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Our bestest Dutchies were here again!

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!

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Dat my favorite!

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!

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The Lost Kitchen experience

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Glorious Autumn…

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.

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Schooner Sail with Peter

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!

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A Sunday Jaunt

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!

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A Weekend with the Grands and Greats

Memorial Day weekend spent with the kids – lots of fun and high energy! A huge shoutout to Kat, Ian, Zach and Grandpa for laying the decking on the 12×30′ frame in 5 HOURS! while GG had fun with Colby and Lincoln; and Peter and Greyson spent time with their Aunt McKayla.

McKayla doing what she loves the most.

Fun times and birthday celebrations at camp.