Month: July 2017

We are sitting at Lakewood right now, Sunday am for brunch. It’s so close and it’s so sunny and warm the day begs you to walk to breakfast just for the extra enjoyment. The view out the window, now is of a smooth blue lake under azure skies (think Carnival Cruise advert)at about 78 degrees with a light cool breeze. Yes, again, be jealous of us. I was good in a previous life. This one, not so sure.
Nice, isn’t it? Even better in person. The gal serving us the same one that made our drinks a couple nights ago. Please review previous post. Anyhow, she is extra familiar which makes the meal a little more fun. No food yet, and still waiting on my second cup of coffee. They are busy today. I ordered a breakfast sandwich which I hope to see soon.
We ran into the Jervey’s this am. They are having brunch with their daughter and grandkids. They live across the lake from us.

Got our breakfast, I had the Best breakfast sandwich (their emphasis) which was the best thing ordered by us. Hurray for me. Croissant with a fried egg, sausage, cheese. Tasty. No picture because I was hungry. And I’m not a take a picture of your food person. And it was 30$ plus rx including tip. Nice. Gotta love Maine prices. Took Hess shots outside after we left breakfast.

We are having dinner tonight with Ed and Helena Kadunc. Also with Hank and Beth. Helena is making flan for dessert, both regular and coconut. Which is not why we invited her but would be a damn good reason to invite her for dinner. Anyhow, Michael made Carnitas too. Beth brought beans. Ed and Helena brought me a present, a bottle of Pisco. So I made Pisco sours for all. it’s in the glass on the table. Pisco is the national drink of Peru and Chile. Helena is from Columbia which is close enough.

The meal and company were really incredible. Just a great party. We have not seen the Kadunc’s since last summer so it’s more fun. We are leaving for California this Thursday so we are on short time. Probably have dinner with them on Tuesday and then off to CA. But, back to dinner. We are finished and sitting around the table drinking wine.

Emily took a few Polaroids of the gathering. Remember those? She is gonna hang em up around the living room. It’s kind of a personal Facebook. If you want to share, come to Maine.

So we sat around doing the drink and talk thing for awhile. Then everyone split. We cleaned up, which is no small feat, and went to bed. Tomorrow Acadia.

Yesterday I mentioned how the weatherman said Friday was the last nice day for a week. He lied.
Does the weather look bad to you?

I am sitting here somewhat alone. Emily got up early to go get her nails done. I find it difficult to go back to sleep once someone has gotten and readied themselves for going out. I tried. Did not work. I am not blaming Emily, she stays very quiet. But I am sensitive to all noise and movement so I don’t go back to sleep.

I am having a large slice of banana bread for brakfast. And a cup of coffee. Which is required. Had to buy a coffee grinder since this trip we have a couple pounds of beans to deal with.
That’s the grinder on the right. Cookies and banana bread on the left. In case you are confused.

We are on our way to Oakland. In Maine. There is an absinthe distillery there. We are going to visit. Only 15 miles from our camp. Who knew?

We stopped at McDonalds on the way. I know, you are aghast. But, in Maine Mcs sells lobster rolls. Really.

They are as good as they look. The lobster roll across the street at the fish market is $14.99. Mcs is $8.99. Pretty cool. Now I can say something no other person from back home can say: I ate lobster at McDonalds.

We stopped at Tree Spirit Distillery. Wow. Fun little stop. They make Absinthe, Applejack, Pear Brandy, several unique wines. For $6 I can taste 5 items and absinthe. I tasted 12 items and absinthe. Nice folks. Want to say Stacey, who ran the place, is a fantastic host. Everyone had a great time. The whole crowd was partying fools. Very fun. I may have to go back.

On our way to Augusta. We need to pick up prescription dog food for Jaxon. He has bad kidneys and bad liver. Just getting over a bout of Leptospirosis. So we have to drive to get his food. May be something else to do while there. Don’t know yet.

It turns out the great state of Maine does not allow pet stores to sell prescription dog food. So we are unable to get any at all. I can have it shipped. Oh well. So since we are in Augusta we decided to go to the state museum. Everyone raves about it. Ok. It’s closed. Who would want to visit a museum on a Saturday?

We decided to just drive around. Ended up in Hallowell which is a neighboring town. Very pretty little town with river frontage. We are in an antique store and no I have not seen any of my baby toys.
The picture I missed has about a quarter mile long row of multicolored Adirondack chairs along the riverfront in the middle of town. Very nice picture. Well would have been. After Hallowell we drove to Beth and Hanks. Marika went back to the camp to feed the dogs, and let them out to run around. She will be back soon.

Dinner was more fabulous than usual. Lamb chops, Beth’s special baked beans, asparagus, potatoes and blueberry cream pie for dessert. Truly fantastic. Beth is a fine cook. And Hank washed all the dishes. Since he only started this a couple years ago he has 70 years of dish washing to catch up on.

After dinner we headed home. Straight to bed. Sometimes you just have to sleep.

The weather report says today is he last nice day for the next week. Too bad but so far the weather today is perfect. Incredible.

Michael left early to head down to Southern Maine to visit with Brian who was here last week. Amazing how early he can get up when he has something to do.

We are at Beth and Hanks for lunch. Marika has made some grilled Gouda and ham sandwiches and also some open face ham and Brie under the broiler. We sat around awhile then went to the grocery store for dinner food and such. We are having friends for dinner, you know, chianti and fava beans.

While at Beth’s I fixed her printer. It was supposedly wireless but she never hooked it up. I managed to get it working even though the computer and printer took quite a few shots on their trip over on the Mayflower. Seriously, I could download drivers fro HP for a 32 bit XP system. They don’t support it. I suggested new hardware. And new software. But, it is working.

Back at camp, enchiladas are in the oven. Thank you, Emily. Marika has made banana bread, and chocolate chip cookies. We will eat well tonight.

It has been a really slow day, not doing much of anything. I did do a little work and finished a tax return. But other than that, nothing. I’ve been sitting out on the deck watching the lake traffic and sipping a cocktail for about an hour now. The day is so perfect. I do need to go make Beth a drink. Don’t know what. I guess I can surprise her.

Here are some shots. Hank is not always that glum.

Today is more vacation than many other days. I don’t think we have done a lick of work today. Grocery shopping really doesn’t count. I have sat more today than any other day this month. Ok, maybe I sat more on the trip out but you know what I mean. I am still sitting on the porch after 2 1/2 hours. Bonus. I am starting to get hungry finally

Dinner is served.

And here is Hank again. Not glum.

The enchiladas have mole sauce in them. It does make them that much better. The refrieds had a little mole in them as well. A very nice meal.

Marika made banana bread and CC cookies which with ice cream were our dessert. Capped off a fine meal.

The folks headed home, Hank with a large bag of cookies. Privilege of being Grandpa I think. I hear he freezes them and puts the frozen cookies on his ice cream in the evening. A nightcap, if you will.

The three of us, on Emily’s suggestion, walked the 1/8 mile to Lakewood Restaurant for our own nightcap. The show was on intermission from the playhouse so there was a small crowd. We ordered drinks from a rather large drink menu. Waiter did say bartender had left. But, the replacement did a fine job. She came by to see if we had any complaints. We didn’t. Nice comfortable lounge to, well, lounge in. Service was very attentive and friendly.

We went back to our camp and hit the hay.

As I was saying yesterday, I was not sure what was going on today. Well, we have a delivery between 8 and 10 am this morning. Stackable washer/dryer. They chose 8am. Which is and always will be too early. Better yet, they could not fit it around the fireplace and through the narrow hallway. So they left with them. No delivery and I will get woken too early on another day.

No one gave this a thought in advance. There had been a washer dryer in there before. But I guess the installation of the ladder to the upper “floor” has squeezed the space to under 24″. Hence the issue. I have been unable to figure out how the ladder was attached but it is very secure, 2×6 hardwood, and stout. I am going to ask Hank if he remembers where all the fasteners are. Emily called him but he was still asleep (did I say too early?). Later.

Time for breakfast. Usual yogurt and grape nuts. Coffee. PB cookie. Kid is having granola. Coffee. Emily is cleaning up next door for the next air bnb’r coming today. Marika, smart one, is still asleep.

Emily finished up cleaning just now. I had also gone next door to share in the fun. Emily is a cleaning over doer. So it can take awhile to get the place clean enough.

I have to do some office work. Emily wants to go to Caswells. That’s an only in Maine store. They sell used food. Lol. Seriously, all the items sold at Caswells are past their sell by date. Oldest I have seen is over 3 years. Yuck. They also have other items as well that have no expiration. And it’s all real cheap. I do not like shopping there.

Well all our chores are done. Emily went off to Waterville with her mom. Me and the kids went to Island Dairy Treatfor lunch. It used to be called Snows. I have never been there. So it turns out they don’t really sell food. All they had were hot dogs and chips. So that’s what we had. We did try the ice cream. I am never going back. I can get much better ice cream at Giffords and more and better food anywhere else.

At least now I know why I never went there.

After lunch the three of us and the dogs went across the lake to swim and paddle board. IMG_2699 I did not know she was so talented. Latte does love the water although she did an early exit off the board and swam to me. Amazing poodle. The other two were not interested. Especially Taffy. We swam and boarded for about two hours and headed back to our camp.

Emily was back, unloading stuff. We sat around the house for an hour or so. It’s still quite hot here. We are going to the in laws house for dinner tonight. Shrimp Dijon I hear.

Dinner was very good. New recipe for Beth andbit was awesome. After dinner the four of us went to Giffords for a round of golf. Unfortunately Michael played well and won by two strokes. I hate that. The not winning part. No ice cream tonight. Just golf.

We played a round of Boggle when we got to the cabin. And Emily came in third. Wow. She always wins, it’s her game. Very hard to believe. I am sure she will win next time.

Today’s is Wednesday. Nothing special. Emily figured out what is wrong with Taffy. We think. Last time she had these symptoms it was due to inflamed and infected anal glands. Yuck. They need expressing and maybe antibiotics. We do hope it is that. Easy cure and full recovery in her future we hope. Everybody reading this please say a prayer and eat a bowl of kibble in her honor.

Out of bed at 11am this am. Really. Not sure why so late. I stayed up reading but no one else did. Go figure

Btw we do have an appointment with the vet for 3:20 today. Will see

Just finished a bowl of grape nuts yogurt and blueberries. Cup of coffee. Emily had hot cereal. With blueberries. Michael is making an omelette. I also had one of these which are part of a balanced breakfast. All Marika had was coffee. . Hold on, says she is going to have cereal too.

So my in laws own a small building/garage about 50 feet up the hill from us. They had a table in that garage which we went up and grabbed. The rickety piece of crap we use every day is, well, just that and we were happy to be rid of it. Now are table does not shake like a bowl of jello whenever someone or thing moves in the house. I think that’s a good thing. Took about an hour to exchange the two. All four of us went to ye Kel Mat Cafe for lunch afterward. This time Marika and I split a sandwich and they deliver ed the correct one. As you will recall the last time e went in they screwed up the order. Food was great this time as well.

After lunch Marika and Em took Taffy to the vet. Michael and I went across the lake and went swimming. We also dig up the hornet nest by he dock and sprayed it. As you may remember, a few days back michael got stung four times and the dog once. Well we fixed them by destroying their home and killing their children. Sort of. Then we swam. Em and Marika came by after the vet and the dog is way better. Latte and Jaxon went swimming as well. The day was hot and a dip in the lake is a blessing . We have two docks to Em swim off of. At Robins camp across the lake there are also a kayak and canoe for our lakeside pleasure. We swam for about an hour and then headed back across the lake. Emily and Marika had left earlier to get dinner started since th in laws, Beth and Hank were joining us for dinner. On our way out we ran into Nancy Nesbit who was out walking her dog, Blizzard. The dog is white. Get it? Anyhow, we invited Nancy to dinner since she knows everyone and she accepted. So we headed home and helped get everything ready. I had work to do as well prior to BBQn the chicken. Took awhile to get it done since the connectivity was really awful. But I managed to get it all finished.

Guests all arrived, I put the meat on and made everyone cocktails. And a second round of cocktails as well. We had a nice meal of BBQ chicken, pasta salad and Beth’s cold bean salad. Very nice.

Everyone left by about nine and we all went down to Giffords for ice cream. Always a great way to end the day. Not sure what tomorrow has in store. I have no ideas on the matter. Will blogbit when it happens.

Today we are goin on at least one distillery tour. Make that two. Then to Freeport for outlet shopping.

Got up in usual fashion. Slow. Moving by 11am toward Portland. Our first stop will be New England Distilling newenglanddistilling.com. These guys make awesome eye, rum, bourbon and whiskey based gin. Most gins are neutral grain or vodka based. Theirs is much better. Forgot to take pictures, sorry. Got the full tour and it was amazing. Ended up buying rye and rum.

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co. near the port. Smells like the ocean here. Food really fantastic and I can really recommend the clam chowder. Had salt pork in it. Very nice. The rhubarb crumble dessert is fabulous.

After lunch, we went to Freeport, and Cold River Distillery. No tour given so I could not get pictures. Their blueberry vodka is very good. Better than most, they distill the alcohol with flavor rather than use additives later or at end. Still fun and free tastes. Except for the distillers reserve, vodka from oak barrels, which is actually whiskey. Though they have to call it Vodka per state law. It’s whiskey and it’s smooth. And $70 per bottle. I tasted but no purchase.

Freeport. Home of LL Bean, open 24/7.

As you can see Freeport is a regular town. But mostly a “downtown” set up. LL Bean is huge. As you can see it has fountains. Some in the store are stocked with trout. No, fishing and swimming are not allowed. Open every day of the year, 24 hours.

So we cruised around looking into a few stores. The place is no longer really outlets. Some are just regular retail like Bean. Us old timers say it ain’t what it used to be. Cuz it ain’t. Still enjoyable. We did not make it to the distillery barroom on time, it closes by 6pm. No night life here

We left for home about 630. Uneventful and fast trip. Got home and unloaded the haul. We are having leftover chicken pot roast, calzones and fresh made sautéed broccoli. Smelling good and it is 920 so I’d like to eat already. I made daiquiris with the rum I bought this morning. Very nice.

We are about to eat. Back later.

I’m back. There is, sometimes, leftovers that are awesome. This meal was one of those. Best thing I did? Fry the leftover calzone. Made the outside hot and crispy. It was like a second life for them. Just plain fantastic. If fantastic can be called plain. We are all sitting here full and sated. Don’t know if there are any games left in anyone. Wa are all tired. Will see.

I forgot to mention. We noticed, when we returned, that one of our dogs seems to be uncomfortable. Unable to jump on the bed, walking funny, etc. of course no effect on her appetite. We have just been through a bout of Leptospirosis with Jaxon. He almost died. After spending a lot of money A LOT of money with the vet he is better than he was before. Much better. So we are on edge about sick dogs. Taffy is getting more attention than usual. Maybe that is her evil plan. Don’t know. This is Taffy

Not normal for her. She is usually running around and most often next to us. Will see. We hope for the best.

So no evening games. We did have ice cream. Yay Giffords pre pack.
Bedtime. Goodnight

I sit here hoping today is nowhere near as hot as yesterday. It was damn hot yesterday but it did cool somewhat later so we could sleep. But it was hot. It’s a warm morning which usually means hot day. Will see.

Today we plan on going to see the swinging bridge here in Skowhegan. Just what it’s called, it’s a walking bridge and it swings back and forth as you go. Been coming here over 20 years and have never laid eyes on it. It’s funny how you always forget to be a tourist in your own town. You know the sites are there but you don’t bother to go. Because I can go anytime, I don’t. Same goes for Good Will Hinckley site we are going to after. It sits on Route 201 which I drive on nearly every day yet how many times have I stopped? Wrong. I stopped at their produce stand. Once. After that it’s off to Bangor to see writer Stephen King’s house. Not sure what to expect but Marika has really wanted to go for the last couple years. I’m excited. Never been to Bangor.

So it’s 11:55 and we are still at the camp. Waiting for everyone to be done with whatever they are doing. I am finding things to do cuz I want to get going and I can’t just sit here. Our next door tenants just arrived hope that don’t take too long.

We visited the swinging bridge in Skowhegan before heading out. Just as advertised it’s a cable type bridge and it swings when you walk on it.

So we went to Stephen Kings house. very cool. It’s in Bangor which is an hour north of our camp. Turns out there are no tours as my daughter thought. We did meet a couple from Sonoma outside the house. They are here on their honeymoon. Nice folks. They live a couple miles from Marika which seems weird.

We toured the river walk after. The Penobscot river.

Not much else going on in Bangor. We drove around awhile, tried to find the city forest without luck. Then drive home. Again, not much going on here.

We had dinner when we got home and some ice cream. Then went to bed.

Woke up late to an incredibly nice day. About 78 degrees, clear blue skies, gentle breeze, smooth lake that looks like a postcard. I may need to go swimming and boarding later. Too nice a day. Maybe we can dine outside tonight if the buggies behave. Gotta do some wash today and fix the screen doors. Then do whatever. Everyone is in the process of doing the 3 S’s, I am heading in for a shower myself. Just finished the traditional Sunday breakfast: coffee, banana bread, and leftover meatballs. Yum. Be back in a few.

After breakfast Emily and I went over to Twinnys camp next door and cleaned. Brian stayed there. We have air BnB tenants arriving tomorrow. So scrub, sweep, clean, vacuum. Am I on vacation?

After that we went to town. I had to swap out the door hardware I bought yesterday. Did not work. New springs are shorter. So maybe. We went to the 201 fish market cuz Michael wanted a lobster roll. I was still full from breakfast.

We went to the grocery store after. Seems a daily ritual while here. Go to grocery store get food.

We are back at the camp making dinner. Actually Emily is making dinner. She just popped a rhubarb upside down cake in the oven. Next she is making “chicken pot roast”. I am doing the dishes. So far twice. I stewed leftover rhubarb. We may go swimming before dinner.

So we did not have time for a swim. Joe and Dixie, from a neighboring camp, came to dinner. Emily made her pot roast chicken and rhubarb upside down cake with ice cream. Btw today is national ice cream day. I did my Part, I had ice cream with my cake. Would have preferred to go to Giffords but ours was tasty. We sat around eating and drinking for a couple hours. Then, thunderstorms. Not uncommon around here. Kinda broke up the party.

Later on we did dishes and put away food. And now playing scrabble. Into our second game. I know Game if Thrones has a big show on tonight. The kids are chomping at the bit to see it. I have never watched.

I have now lost two games of Scrabble. Not my day. Next up is bedtime. Read a little and go to sleep. Sounds fantastic. We are going to the Good Will Hinckley Museum tomorrow which is up the road. The orphanage there was inspiration for the movie Cider House Rules. Looking forward to it.

I suppose people of certain age may remember that wash day was Saturday. First all the people, oldest first, then all the clothes last. That’s how my grandma told it. Sounds awesome. We don’t have that problem here. We got water heaters and automatic washing and drying machines. Very modern.

The only plans for today are taking Brian to the golf course and kicking his butt. And humiliating him. And rubbing it in for the next few years.

In the meantime, Michael and Brian went over to the other side of the lake with a can of hornet spray. Seems that while they were over there swimming yesterday, Michael got stung twice, back of each leg and Brian’s dog Tyson also got stung. Michael just texted me. They used up the entire can on the nest and need more. Little bit of revenge I think. And I don’t blame them.

I think I should give a special shout out to my friend Cissie. She texts me the play by play of the Giants games while I am out here. It’s like a live as it happens broadcast. And she only sends the important bits. Btw, G men won last night.

We are at lunch at Old Mill Pub. Again. We did not get Christine D as a waiter. Thank god. Read previous blog post. Today I got the appetizer in under 5 minutes. Better waitress, better outcome.

We wandered around downtown for a half hour after lunch. The city is trying hard to revitalize their downtown. Wal Mart came in a few years ago and destroyed it. We went to the appliance store where Emily just purchased a stackable washer dryer for our camp. I wasn’t there to see them so I went to visit and see what they looked like. It’s funny how you can shop local, get the best price, free delivery and install and easy service after the sale. Sometimes Anazon and big box don’t deliver what is best. We went to the Bankery, a bakery in an old bank building, I bought some molasses cookies and some peanut butter. They have soft baked pretzel sticks which they also sell as an appetizer at Old Mill Pub. Truly fantastic. At the pub you do get spicy quest dip with them.

After lunch and wandering it was time to shut Brian up. He made the mistake of saying he was better at mini golf than all of us. Shits on. That was day before yesterday and the trash talk has been heavy and frequent since then. Yesterday it rained to heavy and they closed the course. So today it is.

We all started OK. I was a little off my game. As was Michael. Marika was on fire. Emily was two strokes off her. At he turn, Brian dead last by a stroke, then Michael and I. Marika had us all by five strokes. Emily right behind. Brian was confused. This is our home course. We play several times a year. Michael and I played in a tournament on this and Waterville course. And we played really well especially when you consider all other players live local. So, how did it turn out? Brian dead last 12 over par. In first Michael at one over, then in order, me at 2 over(I said we were off a little), Marika at 5 over (bad second half), and then Emily at 8 over. So all four of us kicked his butt. Nuff said.

We skipped the ice cream, we were still full from lunch. Brian was full from a dish of humble pie. Lol.

After we got back the kids (adult children) went across the lake for paddle boarding and swimming. And I would say beer drinking.

Emily and I went to visit the neighbors Joe and Dixie. She is our handymans (Reggie)sister. We chatted awhile and invited them over for dinner on Sunday.

Kids came back and we BBQd burgers and red hots. Side of chili for the dogs. Tots. Emily made deviled eggs (yay Emily!!) which are a favorite. I made a few whiskey sours and one prickly pear Margarita for the golf loser. That’s Brian in case you forgot. He hasn’t. We finished playing the Hearts game we started playing yesterday. Marika won. Big loser: Brian. No surprise. Sorry Brian.

At this point it was about midnight and Emily and I went to bed. The kids stayed up and played Hearts again. Marika won. Brian lost. Again. Brian is leaving tomorrow and taking his dog, Tyson, which is sad. We will miss the dog. Lol. Just kidding Brian.

Friday! Friday! Now you know what day it is. Emily got up early. She is going to Augusta with her mom to run some errands while the rest of us stayed here. By stayed here I mean stayed in bed. Michaels friend Brian came up from Springdale. He is from California but now lives here.

I was doing a few chores. I painted four chairs for Twinnys cabin. That’s it. Michael and Brian went to the lake to swim.

After painting, Marika and I went to get a key made and get some lunch. The cafe served us he wrong food. Though what we got was good.

Now all four of us are at Bigelow Brewery. They ordered a pizza and beer. I am having a ginger beer. And here we sit, solving the worlds problems. Emily showed up halfway through our afternoon. Everyone has been sitting here reminiscing about all their old Dixon acquaintances and what they are up to. Who got married or had kids or whatever. I did not know any of this stuff. I really need to start paying attention.

After dinner we went to Gifford’s for ice cream. We were going to play mini golf as well but there had been an evening downpour and golf was closed. Brian had been trash talking all day about his mini golf skills and how he was going to kick all of our buts. Like that could happen. He saunters in to our home course and actually believes he could beat any of us. I don’t like to use the word idiot so I won’t. Anyhow, we had a fine ice cream dessert and went back to camp.

We played Hearts and Brian was able to actually keep up, intellectually at least. It’s not like he had any chance of winning.

Golf match will be tomorrow. If the Hearts game is any indication, Brian is in serious trouble.