LizzieAlone-Censored

2011-01-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

If
by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it . . .

My husband signed the divorce papers today. This is good news. So, why can't I stop crying?

2011-01-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

I am going back to LizzieAlone.blogspot.com
See you there!

Follow the link at the top of the page

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

~Desiderata~
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
Be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
And listen to others,
Even to the dull and ignorant;
They too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
They are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
You may become vain or bitter,
For always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
For the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere
Life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
It is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
Be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe
No less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with your higher power,
Whatever you conceive it to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Namaste, Happy New Year and the Brightest of Blessings,

Love, LizzieAlone

2010-12-30T04:30:00.000-08:00

I saw this old girl in her jeep outside the Winn Dixie yesterday, Jimmy Buffet blasting on the radio, not a human in sight.

2010-12-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

Sue and I drove up to the Miccosukee Indian Village for their annual arts festival where we met up with Gloria, David, Marilyn and Maryann. I am not naming names here but we got hopelessly lost and it took hours to get there due to someone thinking she knew where she was going. She didn't. I'm just saying... Anyhoo, they have world champion dancers from Santa Fe, from Saskatchewan, from all over the U.S. and Canada and they are just fabulous. Here are some pictures for your perusal . . .

These guys were the drummers and singers for the dancers. I was practically deaf by the time I left. They were awesome.

An observation: The women have the most boring dances, can't even move their arms, just get to make their fringe swing, which apparently the men think is something to brag about. Ooooh, buckskin dancers... while the men get the best outfits, the best feathers and the best dances. hmmmmm

I must say though, the obvious pride these people take in their heritage and their desire to share it with others is really inspiring.

Sweet grass braids, white sage (I got a bundle), lavender (G and M bought me some-thanks!), and every herb, bark and berry you could think of and then some. Smelled heavenly.

Unlike the food on offer. Spam and tomato. Really?? The food totally sucked. I had the Indian Taco. Don't ask.

ya think??

And finally, I like to think this gator and the turtle are snuggling up together in the cold Florida weather (20 degrees below normal today, but I'm not going to complain even a little about a high temp of 66 degrees -- I watched the news this morning. Zoiks!) So, all in all a fun day - in spite of all the driving. Let's not go there again . . . Sue.

2010-12-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

The girls and I went for a walk before bed tonight. Christmas night. Kind of tough to look through lighted windows in the neighborhood and see people celebrating, hear the music, the laughter, around a table, tree lit up, and not think of years past.

My husband and I celebrated together, just the two of us, every single year for 27 years. Over half of my life - and his.

Now, don't get me wrong. Karen and Chuck, Mary, all invited me to their homes last night, Lu and Tom for tonight; Leslie and Tom brought by lobster ceviche on their way to Miami today; Gloria and David and Marilyn came by for a swim.

A secret Santa left flowers on my stairway.

I opened presents from my mom and dad, my sister, and Rita and Sue. Family called from Chattanooga, Michigan and Massachusetts.

I feel incredibly lucky. And ridiculously sad.

just can't help myself

2010-12-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

It's impossible to avoid Christmas. Everywhere you go, all over the TV, on the radio, you are bombarded with it. Probably why I have this song stuck in my head - just can't turn it off . . .

XXXX'snuts roasting on an open fire . . .

2010-12-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

So many kind, compassionate and loving people here in the Fabulous Florida Keys, and as always, some extra help needed for the doggies and kitties so here is what I've been up to. --Ok, so I have to dish . . . the perfectly lovely lady who does the baking is generous enough to provide little recipe cards gratis - ONLY if someone buys the baked good, of course. So, my first day I was looking thru them and here is the one to hand out if someone buys a yummy brownie:

BROWNIES

1 box Dncan Hines Brownie Mix (plain)

Follow recipe on box

Use all ingredients noted

Add 1/2 cup ground nuts to the recipe

Bake as directed on box

I am so deliriously happy reading this

Tripping down to Key West

2010-12-23T04:44:00.000-08:00

My Daddy wrote me and said he missed reading my blog post. Oops - my bad. Once again losing sight of the here and now, silly me. Looking forward to the holiday passing without participating and then maybe, just maybe, escaping this purgatory that has become my life. SO, here I sit with a cup of peppermint tea and Clannad singing in the background . . .
(Will we treasure all the secrets with life's changing scenes
Where our hearts were warm with love, so much love
Will the flowers grow again as I open out my hand
Precious time, time for healing
The beauty of this land)
BUT I DIGRESS . . . Well, I had a free night at a Westin about to expire so I called up the folks in Old Town Key West and made a reservation. The fabulous Florence, one of a handful I trust to stay with the girls, was available and off I went. I always loved the trip down and never having done it by myself, savored every moment. I stopped off at Ann's Beach in lower Matecumbe:

Did you know there are 42 bridges connecting more than 100 islands over a distance of 126 miles and that 15 percent of the total travel time is spent on bridges? (I didn't either; I saw it on Wikipedia.) Anyhoo, how beautiful, right?

Here's a shot of the 7-mile bridge while I'm going over it - woohoo! (no worries, Mom, totally safe-hardly any oncoming traffic.) I arrived in Key West in time to walk to our - no, make that MY - fave lunch spot: Alonzo's. The BEST margarita and crab salad lunch ever. I spotted Appledore on my way there (used to see her in Boothbay Harbor, Maine),

shot a picture of these pelicans begging for fish while I caught up with all the news in the Key West Citizen,

and almost hurled when I spotted this hairy back.

OMG, I mean seriously, does he have a clue? Typical male, probably doesn't care and thinks we'd all benefit from gazing upon the disgusting pelt sprouting from his back. I personally would be willing to finance a (hideously painful) waxing session. Hearing his agonized screams would be music to my ears. Woopsie, I seem to be getting carried away. . . so gross I did the Duval Street Crawl and stopped at some of my favorite places, most notably Fast Buck Freddy's, the Wyland gallery, and Fresh Produce.

I checked into my hotel and I want to show you my view. I was on the ground floor which was totally convenient because I could access the pier right outside my door. Here was the view when I checked in and here is what I saw when I woke up the next morning! wow

Of course, I went to Sunset Celebration and I present here for your amusement, the sword swallower and the juggler guy. Both have been a part of sunset since we started coming to Key West. (Sword swallower said it was his 60th birthday but I think he might have been lying. For one thing he was trying to up his tips and also, he looked more like 72, although I guess swallowing swords every night might age you prematurely. Would also like to say that he had no front teeth so I'm sure that helped with his act- doh! or maybe that's how he lost them.)

The juggler guy is playing with fire and I love this picture with the bird in the background. The star of the show of course, was the sunset and here is one of the many conch shell blowers on hand to celebrate it.

I went off to Kelly's for dinner out in the garden, well known for being the birthplace of Pan American Airlines, dontcha know - the first tickets were sold out of this building in 1927 and the inside bar is actually the wing of a plane - not sure if it's real though . . .

It was fun visiting so many favorite places, albeit kind of bittersweet. I like to think I was making these places my own now and I look forward to going back soon. Ok, Dad? That's all for now.

2010-12-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

I was going to talk about how this nightmare I'm living in began 17 months ago and there is still no end in sight. How, I try to REALIZE DEEPLY that the present moment is all I ever have and I need to make the Now the primary focus of my life but how the Now just feels like living in limbo these days. I was also going to talk about how I decided it was time to stop the sleeping pills and antidepressants (resulting in 1.) three sleepless nights in a row to the point I am practically incoherent, and 2.) the realization I am not ready to go off the antidepressants.) And, I was going to talk about how much I miss my husband and my old life . . .
BUT, instead I will tell you about the hawk with the broken wing that Sophie flushed out of the grass at 6:00 this morning. Poor thing couldn't fly and tried to hop away. I'm sure I woke up the neighborhood screaming at Lucy to leave it alone. I ran home and called the Wild Bird Center and woke someone up, waited while she found a pencil to take the info, and within a half hour, a guy showed up and rescued my bird. Yay.
So, the moral of my story? Heck if I know. But I'm so happy about the bird and it's rescue and it snapped me out of the pity party I was having.
If you're looking for a worthy charity, why not give a little somethin somethin to the Wild Bird Center in Key Largo this holiday season?

2010-12-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it is bone chilling cold here in the Fabulous Florida Keys. 40's the last two mornings! Yesterday when we went for our walk, there were buzzards circling above and I figured they were up there waiting for Sophie to keel over from the cold since she is now naked. Oh, I felt so guilty!! She slept under a blanket last night...

So, yesterday I went with the Red Hats for a tour of the gardens at Kona Kai and a look at their art gallery. Well, I have a new fave artist. I love his paintings. He is from the Netherlands, resides in France and is Dirk Verdoorn. The show dealt mostly with his paintings of the Miami River but also included one of a barge in France and one of the Spiegel Grove in Key Largo (that's the ship they sunk to make an artificial reef.) Anyhoo, Think hyper-realism on the water. This was my favorite and the photo doesn't do it justice. Gorgeous paintings.
Beautiful day but cold at the Kona Kai.

Afterwards, we all went to Snapper's for lunch which was wonderful, as always.

I would also like to report that it was my BFF's birthday! You go Leslie!

And, just one more: Look at this cute little Hanukkha gift I made. Sweet!

2010-12-08T04:16:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Edwards died yesterday. The last years of her life, the only life she'll ever have, were marred by that filthy cheating, lying pig of a husband and that slut who, let's face it, should be ashamed to call herself a woman, exhibiting such a complete and utter lack of moral fiber or respect for another woman. I can only trust that they will suffer as much as she did. In my opinion, neither deserve to walk this earth.

2010-12-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

I heard on the news this morning that Elizabeth Edwards is on her death bed. I've perhaps mentioned her situation in the past. It makes me sick. Let's review, shall we? Her husband, Jon Edwards, is a cheating lying pig who deserves to have his you know what hacked off and stuffed down his throat, but enough about him. I want to bring up Rielle Hunter (real name, Lisa Druck) once more because I just can't wrap my mind around her behavior. What kind of evil witch sleeps with another man's wife (and let's not even go into the fact that she had been diagnosed with cancer at the time?) What in the world could cause a woman to treat another woman this way? And, how does she live with herself, especially today? Why is it that she hasn't opened a vein and gone for a dirt nap by now? Actually, that would be too good for her. She deserves to suffer, like Elizabeth Edwards is suffering, before she checks out.
Just wondering, that's all.

2010-12-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

Another feeding frenzy on Saturday when the Florida Keys Quilters held their annual holiday party. And, there were some fabulous gifts, let me tell you, many handmade, all sewing related. Heaven. Some of the ladies went to Edna's house earlier in the week to do the decorating and the whole house looked so fabulous. We met at 10am on Saturday to lay out the food and do the cooking and schmooze. Then, everyone is organized in a big circle in the living room, with their own present in their lap. Edna perches in her chair and starts to read: Confessions of a Fabric-holic. Very funny book and every time the word "fabric" comes up, you pass your gift to the left. Until the end, at which time the gifts have gone around 40 or so women about one and a half times. At the end of the book, the gift you get is the one in your hands. Lots of laughs and fun when we all open presents and then, the feeding frenzy begins.
So, we are having record cold temps here in the Keys. Only in the 50's this morning and, in the 40's tomorrow morning which is unheard of here!! I. Feel. So. Guilty. What a time to have Sophie shaved. Poor baby is naked! I wish I were a faster knitter, I'd knit her a sweater.

2010-12-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Very traumatic morning. Lucy and I left Sophie in the capable hands of Debbie. My baby's first haircut! Debbie wouldn't let me stay and it took three hours to shave it all off. So, Lucy and I went shopping, took a walk and watched the clock. Well, here is the little princess with her hairdresser and then giving me the goo goo eyes. She still has the hair on her head and on her tail. How cute is this girl!!!

This afternoon, I picked up Sue and Elizabeth and then drove down for Carol Ann's holiday party. Her decorations were great and the food, OMG the food. So much, so good, so full. At one point, Carol Ann disappeared and Santa appeared (coincidence? I don't think so.) Santa had a gift for each and every one of us. So generous. Here she is, surrounded by her legion of fans.

Last Straw!

2010-12-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

This morning was the LAST STRAW! My electric toothbrush is dead! When is this run of bad luck going to end? Honestly!

So, yesterday I went to the annual holiday luncheon for Mariners Hospital. Fun to see old friends and catch up. We sang Christmas carols and had a really nice lunch at Braza Lena in Islamorada. I did NOT win the raffle basket which put a slight damper on the afternoon. hmmmmph

Well, I get home and this is what my neighbor across the street is up to:

Ok, I don't think too much about it -- until dark. OMG, it's like Wrigley Field is right across the street! Thankfully, my bedroom is on the other side of the house AND I don't need a flashlight when I walk the dogs at night!

And, finally, I did not mean to be alarmist with my last post. Just wanted to share the information. My friend Karen emailed me this morning to say that her father-in-law had the same thing, had to leave his practice early because of it, but then lived to 103. Woohoo!

2010-12-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

So I spent a good part of the day at the hospital yesterday. Those of you who see me regularly are almost as entirely sick of my cough as I am. Well yesterday, I finally got a diagnosis. I'm on a waiting list to see a pulmonary specialist now.

David gave me my spirometry and pulmonary function tests. He wouldn't let me take his picture but he took mine. This tube I'm sitting in? They call it the "body box." Zoiks!!
So you know how I always said if they gave me 6 months to live the first thing I'd do is go out and buy a carton of cigarettes? The irony here is if comes to that, I won't be able to summon the breath to smoke!! Life is just SO not fair!
Anyhoo, here's the 411 on my diagnosis:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease


Chest X-ray showing emphysema	Flow volume curve in emphysema

General Information on COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for two respiratory illnesses - chronic obstructive bronchitis and/or emphysema. There are 16 million Americans who have been diagnosed with COPD, of whom 14 million have chronic bronchitis and 2 million have emphysema. COPD results primarily from smoking tobacco. Smoking causes damage to the airways and the lungs. This lung damage continues to progress with the use of tobacco. Average current and former smokers will likely not notice or acknowledge symptoms for several years as this is a slowly progressing disease, characterized by a decreased ability of the lungs to provide the body's oxygen demand and remove carbon dioxide.
Affected individuals typically notice their first symptoms (shortness of breath) when they reach their 40s or 50s. However, earlier signs of COPD are often present. These include chronic cough and increased mucus production. Recognizing these early signs is important because lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and avoidance of respiratory irritants, may prevent additional damage to the airways.

COPD affects the patient’s quality of life significantly. Patients alter their lifestyles because they become short of breath after minimal exertion. Physical activities take longer to complete. Also, fatigue, frustration and depression can become a problem.

2010-11-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

This is where the girls and I greet the dawn each day. Sunrise never disappoints, is always spectacular, always different, always there! And the sun comes up to the accompaniment of the neighborhood roosters screeching away. I love it.

And, here is a sweet little bag I whipped up yesterday. How cute is that?!

Guess what?

2010-11-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

I backed into a car in the Walgreen's parking lot this morning. What the H-E double toothpicks is going on here?? Phase of the moon? Wha???

2010-11-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. Today I got a ticket for speeding. Don't get me wrong, I speed all the time. It's a miracle I haven't gotten stopped before. But, not in the Keys. Nope, I set the cruise control and go the speed limit here. So today I was going up Card Sound Road and didn't notice when the speed limit went from 55 to 45 for a short period of time. Busted. 54 in a 45mph zone. Dam it. Dam cop. So, now I have had three tickets in the period of three weeks, after 30+ years with none! It makes me so dam MAD arrrrrghghghgh.

2010-11-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have to say that it was a lot easier to ignore Thanksgiving last year when I was in Ireland. Here, it is everywhere. Do I feel sadness and loss? Yes. Thanksgiving was always special for my husband and me. Alone and forgotten? Only for about 5 seconds. Then, my mom and dad, my sister and niece, and my friends, Leslie and Lu, all called me. Most of all today? I feel grateful, thankful. So lucky to be alive in this beautiful world with my wonderful family and friends. Next Thanksgiving will be even better. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

2010-11-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

Got blond again today and straightened. Some guys selling flowers came in to the shop while I was there. These roses? $5 for a dozen! I bought them for myself. Because they are beautiful and I am worth it. They even smell wonderful. Bonus!!

Finished the Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. Can't believe they got back together. Wrong!

Is this what I look like??

Good morning!

2010-11-24T04:22:00.000-08:00

Here is what morning looks like on my street.

In the Pink

2010-11-21T05:15:00.000-08:00

I went to a Red Hat luncheon but I had to wear pink because I'm not old enough for red yet. Ha! Check out my cool chapeau. (I am so not good at taking my own picture) Big payoff from the luncheon: an extra ticket was available for Oliver Twist in Coral Gables this afternoon. Fun! So, then I was in Walgreens and picked up this snorkel and a pair of flip flops so I'm good to go. Check out Sophie, Come on in mom, the water's fine!

Seriously, a snorkel is great for swimming laps. I don't know why more people don't do it. Saves on wasted movements . . . like breathing. hmmmm And, just one more picture today from the F.F.K. (that would be the Fabulous Florida Keys.) My BFF and I were at the Big Chill for lunch and saw this guy begging for french fries.

Mr. Sticky!

2010-11-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

So, with no little doggies waking me up at 6am (thank you, Florence!), I got up at 8:30 - heaven! I would have loved a long walk on the beach but sorry no. I am not interested in picking up a traveling companion in the form of a worm or two in my body.
Instead, I made my way to Homestead, missing my GPS every mile of the way, and landed at BJ's wholesale. I had received a temporary free membership in the mail. Oh my. What a place. A huge warehouse filled with stuff. No pressure to be home until afternoon so I shopped. And I shopped. Now, I want you to know I bought staples. I did not buy anything frivolous until . . . there is an announcement over the loudspeaker, FREE GIFT, show up in the main aisle by aisle 6 and get your FREE GIFT. Well ok, I am all in favor of a free gift. So, I cruise over there.

Look at this cute girl. When about a dozen of us show up at aisle 6, there she is. Now, this girl could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo, or however that metaphor goes. She teases us for about five minutes and then hands us our free gift. A glasses cleaning cloth. Really? Then she says it's our "ticket" and we will need it at the end of her presentation because we are the first ones here and will need to prove that only we are worthy of what is to come. Hmmmm, ok, I won't walk away yet . . . Then, with much fanfare, out comes Mr. Sticky. That's right, Mr. Sticky. Mr. Sticky is apparently a very hot commodity that is just minutes away from being sold on QVC (for those of you not in the know, that is the shopping channel and a complete waste of time if you ask me but anyhoo...) Mr. Sticky (and why not Ms. Sticky I wonder since women are the ones who do the cleaning. Men are too freaking lazy plus they just don't care but I digress) PICKS UP ALMOST EVERYTHING. Mr. Sticky is the lint roller that never needs refills. Then she demonstrates Mr. Sticky on different surfaces and fabrics, picking up crumbs, hair, etc. Mr. Sticky picks up lint, fuzz, dust, dirt, pet hair and even picks up broken glass! Just rinse Mr. Sticky in hot water, and occasionally use soap, then massage Mr. Sticky - I swear I am not making that up! Ok, I'm thinking, how much because I'm not buying it. Only $24.95 she says and I think no way and then she says but WAIT that's not all. Today only when you buy Mr. Sticky, you get this mini Mr. Sticky or Mr. Sticky Junior or something like that. Fits right in your purse, cute as a button. Ohh I think, but no, too much money. Then, and I told you this girl is good, out comes a mega-Mr. Sticky, telescoping handle and all! You can even clean your floor with it, curtains, ceiling fans, DOG HAIR, etc. Oh, I've got to have that. How much? How much? I figure if it is $10 or under, I'm getting it. She says today only, $24.95 . . . pause for effect . . . YOU GET ALL THREE MR. STICKYs!!!! Everyone in the crowd bought at least one. Buy some for Christmas gifts! Many people bought two, three, four. Well, how could I not. She was that gooooood.

So, I paid for all of my stuff and went home to jump in the pool. So nice to be home away from traffic and hookworms and dengue fever. This is what sunset looked like from my porch, I mean lanai. btw, saw a really big manatee in my canal.

2010-11-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today I left the girls with Florence, the Prius with Toyota of Homestead to be fixed, picked up a rental at Hertz and guess what? It's a Prius! Yay! Guess what else? No GPS! Yikes! I do not drive anywhere without a GPS. I had some trepidation, well ok, LOTS. Because I am spending the night in Miami Beach and I have never gone off the rock without a GPS. The car rental guy, Dave, was very nice and showed me a map and explained my options (my eyes glazed over) but I made it! (fingers crossed for getting home tomorrow)
I was to be in court in Miami now and it was cancelled so I was left with a reservation at the Sheraton (and what a hell hole let me tell you. On the beach though. But more on that in a minute.) And a ticket to Cirque du Soleil, which I dearly love.
I found out once I got here that the court date will probably be December which is so heart wrenching I can't even begin to think about it . . .
So anyhoo, what was in the news about Miami Beach just the other day? lemme think, lemme think. . .Oh yeah, only HOOKWORM.Arrrrghghghgh So, apparently because the feral cats in the area use the beach as a litter box, and people like to walk barefoot in the sand, they are getting hookworm, starting in the feet, and moving up the body under the skin to the intestines and elsewhere. HOW GROSS IS THAT!
Now, wasn't there something else about Miami Beach? hmmmm Oh yeah, only DENGUE FEVER!
Not normally in the U.S., there have been a bunch of cases. Apparently, it starts with a high fever, like 104 or 105, then a flat red rash over the whole body, then a secondary rash, wait! What is that on my arm? There is a red splotch. Oh No! And, I'm feeling kind of hot . . .
Just kidding, Mom.
So, Cirque du Soleil was awesome, as always. The show was Kooza. Somehow I had second row seats but for the first half of the show, I moved up to the front row. Apparently the guy was late and they wouldn't let him in. Yay for me! If you ever have a chance, you must go and see Cirque.
It is awesome.

2010-11-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

I was inordinately pleased with myself yesterday. I needed a work table for Miss Elna and look what I found at a yard sale. It's a nice wooden Pier One table - $10! I was told I needed a 4 millimeter allen wrench so I went to the hardware store, back to the yard sale, took the table apart, schlepped it home and put it back together. It's perfect and now I have a studio. Yay for me!

So, while I was putting the table together in this room right off the pool deck, I heard a splash. Uh oh. Crazy rears her furry head...Miss Sophie couldn't contain herself any longer and I'm surprised she lasted this long.

Meanwhile, three doors away, Lucy is chowing down garbage. I did not take a picture of this. Too busy yelling at her. Of course, it came back up with a vengence at about 3:30 this morning. Didn't take a picture of that either (you're welcome.) Gotta love those girls; never a dull moment.

2010-11-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

It has been so wonderful being back in the Fabulous Florida Keys and being able to have all the windows and doors flung open to catch the warm tropical breezes and yes, the occasional blood sucking vampire. That would be the mosquito.
Ok, it is part of the territory, just as it is in the summer in Maine. A price you pay for living in paradise. And, yes, I have a few bites - went to the drug store yesterday for spray Benadryl and they were out, dam it.
So anyhoo, I flip on the local TV news this morning while a mosquito is feasting on my ankle, by the way, and they're talking about . . . hello? Oh, just DENGUE FEVER! Holy crapoli, first case in over 50 years here and you get it from a mosquito bite.
My friend Florence says, it's a million to one you'll get it, you're more likely to have a car accident.
Oh great, says I, I've done the car accident thing, now bring on the Dengue Fever...

Last day on the road!

2010-11-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness, trip over. I woke up the last day in Stuart and met these two cuties for breakfast. My mother-in-law and father-in-law never change. We had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and when we came out of the restaurant, guess who was eager to get home? Sophie at the wheel, impatient to get on the raod and be done. So I let her drive down to Key Largo. I figured, what's the worst that could happen? I'm the one who hit a truck!

I got downright giddy coming down the stretch to my beloved Fabulous Florida Keys. My rental house is sweet, the weather a lovely sunny 80 degrees and the girls are obviously relieved to be home at last. Just look at my porch. Actually "porch" isn't good enough. Perhaps veranda? Or lanai?

I am feeling such gratitude for being able to come back here and to such a beautiful place and can't wait to catch up with everybody.

Happy Belated Birthday!

2010-11-10T04:46:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish the divine Miss Maggie a happy birthday. Dahling, you look mahvelous!

2010-11-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Well, today was one helluva day. But, I am focusing on the walk on the beach this morning and spending time with Nat and Sarah tonight. Wonderful. Love the beach. Love those two. So much. Now, the in-between? not so much . . .
So, off I went after a walk on the beach this morning, over the bridge, into St. Augustine, deserted streets, went to change lanes, checked the rear view, and BAM. I didn't see him and he didn't see me. He, being Mr. Ernest J. Corbett, and a nicer gentleman, you will never meet. (Also, he looked kind of like P. Diddy.) Here is what he was driving:

And, yes, I hit him. Here is where:

See the front tire? There.

This is what his front tire did to my little Prius:

and let me tell you, the left side of the fender was on the ground and cracked right thru the middle before Chris got to me (too shaken up to take a picture then.)

Now, meet Chris. He came in his tow truck - so glad I thought to sign up for AAA. Instead of towing me, He got out the duct tape and cable ties and fixed me up. "Ah worked in a junk yard fer gettin' on 8 years and ah kin tell yew that ain't goin nowhere long's ya keep it under 80." He was awesome. When I was thinking motel room, loaner car, what about the dogs, etc., he came thru and made it so I can get home and go to the Toyota Dealer in Homestead.

So, Mr. Jimenez, the sheriff's deputy? No sense of humor whatsoever but what do you expect? He wrote me two dam tickets, in spite of Mr. Ernest J. Corbett imploring him not to. My first ticket in 25 years. One for improper lane change and one for lapse of insurance. DON'T ASK.

The girls and I are fine and I'm so glad I got to spend time with Nat and Sarah and forget about this whole mess for awhile. Tomorrow? Home to Key Largo!!! Yeah baby!

Yay! Back in Florida!

2010-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I got to Georgia this afternoon and saw my first palm trees and got downright giddy! Almost home! So, after a doggie stop and some fast food-ugh-I told the girls, try to be patient because we're going to make it to Florida today and I knew just the place!

With my dying cell phone, I called the Ocean Blue Motel and said we needed a room. He said, my housekeeper quit today but I just cleaned unit 202 and if you want it, I'll waive the dog fee. Done! says I.

I love this funky old Florida motel right on the beach. Here is the view from our room. I learned when I checked in that a developer had bought the old motel and plans to tear it down so I am doubly glad we came once more. Long run on the beach tomorrow before we head to Stuart.

2010-11-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I have gained about 10 pounds and am so disgusted with myself, I think I am just going to stop when I get to Georgia and eat grits and bacon grease and gravy and drink that nasty lite beer and move in with some 450-pound Jethro who farts and belches and watches wrestling on TV in his underwear while I lay around with greasy hair, drinking Colt 45 malt liquor, wearing a dirty muumuu, bathing once a month and never brushing my teeth again and Lucy and Sophie become skinny snarling hounds, fighting over the fatty scraps I and my disgusting redneck lover throw out the door of our filthy shack and all this because I gained about 10 pounds. yuck

Gosh, the things you think of when your jeans are too tight.

Well, plus I am in North Carolina tonight. And, I don't want to say how I am prejudiced against the south and southerners and the stupidity and the ignorance and the accents...
So, I won't.

2010-11-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

So, we started yesterday with a romp in the leaves. Although this appears to be quite the redneck haven, it is beautiful and as long as the dogs have their orange on, I feel pretty good about them not being taken for deer and ending up on the wall.

Good thing they enjoyed their morning outside, because they spent the rest of the day in the cabin while Stacy and I went out for some serious retail therapy, hitting our favorite little spots in Greencastle and Chambersburg.

We managed to drag ourselves away in time to get home, walk the girls, shower and get ready for the big event: Dinner with nephew Josh and his NEW GIRLFRIEND, Mikaela. I was so happy to see Josh, I got all teary - just for a minute.

Here we have Mikaela and

Josh in his usual taciturn pose

Mikaela is so smart (well she is with Josh, after all) and sweet and cute and I liked her very much and, obviously, so does Josh. We had such a fun dinner at Flannery's in Mercersburg. Therefore, I give the Auntie's Seal of Approval.

2010-11-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Stopped and saw my beloved niece, Annie, today along with Lucia and Micah (who is a BIG little boy now) and had the added bonus of seeing my sisterfriend, Karen. So wonderful to see them all and Annie makes some mean flatbreads-yum. Here are those crazy kids on their magic carpet (dressed in their super star capes.) They are so creative and imaginative and awesome and clever and beautiful.

After way too short a visit, I was off to Mercersburg in the pouring rain, just me and the 18-wheelers. Bit of a white knuckler but only took 4 hours.
So, in my never ending quest to find the perfect place to stay that will take dogs and is near nephew Josh (remember the Bates Motel from last year? Norman?Coming Mother.) I rented a log cabin out in banjo country (cue Deliverance theme.) Definitely sense snake handler churches in the area. The good news: It is clean and charming and comfortable. The bad news: There are 7 dead animals on the living room walls. Staring at me. very very creepy. Very very spooky. I am hanging out in the kitchen 'til bedtime. Luckily no heads in the bedroom.

OK, on the wall? A flattened bear. Gross!
I'll be glad when my friend, Stacy, comes to visit. When they coined the phrase: cooler heads prevail, they were thinking of Stacy. (whoever they are...actually when I am thinking they right now, I'm thinking of those heads in the other room.) Yikes!
deep yoga breaths . . .

The sacrifices I make . . .

2010-11-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

I trust this is my worst travel day of the trip. I left Mass, went thru Connecticut (easy breezy for once), New York - added on a good 2 hours trying for the George Washington bridge when I somehow took a wrong turn - Yikes! (Should have listened to my trusty GPS.) Then New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.

Trying to get on the bridge-yikes!

So tonight, I am back at the most disgusting motel on the planet (yeah ok, I'm exaggerating - but only a little.) To make matters worse, I heard a program on Radio Times all about bedbugs yesterday. At the time, I thought you know? I really shouldn't listen to this considering where I'm headed, but did I listen to myself? Nooooooo. Candlewood Suites, of nondescript Horsham, PA, is dirty and disgusting. The clientele? Not exactly stellar. But, at least someone down the hall is burning patchouli incense to mask the smell of, oh I don't know, a dead body? Poo? Trying not to think about it. And why you might ask, are you staying there for the second year in a row?? A fabulous 3 mile path thru the woods from the back of the motel, perfect hike for the doggies and me after a long slog of a day on the road, that's why. The things I do . . . Oh! Did I mention I picked up the TV remote and it was covered in something akin to maple syrup. GROSS.

* * *

So, let me back up and think only of soft and sweet and wonderful and beautiful things tonight ... like my lovely Anna and her pretty puppy, Izzy.

L to R: Izzy and Anna <3

On the road again . . .

2010-11-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

I made sure I enjoyed every minute of my very last night ever at the Salt Shed: fire in the fireplace, nice hot bath with my new book of Shakespeare, lots of stars and half a moon on a midnight walk. Then, the guys were out in their lobster boats at 5am, their bright cabin lights on the horizon until sunrise, what a special place. I will miss living here and one day, will only think of it with love and appreciation and not regret for what was or might have been. So.
I finished packing up and we headed south this morning. Tonight the temps are going to be in the teens in Maine so we got out just in the nick of time. There were mixed feelings from the girls (and not a little anxiety.)
Not to be left behind was Sophie: I AM coming with you, right? Right? RIGHT?

And, then there was Lucy: But Mummy, I don't want to leave!! Noooooo

My goal this trip was to not have the passenger seat filled to the roof like last year and when all was said and done I had to stop at the Post Office and mail a few things. Here is what I ended up with. Oh my, what a nice neat packing job that is. HA

So, I said goodbye to Maine 'til the Spring and drove thru New Hampshire, and into Massachusetts where I had a lovely dinner with my family. My sister made a pork loin with fresh rosemary, potatoes, and salad. yum I walked in and said, this smells like my mother's house! Who knew she had it in her?? Fab, Sessie, thank you! My sympathy was with Will and his horrid math homework. His teacher is obviously a sadist. But I digress... We landed at my fave hotel, Element, where the girls received a doggie bag with treats, poop bags and a tennis ball, and made themselves right at home. Tomorrow, after a walk with my sweet Anna and Izzy, we are off to Philly.

2010-11-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Forgot to show you the kids from Hannaford yesterday. The Mad Hatter was particularly fabulous. I also went and said goodbye to my beloved Boothbay Harbor for the season.

2010-11-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

It's getting wicked cold in Maine. I'm talking hat and gloves and fleece and winter coat cold. Time to head south. I spent yesterday stuffing my luggage carrier and cursing at it. Finally got it closed and locked with frozen fingers and believe me, I'm not opening it until I get to Florida. So, now I have to find a place to put my clothes and stuff. Oh, didn't I tell you? I couldn't bear to leave my fabric behind so it's all up there. oy vey

Thought for the day

2010-10-29T04:08:00.000-07:00

So my days at the Salt Shed are waning, in more ways than one. Oh, I will miss my house on the Little River. Not to mention the happiest place on earth: my studio. Here they are in all their autumn glory.

I was reading Eckart Tolle's, Rising Above Thought last night. He says that feeling will get you closer to the truth of who you are than thinking. I like to think he is right.

only the best invention EVER!

2010-10-28T14:31:00.001-07:00

Joanne!

2010-10-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Joanne, I know you are reading this and I have just been informed that your son is a farmer. So, could you please call him and ask him what's up with this pig? My myriad readers need to know-hello! And thank you!

Fryeburg Fair

2010-10-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are a couple of pictures of the fair, courtesy of Rita. Ok, so on this first one, if you click on it and look at the people in the background, you will get a pretty good idea of what the faces of inland Maine look like. In a word, Vacant. (And I mean that in the kindest possible way.)

In this next one, you will notice that the pig has two babies. Now does this account for her two, well you can see what I'm talking about, right? Is this normal???? Does anyone know??? We must have stared at her and speculated for a good 15 minutes. Not that we've know a lot of female pigs (although I can think of one right now and her name rhymes with Rielle Hunter) Rita even took close-ups but they are way too pornographic for this g-rated blog.

So, let's hear from all of you pig farmers out there!

2010-10-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my batik quilt, started over a year ago in a fun class with Sue, now finally nearly finished. I just have to bind it.

Oh, I love the colors. Here is what it looks like on the bed.

Hunter's Moon

2010-10-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody."

Ain't that the truth.

Last gasp

2010-10-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

The girls and I walked to the point and watched the sunrise this morning and it was breathtaking. But really, it is every day. Here is one of about a thousand pictures I took:

And, apparently my yard did not get the memo that summer is over!

I was rewarded with one last rosa rugosa,

one last dandelion,

and one last hydrangea.

Really, who could ask for a better start to the day? Certainly not these two

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

2010-10-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

I spent part of Sunday at the annual Making Strides walk hawking t-shirts. Honey, these women (and a few of the men) were wild for these t-shirts. I mean, watch out! You don't have the right size, you are liable to get that shirt snatched right off your body!

Anyhoo, it was a beautiful cold and sunny day, perfect for the walk, and we made lots of money for a great cause.
I celebrated afterwards by going to King Eider for a look at their new Fall menu. Had the lentil burger - awesome!
Also of note, my neighbor, Walt, did not have a heart attack. Repeat: did NOT have a heart attack. Turns out it was probably a pulled muscle from hauling out the dock. sigh of relief.

A few of the things I've been working on . . .

2010-10-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

I finally finished up this backpack with little cell phone holder. Love the gorgeous fabric. It turned out bigger than I thought it would. The little corduroy jumpers? Ok, dress making is definitely not my forte. Give me a quilt or a bag and I can seriously go to town. Dress making, not so much. Anyhoo, these are a labor of love for what it's worth. They will go to my little grand-nieces, Willa and Marin and if they wind up at the Salvation Army, so be it. Love the owls though, don't you?

2010-10-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

When the rain let up a little, we went for a drive. This is what the Damariscotta River looked like from the point. Crazy.

The storm took a lot of the leaves down.

It was a beautiful day inside though. For those of you who think Disneyworld is the happiest place on earth. WRONG! It is my studio. Miss Elna and I spent a cozy afternoon here, warm and safe from the stormy weather.

2010-10-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, a nor'easter blew in last night and is battering Maine today. Here are some shots from yesterday versus this morning. What a difference a day makes. There are actual white caps on the Little River and I was out at daylight putting a couple of extra lines on the boat. We lost power over night but thankfully, it's back on this morning. I was glad for my wellies when I had to walk the girls and it is definitely an oatmeal morning.

This is the face of discontent. Didn't want to go out in the rain. Then, wouldn't poop in the rain, now needs to go out but doesn't want to get wet. I am inviting her to go out every 15 minutes or so but she is having none of it. What? Does she want a litter box? That is so not happening.

Oy vey what a day

2010-10-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

But I just got back from walking the dogs and I found myself saying to them when we came back through the gate, "Gratitude, girls. It's all about gratitude." Ok, sure maybe I'm losing it- doh! but isn't it the truth? Aren't we all so lucky to be here?

First and foremost today, OMG, VIVA LOS MINEROS!!! Is that the best news ever??

In other news, my beloved neighbor, Walt, had a heart attack while I was gone this week. Bea told me (right before I got stung by the bee.) He is doing fine, on his way home to Virginia. I'll call him tomorrow.

My bee sting was the size of a dinner plate when I got home tonight, down to a saucer or even less, now. Grateful for that!

The milky way figures prominently tonight, half moon rising over the trees. I saw one shooting star (have to say, btw, too much freakin' air traffic in this world . . .but anyhoo,)

Surprise surprise, my neighbors are all gone. I think the water to the peninsula must have been shut off. It is dark and quiet on my street, just lovely and no, not scary.

So much to be grateful for. I love how Albert Schweitzer says it:

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take
nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind
that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you
is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the
good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off
the word or action for the expression of gratitude.

And because I am a Schweitzer fan and don't want to get too godawful serious tonight, here are a few more of his wise words:

Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.

I love that. Good night

***

Viva los mineros!!!

2010-10-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the day closing up the cottage at the Lake for the season. I was sad to leave but couldn't have had a better send off as far as such a lovely day. The colors are so beautiful and it was a balmy 60 degrees.

I got home to the Salt Shed around 3:30, put the key in the front door lock and felt a sharp (and familiar) pain in my hip. BEE STING Oh Crap, I think to my self. (btw, I'm allergic.) Big old furry bee buzzing around me.

So, I called my doctor and of course she is off today so I explained to the nurse and said can somebody just please call me in some steroids so I can nip this in the bud. Not likely, so off I go to the E.R. at St. Andrews. I went through registration, got put in a room, saw a nurse briefly and then my (as my BFF calls it) shoe phone rang. It was the nurse at my doctor's office saying they were calling in the drugs to the drugstore. Buh bye, says I, and off I go.

A few more . . .

2010-10-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

2010-10-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

I woke up to a chilly 42 degrees this morning. My little heaters are working overtime. They said on the news that we are at 50-75% of color. Beautiful, isn't it?

The girls walked themselves this morning while I made a big bowl of steel cut oats with pecans and dried cranberries and maple syrup (from a friend's maple trees.) Life doesn't get much better than this.
So, yesterday was a long walk in the woods. I seeded and limed my lawn and put away the fishing rods, life preservers, noodles, you get the picture. Then an afternoon indoors with Miss Elna. I finished up this bag. It was fun to make, is totally lined and folds up like so. Neat. It will be a gift for a very good friend of mine.

I also whipped up this square for Mary Lou's quilt. Shhhhhh, don't tell her. It's a surprise!

That's all for now.

2010-10-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

So, I've been co-existing with this spider who lived in my mailbox for months. He grew quite large and had a big thick web in the back of my mailbox. I managed to forget about him between visits so of course, had a mini-stroke every time I went to get my mail and saw him sprinting for the back corner. Well, when I got home after a few days away, I went to retrieve my mail and he was gone, his web in shreds. I actually kinda missed him.

Look who was waiting for me in the bathtub this morning! A mailbox is one thing but there is something sacrosanct about one's bathroom. So I flushed him down the drain. Sorry Spidey.

* * *

2010-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the Fryeburg Fair today. I went up for a few days and stayed with my friends, Mike and Rita and Jasper.

I misplaced my camera the day we went to the Fair but Rita is going to send me the pictures she took so, I'll fill you in later . . .
Meanwhile, it's that time of year again already and Pumpkinfest is in full swing. Little Damariscotta is busting at the seams with visitors, one last hurrah before cold weather forces everybody inside.

Here are some of this year's pumpkins:

Out for a walk with the girls

2010-10-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Leader of the pack

My little neighbor, Bea, with Guy

Good girls waiting to be excused after a car goes by.

Busy Saturday

2010-10-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, I wanted to tell you about my Saturday. First of all, I showed up for my shift at the Botanical Gardens and my usual golf cart had a sign on it, Out of Order. So, I went in to the front desk and they told me to take the next one in line - there are five. Well, I did notice that the little gauge that tells you how much juice you have in the battery didn't work. Oh well. At one point, I picked up five sisters in the parking lot and drove them to the Visitor's Center. They were having a sort of reunion and were a lot of fun. I regularly picked up a man who couldn't walk well and I dropped him and his friends down at the shoreline at one point.

So, with 40 minutes left in my shift, I noticed the cart was getting a bit sluggish. hmmmmm I picked up the sisters again and told them I'd take them down to the shoreline where I figured I'd pick up the man at the same time and decided that would be my last run of the day as the cart was really slow, especially now that I had the five sisters aboard. Well, I'm sure you've guessed it by now. Yup, I ran out of juice. So embarrassing. I was out by the parking lots. Well these five, and I'm telling you there was not one under the age of 65, popped out and we all started pushing. Got to the top of a hill, jumped back on and rode as far as we could, then out again and pushing, until we finally coasted down to where the carts are plugged in. They were a lot of fun and I couldn't have hoped for anyone better to have aboard. Saved me from leaving the cart out on the road and walking back. Awkward. One of the sisters took a picture of all of us pushing the cart and I gave her my email address, but nothing yet. So, I borrowed the cart for the next shift, took the sisters down to the shoreline, picked up the man and delivered him to the Visitor's Center and...
...went like a bat outta hell from the Gardens to the wedding of Nicki and Dennis. It was so great! Here they are:

(btw, this is not a flattering picture of Nicki, just so you know. The dress was quite fitted and she had a diaphanous shawl on over it.)

We all gathered in their backyard in crisp sunshine. The bridesmaids, dressed in red and gorgeous, walked from the house up to the arbor to the bass beat of "Another one Bites the Dust!" Hysterical but just subtle enough that not everybody caught it. Then Nicky came out and she looked just beautiful. The music for her processional? Tom Petty's "American Girl." She started it out with oh yeah, all right, take it easy, baby . . . By the time she reached the arbor, everybody was vocalizing at the top of their lungs: She was an American Girl! It was hilarious.

Her mom made the food and it was perfect for the autumn day: Mac and cheese, lasagne, spanikopita, prime rib, mashed potatoes. Comfort food. I left before the desserts but I heard they were fabulous. Also, kudos to the band. They were awesome.

So, that was my busy Saturday.

In the kitchen with Lizzie

2010-10-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I harvested half of my remaining basil and, feeling vaguely Suzy Homemaker-ish, I made up a batch of pesto from a recipe I’ve been using for years from In the Kitchen with Rosie. It is very low fat (so even my Dad would eat it), however, in my opinion a healthy dose of olive oil really enhances the taste. I do love me some garlic so I used like 5 cloves. Yum. Here it is:

1 ½ cup fresh basil leaves

at least 2 peeled garlic cloves

¼ cup pine nuts

¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

olive oil

Throw everything except the lemon juice in a blender or a food processor (I use my little tiny cuisinart) and then drizzle in the lemon juice. Puree until a smooth paste is formed.

You can put the pesto in an ice cube tray and when frozen, put the cubes in a freezer bag. Voila! A single serving of pesto whenever you need one.

Cook's helper.

2010-10-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

So, I've spent a happy Sunday morning listening to Weekend Edition and In Tune by 10 and playing with my newest batch of doilies sent to me by my friend Stacy.

Oh, the possibilities are endless!

2010-10-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

My husband used to sing me this song. I wonder what ever happened to that guy?

Anyhoo, this is a painting of the Little River in Autumn by Don Demers. He and his fellow artists meet here each year to paint. He says "the clean and low light is distinct from summer light." Nice.

Storm coming

2010-09-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

After three long weeks away, I returned to the Salt Shed last night. And just in time for a storm. It is making it's way up the east coast as we speak. The ocean is a dull roar and the winds have picked up. Swells are actually moving down the Little River. The fog horn is going non stop. Delicious.
Well, my garden is looking pretty tired but it did yield a lovely surprise for my homecoming: one pumpkin. How cute is this?? Not big enough for a pie, maybe for a piece of pie...

Using the storm as an excuse, I cut a few hydrangeas. I just love the beautiful blue color. Florida has Plumbago, Maine has Hydrangea. Truly the best of both worlds. Look how pretty they are.

And, lastly, the lawn was horribly overgrown but when I mowed, I could not bear to cut down this weed patch. Are they purple asters? I'm not sure.

Oh, OK, just one more: This is on it's way to Mr. Seth Osborn today.

I also sent packages to Lucia and Micah - some warm snugglies for the coming cold weather. Sealed the package before I thought to take a picture. Oh well. Marin and Willa: if you are reading this, Zia is working on your little dresses but it's slow going. Bags and quilts: easy. Dresses: not so much. So maybe by next week . . . ?

OK, that's all I got.

The view from my house

2010-09-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

We're having a few gray drizzly days but it is still beautiful. Look at the red maples across the Lake and hello! Look at the view from my house!

So, yesterday I honored my in-laws, who have an anniversary coming up, by having breakfast at one of their favorite spots, Moody's Diner. Moody's is a Maine institution. My mother-in-law can have her s**t on a shingle though - I'll stick with the fruit cup and bagel!

I stopped at Borealis Breads for some of their wonderful rosemary rolls afterwards and had to get a shot of this alligator. The baker must have been bored last night! He made a turtle too but my pic didn't come out.

Cute, right?

Home Sweet Home

2010-09-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

After being away for almost three weeks, I am so thrilled to be home. So much to appreciate here, not the least being these two sweeties at King Eider. I've missed my neighborhood pub (where everybody knows my name.)

A fabulous autumn day, a fire in the fireplace. Life is soooooo good.

(Could a driveway be more beautiful??)

Happy Autumn Equinox

2010-09-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've woken up from a coma. I've been so sick for so long, it is a joy to rejoin the human race. The girls and I actually took a 15 minute walk this morning without me having to stop every 6 yards to cough and wheeze. And, look at what I've awakened to! Maine is glorious in the fall.

So, here are a few things I've been working on. A couple of collars in a fabulous Kaffe print I've had in my stash and a little bag to hold some goodies for my beloved niece, Anna.

HAPPY SWEET 16TH MY DEAREST DARLING NIECIE!!

2010-09-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted to catch you up on my visit with my friend Sue, from Key Largo, a few weeks ago.

(I sure seem to have a lot of friends named Sue.) It had been 49 years since Sue visited Pemaquid Light and a couple of years since I'd been there so off we went. What a beautiful place. Here is Sue with an admirer.

Cute couple.

And, beautiful Pemaquid Light

Another highlight of her visit was dinner and a concert in Boothbay Harbor. Dinner was at The Boathouse Bistro for tapas. We sat rooftop in thick sort of ghostly fog, had a fabulous meal and then off we went to the Boothbay Harbor Opera House for a concert by The Elders.

Check out the fog...

Where do I start? Sue and I were both in awe. We sat in the front row and were spectators to what is billed as "Arse Kickin' Celtic Music from the Heartland!" The Elders are AWESOME. I'm showing you a picture from the web because they were in contant motion and impossiblle to capture on film. We both had the hots for the lead singer, Ian, but at one point Sue turned to me and said in that clipped accent, Do you think he's a nice guy or a bastard? You can guess what I said. hahaha . . . Seriously, though if you ever have the chance to see them live, it is well worth it. What a great evening.

We also had lunch with Leslie and Tom and walked the Rockland breakwater to the lighthouse; we lunched at King Eider. We spent hours and hours swimming in the lake - and becoming quite prune-like - as Maine was sweltering (well, for Maine) the first half of her visit. Except when she came down with a 24-hour bug (seriously, I thought she was going to expire at one point), it was a fun visit and I always enjoy spending time with Sue.

2010-09-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

WooHoo!!

I am celebrating because today is the second time (yesterday was the first) in 8, COUNT EM' EIGHT! long weeks that I did not wake up hacking up a lung. I seem to finally be on the mend from pneumonia, feel like I have turned the corner at last. You know what I've missed most? (well, except breathing, that is) Singing. That's right. I never realized how much time I spend singing. Funny, right?

* * *

2010-09-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

So, last night I was thinking: girlfriend you are so lucky in life. I mean just think, you could be a corpse with a pentagram carved in your forehead, forced to eat your own body parts and have your lower limbs eaten off by an alligator. And then I thought: girlfriend, you gotta stop watching Criminal Minds. Seriously.

busy end-of-summer times.

2010-08-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

My friend, Susan, came up from South Carolina for a visit (there she is across from me) and I met her, her mom, her friend, and her sister for lunch at the Gardens. It was a gorgeous Maine day and it was so wonderful to see her and meet her family. I miss seeing that face on a regular basis!

Inspired by the recent quilt show, I have been mad for sewing lately. My friend Sue and I got on a backpack kick recently and here are a few for your perusal. (The little ones are Tinkerbell, for a couple of little niecies . . . )The picture didn't come out on my favorite one but here is the fabric. Isn't it gorgeous??

I got this pattern at the quilt show. How cute is this?? This one is for Genevieve. Sweet! Still waiting for measurements on some of the little girls . . . (hint hint)

So, Leslie and Tom and Will and Anna came up to the Lake for a few days and left this morning after a tooooooo short visit. So sad to see them go!

Anna and I worked on her book bag for school, a tradition with us. It came out beautifully. She is an excellent sewist! Here she is hard at work.

Also visiting from Virginia, my friend Stacy, husband Pat, their kids and grandkids. I can't believe I didn't get one picture of that gang. It was rather a hectic period so you'll have to make due with this:

Well, it seemed like there were that many of them . . . anyhoo, Also visiting me were David and Gloria and I want to show you the picture David shared with me of Gloria. She is such a goddess.

A farewell lobster dinner last night and just about everybody hit the road this morning. I'm so grateful for each and every one and feel so lucky to have them in my life. Thank you guys for coming to Maine!!

Next up: Mermaid Sue jets in from Miami!!

2010-08-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Sue and I spent the morning at the quilt show seeing more fabulous quilts and perusing the vendors. Here are some more images - I can't help it, I just have to show you. Really awesome show.

So we hit the road about noon and were back in Maine about an hour later at which time we were famished. I missed the turnoff for the Yorks so I said, ok I am taking the next exit and we are going to eat at the first place we come to. I turned off at Kennebunk. And we drove. And drove. And drove and drove and drove. OMG just when I thought we were going to have to resort to cannibalism (although I did not tell Sue that), we came into the jam packed touristy Kennebunk and I pulled into a parking place at Bartley's Dockside. Just in the nick of time!

Whatever you do, never ever ever go there. It SUCKED. Do you hear that Bartley's? You suck! The food was adequate, the waitron was a weirdo and it was a total rip-off. Check it out, I got a caesar salad with seared scallops. The menu said a plain caesar was $7.95. Then, you could have it with lobster or chicken or whatever for different prices, the price with scallops being $12.95. Well, I got the bill and they charged me $7.95 PLUS $12.95. How crazy is that? First of all, $7.95 for lettuce?? $12.95 for a handful of pitiful little scallops?? Rip-off! When I got home, I looked at the reviews for this place on TripAdvisor and most everybody else hated it for the same reasons. NEVER GO TO BARTLEY's. Ok, done with that.
Now, Mr. Jasper Jax has been visiting me and the girls for a week while his mom and dad went on vacation so we bid him adieu this morning. Buh bye Jazzy! Good boy!

A few more

2010-08-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you some of the quilts done as a project by SAQA to take a look at homelessness in America and all it's implications. I thought they were so powerful.

(The quilt below: devastation from Katrina - I recognize the hashmarks on the wall)

This was the quilt I voted for. Look at the woman and her child, then look again and see the other woman and her child reflected. brilliant

2010-08-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

Look at the sunset over Damariscotta Lake on Wednesday night. And how lucky am I to live in such a magical place.

So, Thursday morning early, I met my friend Sue and off we went to Manchester, New Hampster for the World Quilt Show. Goose bumps just saying the words!
Took us a little over two hours and then we checked into the Radisson (awesome) where the show is being held.
We spent the rest of the day doing what we do best: Drooling over the quilts and spending money on quilting necessities.
Here are a few and aren't they fabulous:

We're off for a quick breakfast and then more quilts. Life is good!

2010-08-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Had our annual home owners association meeting at the Lake today. This is my first year as President and other than forgetting a few times to follow up a motion and a second with "all in favor" and "all opposed" it was pretty cool. Haven't led a meeting in many years and have never had the title "President" before. Woohoo. Went to lunch after at King Eider. I love those guys. They are so good to me and I got to thinking on the way home about my handbook and how sometimes we forget to be in the present positive moment, if you know what I mean. So here it is again.

HANDBOOK

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5. Make time to meditate.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009.

8. Be in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

Society:

24. Call your family often.

25. Each day give something good to others.

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in

touch.

Life:

30. Do the right thing!

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

33. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

34. The best is yet to come.

Words to live by

Head Shots

2010-08-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

* * *

2010-08-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Back at the Salt Shed and I've got cherry tomatoes up the wazoo! Look at my first harvest.

I made a yummy couscous with basil and pine nuts and, of course, cherry tomatoes. So, picked even more today and what the heck to do with them all?

This is what and I have met the nicest people stopping by to take a few here and there (and one lady who took about a pound). Sharing the wealth!

Here's one more picture. It's Sophie saying, do you dare me to jump in? Well? Do ya punk? And, in she went.

Home sweet home

2010-07-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

So, I am back in Maine where it is a lovely 75 degrees with no humidity, sitting at the bookstore with a Latte, surrounded by my people. I drove out to the Lake after I landed in Portland last night to be greeted by two absolutely hysterical doggies. Nice to be loved. I wish I could show you the Lake because it was so beautiful this morning and there was a loon right off the dock but have yet to get my camera.

So, here are the images from my flight from Atlanta. I should have known something was up when I saw about 8 strollers (including two doubles) lined up at the door to the plane.

I ended up holding a newborn (thankfully asleep) for most of the flight while the mom wrestled with her toddler.

2010-07-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Atlanta (which I despise) where I am on a layover on my way back to Maine. Yay! This is what I sat next to on the plane from Miami to here.
And he was LOUD. I do not miss snoring.

Yikes!!

2010-07-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Florida where it is unbelievably hot and steamy and I miss Maine. Just here for a few days though. I forgot my #@!%^&** camera!! As my nephew would say, DANG IT! Anyhoo, I will do my best to illustrate what has been going on:

So, I took Ryder to the airport on Thursday for her flight home to California. I'll miss her!

My friend Stacy flew in the same morning and spent the day in Boston so we met up at the airport and let me tell you, Boston airport's parking setup is crap. Took us almost an hour to find each other and at one point we could even see each other, me in the car leaving the parking garage, Stacy in the second floor window of the terminal. Frustrating! Anyway, off we went for dinner and overnight in Lexington. We ate at a really good natural foods restaurant and I can't remember the name (but Leslie, it is really really good {although Anna would not touch one item on that menu.}) We spent the night at my sister's house - thank you! and took off for Maine Friday morning.
The dogs were thrilled to see Miss Stacy and we had a jam-packed fun few days Just want to say what an awesome friend Stacy is...

We drove to Portland Monday where Stacy flew out and I stayed over and flew out first thing Tuesday morning.

So, there you have it.

This is me. I just want to say I feel sorry for all of you who have to live in this heat. I hope I don't come off as gloating when I talk about how lovely Maine is. I don't mean to! (But honestly, this sucks and Maine is wonderful. hahaha)

2010-07-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

So, remember that ginormous piece of driftwood I decided I had to have? The one Bo and Nat sweated over and hauled up from the beach to the house? Well, the guys are working under the house replacing some rotted wood and had some time to kill while they waited for the tide to go out so I put them to work on this little project. (Ken kept saying, are you sure??)

The chain saw came out and some of the bulk was cut away. They made cutouts where the arch would sit on the posts. Then, up she went!

So, what do you think? How cool is this? I think it is awesome.

I would also like to point out the Gap sundress I got at the GW in Portland for $7.95, new with $40 price tag on it, thank you very much! I do love a bargain. Woohoo!

Let's play catch (up)!

2010-07-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

So, here is a little of what I've been up to in my busy little life. Ok, so Tuesday, I met my BFF Leslie for shopping at our fave Rockland stores: GW and TJ Maxx (where fashion goes to die.) And for your info, GW stands for Good Will and we love it!

We had lunch at Rustica and it was fabulous as always.

Then, Wednesday, my friend Linda invited me to the fashion show held at Fisherman's Wharf every year to benefit the Chamber of Commerce. Here we are - ta da!

And here is Linda's daughter, Lauren, olympic hopeful that she is (and soon to be famous glam supermodel, I'm sure.)

She runs the local Life is Good store. She is absolutely adorable and the sweetest person, just like her mom.

These guys were a hoot in their Grundens and pink cheeks, strutting down the runway. v. funny

Next up, the girl from the Cannery and I'm sorry I can't remember her name but she always helps Anna and me when we do a little back to school shopping each August.

and finally, these two were hysterical. They did the tango all over the restaurant with much drama.

It was a lot of fun - thank you Linda!

So, Thursday. What did I do Thursday . . . oh cleaned my house ALL DAY. I got obsessive and did some much needed throwing away of old cosmetics and stuff and cleaning the nooks and crannies. Still need to wash the windows but that's for another day. Seriously, one can only do so much.

Friday, I worked at the Botanical Gardens doing a mailing and I met some very nice people and then had lunch in the cafe. Always so fresh and good. Went home and worked on my "Mike Fans".

Here is little Oliver Perreault with one. (Sweet baby but picture is kinda creepy, right?)

Saturday early morning, I drove the girls out to the Lake and dropped them off with the dog sitter, then headed for Greenwood, Maine for the 60th birthday party of my friend Mike Perreault (hence the fans).

I got onto 95 and then stopped dead for 45 minutes. Here is why:This is a truck and camper on his side, facing the wrong way on the highway. I don't know if he flipped over the guardrail from the northbound side or spun out when he tipped over on this side or whatever. It didn't look like anyone was hurt and I didn't see anything on the news. So that's ok then.
Anyhoo, it was wicked hot but there were tents and a breeze and a wading pool which I admit, I stood in for periods of time when the baby wasn't in it. Everybody brought food and drinks and look at this awesome cake with a golf course and golf cart that Rita got. It was great and believe it or not, Hannaford made it! Here is the birthday boy himself blowing out his candle. Singular.

Ok, so Rita obviously forgot to get candles and managed to find this votive somewhere. tsk tsk

It was wonderful to see so many old friends, some I hadn't seen in like 15+ years!! Sorry I didn't take more pictures (or let's face it, more pictures that came out.) A good time was had by all.
Moving right along, I stayed over night in Bethel (props to the Sudbury Inn - it was wonderful and the dinner was to die for - seriously gourmet and good), went back to the Perreault's for breakfast, and then headed for Little Wohelo, my niece Ryder's summer camp.
I scooped her up and brought her back to the Salt Shed and we've been enjoying some time together ever since. How cute is Ryder?? She has been going thru electronics withdrawal at camp so there has been much emailing, telephoning, i-pod-ing, tv-ing, you get the picture.

This is the cool pic she made with photo booth. Don't you love the effect of the books to the right?
And today??? Yes, we're finally up to today. We had a girly day. Pedi's and shopping.
Oh yeah! The pink polish is called "Ladies and Magentamen"

So, that's what I've been up to in my busy little life. The End.

* * * * *

Oh! But not quite . . . Remember that Asian looking quilt I made for my mom a few months back? Well, I submitted a picture and description to this magazine and they printed it and I won a prize: 3 yards of Kona fabric. Woohoo! Score!!

Guess I'm practically famous now

2010-07-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

Today marks exactly one year since I became Lizzie alone.

There were quite a few milestones during the year. My very first Thanksgiving alone. First Christmas alone. First Easter alone. You get the picture.

I’ve had a peek at my Self for the first time in many years though. And what I see is an independent, capable and creative woman. I do not live in fear anymore. Fear has nothing to do with me. I am learning to love myself. I am proud of myself.

My biggest challenge is living in the present, not allowing my thoughts to go constantly and exclusively to the past or what if. I’ve had glimpses of the joy that is now and I want more of it. That is the task I set for myself each day.

I live in a state of gratitude now. For the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. For the beauty that surrounds me every single day.

I have discovered this year that alone does not mean lonely. Lizzie alone is just fine, thank you very much.

2010-07-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday started out hot and sunny and after a morning of laundry, I took myself to lunch in town. In the afternoon, the fog rolled in so I got to work in my sadly neglected garden. Once I started pulling the weeds, I found my first tomatoes! Golden cherry tomatoes that did not last five seconds after I took the pictures. Yum.

I'm waiting for my blueberries to turn blue now - look at how many I have this year on just one bush!!

All caught up on my weeding, just have to tie the tomatoes up. The big yellow flowers are my pumpkins.

Ta da! Here is the perfect ending to the day. Beautiful.

Dog Days of Summer and The End

2010-07-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

Check out Sophie, mid-snooze . . .

* * *

Well, we crammed in as much as we could in the last few days. The kids went to the beach at Ocean Point one day while Josh and I went up to the Lake to swim. You know it was really hot here because everybody went in the ocean.

Here is little Willa hard at work

* * *

On Thursday, we attended the grand opening of the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden's Children's Garden. It was fabulous and we were lucky to have fog rolling in and out so it didn't get too hot. If you are ever in the area, go and see it. Really wonderful.

These are Genevieve's little tootsies, painted with ladybugs by her daddy

and sweet little Marin

That is Miss Lucia peeking out of the Gnome Depot.

Here we are in the Fairy Village, hard at work building houses for Tinkerbell

Seth and Micah cooled off at the end of a long day.

* * *

Friday was Annie's birthday - yay Annie! Happy Birthday! To celebrate, we got the incomparable Slava and Ira to babysit (Thank you Liz and Dom - they are great - props to the East Boothbay General Store!)

and off we went to the Carousel Music Theatre. The actors double as bartenders and waiters so while you're eating they sing to you and after dinner, desert is served and they're off to change into costumes and put on their show.

This guy was hilarious.

So they had a Rogers and Hammerstein Review and then did a show with songs from the 50's. Very cute and earnest. We had a surprisingly good dinner and a fun time. I swear every single actress and actor picked Nat to goof on. Must be something in his eyes . . .

Here is the adorable Brynne . . .

the perpetually smiling Josh in his new glasses (he is sooo 16 years old) . . .

and this couple? What can I say - Yikes!!

Here we all are with the cast - that's the birthday girl on the far right. The owner of the theatre sang a special song just for her.

* * *

and Saturday? poof they were gone

leaving one sad Zia to say good-bye AND thank you AND I love you all so much!

Zia's little munchkins

2010-07-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

Last night Erin Wallace came over to photograph the kids and here is a little bit of what the photo shoot looked like. The kids were so so cute. Obviously coached, as soon as they met Erin, they went to sit in their little chairs and when the camera came up a loud chorus of cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese went up!

Erin had the foresight to bring bubbles. Worked like a charm!

2010-07-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

So, I've been eyeing this most perfect piece of driftwood for a couple of weeks now. It has been at the high tide line down at the point and would be a perfect archway for my fence. I mentioned this to Nat and he and Bo showed up Sunday morning and we went to take a look. Bo lifted an end and said he reckoned it weighed about 300 pounds. I figured oh well . . . but next thing I knew, he and Nat were walking it up and over the rocks to the street. Yay! I went home and got the wagon and Leslie, if you're looking at this, no worries! Your minivan is fine - worked like a champ!

I'll let it dry in the sun for a few weeks and then see if I can get it installed so stay tuned . . .

After that little adventure (and thank you sooo much, guys) we headed out to the Lake for swimming and a cook out and swimming and more swimming.

Then, last night we left the kids with Slava and Nat took us in the boat to Boothbay Harbor for a perfect front seat to a great fireworks display.

Happy Independence Day!!!

But Daddy, I don't want to wear a tutu

2010-07-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Poor Seth. Look what Mommy put on him!! So, Saturday we went to the Boothbay Common for a craft show and lunch and on the way back to the car, Annie and I spotted a yard sale. We both love yard sales so we had to take a look. OH my! I got the mutha load of fairie princess stuff.

Here are Micah and Seth, outnumbered but it doesn't seem to phase them.

After lunch - hot dogs for the kids and Bet's Fish Fry for us (free beer tomorrow), we went downtown and danced the afternoon away to a great Acadian band on the library lawn. Get funky, Seth!

2010-07-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we spent the day in Damariscotta with Nat driving the boat up the river and Aaron driving home. I took my car so I could leave early to meet the washing machine repair man. (And, no he couldn't fix it.) We had lunch at everybody's favorite pub, King Eider

with Sarah downing her very first oyster!!!!! You go! (Luckily for the reader of this blog, I didn't capture the gag reflex that followed.) Carla on the other hand, couldn't quite make herself eat one. She tried, even took a little sip. Maybe next time.

Nat and Sarah made dinner, a wonderful whole wheat pasta dish using the left over lobster and gorgonzola cheese. Yummy! And then? Charades!

Crazy fools!

2010-07-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

So, I walked outside, saw everyone looking up and OMG. Aaron and Bo on the roof. Took the crazy fools about 30 minutes to get up the nerve, then off they went. Twice.

I was a bit more comfortable with them - now including Josh - jumping off the railing.

Hey, at least they took down that weathervane I never liked.
Crazy fools.

2010-07-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful day. We spent most of it on the boat. Yay! Bipolar finally went in the water and Nat was kind enough to be our skipper. But first, we started the day out swinging!

Here is a picture of my little house from the water:

We went out to Damariscove Island for a picnic lunch. I took this from the island - Nat has anchored the boat and he and Aaron are rowing in on the courtesy dinghy. The pack mule in the foreground is Josh.

So, here we are having lunch on the boat because there were FIRE ANTS covering the island! It was awful! Poor little lucia got bit, then everybody with flip-flops on, all of us running and stamping and screaming. Poor Nat has wanted to hike Damariscove for years and now he has to return to the boat and pick us all up FAST!

We did still manage to enjoy ourselves.

So, off we went home for naps and then a lobster bake at the Salt Shed. I picked up the fabulous Skyler (sp?) at McSeagulls after her shift and she came over to watch the kids so the parents could have a break and a little adult conversation. Here we all are

2010-07-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

Annie, Josh, Lucia and Micah were waiting for Josh and me when we got home, having driven up from Philly. The following morning, we headed off to the airport to pick up Nat and Sarah and Genevieve and Seth AND Brynne and Bo and Marin and Willa!

This was the scene at Gritty McDuff's in Portland after we met up.

Yesterday was lovely: breakfast pizza, Ocean Point Walk and Annie's turn to make dinner - fabulous chicken soup!

Best news of all: Carla and Aaron arrived to make our little group complete.

Don't know what's in store for today but tonight? Lobstah!!

Quick stop for ice cream . . .

I am one lucky Zia.

All Aboard!

2010-06-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

A busy couple of days. I met up with my friend, Rita, in Portland on Sunday where we boarded the Downeaster for Boston. Dudes! They have lobster rolls on the train! (OK, it was kind of mushy but still . . . ) Maine really is the way life should be. Anyhoo, our stops were Old Orchard Beach, Saco/Scarborough, Wells, Dover, Durham, Exeter, Haverhill (Hooterville) and then North Station in Boston. So awesome.

We checked into the Lenox (fabulous!) and this was our view, Back Bay and right in the heart of some fabulous shopping so of course, off we went for a little retail therapy.

Our prime reason for coming to Boston however, was to see the one and only Mary Chapin Carpenter in concert. She was touring for her new album, The Age of Miracles (isn't that funny how we say album when really it's not and hasn't been for . . . how many years?) She was wonderful. Really wonderful. I love that her songs are so thoughtful, that her voice is so beautiful and that she does so much for the greater good. I bought one of her signed CDs for my friend, Sue. The money will go to help with the oil spill in the Gulf. See what I mean?

My nephew, Josh - now 16 years of age OMG - arrived from Guatemala while we were at the concert and it was such a pleasure to see his smiling face when we got in. I'd love to show it to you but as usual:

No worries though, I've got two weeks to snap that face!

2010-06-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today was my first stint as a volunteer shuttle driver at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

So, listen to this: I show up a little early, eager to begin my training. The person who is supposed to train me doesn't show up. So, I went looking and found my golf cart, rounded up a key and set out to do my rounds. Luckily, I know how to drive a golf cart. Granted this one is a little longer (like twice as) than I'm used to but it went ok. Well, it did once I found the power switch under the back seat anyway. Who knew?

I got lost the first round but then got my bearings and it was really fun. I can't believe how fast the time went. I had a few "WOAHs" when I backed up a little too far (that long back end, you know), and a few "slow downs" but for the most part it was lots of laughs and I let people know that they were taking their lives in their own hands as I had not a clue what I was doing. zooooooommmm

I do need to do a little research because I was asked everything from what is that little red and white bush to who gave the most money to the gardens to how many acres, etc. Stuff I guess I would have learned in my training . . .

Anyhoo, must admit I chose this shift so I could have lunch in the cafe - fresh greens from the gardens - but when I came in the building after I parked my cart, they said, OH, we had so many good comments about you from our visitors - Wow!

yay for LizzieAlone

2010-06-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

So, when I went to Scotland, I neglected to empty my compost and the container sat under my sink for two weeks in the nice warm air. OMG

When I got home, fruit flies. And I don't mean just one or two. Swarms of fruit flies. You could barely breathe in through your nose without getting a couple up there in the old nasal passages.

Fruit flies are disgusting, if you ask me. Now, I know that scientists like to study them (although you'd think they'd go blind even watching the little suckers thru a microscope, they're so teeny) because they share a lot of genetic matches with us as far as diseases go. I don't care. I just want them gone.

I cleared out any food whatsoever and bleached practically every surface in my house. They are still here. Well, I'll tell you why. Those stupid female flies lay about 2000 eggs in their lifetime and their lifetime is like 10 or 12 days!! They apparently have one track minds - well maybe two because besides sex, they do eat a lot of rotting fruit. I blame the male fruit flies actually. They are all over ALL the females. No mating for life for these guys. Sound familiar? Anyhoo, don't get me started . . .

My latest strategy? Little bowls of balsamic vinegar with a drop of dish detergent, covered with plastic wrap with tiny holes punched in it. They can get in but can't seem to get out. They love the vinegar but the soap, I think, does them in. Plus they are trapped in their little plastic domes from hell. ha! (Picture me rubbing my hands together with an evil laugh at their expense.)

So, this is me, ridding the world of fruit flies one at a time. I think maybe there might be fewer today. Maybe...

Windjammer Days

2010-06-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Windjammer ghosting past the mouth of my Little River on his way home.

Happy Solstice!

2010-06-21T04:56:00.000-07:00

It is definitely summer. All the summer visitors are up and even if I leave at 6am for my walk, it still takes me an hour to go around the peninsula because one must of course stop and pass the time of day with one's neighbors.

Look at my nice new fences.

* * * * * *

Forgot about these next two pictures. My itty bitty BFF, Leslie and her husband Tom, visited yesterday. We met up at the Bistro for tapas (shout out to Mark at the Boathouse Bistro - Chef Karin's food is AWESOME!)

And, just one more. Gloria took this of David and me when they visited on their way up to Bah Hahbah.

Thank you for visiting, my friends! Come back soon.

Nothing like a good thunderstorm to cheer one up!

2010-06-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Storm coming . . .

Storm here . . .

Storm REALLY here!

First harvest

2010-06-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, all of my seeds sprouted while I was gone and I have a good crop of basil, dill, tarragon, radishes and mesclun greens (oh, and weeds, but I'm working on that). Here is my first harvest and it was yummy, all warm from the sun.

Who knew a radish could be so cute, right??

Back to reality

2010-06-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

OK, so now I am finally in real time, having caught you up with my travels. I celebrated my birthday on Tuesday. My friend Rita took me to lunch at my favorite American pub, King Eider.

Here is what Miss Sarah presented me with in honor of The Day.

And, here is what I got to see as the sun went down on my 54th birthday.

Did I mention how lucky I am?