Notes from Maine - 2025/10/05
Yesterday, I gave Albert (dog) no instructions. We got the feed store, I clipped the leash onto his harness, and we went through our normal routine. The only difference was that I didn’t give him any hints about what I expected him to do. When I came to a stop, his sit was a tad lethargic. I would prefer a good, crisp sit when we stop. At the counter, he flopped down on the floor while I conducted business. The clerk leaned forward and looked down at him. She’s accustomed to seeing him right at my side, swiveling his head to track the transaction. Instead, Albert watched the woman from the “Fat Puppy Fusion” food truck, who was talking with another employee.
By the way, the “Fat Puppy Fusion” food truck lives in the parking lot of the feed store and they serve “Signature Hot Dogs & Flatbread Wraps.”
One time, with Albert next to me I asked, “You don’t serve dog, do you?”
She said, “Wait, do you mean… Either way, no.”
Albert did okay on his instruction-less visit to the feed store, but I think he needs a little more practice. The rules aren’t meant to needlessly restrict and punish him. The rules are in place to ensure that he’s accepted in the world because he’s acting like a proper person. There are plenty of big, fluffy, happy dogs who can get by on looks alone. Albert can be a scary-looking fellow to some, so he has to be perfectly polite in order to get along. That’s my theory, at least. I’m sure he might disagree.
We can only go to the feed store in the morning now. The bridge between Topsham and Brunswick (the iconic “Green Bridge”) is being replaced. It’s about time they got rid of the old one. Repair was estimated to be extremely costly and it wasn’t sturdy enough for big trucks anymore. Commercial trucks and busses had to go around on the highway or the bypass. Construction of the new bridge began in July of 2023, after years of lawsuits from ardent supporters of the original bridge. I used the word “iconic” to describe the Green Bridge (the Frank J. Wood Bridge) above. Maybe that was the wrong word. ”Iconic” suggests that it’s venerable and commands respect. I know a lot of people love that Green Bridge. I’m not moved one way or the other by it. There are tons of things built a hundred years ago that could use some improvement. A few years ago, the river flooded to within a few feet of the deck of the Green Bridge. Around that same time, inspectors said that the structure was deteriorating much faster than expected and lowered the weight limit to 10 tons (9 metric tons). Looking at those big old steel trusses looming overhead while stopped in traffic doesn’t give me any comfort. I’m looking forward to seeing the new bridge in action. Maybe I’m just sick of the construction and having to go home the long way. Until the new bridge is finished, the Green Bridge is only open to southbound traffic. If I pick the wrong time of day to go to the feed store, it’s a lengthy trip home.
Back at home, we’re in spooky movie season again. This is my favorite time of year to turn on a bad slasher/zombie/paranormal movie and leave it on while I’m working on projects. Yesterday we had “Slither” from 2006. Worms from outer space infected a town. Elizabeth Banks and Nathan Fillion had to fight for their lives. I liked it.
Today I might go for something a little more high-class, like The Shining or The Exorcist. It might be time to dive back into the IT universe in preparation for the new TV series “It: Welcome to Derry”. It’s never a bad time for clowns.
