The rock in the road...

August just tripped me up in more ways than one.  I just got off a plane a few hours ago and I had every intention of getting through at least a few of my long overdue posts this evening.  Too bad my eyelids are arguing with me.  Tomorrow is catch up day.  It is also house cleaning day so trust me I would much rather be here.  Then I have one more trip on the agenda and, once completed, I will be back to daily posts. Promise! And I always keep my promises (as best I can.)  See you when the sun comes up or I wake up, no promises on that one.

Maine-ly history...

The day dawned bright and sunny and we were off.  A friend suggested that we head over to York and see the historical village there.  Great suggestion.  I have to say that we spent our time in Maine meeting such warm and charming people, everywhere we went people were sincerely sweet and so helpful.  Having said that let me tell you about the Museums of Old York and the ‘best day.’

After driving through a lush green landscape we wound down into Old York and looked for a starting point.   A very tired 9 year old and I entered the visitor’s center and asked for ideas on how to make our way through all there was to see.  I hadn’t checked the website out so I had no idea what that would entail.  The lovely lady at the reference desk suggested a scaled down approach with a start at the old jail.  The usually self guided tour sounded perfect but only got better when a charming young man in period dress offered to take us on the tour. 

Philip was thrilled to be able to talk man to man with someone as interested in history as he is.  I know this young man had other places to be but he let us explore all of the rooms as he told us all about the lives and living conditions that existed when the oldest standing jail in North America was still in operation.  He and Philip volleyed information back and forth and I got to sit back and smile.  People came to find us and then, realizing how interested Philip was, stayed.  They brought history to life for him and he was determined to absorb it all.

We were offered help at every turn and met so many people so happy to be taking part in preserving a unique time in our history.  From suggestions about what buildings to visit and what walks to take, to a recommendation for a true Maine fish dinner, it was a lovely day.  A big thank you to our guide and everyone for, as Philip said, ‘one of the best days ever.’ 

We barely saw 25% of this world and Philip is already planning our return trip.  If you find yourself in Maine, wander over to the Museums of Old York.  Trust me, it is worth the trip.  Oh, and check out their website, you'll see all the things we still have to get to.  We can't wait.   August 9th 

Maine-ly water...

A few more from our first walk through some Maine moments.    I was so inspired as we walked through the town; every turn of the head brought a new view and a new piece of wonder to add to the puzzle.  I was holding hands with my son as we walked so I kept the camera action to a minimum, but I had to hold on to a few of my favorite views.  Later we walked along the shore.  Well, I walked he dove in.  Even with the rain heading our way he wasn’t getting cheated out of his salt-water fix.    Here are some of my favorites.    August 8th 

Maine-ly flowers...

Our first walk down Ocean Ave and we found this little shop.  I had to take these images, What a lovely site for tired eyes.  August 8th

Lost in the wilderness...

So after a wonderful and scenic trip to Maine I was all ready to sit down and show you some of the amazing sights that passed in front of my camera when it hit me!  Literally, it hit me.  I got waylaid by a sinus infection.  I have been trying to find inspiration in Puffs Plus but to no avail.  However, I am happy to say that the bug is slowly leaving and I am coming back to life.  To prove it, I am posting the first images from Maine.  It was truly a lovely place filled with lovely people.  I have so many photos which is very helpful since there is a four day, bed cover filled gap in my digital memory.  These images will fill in for me.  Yea, Maine!

The ground you walk on...

After a 6 hour drive, you really appreciate solid ground under your feet.  The ground covering was really interesting too.  I love the play of light and shadow in all the crevices created by the rough weave.  I thought it was ready for its close up.  August 7th

Over the hedge...

Or is it through the hedge, not really under, maybe just near, but it was a lovely hedge.  August 6th

Pretty in pink...

How cool is a textile company that celebrates an anniversary by releasing nail colors to match their fabrics?  Seriously, is that even a question?  So cool!  Does this fit on Viewing Beauty, definitely!  I feel much more beautiful when my toes are pretty! Check out Knoll Textiles, they have some really beautiful stuff...  August 5th

The ears have it...

So close, I was so close to adding a new furry friend to the family.  The little black and white one was speaking to me and begging to hitch a ride outta there.  However, no matter how taken I was with that fuzzy bunny, I couldn't help but think that the cats would have an issue.  They don't share well.  He is really cute though, right?  Well, I think it was a he.  August 4th 

Pinned...

Butterflies, jewels, cool patterns, this just screamed out for me to take its picture. I almost bought it for my garden too but I haven’t been good to my garden this year and I feared it would think I was trying to buy its affections. August 3rd

It is still summer...

I just saw the scariest thing ever: Halloween candy in the grocery store in AUGUST! It isn’t even the end of August. Seriously, and sweaters in the clothing stores, it is enough to make you cry. I refused to take a photo but his guy who has been scowling behind our garage all year says it all. August 2nd

Baseball season...

It just seemed so lonely and deflated. August 1st

Nine lives...

I think they were just humoring me. July 31st

A bite of the apple...

I have a bit of a problem with this post. You see I usually post a few images that show the world as I see it every day. A bit of whimsy, beauty, folly, you name it but there is only a little bit for you to name. However, some days I go places that provide me with a wealth of beauty and I find it really hard to cherry pick a handful of glimpses for you. Today is sure one of those times. I have been whittling the list down for three days now. I think I have distilled them to the essence of the day but trust me it was really difficult. If you wonder where we were, just check the boy’s hat. July 30th

Margaritaville...

In a summer filled with family excursions and kid flavored entertainment, the offer of a Moms’ night out at a friend’s house was a pleasant surprise. What a lovely woman to offer her friends a night of laughter, good food and a little libation. It was a blast. We all had such a good time. The first images are from the beginning of the party. The ‘slightly’ out of focus ones of the food were taken after one very weak margarita. Now you see why I drink tea. LOL July 29th

Pub crawl...

It has been a few years since high school but I have been lucky enough to keep some of the best things from that time, my friends. It is so much fun to watch as we all move through life. My closest high school friends are all still back home, 2500 miles away, but every once in a while we have a chance to get together. This time Anna’s work brought her my way and we got to meet for hugs, and conversations, and food! It was such a great time. I never laugh as hard as when I am with any of those guys and I miss them when they aren’t near. I loved catching up and sharing sweet potato fries. That is iced tea again, I know boring. I had to drive home! Oh, and if you are single and looking for men they apparently all hang out at the pubs in White Plains, NY. We had to keep sidestepping them all night. This has been a public service announcement from a friend. July 28th