Not at all a bad trip

The geezer gets the boot at LL Bean
Photo: Hollie Grant

  Well, we had a pretty good day and a 275 mile round trip - just enough to touch off the old back!
We got on the road about six, and with a stop at Wal-Mart in Waterville, got in to Augusta at 8AM, for the first visit to Staples and put some of the stuff in plastic.
  Then we finished the trip to Freeport on the I-95/I-295 routes, that was the last of interstate highway travel, except for the last five miles.  We did go to the "world famous" LL Bean for the photo op, and Hollie wanted an LL Bean cap and a couple of post cards.  I got off easy :)
  Up route 1 to Brunswick and over to Cooks Corner (near the old NAS Brunswick), that little mall has just about emptied out, the base is gone and a lot of stores are too - lots of empty space in all of the "strip malls" - not as in strip club.  There were only two people working a Staples! Two!  We had a wait so had lunch - it was ten AM and lunch time according to my clock.  We took a walk through Wal-Mart and she found a tie dye sweatshirt, couldn't pass it up, I didn't need any money any way (it was a good buy).
  Up, or over, to Lewiston for some more lamination's at that Staples, a quick side trip to Bull Moose Music for a used Dolly Parton CD and on to Maine 202 east.  Short stop in Augusta to use the facilities and a DQ Blizzard and on to home.  Piece of cake.

Hollie at the boot.
Photo by the geezer

Off we go...and this ain't no wild blue yonder

  Well the day is here; the first of two "vacation days" for the Hollie girl.  I am sure she is ready to go, she does get quite excited about these things.  It's obvious that I'm ready, heck I'm even alert enough to write this drivel.
  It is my plan to go directly to Freeport and LL Bean first, and go to Brunswick (which is a start back north) second.  I don't really know if this will fly - she needs those laminated projects - that may change the order of things.
  We would move on from Brunswick to Lewiston via Maine route 196 and push up to Augusta from there and then the one hour drive back to Bangor/Brewer/Levant; you know, something like that.
  I do not dread these trips, I look forward to them and I like to participate - the thing is I really don't have a lot of choices in where and in what order things get done - I'm not the real autistic one.
  I'm sure there'll be a lot to bore you with tomorrow so stay tuned.

Waterville? again?

Photo: www.colby.edu

  First a little background; on Sunday I asked for ideas and Darlene said "why don't you write about the cheap day trips with Hollie?"  I replied that trips with Hollie weren't cheap, but at her suggestion that I leave out money spent at Staples, I found that she was right.  I'm a cheapskate and a good one too!

  When I picked up Hollie for a regular monthly visit she wanted to go to Augusta, so I suggested Waterville which is 20 miles closer, and it still has a Staples.  She has changed somewhat I think, now it's just laminate the stuff and get out of town and go home.  Maybe the upcoming "vacation day" will be different.
  We got to Waterville went to Wal-Mart and bought one CD, a Willie Nelson because it's his 80th birthday - there's always a reason folks - for everything.  We continued on to a Hannaford supermarket in search of a certain magazine, which we didn't find.
  On to Staples with eight project (a project is a laminated picture), then it was time to eat.  We usually eat "breakfast for lunch" because places are still serving breakfast when it's our lunchtime.
  I took her across the river to Winslow, specifically to go to Big G's.

The place
Photo: Big G's

  Big G's got it's name because everything is big! Big!  If you were to go for lunch, a sandwich would be about eight inches square and be very thick.  Breakfast of an omelet and home fries is served on an oval plate because it's too big (10") for a round plate.  It was the first time in recent memory she didn't eat everything.  The food was great and she did buy a whoopee pie for later, they're about five inches across - big.

Try one for size, Big G's sandwiches.
Photo: Big G's

Tomorrow I'll tell you about what happened after I got home.  You won't want to miss it!

Trip along the coast of Maine

Belfast, Maine Oct 13 2012 - click to enlarge
at Waterfront Park

  We had a great trip to Rockland, Rockport, Camden and Belfast (that's the list on the way home), the day was nice but cold in the morning.  It was between 27 and 30 degrees during my walks.  The leaves weren't as pretty as those inland very dull shades along the coast with few exceptions.
  We got a few photos taken but travel with "the girl" is always a bit rushed, she doesn't understand taking time to do such things - that's why we have magazines!

  We may or may not be offline Monday-Thursday or so this week, we will only have our cell phone on the landline will be down too.  New flooring in the living room is the reason.  Have to move everything in to one of the other rooms, not an easy task in a small place.  Check in often to see if we're back.

A part of Rockports waterfront. - click

The World (condominium ship) in Rockland Harbor Oct 13 2012 - click
Owls Head Lighthouse, though tiny, is in the photo too, hint think left, but
not too far.

On the road again

Hollie at Bug Light Park, South Portland, Maine 8/8/2012

I picked her up at daybreak, just a bit past dawn,
got her in the car, and we were off and gone;
right on to the Interstate, in the direction of south,
"going down to Portland, Dad" were the words from her mouth.

One of two vacation days, that I allow each year,
and let's go back to Portland, put this car in gear.
I don't mind the travel except the price of gas,
but in the words of wisdom, This too shall pass.

First a stop in Newport, Tim Hortons is the place,
eating a quick breakfast, slow down it's not a race;
back out on the highway, foggy by the streams,
but the sun quickly burns it off, it's so hot it steams.

Next stop is Biddeford, first Target, then the prize,
Staples with her projects, surprise, surprise, surprise;
ten laminated items later, we're back in the car,
up the road to Saco, Renys isnt' far.

Now on up to Wal-Mart, Scarboroughs the chosen place,
just in time to find a magazine, t-shirt too, and still it's not a race.
A quick lunch at KFC and we're headed east,
Portland Head Light is there, it calms the savage beast.

A couple of of photo ops, a visit to the store,
one huge postcard later, and we're out the door.
Now to South Portland, Spring Point here we come,
we already hit the prize you see, Portland Head is number one.

Some photos at Spring Point, she takes one of me,
learns to use the camera, easy - one, two, three.
Down the road a little ways to our last lighthouse,
Bug Light the tiny thing, kind of a lighthouse mouse.

Now, on the road to Augusta, sixty miles, more or less,
getting out of Portland - construction makes a mess,
quick stop in Topsham, Target store is there,
a pop, a wonder - what was that?  Just a tiny scare.

Then I see the crack, it's small but growing now,
the windshield took a hit.  Now - don't have a cow;
we made it home in record time, watchful of that crack,
"get it fixed tomorrow, dad".  We're right back on track.

The Geezer hisself at Spring Point Light, South Portland Maine 8/8/12
the first photo Hollie ever took.  Do I look ready?

And I was off...

...and running just before the early hour of four,
fully expecting nothing, but I'm the fool that's poor.
Got a coffee, my first of the day,
went for gas, and got under way.

I arrived to pick her up at quarter to six,
being glad she's moving, won't be out in the sticks
backtracked to Newburgh for I95,
fully aware that she was really alive.

We first stopped in Waterville, 40 miles away,
she had some breakfast, my number two coffee today.
She bought a CD and one magazine,
I knew that was coming, I have foreseen.

Cool as a cucumber, that's her demeanor,
she'll make people glad that they have seen her,
one pit stop later we're at Biddefords gate,
it's our last stop in Maine, our home state.

Staples is first, we all knew that,
then off to Target, no time for a hat.
The weather is foggy, damp nearly wet,
but we're off today, her heart had been set.

Now off to Dover, the New Hampshire place,
in to my brothers house, she's not in a race.
Because there are stairs - just three steps in those,
but when she saw the rail - - well, she just froze.

Scoot up as she does, while I guard the rail,
before she doing steps, she would rather do jail.
They're just steps to us, what difference it makes,
when we understand that to her they're snakes.

It's a visual thing that I don't understand,
but autistic people refuse steps, all over the land,
not everyone does that but there are many,
who do not like stairs, and do not use any.

A photo at my brothers, it didn't come out too well,
so we'll just ditch it and say "oh, what the hell",
but it's one that I wanted - two brothers with beards,
one looked quite normal and the other is weird.

We hopped down to Newington, near the big mall,
had nice lunches at Longhorn, with iced tea and all.
Then we went to the bookstore just one purchase there,
a DVD set, Newhart and the gang, pull up a chair.

Now over to Staples to laminate more,
I was sure she would use all the plastic in the store,
but she only did nine projects, for her a slow day,
I mean it's "special occasion" - hey, what the hay!

Now we wanted Wal-Mart, but made the wrong turn,
but we'll stop back in Dover, smell that rubber burn,
into the Wal-Mart and back to the car,
she seems to know where the magazines are.

Soon we're making the "big Dover loop"
all 'round the circle - it's the local scoop,
one-way traffic on the most busy street,
makes doing that circle less of a treat.

Now back in Maine the old dad stops the car,
we're in the same state now, call Mom tell how you are.
Back up to Biddeford - no time for a stop,
we wait for Topsham and stop to shop.

Some granola bars, and a new magazine,
each one's like the first that's she's ever seen.
Now off to Augusta, a fine Staple's there,
do four more projects - well that's just fair!

One stop at Sam's, and Italians (sandwiches) for us,
it doesn't take long, like we're in a rush.
Off on route 3, we're China bound,
we don't have much time to fool around.

We leave China on route 202,
the miles between us and home are getting few.
Right up to Dixmont it's a beautiful place,
on the Kennebec Road - now it's a race.

We're back in Winterport - she's safely home,
oh what a day! Yes we did roam,
her Spring Vacation - one day only you know,
450 miles, lots of smiles. It was fun to go.

Now back to Levant, it's a round-about route,
bathroom break in Hampden, give the horn a small toot.
Next to Levant, out here in the sticks,
I got home with the news, on the dot, about six.

So, that's the story, one day in my life,
off with the girl, not home with my wife,
but the wifes happy to see me, safely at home,
waiting for opportunities to further roam.

........and........we're off....

....to see the lizard.  Or some such other thing.  Actually this is one of Hollies vacation days, we will be going to the Newington Mall in New Hampshire following a short visit with my brother and his wife in Dover (the New Hampshire Dover for you Mainers).
  I'll pick her up at six and go backwards a bit and take the interstate from Newburgh, then it will be a stop in Waterville or Augusta and on to Biddeford for the first "Staples Stop".  Staples Stops rank in importance just above bathroom breaks.  Staples Stops are the whole reason for this trip, one of the Staples in New Hampshire hasn't been stopped at before.  I am not making this up.  I can make up some funny or weird stuff but this is for real.
  I am in hopes of being home before six this evening, maybe seven, it'll be a long day, but with plenty of entertainment I'll be okay.  Entertainment consists of me learning about new singers, or singer wannabes.  Or, maybe I'll listen to some Presidential history, there was one President born in New Hampshire - Franklin Pierce, and of course his wife, children(?), household pets and events that took place while he was in office.
  I'm off to see the lizard.  It'll be fun!

She came...

...out ready to go,
so let's just get on with the show,
some iced coffee and a snack,
then - she began her attack.

I must point out one thing,
she didn't want too much of a fling;
just part of the usual stuff,
still - that's quite enough.

Off to Wal-Mart, that has to be,
looking for whatever she might see;
a magazine - a very good choice,
a cd, more magazine talk than I can voice.


First ride in Hollie Theme Park,

 We pasted some stuff together,
with the ease as when you talk about weather,
then she was ready for the Grand Fantastic,
get that treasure encased in plastic!


the next ride..

 That done we wandered around,
wondering where we would hit ground,
she's decided to just go next door,
to Borders your friendly book store.

Fifteen dollars lighter by now,
we took on the next sacred cow,
where to go for our lunch,
although I had a hunch...

...it would be breakfast for lunch,
and I was right, just for once.
Off we go in a magical motion,
food is no fly in the lotion.

Governors is the perfect place,
take you time, please, no need to race;
the food is good, the service is great,
and I won't be broke at this rate.


A favorite ride.

But, today, we just didn't go home,
I had one more skill I could hone,
off we went to the Bangor FCU, kind of banks,
teach her how to cash checks and say thanks.

She'll be doing her own, for a while,
it was time that she walked that mile,
it was a scary thought that she had,
that when she went in - they'd be mad.

So by now my brain is a-kilter,
sorely in need of a sort of filter,
but I've drawn a map, in colorful inks,
this shows you, how I think, she thinks.



Brain waves

 

She came out...

...with an arm full, of binders and stuff;
so, I knew I was in for more than enough;
photos and clippings, and last weeks mail,
paychecks and binders, I went pale.

That's when I knew what kind of day it would be,
so we left the driveway while I could still see,
off in a hurry, right up the road,
at least she finally sat down her load.

She had been out shopping or scouting you know,
she knew just how many stores there were to go;
she had cased them, like a thief in the night,
knew where stuff was, and she had it right.

So a brief stop at Tim Hortons, the Main Street one,
a paper to Peggy - that old son-of-a-gun;
that straight up to Wal-Mart, in Brewer, Maine,
at least Mary was happy to see us - - again.

Then in the parking lot, get out the knife,
CD's to open, staples to come out, please,
we had Jewell, and a Dog City thing,
who knows what pleasures these will bring.

Ever so slowly, it's too early you know,
over near Staples to a parking lot we go;
cut with the trimmer, be carful Dad!
Then a whoopie pie, first strawberry ones she's had.

Finally! They're open! It's almost "santa claus" time.
Staples opened their doors, promptly at nine;
she rushes in all of her stuff in tow,
they won't know what hit 'em, that's all I know.

Then we headed to Borders, a book that she wants,
besides that store is one of her favorite haunts;
there's the book, twenty-five dollars worth,
about all fifty states, it's for July Fourth.

Then, of course, we hit one more store,
over to Target, I don't know what for;
oh, now I remember, the wanted CD;
and one other thing, I forgot, now let's see.

Then it's breakfast for lunch, Governors' will do,
a Philly Cheesesteak Omelet, how's that sound to you?
We ate our meal, while iced coffee was drank,
please one more thing at Staples. How does that rank?

So, one more project under her belt,
we're at the end of the hand I was delt;
a pleasant trip, an expensive one to,
but we had a good time, how about you?

That's a typical Hollie Day!

I'm alive...

...and well, on a short nights sleep,
but it's nice and quiet, that I'll keep;
it was a long day with the Hollie girl,
she sure can keep things in a whirl.

It was four hundred eighty miles round trip,
and it all went off well, without a blip;
she didn't get all that she wanted,
but got enough so that I'm not haunted.

Twenty-one projects, and one TV show,
those are the 'things' that make her mind go;
so many interests, and so little time,
I don't know how she keeps her mind.

All went well, we didn't get lost,
the weather was warm, no hint of a frost;
it was cool enough that we didn't heat up,
and I had coffee, one, in a real cup.

So into New Hampshire, projects and lunch,
then back to Maine, in an hour, to give you a hunch,
just an idea of how fast her mind spins,
just like leaves blown in the winds.

Hold her steady, applies to ships,
and to Hollie and the words from her lips,
she thinks so fast, she may get confused,
it's a surprise that her brain isn't bruised.

So I got home, a bit after six,
to bed with the Red Sox, it's how I get my kicks;
five hours of sleep, up, ready to go,
bring in the camera so there's photos to show.

But now I need coffee, it's already put on,
and I'll push buttons for good befor it gone,
six little tabs, all with a button to push,
it's easy, no sounds, so shhhhh!

I'll be good to my neighbors, Live and Let Live,
my favorite slogan, it has lots to give..
..me ideas on how to behave,
and lets me use my whole hand when I wave.

Enjoy!

There ain't...

...no rest for the wicked, I prove it every day,
it's a sleeping thing, I don't have a say;
but I'm not complaining, I got my needed rest,
it's just that I was starting, to like one o'clock the best.

Now - I know that's not going to happen, in reality;
but there's alway wishful thinking, don't you agree?
Nah! There's not a chance - to turn sleepy-head,
well, there's one I guess.  When you finally wake up dead!

How's that for a ditty? Tell me what you think.
click on the comments, you can do it in a blink.
I'm really not complaining, I did sleep very well,
it's just that my thought process, is going straight to hell.

And I'm getting ready, for my trip today,
Hollie to New Hampshire.  Hooray, hooray!
It should be easy going(?), with stops along the way;
at least that's what I'm hoping, but plans can go astray.

She's going to be surprised, when they wake her up,
didn't know the day we'd go, didn't want to keep her up,
when she knows ahead of time, she won't sleep at all,
anticipation gets her going, and she sleeps through it all.

So, I'm having coffee, first decaf of the day,
a little breakfast, more coffee; let's get underway,
not so fast old man, you have to spend some time,
pushing buttons, making plans, and counting every dime.

And let's not forget, some reading for the day,
meditate, ask for help - before going into the fray,
remember to be kind, treat gently those you cross,
after all they don't need to know - that I think I'm boss.

Enjoy!  Report on our adventures - tomorrow.

Jeepers!...

....Creepers! and Holy Cow!
Wait until you hear what happened now;
the old geezer slept in until twenty after twelve,
maybe I'm not ready to go on a shelf.

Of course it was a Hollie Day,
shot out of a gun, there's no other way,
she spends her visits going full speed,
doing things fast, must fill a need.

But her lists are soooo long, that's probably why,
I just run along until, "slow down", I cry;
this visit wasn't different, they rarely are,
magazine, laminate, spend time in the car.

She's sure curious, about her next trip,
it's this Wednesday, but I didn't let it slip,
she has big plans, well, she always does,
going to New Hampshire, she says she loves.

We'll see about that, she may change her mind,
and we may end up in Portland or somewhere behind,
you can't make firm plans, it's just not done,
keep options open, stuff comes undone.

So, today, I'm awake, after waking up late,
that's not a complaint, I was tired, late out on a plate;
it feels pretty good, that extra hours sleep,
well, I better quit before "it" gets too deep.

Smile

Oh!...it's...

...the weekend, how about that?
Hollie Day is over, I've time to chat.
We had a good day, or morning, as it were,
she had a good time and I'm glad for her.

She had a list, that was as long as my arm,
we worked on some, no foul, no harm,
it would have cost one heck of a bunch,
she was just 'casting' about, I have a hunch.

Tim Hortons was first, it's National Donut Day,
she had one to go, ate good as they say,
then over to WalMart, it's not all that far,
pull out the staples, cut, paste in the car.

We've finally reached Staples, all in one piece,
she had six projects, that's all, my wallet's at peace;
then on to Big Lots, interesting stuff,
a binder for Hollie, although she has enough.

The on to the dreaded Borders we go,
she bought a book, do you need to know...
...what was in it?  I think you can guess!
Presidents, of course, it's at my address.

We've been in Old Navy and A C Moore,
I sure don't want to see another store;
we bought her some lunch, for later in the day,
took her to "program", that's all I can say.

So, today, I have plans to go for a walk,
going home early, do artwork, no talk!
I've been going to start 'it' for maybe two weeks,
I'm going to do it, but, you see who speaks.

I'm going right now, I think you know where,
it's right to that web-site, where I can share,
just by pushing a button, or six,
there are a few problems, you and I can fix.

So be good to your neighbors, Live and Let Live,
I thinks that's the very best advice I can give;
don't be shy, stick out your hand and shake theirs,
you'll be surprised, people like he who willingly shares.

Enjoy :)

Is it...

....Sunday already? That doesn't seem right,
we just started Saturday, it seems like;
time moves along at an unusual pace,
faster and faster, like cars in a race.

Yesterday was Hollie Day, just so you know,
she had a whole list of places to go,
smaller than usual, but mind changing galore,
lots of stuff to do, maybe, she wasn't sure.

Oh..now it's decided - which order to follow,
work on the computer, print pictures - not hard to swallow;
put each on paper, trim them just so!
Okay now they're ready. Head out! Go!!

First stop, Dunkin' Donuts, new stuff to try,
a twisted bagel, iced coffee, nothing to fry;
then to Wal-Mart like a homecoming queen,
go the the magazines - don't get in between!

Look at tha Dad! Heard over and over,
what color paper for Miley? I ain't rolling in clover,
put stuff together - try different ways;
don't stop me now! My minds in a haze.

Staples out - fold, cut, punch and glue,
all in the backseat while she talks to you,
it's quite a show too, it's easy to watch,
don't know how she does it as she continues to talk.

Next, the great Mecca - office super store...
we get some parking up close to the door.
She's out and running - storm trooper advance,
don't get in front! You won't stand a chance!

Projects completed, some doubles too,
but we have coupons, cut the cost right in two;
back to the car, examine each one,
just making sure, that the job is well done.

Here we go now, right to the Mall,
there are things waiting there - she knows them all.
Into the Sears store, as hard as it is,
looking for T-shirts, Hollie's all biz.

Found a nice T-shirt but the neck isn't right,
look over in Mens - this won't be tight,
then on the way to pay for her shirt,
a row of Hello Kitty bags! Shes' hit pay dirt!

It was made for adults, so it looks really nice,
black with pink stuff, and kitty, and not a bad price.
Do you like my new bag, dad? Over and over,
she asked me 12 times a mile - over and over.

The we head to the restaurant - she wants to eat,
but she changes her mind, directions - back seat.
Into Tim Hortons - it's still breakfast time too,
a nice biscuit sandwich, yogurt, iced coffee - times two.

She's all done! She's ready to head for home,
stuff is all done - there's no need to roam;
so not a bad day, she's happy, had fun,
and, and, didn't spend much! Son of a gun!!

Enjoy the day!!

Can I....

...use the computer? It's the first thing she said,
Sure. Why not. It's like a book that I read;
it was a single minded effort, that's what it took,
follow her lead, but help, it was all in the book.

So..we did Night Court and iCarly, nice combo there,
then we were off to adventure, an interesting pair,
Tim Hortons for breakfast, coffee only for me,
paper to Peggy, we're now on page three.

Over to Brewer, Wal-Mart's well known,
as a purveyor of magazines, some best left alone,
and a CD for music, she'd heard it before,
right on schedule, we're now on page four.

Now back in to Bangor, Target's the place,
nice package of pouches, gum, we're in a race;
now to Bullmoose Music, home of hot jive,
Night Court number three, finished page five.

Here we are at Staples, Eric is ready,
only four projects, please hold me steady!
Only four not five, I'm in a hell of a fix!
Go by the book!  It's only page six.

Now at the Mall, to go for a walk,
her mind is ticking, just like a clock;
Dad I want to laminate one more, it's like going to heaven,
but it is, after all, in the book on page seven!

She's got it all glued, put together just so;
and we're off, back to Staples we go,
she went in with one, and came out with two;
this is only page eight, between me and you.

Now back to the Mall, it's not far you know,
into Olympia Sports, the lunchbox's for show,
it has two compartments and a thing you can freeze,
it's only page nine and this thing's a breeze!

Now she's hungry, breakfast for lunch,
I knew it! I knew it!, or was it a hunch?
She ordered sausage gravy, as good as it's been,
we're on our way home, nice reading, page ten.

I went home and her Mom took over,
and Mom came right back, she didn't hover;
so now we're alone her Mom and I,
without page eleven, I don't think we'd get by.

So let's go push some buttons, you get to choose,
do them one, do them all, you've nothing to lose!
Pick a color, and color, in all of them delve,
we've got permission right on page twelve.

Love one another, Live and Let Live,
if someone is hurting - do you have something to give?
Together we'll make it, through good times and strife,
because we just read, from the book of life.

Pretend the sun's out!

The first...

...thing she said, when I walked in the door;
"it's Cinco de Mayo Dad", so let's just explore,
the purpose of those words and their importance,
each thing has a purpose, a reason for indulgence.

So the girl wanted some Mexican food, good;
we'd go to Taco Bell just like we should,
but she changed her mind, oh, about 5 times,
Note: I hope you're reading between the lines.

When we got to Augusta we made our first stop,
went in the supermarket, nice place to shop,
magazine, yogurt, muffin, iced coffee too,
nice combination, I didn't say "boo".

The down the interstate, it's quite a ride,
especially when you ride with a talker, right by your side,
well, okay, in the back seat,
she's still a talker that's hard to beat.

Just a quick trip in Augusta, at Staples, you know,
it's a good place to stop, I had to go!
She did 12 projects at that first stop,
then back in the car, hoppity-hop.

A short stop in Biddeford, to Staples we go,
Hollie met Ryan, the one who packs heat;  (laminator)
and then she found out he knows Eric in Bangor,
that kept up the chat, who knows what for?

Now down to Sanford, first a quick bite,
then a visit to Grammie, love at first sight;
soon it was time to set off again,
after a handshake with Gram, and a slight grin.

Back to the Biddeford Staples, imagine that!
some more projects to add to the stack.
Then up route one, with South Portland intent;
off to the northerly direction we went.

Right through the towns and cities we flew,
next stop was Portland Headlight, hey!, It's in view;
a short walk around and a photo or two,
phone call to Mom, or, what's in it for you?

Well, we went to a card shop and a book store too,
nice present for Mom with her day in view,
and some postcard, of course, what else would we do,
well, head up to Augusta, there's a Staples there too.

Now we're headed east on route three,
headed for Belfast, eating for her and me,
then we headed right across the street,
Reny's for shopping, and a small treat.

Finally headed on one-forty-one,
back to Winterport, where we started from,
she was one happy girl, 20 projects in tow,
some new postcards too; well, there you go!

Smile :)

Let's see...

... how this went. This Hollie Day we had,
or, we could call it "rush",  and it's not too bad.
Starting with the lab work, and that was over fast,
and a small breakfast, which quickly became the past.

The projects were already, eleven in all,
we had a ten dollar coupon, so why not have a ball?
And she did one extra, a prize for blood drawn,
paper into plastic, Eric labors on!

Then off we went to Wal-Mart, there's no need to run,
but they had a sale, on Maine T-shirts, son of a gun!
She bought one for four dollars, not to bad a deal;
some gum, a sandwich for lunch - ohhh, what a steal.

Then we did some walking, over in the Mall,
no danger of spending, the stores were closed and all,
but it was nine and Borders opened, we had to take a look,
wanted an item, decided no, bought magazine not the book.

Trapse over to Target, of Minnesota fame,
some plastic envelopes, glue too, right here in Maine;
then back to the Mall, it's open time was soon,
something there at Claires, in, sale, out, BOOM!

She had four items, all were on sale,
she takes pride in checking prices,
speaks of 'comparason shopping', which she does with pride,
then it's all over, gone to program, a short ride.

I want to note that we walked three miles overall,
got some in a Wal-Mart, Target and the Mall.
she doesn't mind the walking, not in the sun, but shade,
afterall she's getting ready to join me in the parade. (Memorial Day)

So, that's how the morning went, it was over fast,
(yes, that's a repeat.  My mind is in the past.)
Today won't be to difficult, starting with a walk,
maybe I'll see something, to give reason to talk.

So, there you have, a slice of life in time,
now let's push buttons, you yours, and me mine,
let's start with the pink one, it's the second from the left,
at least that how I see it, it's really just a guessth.

Smile today!

It was....

...little different than other Hollie Days,
she was herself, in all of her ways;
she had a new book, received as a gift,
Presidents, the subject, did not cause a rift.

She need only two, Nixon and Ford,
on red paper for Republicans, good lord!
And the needed snack, which really wasn't much,
just the iced coffee, yogurt, a muffin and such.

The, what's next? Wal-Mart of course,
out of the car, outrunning a horse,
get that new CD, or the first one, I don't know,
Miranda Lambert, sings country, there you go.

Projects all mounted, waiting for the heat,
but Staples opens a nine, got some time to beat,
let's go over to Target, take a look around,
oh! My goodness! Look what I've found!...

..Miranda's second CD! Of course it's round!
so we just walked up and down, around,
and then there's the dryboard, it only cost a buck,
then some snack bars- strawberry pomogranate, oh, what luck.

Then it's time! It's nine o'clock and Erics ready,
the machine is heated up, the temp is high and steady,
projects are out, all eight of them, through the heat,
until each one, encased in plastic, ain't that neat?

Then some walking, over in the mall,
all the way around, no stooping, standing tall,
it's hard to slow her down, so I can go my pace,
one thing about Hollie - she's always in a race.

Then over to A C Moore, got a magnet and a pin,
let's go to Old Navy - I need a "flag shirt" again,
finally time for lunch, in Old Town this time,
stopped in to Wendy's, fine food for the fine.

Well, Dad, just a minute, I've got two more,
can I do them please? In the Airport Mall Store?
So on we go, typical as can be,
let's do the two, no more, get ready!

Then, those done, Job Lots is very near,
no much she wanted, got out, free and clear.
Time to go home, it's been a busy day,
no, not much difference, just the same old way.

But, Sunday, today, I get out to walk alone,
and, oh, I didn't tell you -- this dog got the bone!
What time did I get up? Oh, you won't believe!
One in the morning! I ain't kiddin'! Geeze!

I must have been tired, all that running 'round,
but, energy renewed, I'll push the buttons around,
I'll do them all, one color than the next,
push buttons fast, like a teen can text.

Walking will be fine, the weather's still cool,
but today's not as cold, so I won't look a fool,
maybe five miles is in the plan today,
and I'm going to make it, I'll go all the way.

Enjoy!

It's my...

....Easter present, huh dad? She said with her smile,
while trying to walk me down the last mile,
c'mon, just one more, what do you have to lose;
so, the last of the refund was hers to choose.

It all started at seven o'clock sharp,
early for some, who were still in the dark;
not for Hollie, she was ready to roll,
"holiday" is the reason, she's not out for a stroll.

She had a list, fully made out,
there was no guess work, my wallet had clout;
just six projects and two CD's,
then she found something, I said "OH, jeez!".

Inside the package with a CD,
there was a poster, "dad, it's free",
so that meant there were seven projects alone,
she was paring my bankroll right down to the bone!

And, by the way dad, so how have you been?
Haven't spent money like this - since I don't know when,
now there's a book, it's Presidents, dad,
right over a Borders, it must be had!

It's on the sale rack, the price is real good,
so I said "okay", like a good dad would.
but then all of a sudden she had a big flash,
"I found one more, dad", empty your cash.

So, after we had breakfast for lunch,
she did the last one, at least I had a hunch,
headed for home, well, we had to buy gas,
she left with her mother, free at last, free at last.

Now don't mis-understand me, we had a good time,
it's always that way, her ideas, and the money is mine,
but it's spent with caution, just don't seem that way,
easy come, easy go - isn't that what 'they' say?

Enjoy spring!

It was....

...a Hollie Day similar to most,
and if you're not in a hurry, then you're just toast;
you need to run like the dickens just to keep up,
and that's a hard job, I'm no young pup.

She's always ready to pop out the door,
C'mon dad what are we waiting for,
let's go to Tim Hortons, the Main Street one,
iced coffee, yogurt and danish, just for fun.

I don't need to tell you was happened next,
or maybe I do, if you haven't followed my text,
it's Wal-Mart of course, for a new magazine,
there's always at least one that I haven't seen.

Then the redundant pulling of staples,
I wish for loose leaf, and floors of maples,
get out the paper, colors are there, in sheets of two,
pull apart pages, fold them up tight, turn over and apply glue.

Then to the "mecca" of hot machine,
Eric is ready, his wit is keen,
Hollie produces the required number of five,
and Eric encases each one, to make sure they survive.

Eric tells Hollie, something is wrong with that,
this guy Bieber is wearing a Yankees hat,
that's good for a laugh, phtooey the Yanks,
but she likes it and others, gee Eric, thanks.

Next up is Target, some Hello Kitty stuff,
if she had it all, it wouldn't be enough,
so now there are Easter eggs, plastic ones though,
it does'nt matter, Daddy's got dough.

Now, how about Wal-Mart, the other one dad,
do you ever get the feeling, that you've been had?
Look here's Alan Jackson, a new CD,
and just what else might those sharp eyes see.

A sandwich for lunch, a drink and some chips,
out she walks, doing mental back flips,
oh, dad there's a video over at Borders,
dad's secretly glad there are only two daughters.

Lighthouses of Maine, as seen from the air,
different indeed, and really quite rare,
and the cover of course is destined for heat,
if you laminate stuff, it just can't be beat.

I think that completes each and every event,
just wanted to tell you how the day went,
it was more of the same, with little different,
and it was all the same place, to which we went.

So, today I'll relax, and stay by the stove,
it's windy outside, and downright cold,
but I'll go walking, two hats and hand heat,
just need to keep moving my feet.

The coffee's good!