Can’t Keep Up
Came into Troy around 9 entering the get-together by (allegedly) bruising Sam’s boob with a tossed 12 pack of knock-off brand soda. An act I could not live down. It detracted from Sam’s amazing new haircut and the surprise of seeing Audra. Besides Audra and Sam, Chloe was the only other familiar face.
Despite the small numbers, I was still overwhelmed. I left for a bit to explore nostalgia in Troy. The old house, the park. They’re a wound I didn’t realize was so deep. Troy has a smell I miss. My old house has a new vinyl siding; it replaces the old brick colored shingles. The new and clean look defies the old and warming feel I remember. And The TROY sign overlook is, as always, a soothing sight, but, throughout walking in the park, I was anxious of a potential encounter with any paroling officers. Though I saw none, anticipation detracted from the something-on-my-chest buzz.
After returning, after temporary tattoos, after everyone else had left, the two of us bumming Sam’s living room tried to help her put things in storage and finished conversation on alcohol. The conversation is memorable because of Sam’s more versed perspective. She articulated resolving concerns I fail to adequately address.
In the morning, I left for Worcester and arrived before the Biggins were able to return from a family visit. I was told disseminating arrival information was the focus of considerable effort. Colleen forget her phone. Luckily, some in my family know my number and reply to text messages. I got Patrick’s number out of the ordeal!
Waiting, I killed time in Hadwen park. Here, a fawn ran up to me and darted away. I also saw a small turtle sun bathing. Concentrated wildlife in respect to both space and time. I’m still parsing wilderness with the “Oh, there’s a good spot to camp” lens.
I spent two nights with the Biggins. Between them Colleen and I made the small drive to King Phillip’s Lookout Rock. We were dissapointed by the realaive ease at which the rock was reached, bit disagreed on the vista’s quality. We ate, chatted, and went out to two bars. At the first bar, the server was creative and presented my drink of choice with a skewered array of fruits. Cherry-orange lemon-lime water! I got to see first hand the infamous Boynton Bucket at the second bar.
I left Worcester directly to Old Lime in what was no longer ante meridiem after losing a best of five Sequence tournament and winning a skermish over my hoodie. I was fortunate to miss the primary beach time and instead arrived shortly before the influx of badly burnt cousins. In addition to the usual beach goers, Steve, Luke, Tom and Mimi were among the company. I oscillated between the beach and the beach house, conversing in various company, swimming, and walking with Aunt Mary and Uncle Gary. Eventually, most of the younger generation disappeared, and the parents ate. This dinner was observed with most talk in Irish brogue commemorating the return from vacation. Feed, everyone returned to East Hartford.
I spent the night sweating on the new couches of 396 Goodwin. Before falling asleep, I caught a few episodes of Bones. I was in and out of sleep through the early morning. I remember Aunt Marnie doing back excursuses, saying good bye to Jordyn, and nick putting Jordyn’s diaper covered behind on my head in gentle repetition. I always feel in the way, as I am, sleeping in the living room. After showering and talking to Nick, I drove to see Tom. We packed up and went back to Uncle Nick’s. I’d forgotten to dump off the junk my dad was passing on to him. Mary Ellen helped us stock up on food, and we finally left for Dennis (Cape Cod). We stopped for gas once, and pulled over on the highway to let Tom empty his 36 fl oz full bladder once.
We got to the Cap and were greeted by Tom’s kind grandparents and eventually strolled down to the beach to be greeted by high tide. A short stroll and we were back to the house. Tom and I were to be left in favor of a health care meeting. In this time, we ordered and retrieved a pizza, broke (sort of) and fixed the television (we watched Bones!), and socialized with cousins from Tom’s mom’s side of the family.
Now I’m taking advantage of wireless internet as I experience snoring in Stereo. I have not done any of the routine exercise. So far I have only done so on two nights. Eight minute buns with sam, and ups before crashing in EH.
Tomorrow, Tom and I have to travel back to East Hartford for a wake. And I still have to make it to, at least, Long Island and back home. Who knows how much gas (and cash) I can waste during all of this!?
