gigamatic

Yesterday, I drove (and drove and drove) to Andover, Bethel, Newry, Errol, and all points between. Turnpikes are evil wicked things on weekends.

Meeting my great aunt Addie was fantastic. She's a sweet 85 year old woman who now has carpal tunnel from baking pies and bread, but she just doesnt care. The restaurant she ran for 30 years (but is under new mgt) was closed yesterday while the manager was out of town on a resupply run, and the folks at the new ice cream parlor (also in Addie's name) were not quite welcoming to townsfolk.

Addie reminds me of what I think my grandfather wouldve been, and that's refreshing. An old lady with spunk and attitude... when her doctor told her she should quit smoking, she said, quite frankly, "Doc, if you had something you'd been doing for years and years, and you LOVED to do it, and you'd made it to 85, would you quit?" (The doctor said "no") She said "Yes, I'm the only one left, and I smoke. But I like it. Everyone tells me how unhealthy it is, but I'm polite about it. I always ask before I light up, even in my own house. If someone's bothered by it, I don't."

She had 2 while we talked.

She looks a lot like Papa George. And I see a lot of them in my mom.

I really like her, after our chat. I had a feeling I would. When I called Sarah from the cemetary later, she mentioned Addie was always fun.

I also met Addie's youngest daughter, Susie, who reminded me of a cross between Tracy Ullman and that actress from Angela's Ashes. Her husband reminded me of Onslo from Keeping Up Appearances.

Addie wants me to keep in touch, and I'm sure I will. She seems like quite a spunky lady, in a good way. The way that if she were our age, she'd hang out with us.

The countryside is so beautiful up there. I'm not going to upload photos since it would take a LONG time. Well, maybe a couple...

It was sad seeing the headstones of some closer aunts and uncles of my mom. I didnt know them well, but I knew them. It was great to see the area where they lived, and every time I saw something truly beautiful, I got goosebumps. I realized why people live there. It's really wonderous.

I stayed in Portland last night so I could getr some much needed rest, and because my uncle told me it was too far too late to drive. So I spent mucho dinero. That's ok, I'll just stay an extra night @ Round Pond. I love it there anyway.

My uncles are there already, and my cousins (a few) may be coming. Most cancelled, which, I can say, sucks BALLS NASTY since I dragged my ass all the way up here from Ohio. But I'm not gonna be bitter.

After all, I made a new friend in Addie.