Category Archives: Seasonal celebrations and observations

April Fools’ amnesty

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Joy Clough

If ever there was a time to call a moratorium on April Fools’ Day, this would be it. With the pandemic and everything else going on in the world between last April and now, I just don’t need more shock … Continue reading →

Posted in Corona bright spots, Family and friends, Seasonal celebrations and observations | Tagged | 9 Comments

Slow, slow riders

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Joy Clough

Ten winters after putting down Rangeley roots—perennial roots deep in the arctic strata formerly known as our summer waterfront—we put down tracks. Serious tracks. Boldly going where we hadn’t dared to snowshoe, ski, or ice shuffle before. Faster than a … Continue reading →

Posted in Retirementality, Seasonal celebrations and observations, Songs of Joy and Tomfoolery | 7 Comments

Back where it all began (Part Two)

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Joy Clough

NOTE: The following is a continuation of “Back where it all began,” published in June 2017. I was drifting back to childhood, watching the gigantic Snoopy float hover over the Macy’s parade, when the sound of Jim’s voice took me … Continue reading →

Posted in Family and friends, Mum & Mac, Rooted In Moosehead, too, Seasonal celebrations and observations | 4 Comments

Weather…or NOT!

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Joy Clough

I’m not sure who the audience is supposed to be for most National Weather Service “special advisories” in my area. Especially this one: Special Weather Statement for Northern Franklin County (June 15): The warm air temperatures this weekend in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Seasonal celebrations and observations | Tagged | 4 Comments

A licking time bomb

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Joy Clough

If by some Christmas miracle the ghost of my Nana could have visited Kineo, she would have gently cradled his head, met his big brown eyes with her own, and said: “If it ain’t your hip, it’s your ass or your … Continue reading →

Posted in Beagle Zen, Creatures great and small, Seasonal celebrations and observations | 3 Comments

The signature of summer in Rangeley

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Joy Clough

“Write something that captures this,” Tom urged, taking a deep cleansing breath and waving his palms skyward. It was that turning point last year in May when we were pretty sure winter was gone, when the breeze lifting the last of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Family and friends, Mindfulness, health and healing, Seasonal celebrations and observations | Tagged | 1 Comment

Having my moments

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Joy Clough

Somewhere between the shrimp cassoulet, the lobster mac ‘n cheese, and the “perfect pairing” wine, it  happened. I had a moment. I stopped, looked up from the mounds of “I can have turkey any day” stuff I’d loaded onto my plate, and saw Helen … Continue reading →

Posted in Family and friends, Mindfulness, health and healing, Seasonal celebrations and observations | Tagged | 2 Comments

A day for Dada cookers, homemade Hallmarks, and lakeside legends

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Joy Clough

Today is Father’s Day and the first day of summer, or so says the calendar. Our Rangeley weather, on the other hand, just isn’t buying it. With every downpour, it says “Go hug Dad. Don’t wait to tell him how special he is. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family and friends, Seasonal celebrations and observations | Tagged | Leave a comment

Mooselook State of Mind

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Joy Clough

“What did you call that lake you live on way up there?” my friends Edie and Lewis kept asking. We were in Florida where they’d gone to escape winter on Long Island for a bit, and where I’d eagerly found … Continue reading →

Posted in Family and friends, Seasonal celebrations and observations, Songs of Joy and Tomfoolery | Tagged | 4 Comments

Extreme gift wrapping

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Joy Clough

I didn’t inherit any aptitude for gift wrapping. Whatever chromosomal matter it is that makes most women capable of tucking, taping and adorning paper-covered boxes so they look fresh out of Macy’s—instead of frigged up beyond all recognition—bypassed me completely. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family and friends, Seasonal celebrations and observations | 2 Comments