The Harvest.

After much re-scheduling, we finally carved out time for our potato harvest. For those of you who know me - and where I live - you are probably laughing. I live on less than a quarter of an acre, much of which is shaded. But, I can assure you that we (And by "we" I mean primarily my husband, though I certainly help and give counsel.) take advantage of every square inch of garden-able space. Realistically, this translates into an herb garden, two self-built 8 foot by 4 foot raised beds, and a whole lot of empty pickle buckets that can be moved around as the sun shifts. (While we love many aspects of our in-town life, we do dream often of a farm. And, I'm guessing our neighbors might also wish we'd find one.)

This year, to stretch our gardening space a little further, I suggested we try growing potatoes in bags. Yes, bags. I'd heard you could do this - and, well, we have lots of those reusable Trader Joes and Whole Foods bags, so why not give it a whirl. (Besides, if it succeeded, it could quite possibly end our relationship-long argument about where the best potatoes come from - Maine or Idaho.).

So, we did it. We procured a couple of seed potatoes, two reusable bags, and organic soil. We poked some drainage holes in the bottom of the bags and filled with soil and the seed potatoes. And, we waited.

And, then there was some signs of hope.

And, further signs of hope.

But, only time would tell if there were actually any potatoes in the bag.

At last, it was harvest time. Nervously, we began to dig.

And, then we struck gold. Our first potato.

 

And, another!

Honestly, we were like kids at Christmas with each potato found. The full harvest amounted to 15 of the most beautiful  potatoes ever. Suffice it to say, they'll be more bags of potatoes scattered about our yard next year.

By the way, all though we can't say yet, I think the best potatoes are grown in Maine. :)

Capturing the Moment (s): Soggy Dog Designs

It won't be a surprise to those who know me -- or followers of Maine-ly Home -- that I love photographs. I love to take them. I love to see them.

My passion for photography runs deep. Influenced by my two grandfathers and my dear aunt who were never without their cameras, I learned to appreciate the art of photography at a young age. While other kids were busy saving their money for electronics or baseball cards, I was stashing cash, penny by penny, to buy my first 35mm film camera with multiple lenses (to replace the snap and shoot that took 110 film cartridges!). For decades, that camera was with me. Capturing the moments of life in middle school, high school, college and my travels around the world. After the birth of our first child, the demand for instant photographs became too much to handle (read: grandparents and family from afar needed photos all the time and right away). With great hesitation, we put that camera aside and moved to the digital world. While I love our digital Nikon SLR beyond words, I still hold film nearest and dearest to my heart.

I am rarely ever without camera. Even my husband, who shares a love for photography (we actually each brought darkroom equipment into this marriage!), gets a bit annoyed. I'll admit, sometimes it's my social crutch. And, I love the my niece, for example, counts on me to photograph those special moments (I'm her paparazzi). But, mostly, it's that I think I see the world -- I remember the moments - as I see them behind the lens.

Well, just a few days ago, I went to the beach with a friend and our five girls. I purposely left my camera behind (I didn't think I could manage it with a toddler and the sand.) And, boy, I'm glad I did. For once, I was real-time, while my beach companion and friend (a professional photographer), captured those moments. I'm not a big fan of staged photos, unless of course you have the gift (as Wendy does) of making the staged look candid. But, on this overcast beach day, there was no staging. It was pure candid bliss. And, Wendy captured our girls in their beach day glory. Check out her work --  and think about booking a shoot with Soggy Dog Designs. May I suggest the beach as a backdrop?

Magic Nearby

I just so happen to live just downriver from Merrymeeting Bay -- a natural wonder of sorts. This large freshwater tidal bay--located some 17 miles from the ocean--is quite unique. Geologically an inland delta -- and biologically a tidal riverine - not a traditional bay at all. Sorta more like an estuary, except it fresh water. This place - where six rivers flow - has large tides (averaging 5 feet) and is home to a large population of bald eagles and migratory birds as well as migratory fish including endangered Atlantic salmon and sturgeon.

At any tide Merrymeeting Bay is beautiful -- but I just discovered (thanks to my husband who spends many an hour exploring Merrymeeting Bay by boat and kayak) that low tide holds paradise -- and it is a local secret.

You will find very little written about it, but trust me it is magic.

Twice a day, low tide reveals fine white sand and warm water. Seriously. Like clockwork as the tide lowers, locals in on the secret, beach their boats and enjoy a bit of paradise. Sun. San. And, warm swimming. All while viewing bald eagles, sturgeon jumping and more.

Then, as high tide makes its way, the beach disappears.

Sand castles and footprints washed away.

Magic.

 Here's a link to a wonderful book about Merrymeeting Bay.

Why Didn't I think of That? The Lobster Lovers Dream Come True.

{photo via here}

I'm fairly certain that those of you who aren't regular lobster eaters will not find this interesting. But, if you are a lobster lover, well, your gonna love this.

How often have you sat, hands all covered with gook from de-shelling your lobster, ready to devour the goodness, only to look down at your lobster virtually swimming in liquid? You then, with slippery hands try to dump the liquid somewhere. Ultimately, you lose some valuable piece that has you scrambling like an idiot.

Well, thanks to the brilliance of a New Hampshire woman (T.J. “Lats” Latvis), your worries are over. The brand new innovative lobster plate is two layers - the top boasts vents that let those lobster juices drain to the plate below. Get all the juicy details.

As an added bonus, a portion of the profits from the sales of these plates benefits the Lobster Institute.
The Lobster Institute works with the lobster industry from New York to Newfoundland--the core mission is to sustain both the lobster resource and a viable lobster fisherythrough conservation, outreach and research.

Summer is on the way (or so I'm told...these cold gray days don't have me convinced), better stock up now!

How to Find Peace, Tranquility and Muscle Relaxation in One-Hour or Less

{photo via Emily Estes}

Okay, I got you, didn't I? Who doesn't want peace, tranquility and muscle relaxation? And, in an hour? Is that really possible?

I didn't think so.

But, then I discovered Watsu. Yea, you read that right. Watsu. Have you heard of it? It is Shiatsu massage practiced in a heated therapy pool. In one word? Delightful. Your body floating in perfectly heated water while stretching and massage eases away tension.

I'll be honest, for the first ten minutes I was not convinced. I felt hesitant. Could I really let go enough -- let someone else be responsible for keeping me afloat (and I realize that a therapist could have a field day reading into this statement!)?

But, I was in the hands of physical therapist and Watsu practitioner Emily Estes - and, well, she has some magic ability to put even the most tense at ease. Not long after I thought it impossible to relax, I entered another zone. I floated effortlessly in the water gazing out the windows that surrounded me (it was a particularly wonderful day as the snow was falling and it made me feel like I was swimming in a snow globe). Trees and sky surrounded me. Warm water enveloped me. Bliss. One hour later I exited the pool the most relaxed I'd been in, well, I can't even recall.

Emily, a long-time practitioner at a local physical therapy center, recently opened her own wellness center in Dresden, Maine. It's a bit off the beaten track - and, honestly, it is that very fact that adds to its wonderfulness. The Wild Grace Wellness Center is a bit of heaven tucked in the woods. The building boasts some of the most soothing colors and decor to be found. When you enter the door, you enter another world. A world of calmness, of healing, of bliss. And, the building is built with the environment in mind, which, in my book, makes it even more perfect.

For those of you who might be undergoing physical therapy -- if aquatic therapy is prescribed, Watsu may be covered. For those of you who lack insurance reimbursement, the full hour of Watsu is $90.

In addition to Watsu, the wellness center offers massage and yoga -- and, more wonderfulness is in the works!

What are you waiting for? Book a Watsu appointment today - and tell Emily you read about it on Maine-lyHome.

Signs of Spring Required

There is rumor of a big snow storm on Friday.

I love snow - and I love winter. But, hello, it's Spring now. I'm done. I'm a fair weather person like that.

The reality is, however, in the two places where I hang my hat, Spring comes in fits and starts - and sometimes never comes at all. As a survival tactic, I look for signs of Spring...sings of change wherever I can find them. The next few days here at Maine-ly Home will feature some of the signs I find...

How's it looking in your neck of the woods?

Rites of Spring

My husband doesn't (or, rather, didn't) believe me.

I told him that going to Fat Boy's Drive-In (Yes, we have 1950s-style drive-in restaurants here!) was a rite of Spring here in Midcoast Maine.

He laughed as he climbed in the car to go to the drive-in for the opening last week.

When we got there (much later than I had hoped), there was a line of cars out on the street waiting for a spot. One look (or, was it a listen...?) at the two hungry children in the back and we knew it was not happening tonight.

Major disappointment for all. Even my husband. By now, he'd realized the truth -- it is a rite of Spring (later confirmed by headlines in the paper).We would return soon, we promised the sad little seven year old who had her heart set on eating a grilled cheese and lemonade in the car tonight.

If you haven't been to Fat Boys, you've got to try it. Just once. (Your arteries and waistline beg you, just once.) The drive-in opened in 1955 -- and it looks like a thing hasn't change (though I happen to know that in a Nor-easter a few years back, the coveted sign was destroyed - and now replaced with an identical, though much shinier, sign).

To be there for opening week/weekend is a gift. Okay, that's a totally ridiculous statement. It's not a gift. But, it is an awesome scene. A parking lot of people in their cars ready to embrace summer (even though it is still months away). But, the greasy food and warm-enough (or at least snow-free-enough) weather for waitresses to come to your car are signs of hope for Maine-rs who have been hunkered down for months.

While I'm well aware of this iconic institution - I'm really a newbie. I'd driven by it one zillion times, for certain. But, it wasn't until a decade ago when my Uncle Charlie introduced me to the place.

While we don't eat there but once or twice a year, I'm so glad to know about it -- it is such a classic scene. The minute you park your car, you are transported to the 50s. You find yourself desperately trying to find an oldies station to replace NPR. And, when the tray of burgers (or, crab rolls) and shakes shows up on the tray hanging from your car window, you are have expecting to catch a glimpse of the Fonz nearby. And, in a week where tragedy still looms in Japan and war is raging in the Middle East -- it is nice, if only for a minute, to escape to a different time.

PS. We did, in fact, make it back a few days later. And to prove how infrequently I let my girls eat fries, I've included this photo of my youngest nursing her fry...

24 Hours of Us in Southern Maine

About a month ago, I won a "Maine Thing to Do" from 101MaineThingsToDo. The prize? One night (including breakfast) at Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine. Yee-haw! (And, many thanks to both 101MaineThingstoDo AND Stage Neck Inn.)

My mom graciously agreed (thanks Mom!) to watch our children so we could sneak away. And, we did just that. We snuck away. Would you believe that it was our first time away from both girls? And, let's see, the total number of nights without children in seven years...three? Maybe four. The point? Not many. By choice. True. Still, as much as we adore our kids, it is important to have some time for us, right?  

And, it was a great excuse for us to check out a new part of Maine!

York is in Southern Maine, not far from the New Hampshire border. Many, many people vacation in this area of Maine. But, I have never been there. To York, at least - and very little to neighboring areas. There isn't a reason for this other than my husband and I naturally choose to go North. Here in Maine...and well, virtually everywhere.


We started out on our journey with dinner in Portland at the new-ish restaurant, The Salt Exchange. A beautiful atmosphere, the service terrific, the presentation was amazing and the food was really yummy. The restaurant features "small plates" so we sampled quite a few things. My favorites? The beet risotta cakes, the Prince Edward Island mussels and scallops. Mmm. I'm still thinking about the scallops.

Our room at Stage Neck Inn was very comfortable and had an amazing view. Check it out. And our breakfast buffet (with a killer view, I might add) -- yum.

I tried to be artistic and take a picture of our view through the very cool and eco-friendly soap...but, it didn't quite cut it. But, the soap is really cool, don't you think? (In addition to being made out of natural ingredients, the soap is missing the inside of the soap - you know, the little piece that always gets wasted, especially in a hotel.)

Our day in York was bitterly cold and windy -- so we mostly explored by car. Must say, the beaches in the area are impressive! We made a stop at Stonewall Kitchen's headquarters (which includes a store, a cafe and a cooking school!). We loved checking it out and vowed to return with our eldest for a cooking class. Even my husband got into the sampling at the store.

Before heading back, we stopped at Cape Porpoise Kitchen to split a Maine crab with dill havarti panini, some delicious cookies and lattes. :)

It was wonderful to have a little get-away -- and wonderful to come home to happy girls and Midcoast Maine.

Maine Artists + Jars = Love

{a snip I grabbed from The Jar Project}

When I walked into my local coffee shop this a.m. a poster on the busy bulletin board caught my eye. You'll never guess why.

It has a big picture of a mason jar and the words The Jar Project.

Honestly, my heart started to flutter and my knees grew weak.

I know, I have such a wierd obsession with mason jars. I've told you, it's not my fault, it's genetic.

Anyhow...

What is even cooler than the poster that drew my attention is the actual event. The Jar Project. The brain child of Portland-based artist Alex Sax, the Jar Project highlights the creative contributions of 60 artists with connections to Maine. The jars vary in size, color and texture and contain a range of genres and mediums. The jar is a nod to an era "when our lives moved at a slower pace and we had a stronger connection to nature, community and our sources of nourishment. Whether it is canned peaches, pickles, garlic or tomato sauce, or marbles, pennies, seashells or gumdrops, the items in jars add richness and piquancy to our lives, and keep vibrant a pre-technological vision of human existence."

Sigh. My jar love grows.

I'll be checking out the installation for sure.

In the meantime, do you have jars in your house...what's in them?

Calling All Potato Lovers

{photos via here, here and here.}

I just learned, courtesy of EatMaine that February is National Potato Lovers Month. Who knew? And, to think I was so focused on the other very important February "holidays" -- my birthday, my daughter's birthday, President's Day and, of course, Valentine's Day. (Truth be told, the focus in our house is on my eldest's birthday. In keeping with our love for advent calendars, she has created a very lovely and detailed advent calendar to countdown to her birthday. Yea, don't go there. I, clearly, have not explained advent well enough.) Anyhow...

Who comes up with these national celebrations? It never ceases to amaze me how there is something for everything. But, really, it all makes sense. Here, in Maine, it is the dead of Winter. Snow is piled high everywhere. And, for Maine-rs who have put away food from their gardens (or perhaps from others' gardens) for the winter, potatoes are pretty much the staple this time of year. So, we gotta love potatoes, it's what we've got.

Frankly, I could eat potatoes all the time. I like 'em mashed, boiled, roasted, in soups - you name it. But, I try to limit my intake...and, well, I'm not sure how this happened to my two Maine-born girls (I mean, if you are born in potato country, don't you have to like potatoes?) do not like potatoes. It really even pains me to type that. Not like potatoes?

Well, not surprisingly potatoes don't make it to our dinner table all that often. But, in the spirit of supporting Maine potato farmers (and my love for potatoes), tonight's dinner is going to be all about potatoes.

Even dessert. Yup, in Maine we have a special potato dessert. They are called Needhams (and many a Maine-r has their own recipe) and they are aptly named - because once you've had one you just need them more. Needhams are chocolates with a creamy filling that is potato based. You'd never know by tasting them - though it definitely adds to a creamy texture. It's always our surprise dessert for people visiting us from away. Don't they look delicious!?

How about you? Are you having potatoes tonight? How will you fix them?

PS. Yes, that's Vodka - made in Maine, with potatoes, of course!

You Must Live in Maine

It seems every day my inbox is flooded with jokes or such that are forwarded from friends. Often I don't read them because I get tired of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling through all the "forward to". But, my Mom insisted that I read one today. And, I'm glad she did. It's comedian Jeff Foxworthy's take on Maine. And, for the record, I get all of these so I must live in Maine. (Note: He doesn't say "from Maine" because here in Maine, that's a whole different story....)

Foxworthy on Maine: 

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through  18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, 
You might live in Maine 

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy", 
You might live in Maine 

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, 
You might live in Maine 

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, 
You might live in Maine 

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, 
You might live in Maine 

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, 
You might live in Maine 

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, 
You might live in Maine 

If you know how to say...Wicked. ..Up to camp. .Ayuh.Can't get there from heyah, 
You might live in Maine 

If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy, 
You might live in Maine 

If vacation means going "up north" for the weekend, 
You might live in Maine 

If you measure distance in hours, 
You might live in Maine 

If you know several people, who have hit deer more than once, 
You might live in Maine 

If you often switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again, 
You might live in Maine 

If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow 
during a raging blizzard without flinching and keep drinking coffee
You might live in Maine 

If you see people wearing hunting clothes at social events, 
You might live in Maine

If you install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked, 
You might live in Maine 

If you think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and Venison, 
You might live in Maine 

If you carry jumper cables in your car, and your wife or girlfriend knows how to use them, 
You might live in Maine 

If there are 7 empty unlocked cars running in the parking lot at Hannafords at any given time, 
You might live in Maine 

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, 
You might live in Maine 

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, 
You might live in Maine 

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction, 
You might live in Maine 

If you can identify a southern or Massachusetts accent, 
You might live in Maine 

If your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next to your blue spruce, 
You might live in Maine 

If "Down South" to you means Boston 
You might live in Maine 

If you know "scat" is something you don't eat, 
You might live in Maine 

If you find -10 degrees "a little chilly", 
You might live in Maine 

If you actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Maine friends, 
Youdefinetly live in Maine

Merry Christmas from Maine

{photo via here}

Let the magic begin.

Wherever you are, Merry Christmas from Maine.

Life is Good on the Candy Cane Train

Sickness has been visiting here and it has had a hard time finding the door. And, in addition to feeling sorry for all of us, I'm a little annoyed at how it is wreaking havoc on my December Planner.

Though I wasn't sure it was going to happen, we were able to climb aboard The Candy Cane Train this past weekend for our annual pilgrimmage.

Have you been? It's a magical ride. Carolers. Hot cocoa and homemade cookies served by elves. Storytelling. A festively decorated train. A coastal Maine vista. And, of course, a visit with Santa. The best part? The rides (which sell out every year) are a fundraiser for Tri-County Literacy. What's not to love?

So, add this to your bucket list, and for now, climb aboard!

Have some cocoa and cookies.

Sing a little.

Enjoy the view.

Signs of Christmas Maine Style

This time of year in Maine (am I being narrow minded here -- does this tradition happen elsewhere?) one finds evergreen wreaths placed in many unexpected places. And, I'm so glad. It is such a wonderful thing to be caught off-guard by an unexpected evergreen wreath--it instills an instant sense of joy and wonder. Truly.

Today, I saw this one and just had to share. Now, this is "so Maine".

By now, many (but certainly not all!) lobstermen and women have pulled their boats (and traps) out of the harbors until warmer days when flocks of tourists come back to this great state. It's a familiar scene to see boats jacked up, resting. Peaceful, yet a tad bit sad. Well, not the Westside (the name of this lobster boat) -- she looks mighty cheery and in-season.

Keep me posted on evergreen wreaths you find in mysterious locations.

How Do You Find the Best Fall Color in Maine?

Last week my husband and I were exploring back roads (one of our favorite past times) and I burst out into laughter.

I turned to D to explain my outburst, "Do you realize that we are surrounded by amazing colorful leaves and we almost aren't even noticing them? Can you imagine if some our friends from out west were here?"

He concurred.

Although I sometimes become blinded by the color...or should I say, blind to the color? But, I do love it.
 If you are in Maine - or coming to Maine, you'll be happy to know that we (the state) try to capitalize on this season's color. You can find "the best" color with this foliage map. Yes, a foliage map. We are heading into the "peak" zone this weekend.

{map via here}

Happy weekend.

The Applesauce Tradition

Piles of apple cores. The smell of cooking apples. The moist sweet-smelling steam of apples simmering. The sticky foodmill.

Simple things with powerful memories.

As a child, throughout my childhood, we made applesauce as a family. We all picked the apples. We all washed and cut the apples. Mom stirred the apples on the stove. Dad cranked (and cranked and cranked and cranked) the food mill. And, for months and months to come we ate the perfectly, naturally sweet and pink (from the peels) applesauce that we stored in our freezer.

Making applesauce is a tradition that I proudly carry on.

This past weekend, my eldest daughter and I set to work to turn 40 lbs of apples into deliciousness. She jumped right in. Grabbed her apron. Washed her hands. Said enthusiastically, "what's my job?"

For the next few hours we talked and took turns cutting apples, stirring the pot, and running the cooked apples through the hand cranked food mill. Half-way through the process she turned to me and said with a huge happy sigh, "I love the smell of apple steam." She's my girl, for sure.

Baby R (when do you think I should stop calling her a baby?) woke up as the first big batch was ready. I put her in her chair and handed her bowl. As if she knew what was coming, she started chanting, "Yum, yum, yum."

Suffice it to say, she liked it.

THE Fair

On Saturday a.m. while we were driving to the Common Ground Fair (a near 2 hour drive from our home), my cranky 6-year-old asked me why I like the fair so much.

"Well," I began..."Some people believe that Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, I think THIS is." (Was that wrong?)

Now, I had her attention, evidenced by the puzzled, "Why?"

"Because this a place where people gather. People who are rich. People who are poor. People from all walks of life. They gather here because they share an interest in rural Maine living. They care about keeping Maine traditions like farming and spinning and fiddling alive. They care about good healthy food. They care about people. They care about the Earth. It is what they have in common--and it is really wonderful sometimes to be among people who care about similar things."

I couldn't see her, I was driving. She might have been rolling her eyes. But, she was quiet, nevertheless. 

I could go on and on (as some of you have had to endure in-person) about all the wonderfulness of the fair. The amazing food. The terrific music. The exquisite crafts. The endless interesting workshops. The happy, animal-filled barns. And, oh, the fiber! But, instead, I'll just share some photos (and a few words). Hope you enjoy.

Food! Wood-fired whole grain pizza with pesto; sustainably grown lamb kebabs; locally grown roasted vegetable soups; Maine potatoes every-which-way; locally-made ice cream; and, more, more, more!

Prize carrots (and, so, so, much more!)

Solar-powered juice.

Pie in a Cone
All food vendors at the fair are required to be as sustainable as possible. Their "packaging" must be minimal (you won't find lids or straws, for example) - and completely recyclable and compostable (volunteers collect the plates and scraps and recycle/compost). One vendor got really creative - instead of pie on a plate - they make a pie crust cone and fill it with the pie filling of your choice (blueberry, pumpkin, apple...). YUM.

Discovering animals!

Wagon Rides

Spinning (Yes, she's spinning directly from the rabbit!)

Marching in the Parade

Happy, happy Mama!

Jumping in the hay and lovin'(?) it?

Petting sheep.

A very tired fair-goer ready to go home.

Anticipating Organic Goodness

This weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- is THE best fair around. Honestly, I don't think there is anything else like it anywhere. I'm told it is the longest running and largest organic fair in the country.

Sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association, the Common Ground Fair is 3 days of organic goodness. You can gather information, watch demonstrations, eating amazing food, march in the vegetable parade, dance to terrific music, shop for local artistic wonders and bask in the happiness that surrounds you.

I know, it sounds a little too good to be true. Trust me, it's not. You even take a short hike through the woods (or alternatively ride a horse drawn wagon) to get to the fairgrounds -- how charming is that? The only bummer in my book is that there is no chocolate or coffee there (a little pick-me-up would be helpful mid-day!)...not Maine grown, after all.

Anyhow, our little family looks forward to this all year long -- and, each year that we attend we buy one of the posters to add to our collection on our kitchen walls. And, I'm in love with this year's--what a happy rooster!

Will I see you at the fair? If not, stay tuned on Monday for posts on all the organic goodness.

Apples and Greek Food, Oh My!

In a panic, afraid that I might somehow miss all the apples (which is funny because I usually go MUCH later than this), I insisted that my family, amidst a very hectic weekend schedule, drive to our favorite organic apple picking spot.

Although I'm not sure he was totally into the idea, my husband agreed that it would be a nice way to spend the day (it was September 11th). Step out of our ordinary life and do something high quality with the people we love.

We almost turned around three times due to the whining going on in the back seat. I'm hungry. I'm car sick. I hate apples. Blah, blah, blah.

We kept going. Because sometimes parents just have to do that. Ignore the whining, keep going.

In the little city of Lewiston, Maine, which lots of people gripe about, but we kind of like (at least to drive through), I spotted a little sign that said, "Greek Festival Today". It was a no-brainer - a little Greek food is exactly what we needed. Though we wondered just how good a festival it could be. Did Lewiston have a big Greek community?

With some sleuthing and a map, my husband, my hero, found it. Not an easy feat. We almost turned around several times (picking up on a theme here?). Couldn't be there - a residential community. Sure enough, we landed at a hoppin' Greek festival in the middle of a residential neighborhood. It was quickly evident we'd struck gold.

Yum. We all devoured yummy, yummy Greek food - and, we even had a chat with Senator Snowe -- who apparently goes to church there.

Full and happy, we ventured on.

Rest assured, we had not missed the apples. At Ricker Hill, the organic apples were the most plentiful I'd seen. Gorgeous apples everywhere. In 12 minutes, we picked 40 lbs.

It was a fun-filled day with some unexpected adventures. In my book, that's the best kind of day.

Now, we'd better get cooking applesauce.

This Weekend: Your Chance to Tour a Lighthouse

When I was working on my September planner, I hadn't realized that this Sunday, September 18th is the Second Annual Maine Lighthouse Open House. How could I not know this? I love lighthouses. And, while one of the many wonderful things about living in Maine is that lighthouses are part of your daily landscape, it is not often that one stops to really explore these beacons.

Maine Lighthouse Open House is a great opportunity to visit the many lighthouses that line Maine's coast -- and, of course, learn a bit about Maine's rich maritime heritage.

I've always thought it would be incredibly romantic to be a lighthouse keeper. Though I mentioned this the other day to a friend and they said, "except in the fog." Whatever. I'll live in my little fantasy world.

In any event, I'm hoping to convince my family to make it a day-long adventure...but, I may lose this battle given the fact that the stripers are running on the Kennebec River AND a certain little six year thinks that a playdate is in order.