October: A Planner

So, I'm feeling a little gun shy this a.m., putting together my October Planner when I haven't finished the items on my September Planner.

But here goes...

...here are some of the things I have planned for October:

• Making applesauce. Have I mentioned that I have 40 lbs of apples awaiting...? :)
• Checking out Damariscotta's Pumpkin Festival. It's famous. It's all about pumpkins. Contests for size, contests for carving. Pumpkin food. Pumpkin parade. They even have a regatta (both motorized and unmotorized) in the harbor with boats made out of ginormous pumpkins.
• Mums. I need to purchase mums for my porch. But, first, the painters need to finish painting it (my porch, that is). 
• Knitting.
• Going camping with my family. We're headed to Baxter State Park this time.
• Pumpkin picking (location to be determined) and pumpkin carving. 
• Baking goodness with pumpkins.
• Costume making. Butterfly. Caterpillar. Flower. Butterfly catcher. Oh my. (Ideas welcomed.)

I just know there is much, much, much more I want to do in October. But, think I'll still with this list for now.


What do you have planned for October?

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.

The Yarmouth Clam Festival

Each year, on the third weekend of July, the Town of Yarmouth, Maine (along with thousands of volunteers) rolls out its welcome mat with the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

This three day festival includes a fantastic parade (remember, I come from a long heritage of parade watchers...so I KNOW my parades), a wonderful crafts fair (Maine artisans galore!), a carnival, a long list of festival activities (including favorites like firefighter's muster, a clam shucking contest and a canoe/kayak race). And, of course, food. Lots of food, including -- and, no big surprise here - clams, anyway you can imagine. Fried clams. Clam chowder (or, Chow-dah, as it is said here in Maine.). Clam Rolls. Steamers (that's steamed clams for those of you not familiar with the native tongue.)

I've been going to the Yarmouth Clam Festival since I was a little girl. Of course, I've missed some years here and there...but, I have lots of fun memories of this festival -- now celebrating its 45th year!


Will I see you there?