The stars were aligned ** and an impromptu decision to buy tickets on a clear and not too cold day in December to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, in Boothbay, for their Gardens Aglow worked out perfectly.
The stringing of the millions of LED lights is quite a feat, and the outcome is spectacular! We arrived at dusk and the setting sun created some dramatic effects.
..and as the skies darkened, the lights became more and more vivid. Just beautiful!
The greatest gift one can give is thanksgiving. In giving gifts, we give what we can spare, but in giving thanks we give ourselves. BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST
I give thanks consistently for our family and for the times we get to spend together; for the craziness that ensues; and for our camp where there is space for it all to play out!
A week sped by spending as much time as possible with our Dutch family and their friends Bert and Jantina. They all stayed out in Liberty experiencing “that camp life” and we got together either there or here in Belfast.
Luckily the beautiful Autumn colors were prolonged due to warm, dry weather and they were able to see Stevens Pond and the surrounding countryside in a full blaze of oranges, reds, purples, and yellows. Some canoe paddling was achieved – even a dunking!!! Wood was cut and split and Agnita and I took a lovely hike on Haystack Mountain.
We picked delicious Empire and Macoun apples at Hope Apple Orchard and several pies ensued.
Views from Mount Battie and visit to the Farnsworth in Rockland.
We joined Bert and Jantina for lobster at Young’s on a raining Wednesday evening, but even indoors the ambiance and lobster was great! Likewise at 3Tides. Pizza in the pergola was a perfect evening!
And then the week was over …… much too quickly!
A weekend of fun, snuggles, laughs, craziness, high volume with the two little greats! GG was in charge while everyone else went in different directions!
Time at home was spent playing, wearing big brother’s football gear, Pampa’s cav hat, dad’s protective helmet, goofing around, building, snuggling and snuggling.
It was the perfect time of year to visit Alstede Farm in Chester, NJ to pet the animals, have apple cider donuts and check out the pumpkins!
A walk to the neighborhood park …
Meanwhile – Mom and Dad were all cleaned up and enjoying some time together and with friends, minus the fearsome foursome!
Living in this beautiful rural environment, in the far north-eastern reaches of this vast country has many advantages. One of the many things to be thankful for is the ability to drive 25 minutes along a picturesque rural road to the village of Freedom and cross a footbridge to an old, renovated mill – entering the magical space that is home to The Lost Kitchen.
A little over three years ago, on July 4th, we went to the opening of Erin French’s restaurant in the old Freedom Mill. We have been since, but not since reservations became much sought after. However, last evening we were lucky enough to have been passed down a reservation from friends unable to go.
A fabulous evening with good friends and a total of seven courses (even though only four appear on the menu!) This is probably my favorite restaurant EVER!
Wine selected from the wine cellar on site.
Four happy faces!
First (non-menu) course – delicious cheeses, bread, pickled beets, radishes, almonds, olives.
Ooops! where are they! Second (non-menu) course – Pemaquid oysters with apple, onion, dill vinaigrette.
Third (non-menu course) – juicy pork burgers with blue cheese – oh! my!
Refreshing sorbet in Erin’s signature dishes!
Now to the menu!
Despite the lack of rain the garden is still a riot of color and we continue to harvest a variety of vegetables … and now the juicy, delicious pears are ready.
Date night in our own backyard: Why not enjoy our pizza oven and pergola?
We started the evening at Liberty Brew Pub for some good craft brew and wood-fired pizza.
Onward for a sunset cruise on Lake St. George. Life is good!
We took Peter on a short day sail on Penobscot Bay – his first sailing experience – for his 8th birthday. The most perfect day and conditions for a schooner sail.
He helped hoist the sails and became the Captain’s mate!
Yesterday was the perfect day for a short road trip and saw the beautiful lavender fields at Glendarrgh Farm in Appleton.
Our little “Pondering” took to the water on Steven’s Pond for her first jaunt.
Meanwhile activities never ever end at camp when the fearsome foursome are there!
My friend, Sherry, and I signed up for this afternoon class at Waterfall Arts. I had an ancient damask table cloth that I tore in to six serviettes and a narrow table cloth/runner. We had lots of fun experimenting with rubber bands, marbles, CDs, and more.
A lovely day to take a road trip to Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island for lunch at the Colonel’s Restaurant and then a visit to Asticou Azalea Gardens. What a treat! such a lovely quiet and serene place with beautifully kept gardens and gorgeous azaleas, rhododendrons and more!
