the sidewalks, sitting in shaded front yards, waving at us. The car was, as always, very popular.

We were near the front of the procession, and couldn't see the parade. We passed this bagpipe band, waiting to fall in line somewhere behind us.



Our car was entered in the Antique and Classic Car Competition (Classic division), and we were the first to arrive at the judging area, located beneath a stand of trees by the river. In the shade! And there was a little bit of breeze! We unpacked the folding chairs and cooler of Snapple from the trunk and sat down to talk politics and await the judging.

Here's a view of the Merrimack River. And yes, some leaves are already turning yellow...a sign of things to come, and the approaching change of season.



I wandered over to admire the farm animal display.



And check out the competition.



Then I returned to my seat to watch the parade pass by, all the vehicles and floats that had been following us all morning. Here's the ever-popular town hearse.



After midday, we wandered onto the field in search of food. It felt about 10 or 15 degrees hotter there. There was even a sprinkler/misting system set up--a cooling station. We were glad to get back to our shaded sitting area under the trees. The judges departed but we never found out who won. We all had other places to be that afternoon, and drove off before the announcement. Having already won a trophy, at the last car show, we didn't need another.

After my second shower of the day (to alleviate heat stroke) the Chap and I went to the cottage on the Big Lake for a swimming party. He was the last one out of the water.



We had a cookout dinner with his brother and sister-in-law and two nieces and nephew. It was a wonderful meal of grilled salmon and steak, but the kids were more exited about the desserts they'd purchased earlier in the day: a chocolate frosted "gold" cake, a carrot cake, and a lemon meringue pie.



Those of us who couldn't make up our minds which to eat had a "sampler plate" with one of each!

Back at the Lodge I had my third shower of the day. I was afraid if I didn't cool myself down I'd never fall asleep.

Yesterday--not so hot, still humid--we did church and a big political barbecue and potluck at a state representative's house. The speakers were a candidate for U.S. Senate, supporters of two other such candidates, and Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico (who of all the Presidential wannabes wins hands down in the "sense of humour" category....) Every other campaign had a table and we chatted with the staffers we've met at other events.

Today we're enjoying a serene Monday at the Lodge. The air is cool, sky is blue, and there may well be a canoe ride in our future.

I'm staring down an incredibly busy "last week of summer": three in-office days that won't be easy, one routine medical appointment (possibly two), the Saturday arrival of sisters-in-law. I simply won't let myself feel the pressure. Or bemoan the probable dearth of writing time.