It Takes a Village

Making our rounds this weekend, it occurs to me that we've covered our bases in terms of finding suppliers of basic needs out here.

First stop, the saw mill. A reasonable $30/hr rate to plane down some very specialized planks of walnut (eight years old, J. rescued the trunk after the whole tree fell in a hurricane). J. is excited about making furniture.

Second stop, the kennel. Preparing for a week-long trip in June, we found what seems to be a terrific dog-loving place nearby where P. the pup will be well cared for. Everything built for doggie comfort and health (my favorite: a doggie "dry sauna," with very low heat, where they dry off and nap after baths or rainy walks), and also very green (wind power, geothermal wells, etc). D. and K. opened their doors in January, after a long fight with the town council (they've been coming out here for 25 years while working in Manhattan, but there's some animosity about them not being natives). Anyway, a bargain at $20/night.

Third stop, the bakery, currently housed in a little out-building behind someone's house, but moving soon to a larger space in town. Breads, pies, morning pastries, all fresh daily.

Fourth stop, Alice's farm stand, where we get local grass-fed meats (ever had a mutton-burger? YUM) and veges in season. A little pricey for the veges, so it's motivation to work harder at the garden. Also carries eggs and chickens, and cheeses and yogurts from a nearby dairy farm.

Fifth stop, the general store, to pick up mail and browse movie rentals. In the parking lot, J.'s walnut in the back of the pick-up gets a lot of attention, and he gets a rec from T., a local plumber, for someone who might be selling a used table saw. B. and D. are holding back their sweet but high-strung German Shepherd "pup" (he's huge) and mention that they'll be taking him to a week of doggie training. When I ask where, it turns out they're sending him to doggie camp at D. and K.'s kennel.

Last stop, the tennis courts by the river. We hit some balls around then head home, ready to take on chores.