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Location:I-95 N,Woodbine,United States
Thursday, February 28, 2013
To The Promise Land
I'm not sure where we're going...but they promise me it'll be fun!
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Sunday, February 24, 2013
Why dogs live less than humans...
I was moved by this shared story on Facebook today...and wanted to share with you all...
not sure of its origin, but a beautiful sentiment...
WHY DOGS LIVE LESS THAN HUMAN, ANSWER OF A 6 YEAR OLD
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
**From: Divine Essence of Life facebook page: Jan 18 post
Friday, February 22, 2013
The simple things
It appears to be such a simple thing at first glance...
HOWEVER, a whopping milestone has occurred.
Since Frannie arrived (basically since we settled into 64 High St as home) our toilet tissue has resided above her reach (top of tank in both baths).
Once every so often Scott would think it's safe to put it on the holder (which was sitting empty) and inevitably I'd be in the shower and look out to see Frannie & toilet tissue streaming around the bathroom like confetti at a New Year's party!
I'd scold her, I'd scold Scott...
Last week "I" decided to attempt the paper on the holder (novel really, I know..) I had noticed it had been on the window sill w/in her reach for days, maybe a week & she'd not bothered with it... Perhaps the distraction of our tenants to keep her otherwise occupied...
So now it's been 5+ days, many opportunities. On the holder it sits all nicely rolled, so civilized.
Scott's latest line is, "she IS 2 now...!" (Implying she's "not" a puppy we can make excuses for any longer..HA!)
I almost don't dare to write about this milestone...afraid of a jinx!
Perhaps a celebration is in order...sans confetti!
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HOWEVER, a whopping milestone has occurred.
Since Frannie arrived (basically since we settled into 64 High St as home) our toilet tissue has resided above her reach (top of tank in both baths).
Once every so often Scott would think it's safe to put it on the holder (which was sitting empty) and inevitably I'd be in the shower and look out to see Frannie & toilet tissue streaming around the bathroom like confetti at a New Year's party!
I'd scold her, I'd scold Scott...
Last week "I" decided to attempt the paper on the holder (novel really, I know..) I had noticed it had been on the window sill w/in her reach for days, maybe a week & she'd not bothered with it... Perhaps the distraction of our tenants to keep her otherwise occupied...
So now it's been 5+ days, many opportunities. On the holder it sits all nicely rolled, so civilized.
Scott's latest line is, "she IS 2 now...!" (Implying she's "not" a puppy we can make excuses for any longer..HA!)
I almost don't dare to write about this milestone...afraid of a jinx!
Perhaps a celebration is in order...sans confetti!
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Location:High St,Kennebunk,United States
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
no picnic today...
From Monday 2.18.13
We decided it may be not exactly a day for a picnic... brrr....
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Although it reached 27* today, with the bitter, blowing wind it felt far colder. So instead of hitting the trails in the woods safe amongst the trees I went for a walk/run on the beach...(?!)
As usual Frannie didn't care & splashed in the channels that had cut thru the sand during the last high tide as if they were not dreadfully cold! I pulled my pashmina tighter around my face.
We had a blast with the best toy ever made for dogs, the Chuckit launcher. Any of you with dogs that love to play & run- its a must! With my bad shoulder and being a lousy throw besides -its an amazing toy!
 |
| You may confuse this gal for me, I know...but yes, Giselle (Tom Brady's wife) was my body double for this shot... |
We decided it may be not exactly a day for a picnic... brrr....
And that the rocks jutting out at the end of Crescent Beach looked more like penguins should reside there rather than seagulls!
Frannie performed her stalking/ chasing routine on the seagulls! Just can't catch 'em...they all flew off the sand and settled onto the water about 20' out from shore. I could see her considering a swim after them & called her back! (we'll catch Florida seagulls soon I promised her.)
A view full of memories and dreams that I'll never tire of...
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Location:High St,Kennebunk,United States
Monday, February 18, 2013
Vagabonds descend
It's been just over a week now since we were descended upon by both a heavy handed nor'easter & a nomadic three-some.
As most of you know my sister, Sarah, & her two small dogs have moved in with us for a indeterminable though "temporary" housing solution. She got lucky and experienced a quick sale on her house in Portsmouth, NH & is now ferreting out the perfect next abode.
She has a long list of requests...(mostly 'cause I made her get clear on what she "really" wanted in this next place...might as well dream it up right?!)
She hated the exercise- but I insisted- (nope, not kidding).
Its been a bit of chaotic but nothing horrible, surely a shift from our usual routines. Mostly an adjustment of Frannie's...she appears to need me a whole lot less except if I am giving attention to one of the other dogs...then abruptly she appears!
From early a.m. she attempts to engage Maya in play but due to Maya's small size & snippy personality they have yet to quite sort it through.
A better result from Henry although he doesn't seem engaged in wrestling & "playing" to quite the intensity of Frannie's desires.
Yesterday, (although for a short lived duration) they sorted themselves out and settled down together for a brief snow day nap. Ah-wishes do come true!
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As most of you know my sister, Sarah, & her two small dogs have moved in with us for a indeterminable though "temporary" housing solution. She got lucky and experienced a quick sale on her house in Portsmouth, NH & is now ferreting out the perfect next abode.
She has a long list of requests...(mostly 'cause I made her get clear on what she "really" wanted in this next place...might as well dream it up right?!)
She hated the exercise- but I insisted- (nope, not kidding).
Its been a bit of chaotic but nothing horrible, surely a shift from our usual routines. Mostly an adjustment of Frannie's...she appears to need me a whole lot less except if I am giving attention to one of the other dogs...then abruptly she appears!
From early a.m. she attempts to engage Maya in play but due to Maya's small size & snippy personality they have yet to quite sort it through.
A better result from Henry although he doesn't seem engaged in wrestling & "playing" to quite the intensity of Frannie's desires.
Yesterday, (although for a short lived duration) they sorted themselves out and settled down together for a brief snow day nap. Ah-wishes do come true!
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Location:High St,Kennebunk,United States
Friday, February 15, 2013
A sunny trek
What a gorgeous day to enjoy a snow shoe trek w/ the pup!!
I'd avoided snow shoeing since we got 24" of snowfall a week ago now... Knowing that Frannie's legs are long, often reminding me of a deer, but imagining the add'l 2' of fresh snow would've left her wishing she had a set of doggie snow shoes!! (I wonder if someone has invented these!?)
So, we've been hitting the beach, where there is no snow & she can run her crazies out! & I can forget for 45 minutes that it's even winter & the ground is buried!
But today I thought we'd return to the Blueberry Plains (our local conservation area)...Frannie was nothing but thrilled! & at 46* w/ sun warm on us, who couldn't be?!
Some spots were bare ground & some 3' deep! A great workout for both myself & the little lady!
& back home for our mid afternoon "sun nap" on the couch!
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I'd avoided snow shoeing since we got 24" of snowfall a week ago now... Knowing that Frannie's legs are long, often reminding me of a deer, but imagining the add'l 2' of fresh snow would've left her wishing she had a set of doggie snow shoes!! (I wonder if someone has invented these!?)
So, we've been hitting the beach, where there is no snow & she can run her crazies out! & I can forget for 45 minutes that it's even winter & the ground is buried!
But today I thought we'd return to the Blueberry Plains (our local conservation area)...Frannie was nothing but thrilled! & at 46* w/ sun warm on us, who couldn't be?!
Some spots were bare ground & some 3' deep! A great workout for both myself & the little lady!
& back home for our mid afternoon "sun nap" on the couch!
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Location:High St,Kennebunk,United States
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Be mine?
"Turn around little doggie, I'm talking to you!!"
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Location:High St,Kennebunk,United States
Monday, February 11, 2013
This Is Love
I layer: fleece wrap sweater, Scott has taken to calling my "housecoat", (I've removed for no long duration since November unless forced). My Patagonia down vest zipped to the top, winter hat, large pashmina wrapped once around my neck, once over my head (as I've taken to doing this winter for our long walks). Today I top this with Scott's brilliant kelly green raincoat.
I slip Frannie's coat on her, she hesitates, just a moment, but submits as she well knows this surely means an adventure. We head out, off to Parson's Beach. Frannie expresses her excitement as always (ear piercing whines and wimpers on the verge of "shrills" of excitement, LOTS of yawning, sounds even a mother can barely tolerate).
We pull down one of my most favorite roads in Southern Maine, Parsons Beach Road. The road is lined with 100+ year old Norway Maple trees and is simply beautiful in every season.
The foul weather ensures we will have the beach to ourselves. The wind whips as soon as I get out of the car, the rain not driving thank goodness, just a heavy sprinkle. We take the path over the dunes and onto the beach, an incredible on shore breeze blows steadily. I pull my hood tighter, my pashmina up over my left cheek as we head south down the sand.
After a surprisingly short time my body warms up from the brisk exercise and I grow more comfortable, pleased now I dared to come out for our daily meditation. Frannie appears to not have noticed the raw weather at all, she rips back and forth and across the sand, then slowly stalking the seagulls and sandpipers then she chases them at mach speed as they take safety from flight.
I reflect... at the start of the walk I thought to myself, this is love, (I'm taking this dog out in this lousy weather just 'cause I know she loves it and yearns for it). Heading back to the car after a peaceful, mindful walk in the fresh air, I once again find myself thinking, this IS love.
I slip Frannie's coat on her, she hesitates, just a moment, but submits as she well knows this surely means an adventure. We head out, off to Parson's Beach. Frannie expresses her excitement as always (ear piercing whines and wimpers on the verge of "shrills" of excitement, LOTS of yawning, sounds even a mother can barely tolerate).
We pull down one of my most favorite roads in Southern Maine, Parsons Beach Road. The road is lined with 100+ year old Norway Maple trees and is simply beautiful in every season.
 |
| Photo by: Nancy Cooper Funk |
The foul weather ensures we will have the beach to ourselves. The wind whips as soon as I get out of the car, the rain not driving thank goodness, just a heavy sprinkle. We take the path over the dunes and onto the beach, an incredible on shore breeze blows steadily. I pull my hood tighter, my pashmina up over my left cheek as we head south down the sand.
After a surprisingly short time my body warms up from the brisk exercise and I grow more comfortable, pleased now I dared to come out for our daily meditation. Frannie appears to not have noticed the raw weather at all, she rips back and forth and across the sand, then slowly stalking the seagulls and sandpipers then she chases them at mach speed as they take safety from flight.
I reflect... at the start of the walk I thought to myself, this is love, (I'm taking this dog out in this lousy weather just 'cause I know she loves it and yearns for it). Heading back to the car after a peaceful, mindful walk in the fresh air, I once again find myself thinking, this IS love.
 |
| The warriors. |
Friday, February 8, 2013
SOOPER HERO!
So while I'm reading an email from Sooper Dogs and this post is percolating in my brain, Frantastic comes literally "bounding" down the stairs and racing thru the house into the kitchen dragging (in her teeth) her (full size) wool "bed blanket" at TOP SPEED! Absolutely cracked me up- a true LOL experience- because all I could think of is her as a SUPER HERO-WONDER DOG here to SAVE THE DAY! If only she could've tied her blanket around her neck as a cape (I think she would've)!!
 |
| SO I DID IT FOR HER!!! |
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Namesake part I
"The Hamerstroms lived in a 1850s-era, Plainfield, Wisconsin home, that was never completed and lacked indoor plumbing.
The Hamerstrom home had been planned as a stage coach stop and had an incomplete ballroom upstairs that served as a storage area for specimens and data collected from their field research over many years.
The Hamerstroms raised two children, Alan and Elva, in their home outside Plainfield. Hamerstrom life was far from ordinary, even during the childhood of Alan and Elva, Fran confided to a friend who visited the house years later that "we had all the luxuries" (such as a first-rate ornithological library) and none of the necessities".
"Frances "Fran" Hamerstrom (1908 - 1998) was an American author, naturalist and ornithologist known for her work with the greater prairie chicken in Wisconsin, and for her research on birds of prey. Was a prolific writer, publishing over 100 professional papers and 12 books on the prairie chicken, harriers, eagles, and other wildlife topics." (She was a woman doing a man's work/science, the first in her field).
This fabulous lady, Fran Hamerstrom, was introduced to me in 2010 in the form of one of her 10+ books, I quickly fell in love & devoured all of her books rapidly over the following couple years.
I will continue to share tidbits of info about her amazing life in following blog posts. She lived a life I admire, not one I exactly want to live, but have great respect and curiosity for.
Before we even discovered our Frannie girl, we had a name selected that we both adored.
A namesake of a surely fascinating, smart & "unladylike" person!
*reference Wikipedia
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Hamerstrom#section_1
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The Hamerstrom home had been planned as a stage coach stop and had an incomplete ballroom upstairs that served as a storage area for specimens and data collected from their field research over many years.
The Hamerstroms raised two children, Alan and Elva, in their home outside Plainfield. Hamerstrom life was far from ordinary, even during the childhood of Alan and Elva, Fran confided to a friend who visited the house years later that "we had all the luxuries" (such as a first-rate ornithological library) and none of the necessities".
"Frances "Fran" Hamerstrom (1908 - 1998) was an American author, naturalist and ornithologist known for her work with the greater prairie chicken in Wisconsin, and for her research on birds of prey. Was a prolific writer, publishing over 100 professional papers and 12 books on the prairie chicken, harriers, eagles, and other wildlife topics." (She was a woman doing a man's work/science, the first in her field).
This fabulous lady, Fran Hamerstrom, was introduced to me in 2010 in the form of one of her 10+ books, I quickly fell in love & devoured all of her books rapidly over the following couple years.
I will continue to share tidbits of info about her amazing life in following blog posts. She lived a life I admire, not one I exactly want to live, but have great respect and curiosity for.
Before we even discovered our Frannie girl, we had a name selected that we both adored.
A namesake of a surely fascinating, smart & "unladylike" person!
*reference Wikipedia
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Hamerstrom#section_1
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Time to...
Wondering as I often do how it is a dog wakes up at the same time every day, no alarm clock needed!
Sharply at 6:15 am (give or take a few minutes), Frannie awakes...snowy & dark, or a hot summer day...its all the same gig to her! Almost every morning I utter, "next time we're getting goldfish!" (as pets)...
A dog also knows it's time for his/her dinner...no matter what I'm doing or where in or out of the house I am, the girls come find me & demand in their doggy way-to be served immediately! They are almost always w/in 30 min early (can't blame a girl for trying), if not exactly accurate on their timing!
Maybe a dog can tell time & we just don't know it!?
I will leave you with this simple thought...
"I love dogs. They live in the moment and don't care about anything except affection and food. They're loyal and happy. Humans are just too damn complicated."
David Duchovny
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Sharply at 6:15 am (give or take a few minutes), Frannie awakes...snowy & dark, or a hot summer day...its all the same gig to her! Almost every morning I utter, "next time we're getting goldfish!" (as pets)...
A dog also knows it's time for his/her dinner...no matter what I'm doing or where in or out of the house I am, the girls come find me & demand in their doggy way-to be served immediately! They are almost always w/in 30 min early (can't blame a girl for trying), if not exactly accurate on their timing!
Maybe a dog can tell time & we just don't know it!?
I will leave you with this simple thought...
"I love dogs. They live in the moment and don't care about anything except affection and food. They're loyal and happy. Humans are just too damn complicated."
David Duchovny
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Sunday, February 3, 2013
Sibling Rivalry
To say Frannie is spoiled is like saying Brad Pitt is good looking, or that my husband may have a small infatuation with Sandra Bullock, you get the point.
This week Sadie got a new bed. Sadie is our 12 year old English Pointer, not the star of this blog, but a main feature of our household, she's a sweetheart. Although she was a brilliant hunting dog in her prime, and Scott states, "the best hunting dog he'll ever own." She now has a hard time hearing, seeing and a lot of arthritic aches and pains which are quickly limiting her mobility. She spends 99% of her life sleeping or at least lying down (I'm not exaggerating).
She received a $300 (don't tell) Orvis Memory foam bed a couple years ago from her Mama, at that time she had the nicest bed/mattress in the house, we have since upgraded our own. The Orvis bed is her night time bed and is upstairs. During the day you'll find Sadie in the kitchen, pressed against the baseboard heater...on a pathetic "mat".
When Frannie was little (bless us) she didn't chew much (other than her toys) however she did like on occasion to gnaw on the corner of Sadie and her own daytime beds. So their daytime beds had been pretty simple Cordura canvas covers w/ foam pad inserts. The cordura held up surprisingly well and she eventually outgrew this naughty habit.
Since, Frannie's bed had been upgraded to a fabulous Molly Mutt duvet cover (we LOVE these!) & stuffed w/ her favorite gross puppy pillow & blankie. Sadie's had not been upgraded (mostly 'cause it was still in decent shape).
In the last few weeks I've noticed Sadie is having a bit more trouble getting around, I started to feel bad she didn't have a "nicer" bed to lay on all day. We also have a couple little pups (my sister's dogs) coming to stay with us for a few weeks, and I feel like Sadie's life may get a little rough for a bit (then we're whisking her off to Florida....ahhh..)
So, I splurged on a new Molly Mutt duvet cover for her (this is now our 3rd one, we LOVE them and they sell 'em at our favorite pet store, Sooper Dogs.)
Apparently this rubbed Frannie the wrong way, she spent the next two days attempting to pull Sadie's bed around (WITH HER ON IT!) Sadie weighs 65lbs- F is about 42lbs! Dear Lord...the funniest thing is Sadie just lays there and looks at me like, "for real Mom?" and I yell at Frannie and pull Sadie back against the heater...and off she goes back to sleep. Scott thinks I'm spoiling Sadie, I just tell him when he's old he'll want someone to be nice to him, he never argues that point.
After a couple days Frannie has stopped and appears to have gotten over her sibling rivalry.
This week Sadie got a new bed. Sadie is our 12 year old English Pointer, not the star of this blog, but a main feature of our household, she's a sweetheart. Although she was a brilliant hunting dog in her prime, and Scott states, "the best hunting dog he'll ever own." She now has a hard time hearing, seeing and a lot of arthritic aches and pains which are quickly limiting her mobility. She spends 99% of her life sleeping or at least lying down (I'm not exaggerating).
She received a $300 (don't tell) Orvis Memory foam bed a couple years ago from her Mama, at that time she had the nicest bed/mattress in the house, we have since upgraded our own. The Orvis bed is her night time bed and is upstairs. During the day you'll find Sadie in the kitchen, pressed against the baseboard heater...on a pathetic "mat".
When Frannie was little (bless us) she didn't chew much (other than her toys) however she did like on occasion to gnaw on the corner of Sadie and her own daytime beds. So their daytime beds had been pretty simple Cordura canvas covers w/ foam pad inserts. The cordura held up surprisingly well and she eventually outgrew this naughty habit.
Since, Frannie's bed had been upgraded to a fabulous Molly Mutt duvet cover (we LOVE these!) & stuffed w/ her favorite gross puppy pillow & blankie. Sadie's had not been upgraded (mostly 'cause it was still in decent shape).
In the last few weeks I've noticed Sadie is having a bit more trouble getting around, I started to feel bad she didn't have a "nicer" bed to lay on all day. We also have a couple little pups (my sister's dogs) coming to stay with us for a few weeks, and I feel like Sadie's life may get a little rough for a bit (then we're whisking her off to Florida....ahhh..)
So, I splurged on a new Molly Mutt duvet cover for her (this is now our 3rd one, we LOVE them and they sell 'em at our favorite pet store, Sooper Dogs.)
Apparently this rubbed Frannie the wrong way, she spent the next two days attempting to pull Sadie's bed around (WITH HER ON IT!) Sadie weighs 65lbs- F is about 42lbs! Dear Lord...the funniest thing is Sadie just lays there and looks at me like, "for real Mom?" and I yell at Frannie and pull Sadie back against the heater...and off she goes back to sleep. Scott thinks I'm spoiling Sadie, I just tell him when he's old he'll want someone to be nice to him, he never argues that point.
After a couple days Frannie has stopped and appears to have gotten over her sibling rivalry.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Off limits
There are few places Frannie isn't allowed to go in our house...she'll appear in our walk-in shower as a regular guest (desired or not!), she's worked her way much to my husband's chagrin to being allowed on the couch...so don't even think you'll be sitting/lying alone (or comfortably). She has regular sleepovers on Sadie's beds (& Heaven forbid if Sadie wants to return the favor...doesn't go over very well!) You know the line, "what's mine is mine & what's yours is mine," Says Frannie.
There are a few boundaries, most of all the furniture, beds etc...&...my office. She amazingly respects this boundary fairly well, we started w/ a gate at the door and quickly graduated to not needing the gate at all... Every once in a while (ok once a day) she sneaks quietly in...to only be kicked out. The last couple days she has attempted hiding under the desk (that I'm seated at!) hoping I don't notice her....seriously?!
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There are a few boundaries, most of all the furniture, beds etc...&...my office. She amazingly respects this boundary fairly well, we started w/ a gate at the door and quickly graduated to not needing the gate at all... Every once in a while (ok once a day) she sneaks quietly in...to only be kicked out. The last couple days she has attempted hiding under the desk (that I'm seated at!) hoping I don't notice her....seriously?!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:High St,Kennebunk,United States
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