This weekend was our first attempt at a “new normal,” necessitated by a change in Cliff’s work schedule. We arrived on Friday, as usual, and enjoyed a typical Date Night with an exceptional grilled tenderloin and veggies. But on Saturday, we awoke at 6 a.m. for a quick cup of coffee and dog walk before Cliff had to return to Hampshire for a half-day of work. Jon stayed behind, troubleshooting a problem with the sound system, doing some clean-up, and reading The New York Times. When Cliff returned to the campsite at 11:30, it was nearly time to start preparing brunch. But not before a much-anticipated Bloody Mary. Or two.

After brunch, we resumed our regular routine, napping in the afternoon, having cocktails by the campfire, enjoying an excellent performance of the Grand Ole Opry, having a fine supper, taking a long walk under starlit skies, and settling in for a new episode of “Saturday Night Live.”

The Opry featured performances by Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, and Don Schlitz. We thought Barnett’s cover of Ray Price’s “Heartaches by the Number” and Clark’s rendition of Don Williams’ “I Believe in You” were particularly good.

For Saturday’s supper, Cliff grilled pork loin chops and cob corn to perfection, complemented by steamed Italian pole green beans.

After burning through our supply of firewood, we took a long walk, stopping to gaze at the stars and enjoy the evening breeze. Then it was back to Cloud 9 to clean the dinner dishes and watch SNL.

Despite being awakened in the night by an agitated chihuahua, we managed to sleep in and still enjoy our typical Sunday routine. Campers started leaving ahead of the noon check-out time, leaving us in peaceful isolation. An afternoon nap was followed by cocktails, the evening news, 60 Minutes, our Sunday televisit with Jon’s mom, a campfire, and a delicious supper of grilled chicken, broccoli, squash, peppers, onions. We ended the evening with a viewing of Aaron Sorkin’s excellent “The Trial of the Chicago 7” on Netflix.

Monday morning found us casually decamping, with Jon tackling a vexing cord configuration behind the bedroom TV and Cliff readying all things outside. Eventually, we settled into Bloody Mary’s and music to accompany our web surfing and online shopping. The “new normal” requires Jon to report for a half-day of work on Mondays, so we made our way back to Hampshire at noon.