That's not a photo of Manchester. It's Ogunquit, Maine, The Marginal Way. It is one of our favorite places to visit and for the month we were home, we took the time to celebrate Julie's birthday here.
We planned too much and time did not allow for everything. The Puffin needed servicing before heading west, along with some needed interior things. This was one priority. We also had medical, dental and financial appointments, which occupied the first week. Each of us tried to coordinate these events around visiting family and friends.
We took the Puffin to All American RV Repair in Henniker, NH. This is where Joe and Bri Amrol expanded their business. I've talked about them before and underscored their steadfast commitment to their clients. Aside from their indoor repair facility, they're also equipped to provide mobile service. I'd describe their operation as organized chaos; I may not think it's a well oiled machine, yet they seem to meet all their commitments. They balance the work life thing really well and I trust them completely.
While there, we were having a generator installed. They allowed me to use their facility to replace the dining room table with a bar set up. It gives us more dining surface area, which is equipped with pop up power/usb outlets on either end. There's additional storage underneath and it's a lot more comfortable. I have to admit that I was nervous getting everyhting done before we were leaving on 7/6, but they did it. Yes, Bri, I hear you admonishing me.
Before I met Julie, she lived in a condo at a place called Fox Hollow. Her next door neighbor is one of her close friends. Linda has a summer camp on Pine River Pond in Wakefield, NH and was not sure she could get together with Julie before we left. So on the 3rd day we're back in Manchester, Julie was in the lobby at the medical facility waitng for me to get a blood test and I could hear Linda's voice, as I was in line to register right behind her.
After registering, Julie sat next to Linda and began to lean into her a little at a time. Just as she was about to tell Julie off (there's a ton of empty seats, stop crowding me), she looks at her and her facial expression was priceless. So off I go to get blood drawn and Julie and Linda had their impromptu visit, which was just terrific.
We took an apartment in the center of Manchester on Elm Street. It was a comfortable one bedroom. Below us was the North End Bistro, which was one of our favorites. The food there is truly good and Julie claims their Bolognese is better than any others she's ever had. We would normally eat at the bar, as it's easy to strike up conversations. Everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. Karen is the bartender there, knows how to mix a good cocktail and knows her patrons.
It was easy to walk in and around the downtown area and every morning we would walk to the Bridge Cafe for coffee.
I mentionned that we went to Ogunquit and walked the Marginal Way down to Perkins Cove. A cocktail and some shopping after, we headed back to Manchester. It was during our stay Julie decided that she would tender her resignation and file papers for retirement. The decision was difficult, but she made it and could now look ahead to having coffee without having to be at her desk at 7AM.
I was thrilled because it alters how our days would flow. We're booked at sites through February of 2025, but that was done on the premise Julie would still be working. And that meant being stationary Monday ~ Friday and travel to the next place on the weekends.
We decided to have a retirement party, as the event should be celebrated and usually only happens once in your lifetime. So the party was at the Hanover Street Chop House. Family, friends, former neighbors and former co-workers were there. And while not all who were invited could come, they were gracious enough to express their congratulations. More photos to come.
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