Camden, Maine #2

Things were going well in Camden. During the winter, there wasn't much to do. Actually, most people preferred to stay in doors where it was warm. I went outside in it. The first snow that I saw there was on my arrival. I went out and rode around on my bmx bike. It was in March, but there still were places that had snow on the ground. Snowdrifts were all around, averaging 2 1/2 to 3'. What does a 14 year old with a BMX bike do when he sees a snow drift? He rides his bike into it of course. Even though I had a jacket and proper cold weather attire, I decided to ride my bike wearing OP shorts and a light weight T shirt. I was from Cali and felt the need to represent. I guess this lasted about two, maybe three hours. I finally got cold, tired of sliding on the ice, and hungry. I burned up a ton of calories. I did this a couple of other days afterwards too. My grandma was worried that I might catch a cold strongly suggested that I dress warmly. It was either that or stay inside. Okay. A minor rule. No big deal. I went into to put on a big heavy snow jacket and some snows pants. I just put them on over what I was already wearing. My grandma stopped me and taught me the importance of layering. When you layer you clothes, its easier to adjust to the weather. You either remove something or add something. What I did was kind of going from one extreme to the next. 

Shoveling out the driveway

There was a few snow related chores. I wouldn't really call them chores

There were a few snow related chores, but I don't think I'd really call them chores. I mean chores are stuff that is hard, messy, and involves heavy labor. I was ask to keep the walk clear, clear out the driveway after the snow plows came, bring in wood, and a few little tasks like that. I usually did pretty good. Some days it would take me a little longer. I'd start the driveway, get bored, check to see if any wood was needed inside, see what my grandpa was up to in his tinsmith shop, go get a drink of soda of something and maybe a snack, go back outside, go back to shoveling, see one of the neighbors outside, go and talk to him, come back and "explore" around the house, if I found animal tracks find out where they lead to, and then go back to clearing the sidewalk and the steps. Have I mentioned that I get easily distracted? 

My aunt Patty lived with us. She had a room at the very front of the house. Many days, she would come and go as if she was the only one in the house. I tried to friendly enough, but I think I got under her skin on a couple of occasions. At least thats how it seemed. She had some tough days on her job and needed time to decompress. A couple of days she'd announce her arrival by slamming the front door and the door to her bedroom. My grandpa would say with a slight Texas drawl, "Patty's home". My grandma would call to her and go towards her room. "PATTY! PATTY! ARE YOU OKAY!" Then I could hear loud talking. Well my grandma was talking and Patty was yelling. Many times it was like having another teenage in the house. Usually Patty was okay. She was territorial over her food in the refrigerator. She drank Tab and used some margarine. I got chew out for using the margarine once. I didn't get a second to defend myself. She was let me have it. My grandma came in and I guess she used a bit it for cooking. Patty said "Sorry, but dont ever touch my stuff". Like I was saying,  two teens in the house. My room was upstairs. At first, my bedroom was over Patty's. Later, I was moved to another room. I think my walking on her ceiling bothered her. I just stayed out of her way as much as possible and she was nicer after that. I guess she thought I was occupying her space. Two of her kids were away at school and the third was married. She also had two cats that roamed the house. Somehow they always seemed to find me and hang out with me. One was a grey tabby and the other a calico. My grandpa was always coming up with snappy one liners and corny jokes. My grandma was pretty funny too. I think I developed my sense of humor from living with Roy and Inez. One of his favorites, and my aunt's least favorite, was when he asked me if I know how to make Earl Grey tea. I said, "Uh, no" He told me "Well,  you pick up that cat by the tail and you dunk in a pot of water". We'd both laugh. Patty would give him an evil look as she forcefully scooped up her cat, went to her room and slammed her door. I honestly think the cat would rather stayed with us. I guess we both gave it to poor Patty a few times.