Maine Tourism

I know that you all are going to think that I am getting paid off by the Maine Tourism Council, but truly I am not. As I have mentioned I have wanted to go to Maine for a long time, and this year that desire has come to me in spades. I have now been to Maine 3 times since September. This last trip being the longest.

This time we were a little farther north, a bit above Bangor. I would tell you the town, but apparently there is no town and no local government (my kind of place). We actually had to boat in to the cabin we were staying in.

We had no running water, no electricity, and an outhouse BUT we had a wonderfully relaxing time. Even the kids, who I thought might have computer / electronics withdrawl, wished that we didn't have to leave when the weekend was over.

Although it is my goal to get our passports this year, I'm beginning to wonder why we need them with so many wonderful places right in our backyard.

PS. The next state on my wish list is South Dakota and the next individual place is Mammoth Cave in KY. But I will admit that I've learned to take advantage of the opportunities that come along, so who knows where I'll be next. . .maybe another visit to my new favorite state.

Wine Tasting - a great way to spend the afternoon

DH suprised me today with the idea of checking out some local vineyards. Unfortunately due to DD's schedule, we were only able to do one, but if you are ever looking for a way to spend the afternoon, local vineyards are a great idea.

Today we checked out Hardwick Vineyard and Winery.

The tasting was actually free, but of course I couldn't walk out empty handed and so I picked up a glass from the vineyard for our collection, a bottle of wine, and my first Christmas gift purchase of the year. My favorite wine of theirs was Yankee Boy White. DH's was Massetts Cranberry. We also picked up a brochure about the entire Massachusetts' Wine and Cheese Trail so that we can finish our Winery Tour another day.

I encourage you all to find wineries in your area and plan a visit. Please let us all know about your favorites.

Internet Safety

This weekend we were in a campground outside of Binghamton, NY. I have tried to be more careful about what I post when both for the safety of my family and our home. We are so quick to let our children know when they post information that is too personal or too identifying and yet we as adults do it all the time. Before we left, DD made some post on FB declaring our trip and I commented back, “Why don’t you just give them the keys to our home?” Thus, I thought the best of posting our trip on Blogger. While you have all become “friends”, I’m sure there are still a few lurkers too. So we should all be reminded of our safety.

Having said that, I did spend a wonderful weekend with my family camping at a campground. It is about a four hour ride to Binghamton, NY and we were very lucky not to hit any major traffic. While this weekend was actually my birthday, we went to celebrate my brother-in-law’s birthday. He was actually kind enough to include my birthday celebration too - - -even if he did age me an extra year in the decorations. One of the best part of the weekend, was watching my husband and DD kerioki to Ring of Fire. Everyone said that DH would not sing, but he surprised us all and I think made DD’s day – not that she would ever admit it. (Hopefully, I will have pictures to share soon – my other brother-in-law took them.)

We did come home Sunday instead of Monday, which was actually a good choice. That way we hit no traffic, had a day to relax and get things done around the house, and the shorter time with my MIL gave less option for something to go wrong. What did you do this wonderful holiday weekend?

What to do when a porcupine raises his quills?

Sorry that I haven't posted in a few days. We have been traveling, I will tell you more in the next couple of days, but I wanted to show what we came by along our route:








Mind you we have seen porcupines in the zoo, but never up close and personal. As you can see, when DH tried to take his picture out his window, Mr. Porcupine became a little camera shy and raised his quills. This was the only picture we took before we decided to move along. Of course, when I look at this, I thought how useful quills could be on humans. When someone was annoyed or out of sorts, we would know to avoid them just by quill position. Just think of all the fights and uncomfortable conversations you could avoid.


Porcupines, by the way, are rodents. He is a mammal and dines on plants (herbivore). Porcupines cannot shoot there quills and regrow quills as they loose them. One of Mr. Porcupine's relatives actually can grow quills up to a foot long. He does not have quills on his under belly. When a baby porcupine is born the quills are soft but harden within an hour or so.

Visiting Maine

Do you have the list of 1,000 places to go before you die? I have checked one off this week. It isn’t far and now that we moved it is even closer. Years ago, when we were nearby I actually made my husband cross the border just to say that I’d been in Maine. I literally felt giddy when we crossed the border. You would have thought I was a child going to see Santa. This week, I actually got to go to Maine. It still was not for a very long time, only about 24 hours, but I really enjoyed it.

We took time to lighthouse hop along the Southern Portland coast. One of the greatest parts of traveling as a homeschooler is the questions that arise. When we stopped at the beach near the “Two Lights” Lighthouse, we were amazed to see a rock beach that looked like fossilized trees. When we walked through the edge where the stone was broken and shattered, it sounded like you were walking through glass. The stone was amazing and of course when we came home we had to find out more.

We also enjoyed a tour of the oldest lighthouse in Maine and then a window shopping trip at the wharf in Portland. We had a wonderful trip, but I cannot say that I can in good conscience check Maine off my places to go. In fact DH says that he may have to go back next month for another meeting and I must admit that I will eagerly plan another trip.

Dear Detroit - Creating the MOM-mobile

I think that as GM, FORD, and Chevy reconfigure their automotive style, they should really consider moms. I have really started to think of all the hours that I spend in my car and it is disgusting. I think that my car my rival my bed for total number of hours used a day. Mind you, it is not just the traveling but also the sitting time. After the gas price rise about a year ago, I seriously reconsidered how much driving I do and if it makes sense to drop the kids off and come back for them or to just stick around. Needless to say, I spend hours waiting in the car. I read, crochet, take naps, write, but I’d like to tell the automakers that a few key changes in design would be greatly appreciated:

Screen windows – Certainly as I sit because I am trying to save on gas the car is turned off and therefore can get very warm so I have to open the windows which inevitably lets in mosquitoes. Screens would be very helpful (and perhaps conversely in the winter a small solar powered space heater).

Swivel seat – While the driver’s seat is comfortable for driving, sitting in it for such long periods can get uncomfortable on the legs. So the ability to turn would be great especially if I could turn toward a work surface.

Central Console / desk / work surface – Wouldn’t it be great if I could bring my scrapbooking or Christmas cards and work right there in the car: Swivel that chair and bang a great work surface (perhaps it could be created by just flipping over the passanger's seat). Especially in those new cars with blue tooth technology, I could actually work and meet my family’s demands.

Removable pillow / changeable window tint – I can’t tell you the number of naps I’ve taken in the car especially during “Hell Weeks” (the week before a theater performance). But I am always concerned that someone will think that I am in distress so I would love to just “tint” the windows temporarily while I sleep. The pillow goes without saying and can conveniently be stored in the head rest. The tint will also be helpful for those times when the backseat is occasionally used as a dressing room as we run from one event to the next.

I think these are more than reasonable requests and not quite as unreasonable as some of my other ideas like remote driving, cars that can be driven as a pod two seater or transformed to a van, a holder for my yarn; so I hope Detroit will seriously consider these adaptations. What do you think should be added to the MOM-mobile?

Opportunity Knocks - Saco, ME

When my sister visited from out west, we said goodbye pledging to see each other as soon as possible. Oh, how I wish I was infinitely wealthy or had a Star Trek transporter. There are so many places that I wish to see and people I wish to visit, but alas there are taxes, house repairs, car maintenance, cable bills, etc., etc. All I could promise is that if opportunity knocked, I surely would take advantage of it. Our family has been very lucky in that respect and has done most of our traveling that way. We have tacked many a personal trip onto business trips or taken business trips and added in a few hours of personal time. This was one of the many reasons we actually chose to homeschool. The freedom of a homeschooling schedule allowed us to go if the opportunity arose.

Last week DH mentioned an arising opportunity, a trip to Maine; granted it isn’t for very long – just overnight, but I am truly excited. I have never been to Maine. Ok, let me adjust that, I have driven into and out of Maine twice. But this would be a verifiable, actual overnight in the Pine Tree State. We will be in the Saco, ME area. The best part of these kind of trips is the limited cost on our part. DH would have to reserve a hotel room anyway, so we are just stowaways. The gas is covered too as he would be driving regardless. We just pay for food and extra activities. What is the difference between buying food here or buying food there? So opportunity has knocked and I am answering that door. Maine here we come.

I welcome any ideas of what we should do on this brief trip. If you have a favorite restaurant or destination near Saco, ME, please let me know.

On the March in Boston

What a crazy, busy, wonderful week. The house seems so quiet without my five year old nephew and his parents. I'm so happy that we got my bed into the guest room up over garage in time for their visit.

Yesterday was their last day with us, and we spent most of it in Boston. DH didn't think that he was going to be able to spend the day with us because of his work load, but he relented and decided that family was more important . . .and for his efforts, he at least got a good picture with DD (this is a rare smiling teenager, especially rare and prized when viewed with its paternal partner).


Don't they look great?

It was a good think that DD was there, because she was great with my nephew. She made sure that he held hands when crossing the street, waited for the adults to catch up, and even caught his head when he was falling asleep at a glass harmonica concert (I'll post more about this tomorrow.).

We spent most of the day following the Freedom Trail, which is for those of you that don't know and actual red painted and brick line that guides you through Boston historical sites. Following this visiable line was a great way to keep my five year old nephew's attention. A few times, he actually kept us in line and caught us from going the wrong way.

Of course, poor DS's arm started to bother him as the day wore on, but he was a real trooper. Here he is with his cousin and his Dad.Now that we know how close Boston is, we certainly will be back.

It was very sad to say goodbye to my sister and her family. We had such a wonderful visit and I know it will be a while before the next one - - -3,000 miles tends to get in the way. But I sure will try to make it a priority to see them again soon. Maybe next time it will be us traveling to the West Coast.

Take Sanctuary at Craftworks, Martha's Vineyard

Have you ever seen a piece of artwork that just takes your breath away? This actually happened to me a few years ago when my husband and I visited Martha’s Vineyard with friends and was renewed when I went back this week. The furniture can be found in a small storefront in Oak Bluffs called Craftworks. The furniture itself is by Sticks, originally inspired by artist Sarah Grant but now has become so popular that it is done by a team of artisians. The pieces are not just beautiful, but also inspirational as many are wrapped with quotes.

As I can’t come close to affording these beautiful pieces, I have to settle for visiting them whenever we go to the island. I have set my mind that I am going to try to create a piece, but I am not sure that I can do Sticks work justice. Please note, craftworks also sells many other pieces by talented artists. This store is a must see if you ever go to the island.

Just next door is one of my other favorite stores of the island, Sanctuary. As you have probably noticed, I love the written word. Sanctuary is a quote store. Quotes can be found on everything: rings, rocks, banners, statues, tiles, t-shirts, cards, posters, plaques, and mugs. I could easily buy this store out, but as we biked to town, I did limit myself. DD bought a beautiful sterling silver “faith” ring. I gave myself a good laugh when I considered buying one of the long thin quote boards and considered what I would look like bicycling with it in my basket.

If you cannot make it to the island both of these stores have wonderful online stores:

Craftworks
Sanctuary

And if you go in person, be sure to check out the bakery nearby for their delicious apple fritter donughts. It is right next to the Oak Bluffs post office. We also enjoyed a delicious and reasonably priced lunch at Linda Jeans.

Back from the Vineyard

My life is longer now. They say laughter asks minutes to your life. If that is true then I added weeks if not whole months in the past couple of days. Martha's Vineyard was fantastic.

Some of the best lines from the week:

While reading Trivial Pursuit questions at a restaurant, "What is the name of a field purposely left unplanted for a year while the soil replenishes?"

Emphatically, one of the mom's responds, "Family Feud". We have no idea what she thinks she heard, but we all got a good laugh. The real answer, by the way, was "Fallow".

A poster we read, "Put on your Granny Panties and Get over it". I'm still not sure why the girls thought this was so funny, but it became their mantra for the weekend.

While looking at a beautiful pie plate with an Irish Soda Bread recipe in the center, I commented, "I wonder why they put this in a round plate?"

One of the mom's, "Because when you put the dough into and bake it, the bread will come out that way."

A look of wonder and a wave of laughter overtook me and one of the other moms, "I don't think that is quite what she meant."

I'll try to share some more of our wonderful trip tomorrow, including information about two of my favorite shops & one of the best artists I have ever seen.

Where's Waldo?

What state does this picture make you think of?




How about another? Another? I am going to guess that even if I gave you 20 guesses, you would not say Massachusetts unless you happen to be from here. I was completely surprised how much water is up here in “Western” Massachusetts (another strange MA realization – apparently Western MA starts at Worcester – pronounced Wooster - - - I would have called where we live central, but anything west of Boston is kind of secondary I guess). This bog like condition is not rare. It is everywhere. I cannot tell you the number of houses we ruled out for this kind of wetlands nearby – all I could think of was bugs, bugs, bugs.

What do you think people would be most surprised about in your state?

Sites to See in Central Massachesetts

Yesterday, we explored a little scenic culture in this new town of ours. We rambled up to West Brookfield to enjoy the Asparagus Festival and then ambled down to the Brimfield Flea & Antique Market. What a crazy day. I truly enjoyed the Asparagus Festival. I imagine it is somewhat like what our old hometown fair was like 100 years ago. There were just a few vendors spread across the town green. There were plenty of people but not so many that you couldn’t get into the booths to see people’s wares. We even got to enjoy a cup of Asparagus chowder. My girlfriend, Shirley, had heard that there was to be asparagus ice cream, but we didn’t find it. I’m not sure that that was a great loss. The festival was small enough that we had time to head down to the Flea Market too, so we rallied up and headed down.

The Flea Market was absolutely overwhelming. I don’t think we saw even a 10th of it. It did make me happy that we avoided Brimfield in our search for a home. Coming from a town that is completely overwhelmed during our annual fair, I did not want to move to a town that had this three weeks a year. I may as well have moved to Disney World or into the city if I wanted that. We wandered in and out of some of the tents looking at all of the interesting items for sale. I think because I just moved my view point was a little bit skewed. All I kept thinking as we walked around was how difficult it would be for these vendors to pack their items up – especially the China dealers. I didn’t buy anything except for a cup of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, but I’m going to make sure I’m ready for the July & September markets. I think that this might be a great place to go Christmas shopping.

The Beach

A perfect silence amidst the crashing roar and tumble of the waves. A breeze and a clouded umbrella, a perfect day at the beach for me. The seagulls swoop. The sandpipers trot. The cormorant float. To me, a heaven on earth. A peace and a comfort fill me. Restored as if back home again.

I once thought everyone felt this way until I met my husband who dreds water like the wicked witch of the west, who I don’t think put on a pair of shorts until our fifth year of marriage (mind you we rented a beach cottage every summer), and who would be happy to never touch or see an ocean in his life. To me this is incomprehensible.

At funerals we say “dust to dust” but for me it should be “from water, to water” as they sprinkle me among the waves.

Family Time Together

I could probably write an incredible post below these pictures about having traveled somewhere in Scotland or England, but instead they are from a hidden corner in Connecticut. DH had to drop off a bid in Canton and then we were to buzz by the Boy Scout office for a tour permit, and then over to the ultimate shopping destination, Cabela’s. But when DH looked at the map he decided to take a detour. After all these years of marriage, he still surprises me. He said, “I’m going take you here.” He pointed to the Sayville Dam on the CT map. “You won’t even believe we are still in CT.”

He was right, it looked like we had driven into a loch the way the water snaked around hills. It was beautiful. I was particularly interested in this building atop the reservoir, maybe a control house of some kind. Its architecture only added to the mystic. As the gas prices are so high and our esteemed Governor M. Jodi Rell is recommending stay-cations, what new place can you discover by you?

We also hit another tourist attraction, just before the dam at a gas station in New Hartford. We found a telephone booth. Our kids did not know what to make of it. DD thought we had been transported to England - - -it doesn’t seem to enter her consciousness that we once had them too. I’m sure she is still rattled from learning that records came in two sizes – 33’s and 45’s. At the rate DH and I are going telling the kids that we know and lived with all these ancient forms of communication, they are going to be sure that we are older than dirt.

I Sat . . .

Willoughvale Inn, Lake Willoughby, VT

I sat in Robert Frost’s chair
And what did I see there:


a frozen lake,

a snow topped hill,

a desk,

a window,

a lover asleep in the morning light.



I sat in Robert Frost’s chair
And what did I see there:


an idea
developing / growing,


a pen
waiting to be picked up,


a future.



I saw these things as I sat in Robert Frost’s chair.