Day 771 Hold the Critters

 

Sad to say so long to our little pink house in the woods. I sure will miss waking up to have my coffee down on the dock while watching the beautiful sunrise. There's something to be said for a house on the water, no wonder they cost so much, worth every penny. Although, even the best houses have issues, as I found out. My daughter and son in law had heard critters in the walls, trying with all their might to get inside, yikes! I hadn't heard a thing so wasn't too concerned, also have lived in old houses all my life so I'm accustomed to critter noises. Well, don't you know around 2am I was woken up by the scurrying sounds of a critter and much to my surprise, when I opened my eyes, I watched it run up the curtain and sit on the top of the curtain rod, staring at me from above! I immediately got up and went to the next bedroom, figuring it would leave and too tired to be smart enough to shut the door behind me. I was back to sleep in top speed but once again awakened by the sounds of my little friend running through the bedroom. Ok, I give, I went downstairs, figuring I'd wait until daylight to deal with the intruder but within minutes heard him coming down the stairs! He scurried around the living room, dining room, kitchen and tried in vain to climb out the chimney. After standing on the couch  like a coward for a bit and snapping a photo for evidence of my guest I opened the front door, propped the screen door open and sat outside on the porch waiting for the creature to find the exit. I watched and waited and was happy to see him find the door and run back into the great outdoors, all the while, everyone inside the house still sleeping peacefully, unaware of the early morning excitement. Once my son was awake I showed him the photo and we both agreed it was a flying squirrel and a noisy one at that! I'll keep all that out of my Air bnb review, since other than our uninvited guest, the house was absolute perfection. We were able to check out several hours later than scheduled, allowing us to sun ourselves on the deck and leisurely pack up. My sister and brother in law even came by and had lunch with us before we all headed out for the start of our trips home. My son and his girlfriend's flight out of the "busy" Portland airport wasn't until the early evening, allowing us time to shop around and eat delicious street food on the mean streets of Freeport. We  made one of the best vacation decisions by stopping into Wicked Whoppies  to eat one of the best darn whoopie pies in the entire world...seriously. The airport drop off was smooth as silk and my drive home wearing my LL Bean slippers, a breeze. Peps met me at the back door, happy to see me home and although Tim was already in bed, fast asleep, I'm sure he was thrilled as well. I'll miss my sunrises over the water, the bald eagles flying overhead, the sounds of the waves crashing on the rocks but will miss the relaxed visit with my kids and family the most. Being in a vacation house without real life obligations affords a rare level of peacefulness that was appreciated by all. I'll be on the lookout for a house for next year, on the water with a stunning sunrise, big enough for everyone.. but hold the critters please.