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!
Sunset over the pacific on our last evening in Manuel Antonio.
On the way to San Jose we stopped at Cafe Milagro coffee roasters (in Quepos) to pick some up to for home. Ooh! The wonderful aroma.
Our hotel Presidente was easy to spot despite one way streets and hectic traffic. A funky hotel with friendly staff. Delicious steaks for dinner at Tenedor Argentino, but otherwise we just strolled the downtown area.
Volcano Irazú was the agenda for Friday and it was a fabulous day trip from San Jose with breathtaking scenery at every twist and turn in the road. At over 11,000 feet we were above the clouds and the temperatures were perfect. Jersey cows lazed and grazed on the tender and dewy grass, and terraced fields with onions and other produce dotted the mountainsides.
The main crater has a diameter of 3200 feet and is 1000 feet deep. The area surrounding resembles a moonscape.
We spent the morning scouring the dense tropical forest of Manuel Antonio National Park for the inhabitants. We saw a number of lizards, hummingbirds, spiders, howler monkeys and other elusive creatures and managed to capture 3-toed sloths (covered with algae) and some various frogs. Had we not taken a guided tour, we would probably not have seen any of them except for the monkeys.
The trail ended up at a lovely beach – the perfect antidote for the hot and steamy jungle!
Five toed, three toed, two toed
We endulged in a big breakfast which will hold us through the day -at El Patio de Cafe Milagro -fabulous huevos rancheros and El Tico.
Then for a hike down to the beach and a sighting of a sleeping sloth! Made the hike well worthwhile; also the beautiful flora along the way.
We are loving our digs here in CR! Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio is set within the tropical forest overlooking the Pacific. Our room is fabulous with views of an adult only infinity pool and across the tree tops to the ocean. We haven’t seen any other guests at the pool or in our building!
Walking trails run through the rain forest on the property, and we even spotted these little monkeys (white headed capuchin) from the verandah outside our room!
The old Maine saying “you can’t get there from here!” applied to us today on our trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. Our gps ladies know that we like traveling on roads less travelled and “Mathilda” was taking us on small roads that became dirt roads that became something akin to logging trails!
The scenery was spectacular and we saw some cowboys riding their horses as well as colorful shrubs and a few homes, but no other vehicles .
We made the wise decision to turn around just before a very steep and mud-churned hill 
and then set off on another paved road that looked very promising. We ended up driving 49 km on dirt, but it was manageable dirt and we periodically encountered others on the road. An interesting diversion along the way was this snake on the road (about 5feet). From internet research, I think it’s a Fireball Python.
A welcome cerveza stop along the (dirt) road!
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!