Vacation, Day 2: Message from the National Guard: ‘Wishing you Peace and Clarity. God Bless.’

So, Kitty proceeded to roam the house all night. Climbing stairs, creeping across beams that cross the ceiling, exploring the loft and mewing, probably ticked he can’t climb back into his hiding place which is now stuffed with pillows, secure from curious cats.

Speaking of which, after reading the guestbook, this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Kitkats have crisscrossed this place over the past seven years. I am sure Kitty smelled the previous guest.

I did not get much sleep because I found myself listening for Kitty’s little bell. Still recovering from my scare I broke my no-drinking rule and had a glass of red wine. After the ordeal yesterday, I considered it necessary. Woke up with big bags under my eyes that I hadn’t seen since I quit drinking. My liver doesn’t like it when I drink – even a little.

Kitty is now curled up, fast asleep, at the end of the hide-a-bed for most of the day. I have it made up like my bed at home, comforters and all. There’s a far more comfier bed in the loft, but Loverboy cannot handle the stairs. I like being surrounded by windows down here anyway. At night, it’s mesmerizing to see the evergreens silhouetted against the sky.

I realized why I love my pets so much. Pets don’t judge, or if they do, they can’t tell you anyway. Their love is completely unconditional. I feel safe with them.

I am getting used to being so alone. Thank heavens; however, I had the sense to purchase Go-phone temporary cell service from AT&T as the landline phone doesn’t work at all. I’m also pleased that my hula hoop was fedexed by John the Doggywalker.  I was just past Blaine when I realized forgot it at home. I could have turned around but that would have added at least an hour to the trip. I fretted, called Target and Walmart to see if they might have an adult-sized hula-hoop. They didn’t, of course. Then inspiration struck. I called the Finland Co-op to see if they would accept a Fed-Ex package.

“Sure!”

I called John who promptly called Fed Ex.

“They said it’s going to be at least $45.”

“Do it anyway. I’ll give them my credit card number when you place the order.”

I was on the phone with John, who was pleased to report that the hula hoop shipment cost less than half that, when I realized kitty was missing and yesterday’s drama commenced.

Today is much quieter. Has been raining most of the day which gives me a chance to relax. I discovered WTIP, Grand Marais independent radio - just like KFAI back home. When I found it, they were playing Tinarawen. Score! No need for all the scratched CDs I hauled up. My hula hoop arrived so I dashed down to the Finland Co-op where I purchased a birdfeeder so I could place it within eyeshot from my bed. I also scattered bird seeds on the post. No critters so far. Not like at home where birds flock the moment you put out seed. The woods are just far too abundant, I suppose, for them to bother with cheap grocery-store seed.

I also purchased a thick sweatshirt emblazoned with “Finland, MN.” I packed for 80-degree weather, not 60.

It takes a little getting used to, having the woods literally on your doorstep. Loverboy and I took a walk down to the river and up the road again during a short break in the downpour. Both of us were soaked by the time it we got back regardless. The wetness clings to everything. As we neared the cabin, we heard movement, banging, near the cabin, Loverboy dashed to where the noise emerged, barking, hackles up.  I quickly shooed him inside and he reluctantly obeyed. I do not need Loverboy tangling with a raccoon, or worse. I have no idea what it was, but considering the location, it could be anything.

I read the entire guest book. Am looking forward to the Superior Hiking Trail tomorrow, but I don’t know if Loverboy will be up to such a long stroll – two miles to get to the best vistas! I might take him for a little stroll, then bring him home and tackle the big one by myself.  I am such a worrywart. What if Loverboy decides to play watchdog with a bear?!? I must release these thoughts! Thousands of dogs have strolled that trail and have come home just fine. In fact, after reading the guest book, I found out many dogs have had an amazing visit here. People have, too. One couple got engaged here, and three years later they came back with their newborn. A couple of people hated it. I could tell the people who hated it would be no one I would want to be around too long – so nitpicky! For $60 a night, this place is an amazing value.

The person who came up immediately before me wrote:

“I hope everyone after us finds peace and clarity during their stay. God bless.”

That was prophetic, because that’s precisely why I came. Whoever wrote that was a National Guardsman. He left a coin. I am praying and hoping he wasn’t being deployed to Afghanistan. Bob will be in my prayers every night. When I write in the guestbook, it’s going to be about the evils of war, and the peacefulness of this place.

Later:  Naps, Grilling and Spookiness

Doggy, kitty and I slept soundly for nearly three hours this afternoon during the rain. Needed that.

Woke up and grilled steak and potatoes and hotdogs. Loverboy ate the hotdogs and part of the steak. I saved an extra hotdog for him tomorrow.  Had ¼ of a glass of wine until I sprayed cutters and it ended up in the remaining sips.  Just as well. I am really enjoying listening to WTIP. Tonight it’s boomer jam. ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s music.

Love grilling. Everything is so tasty! But I hate to waste the hot coals so I made four potatoes, ate one and saving the rest for tomorrow and the next day.

Trying to get used to no internet, no people, being so alone. I know, I’ve been dreaming about this for months, but sometimes it feels a little spooky and unnerving. And sometimes I feel like crying. Part of me wishes I had someone to share this with, but it would be horrible with the wrong people. My life has been filled with the wrong people – subtractors and dividers, per the awesome Dr. Verna Price – I am now making the space for the right ones – adders and multipliers. And I realized I am gathering them, as evidenced by the people who were there for me when kitty went missing yesterday.

Loverboy is a bit spooked, too. He just got done barking at nothing. Perhaps he smelled a wild animal. Or a waterspout. Water was draining today off the road and created a tiny waterspout in the puddle. He barked and barked at it! Hackles up and all.

I love the peacefulness here. This is why I’m alone, it is peaceful. Well, minus my drama yesterday. But kitty is now snoozing with me on the hideaway bed. Loverboy is at the end of it and all is well.