The birds woke me up at around 0600 but I stayed in bed and read (books and the latest copy of "Appalachia"). When I started to smell bacon, I went downstairs to find my dad. He was wide awake and wanting to make breakfast for me. This worked well and we enjoyed some food and conversation before Beth came downstairs too. She told us that Israel and Hamas were at war and then left to get breakfast at McDonalds. When she returned, she and my dad went to some yard sales while I got ready and did some more reading. At 1000, we walked down the street towards the area where the town was having an outdoor event called "Sandwich Fest". The festival was taking place close to the Hoxie House and this allowed me to explore the historic village with Dad, Beth and the dogs while we checked out the various booths. I saw several swans in Shawme Lake and those added to the good memories. Overall, it was a great morning before the rain came. We didn't stay long, although my dad had enough time to get a donut from a vendor. As it got more crowded, we walked back to Dad/Beth's house and I ate some lunch (leftover pizza) with my Dad (Beth went back to the festival). Meanwhile, we talked some more until 1155, when I reluctantly told them I needed to depart. My dad had to help me get out of his driveway because there was so much traffic. For the same reason (and also due to closed roads, lots of pedestrians), it then took me a little while to get out of Sandwich. Meanwhile, it started to rain. I listened to music on the way north via MA-3 and then got off the highway at US-44. I drove on some back roads to get to Gerard's and saw lots of cranberry harvesting activities. From 1230 to 1545, I visited with Gerard - it was a nice nice time! Afterwards, I drove back to MA-3 (via back roads and US-44) and then made good time to Pembroke (MA-139/53). Continuing through some old towns, I reached Katie and John's house by 1620. I visited with them for a little while before we drove over to have dinner at Christina's Restaurant in Pembroke. I had some Chicken Penne with Broccoli and a flight of mixed drinks (Blood Orange Cocktail and a Limoncello Spritzer). The meal was good and we finished at 1915. Katie then drove us back to her house and John and I watched some TV. Later, we went in the hot tub (very nice for my aching back). After enjoying that for about an hour, we went back upstairs to watch the last half of the Notre Dame vs. Louisville game. Unfortunately, ND lost. Saying goodnight, I went to my room at 2230 and read for a little while before going to bed (2315). Another nice day!
