We went to Cape Enrage in Alma, New Brusnwick on our little get-away and School Boy mustered up the courage to try the zip line. Have you ever read a Scaredy Squirrel book? That would describe my son to a T. Mr. Safety with multiple back-up plans and 100 reasons why something is too dangerous to try. At first, when he saw the zip line, he said NO WAY would he go up there. But then a little girl, smaller than him went, plus her siblings. Then a group of older folks went (one man was 92 years old - their oldest zipper). So, he decided it might be ok. He checked out the double harness system, the helmets, and thought... well ok. I didn't pressure him, but I told him that if he wanted to try it he could. He was worried, "what if I don't like it?... can I go only once?" I told him 1X would be fine, at least he would have tried it, but he wouldn't know if he liked it or not if he didn't try. So he went.
Coming in for a landing after the 1st run - he was all smiles. You can see he had a firm grip on that rope, LOL.
He told me his legs were "a little wobbly"! Of course, he went all 3 times (you get 3 runs) and had a blast! I think something like this is a huge confidence builder! He was so happy and excited and loved the photos I took of him. Well, now I know he likes it, I will be on the look-out for a longer zip-line. This one is fairly small but for a first time experience, it was perfect!
I am working on updating my business website, which required a little get-away trip. It was a mini-getaway for our family too, which was an added bonus! We were only able to stay 2 nights, but it did help break up all the driving we had to do. My son and I looked on the internet before leaving to pick out a reasonably priced place to stay - he loved the idea of staying in these "smurf" cottages. These cottages are right in The Fundy National Park. Let me tell you, Fundy National Park is wonderful!!! Similar to Arcadia National Park, but 1/8 the people and 1/2 the price! So, we stayed here. - Fundy Highlands Inn and Chalets. The hosts, Pierre and Anne-Marie were very welcoming. Pierre knows the park trails very well and helped me with picking a hiking trail that DH could manage with his bad knees! Really, if you are looking for a place to stay in Fundy Park, I would recommend this spot. Plus - free wi-fi - something I really needed during this trip! Sometimes I can go a few days without, but since I am taking 2 college classes on-line this semester, I really needed to be able to log-in and do some homework.
We really wanted a place with cooking capability so this little kitchenette was perfect! Very well equipped. We brought 1 cooler of food from home and stopped at a big grocery store along the way to stock up the 2nd cooler with cold goods. There is a variety of restaurants down in the town of Alma, plus a little store where you can pick up groceries, but we really like having our own food with us! The bakery in Alma is really good - we stopped there for a fresh baked bagette to go with our meal one day. Yum!
Here is a photo of the main room. Like a little squirrel house! It is a bit off-season and chilly at night - but there was electric heat, so perfect! This cottage really reminded me of the style cottages my grandfather used to build - old fashioned and homey - it brought back happy memories of when we used to stay in one when I was little!
And this was our view while we sat outside on the deck and ate! Very peaceful and relaxing! The grounds are really well-kept too. I especially liked the flower arrangements that are still in bloom in October! I liked it so much that I am planning on returning again next year in the Spring.
I will write more about our trip in another post!
Last week the grocery store had a huge box of pumpkins. Of course, School Boy wanted one right away. Well - might as well because once the store sells out - it is a "quick" 8 hour round trip to the next store over... or if you want to go to more than one store, then figure on 12 hours. So, I know it is early, but sure beats going all that way for 1 pumpkin. So, I said yes. And he got that big one... and as soon as we got it home he was hankering to carve it, although I thought it was a bit early. Oh well, why not? He is leaving mid-October anyway - let him have fun. So, I traced the design on the pumpkin and then turned the knives over to him and DH - I just don't have the nerves to watch. Well, that went so well, we ended up getting the 2nd pumpkin for our neighbor. School Boy's nearest and dearest friend and I think she is 98. We went to the Dollar Store for the lights to put inside and I got one of those very cheap pumpkin carving knives for all of $1. My son and DH said it was worth every penny. So, if you are going to carve a pumpkin this year - get one of those funny looking knives! They come highly recommended in this household!
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My truck's radiator hose is leaking. Last week School Boy and I went to try to find a replacement - 4 stores and 2 countries later we had to settle on ordering one. Anyway, the store called the other day that it had arrived. I wasn't up to going today so DH went (he was home 8 hours later - see why I didn't want to go - I had already been just a few days ago to get it the 1st time around!). Instead I stayed home, did about 6 loads of laundry, vacuumed, mopped, cleaned the small fridge to get it ready (we are shutting down the bigger refrigerator and freezer tomorrow), cooked 3 square meals for my son, and "relaxed". In my down time I picked back up on book that I wrote and illustrated last year that I would really love to get published.
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Finally DH gets home with the working vehicle and SB and I have to run out for an errand. On the way home we noticed a rainbow so drove over to the cove so I could get a good look at it too (not such a good idea to be looking at it while driving!).
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Well, that was my "day off". Tomorrow I have a quiz for school and Thursday I have a big test. I have tons of paperwork to do. And I guess, we might as well hang up the orange Halloween lights even if it is just for the next week and half. Trying to be festive...
