October, 2025: Aims

October 1, 2025February 18, 2026 / Jo / Leave a comment

October is a beautiful time to be in Maryland — fall colors, temperate days, cozy nights.

Soon the color of the trees will echo the evening sky.

Before I jump into any new activities I want to focus on finishing some of the major projects we’ve already started:

staining the exterior of the house,
planning a new kitchen,
starting with the demolition of the current kitchen,
clearing out the garage,
making a heartfelt effort to minimize clutter in the primary bedroom.

I wish it always looked like this.

The numbered list for October has some time-sensitive, must-do items:

Purchase a major appliance for the kitchen.
Choose excursions for Norway trip.
I’m hoping to get my first choice of excursions.
Drink a glass of water every morning for an entire month.
Clear everything out of pantry.
This is just the beginning of clearing the kitchen.
Unpack 3 boxes.
Bird tour at Blackwater Federal Wildlife Preserve.
Finish shopping for Christmas.
I hope Charlie can find another sprig of fresh mistletoe this year.
Donate or throw away something we don’t need anymore.
Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: FOCUS.
Write a goal list for November, 2025.

September, 2025: Score

September 28, 2025September 28, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

Charlie and I took 10 days out of the middle of the month to celebrate our wedding anniversary while traveling so I had to really get busy with the rest of my to-do list in the remaining 20 days.

We left Baltimore on our cruise to Canada which took us under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Here’s what I (we) did in addition to the numbered list:

Had the oil changed in my car.
I even sprang for a new license plate from a local charity.
Had the piano professionally tuned for the first time since we moved.
A pleasure to listen to — even the low notes.
Started talking to a kitchen designer.
I’m planning to use the same person who designed our last kitchen.
Attended a bluegrass concert while it poured down rain.
Hammer Creek Bluegrass Band from Lancaster, PA
Went birding with an expert ornithologist at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. (#12 of 101 in 1001 list)
Our guide carried equipment to help us “see” better.
Continued staining the outside of the house. We’re onto the detailed work now. This side made the front seem easy.
From this.

To this.

My ambitious numbered list for September follows:

Cruise to Canada to watch whales. (#59 on previous 101 in 1001 list and #68 on my current list) We saw whales, porpoises, and seals in the Bay of Fundy from the port of St. Andrew in New Brunswick, Canada. I have no photos of the animals; I just enjoyed the experience.
We sailed on a small boat from St. Andrew’s harbor into the Bay of Fundy for an opportunity to see whales.
Work on 2026 travel. (#19 on 101 in 1001 list) Here are our plans with an added adventure that I’ll blog about later.
We may have been bitten by the cruise bug.
Shampoo rugs. (#28 on 101 in 1001 list) I shampooed all the rugs on the first floor. Whew, more of a project than I thought.
All 5 of the first floor rugs have been shampooed
Research slipcover makers. Since my chairs will have to go to the workroom of whomever I select I started close to home with local upholsterers. I plan to continue looking by talking to friends and neighbors who might know a seamstress or tailor that will take on the job. Last resort — I’ll do it myself.
These chairs were always slipcovered when I was growing up.
Unpack 3 boxes. I needed to make room for the things I took from the pantry so we can gut the kitchen. I actually emptied a bunch of boxes and added storage on the garage wall.
I hung a cabinet near the garage door and emptied a box of lubricants and cleaners into it.
Take boxes out of pantry. I put some in the garage and some in the downstairs bedroom.
From the pantry heading to the garage.
No sugar or sweets for 7 days. I started strong in the very beginning of the month so I could have a rich dessert everyday on our cruise to Canada.
So many choices – so little time. I never chose the healthy option from the bottom row!

Both actions were successful.
Move DR chest of drawers to first floor bedroom. I cleared out this chest of drawers, installed drawer liners, fixed the doors (which were falling off), and moved it to the downstairs bedroom. Not as pretty but more functional.
From this.

To this.
Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: POISE.
Write a goal list for October, 2025.

Cruising to Canada: Whale Cruise Excursion

September 27, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

After Boston our next port was Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada. We met our tour guide and bus just outside the terminal building for a 7+-hour whale watching tour. We would not return to the ship until minutes before she sailed.

Our whale watching cruiser.

After traveling an hour by bus to St. Andrew, NB just north of the US border we boarded an excursion boat that was about 55 feet long.

As soon as everyone was on board we headed to open water in the Bay of Fundy.

The weather was cool but Charlie and I were both dressed in total waterproof clothing and boots with multiple sweaters underneath. We traveled about an hour from the dock into open water in the Bay of Fundy where the folks who had worn shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops were hunkered down in the enclosed part of the ship after being soaked by spray coming over the bow.

Chevro’s flutes can just be seen in the middle of Charlie’s photo.

Charlie and I stayed on the open top deck where one of the marine biologists pointed out a mist in the distance that was actually a spout (or blow) from whales. The captain raced to get us closer so we could see more details of the whales frolicking in the water. We saw a familiar (to our guides) humpback whale named Chevron with his longtime friend, Cork. They both were active, tail breaching and flipper slapping.

We sailed on a small boat from St. Andrew’s harbor into the Bay of Fundy for an opportunity to see whales. Success.

In addition to whales we saw lots of harbor porpoises frolicking in twosomes and seals sunning themselves on the rocks. I don’t have many good photos because I just wanted to enjoy the experience. (I have fulfilled #59 of my previous 101 in 1001 list.)

Cruising to Canada: Boston

Cruising to Canada: Boston

September 26, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

We went to Baltimore for a cruise to Canada in the middle of September.

We had the largest hotel room we’ve ever had in a historic building in Baltimore.

Charlie and I arrived a day early so we could try a Stay-Park-Cruise hotel in the heart of the city about 15 minutes ride from the cruise port.

The hotel was convenient for us.

For one price we had overnight accommodations, happy hour snack food (chicken and waffles among other things) and drinks, breakfast buffet the next morning, valet parking for our car for the full extent of our cruise, and shuttle to and from the ship. It was a smooth process with just one small hiccup upon our return. I would do it again.

We were happy to be on board the Vision.

Once we boarded our Royal Caribbean ship “Visions of the Sea” we cruised down the Chesapeake Bay and up the eastern coast to Boston.

The Vision in Boston Harbor.

With no plans Charlie and I walked from the ship to South Boston for a coffee. Unfortunately I took a tumble on some uneven paving and bunged up my knees, bruised my shoulder, and dislocated my finger. We made our way across the street to Starbucks where I decided I did NOT need medical attention.

Back on the ship we had a sweet treat.

Walking back to the ship, however, was out of the question. We contacted Lyft and within a few minutes a lovely young man drove us back to the ship for under $11. I was glad to be back on board.

Our stateroom was small but comfortable.

So we didn’t really have a great Boston experience like we did on a previous visit but we were glad to have ventured out.

Travel Plans: 2026

September 3, 2025September 3, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

Sometimes when we travel it’s not to see things — it’s to do things. I have had some of the items we’re planning in 2026 on my 101 things in 1001 day list for more than the most recent go-round.

I’ve done extensive research on just where to go dogsledding and Norway is the winner.

For a long time I have been wanting to go dog sledding (#19 on my 101 in 1001 days list). With that in mind I checked out trips to Alaska, Maine, Canada, and Scandinavian countries.

Here we are at the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.

I finally decided that Norway would be the optimum spot for dog sledding so Charlie and I will be heading to Norway on a cruise in late winter. Perhaps we’ll also see the Northern Lights again.

We enjoyed theatre in the West End.

The cruise disembarks in London, England, where we plan to spend an extra 3 days with the foremost purpose of seeing live theatre in the West End (#17 on my 101 in 1001 list). We haven’t been in England since 2018 except for stopovers at Heathrow on our way to other countries.

The Clermont Hotel

I have booked us at The Clermont in Charing Cross more or less in the heart of the theatre district. I’ll be researching shows as we get closer to our stay.

A rocket at Goddard Air and Space Museum.

On our way to Chincoteague to see the pony penning we passed Wallops Island, part of NASA, (#3 on my 101 in 1001 list) which is an easy day trip from our house. If we plan it right we will see a rocket launch. (We saw the final space shuttle launch in 2010 at Cape Canaveral.)

We may be sorry to visit in the heat of summer — hope not.

In August we might attend my high school class reunion near Pittsburgh. While we’re up that way I’d like to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater (#57 on my 101 in 1001 list).

This looks like something I would really like — just have to convince Charlie.

Those plans take us right up to autumn when we usually do something different for our wedding anniversary. Not etched in stone yet but I’m leaning toward hang-gliding or parasailing (#22 on my 101 in 1001 list) on either the Outer Banks of North Carolina or Ocean City, Maryland.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Now I need to get started on reservations and logistics.

September, 2025: Aims

August 31, 2025August 31, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

Charlie and I plan to be really busy in September. We’ll continue with the large tasks we’ve started (staining the house) and with enjoying our Maryland seafood while the warm weather keeps the supply going.

I’m working on a better layout for the kitchen floor plan.

Then we’re going to start gutting the kitchen which will be totally redesigned.

We added a few new perennials in August some of which are already blooming.

My ambitious numbered list for September follows:

Cruise to Canada to watch whales. (#59 on previous 101 in 1001 list and #68 on new 101 in 1001)
The humpback whale is the most prevalent species in eastern Canada at that time of year.
Work on 2026 travel plans. (#19 on 101 in 1001 list)
We’re already scheduled to cruise to Norway to go dogsledding.
Shampoo rugs. (#28 on 101 in 1001 list)
The living room rug has had a lot of traffic since we moved in last March.
Research local slipcover makers.
I would like to have this chair and its twin slipcovered.
Unpack 3 boxes.
I still have boxes in the garage that need to be unpacked.
Take boxes out of pantry.
We’ll be emptying and removing these pantries for the kitchen makeover.
No sugar or sweets for 7 days.
I’ve been indulging in way too many sugary foods this summer.
Move DR chest of drawers to first floor bedroom.
The oak dresser I bought in Greenwich Village (NYC) in 1977 is moving from the dining room to the downstairs bedroom.
Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: POISE.
Write a goal list for October, 2025.

Staining the House: The Tricky Parts

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

When we began staining the house in June I was hoping we’d finish the job before the end of the year. I still hope so.

The front is finished except for a few touch-ups to thoroughly hide the previous color.

By the end of August we have stained the front of the formerly peach (apricot, salmon?) exterior walls of the house.

Charlie on the extension ladder.

The western wall is finished.

We began on the western facing wall — the part you can see from the street — which is finished.

The house color is Cabot’s Federal Blue and the shed is Spruce Blue.

Then we moved around to the north side — the garage and front entrance — 2 stories of fun.

I can climb an extension ladder but I can’t move it.

I stain the lower areas and Charlie works from an extension ladder and hits the highest parts of the walls.

The southwestern corner of the house is difficult to access.

We plan to start working on the tricky spaces.

I have a special technique for behind the air conditioners.

Lots of ins and outs.

Behind the air conditioners, on the bedroom decks and niches.

We may only be half finished but now we have some experience staining this wood siding.

Finally, we have to stain the tallest part of the house. The front walls are actually the lowest.

Now the neighbors see an all blue house — they have admired it.

Thus far I am happy with the project.

August, 2025: Score

August 27, 2025August 27, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

August was a month of getting things done. The hot weather decreased and the biting flies showed up.

Charlie catches them, steams them, and serves them up.

The crabs were running and so were the stinging sea nettles.

My photo of a sea nettle under the surface of the water. (The darker area is a shadow from my camera.)

In addition to the preplanned numbered list below I (we):

finally got Dash his new license at the city office.
Dashie proudly wears his tags — I think he likes the jingle jangle.
worked on the foundation planting at the front of the house with new perennial plants.
We added a few new perennials in August which I’m hoping will take hold in September.
hung new house numbers.
I used 3-D posts and a modern font for the new numbers.
went to some free outdoor concerts including the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters — always good.
The Sea Chanters — one of my favorite service music groups.
attended a Night Sky Tour at Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. (#13 on my 101 in 1001 list)
replaced rotten wood under the front door.
Rotten wood replaced.

I started working on the numbered list early in the month. Mostly the chores were both fun and satisfying. Staining the house was very satisfying however not so much fun.

Organize house papers. Now if there is an issue everything is in one box. Such a bore but it’s done!
Get Canada cruise documents together. I have a completed folder of everything we need to travel. At the same time I purged the papers from Turkey and Greece.
We’ll be traveling on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas.
Transplant orchids. I got busy at the beginning of the month and transplanted my large old orchids. (#100 of 101 in 1001 list)
I kept only the best roots.
Work on a paint project. We made a lot of progress on the house stain in August.
Before

After
Picnic on the sandbar. While I made it out to the sandbar in our kayak the only picnicking was done by birds — blue heron, egret, geese, gulls.
Honestly, I love being on the water.

I’ll need a better boat (with a sail or motor) if I want to actually stop for lunch.
Write handwritten notes to friends. I wrote letters on my personalized paper to connect and encourage and congratulate. (#4 of 101 in 1001 list)
Clean car headlights. The headlight clarity, while not perfect, is greatly improved. (#88 of 101 in 1001 list)
Before and after
Work on Christmas gifts. I have some good ideas which I have listed in my Christmas document — I’ll start buying soon.
Pick a word to focus on for the month. My word: SELF-DISCIPLINE.
Write a goal list for September, 2025.

Rotten

August 23, 2025 / Jo / Leave a comment

While we were staining the house we discovered that the wood siding under the front door was mostly rotten.

The wood under the doorstep was dark and mushy.

My first inclination was to stain it and fix it later.

The stained area under the step needed to come out.

But when we finished staining most of the front of the house Charlie decided we should replace the wood.

We were happy to discover that the deck board next to the house had not been screwed nor nailed into place — it just popped out with the encouragement of a crow bar.

Charlie removed the old rotted wood. I found some long pieces of replacement siding in the garage which I stained the house color. Pre-staining meant I would only need to touch up under the door after the application.