Out and About – This Old House 2

A glorious October

Despite predictions that New England would have a drab fall foliage season due to the drought we experienced over the summer months, there’s been plenty of beautiful color. My walks and hikes with Kai have been fragrant with crunching leaves underfoot, the strong scent of pine needles along some of my favorite paths, the swirling breezy wiffs of autumn that always bring me back to childhood and fond memories – leaf pile making and jumping in. “Dog shows” on the front lawn with neighborhood kids and their pets. Making little trails in the leaves with rakes for my breyer model horses – For in the ‘burbs’ there was no room for real horses.

In our yard there are three shrub varieties that are beautiful this time of year… If you’re looking to add color to yours, these are a great addition.

Flaming azalea…

CrapeMyrtle –

And Snowball Viburnum – in spring months the flowers of this shrub are wonderfully fragrant.

Out on the trails and around the farm, the golden hues have been intoxicating…

Sometimes kai and I traverse a town instead of beach or woods walks. The Town of Essex does a spooktacular job during Halloween season, one of our favorite strolls.

The grands continue to bring me so much joy, and the holidays come alive again in a whole new way when we get to share it with them, and see their excitement and wonder and thrill –

Another joy of mine is getting to witness my kids become loving and engaged parents. Daughter K has her second child due in January – grand No. 4!

Two simple recipes Susan Branch has shared weaved into her art –

We had a celebrity visit here on the farm a few days ago…. If you know, you know. Well the picture helps if you don’t know 🙂

The Mister and I have visited a few farm markets, this month was the last hurrah for the farm market season and we took advantage… We are sixty-ish now and it shows, but those smiles and lines and gray hairs represent a lot of living that I am grateful for. Amen… and Amen again.

Up at the barn, it’s blanket season! Max is now about 30 years old, we don’t want the old boy to have to work his body too hard to stay warm… and Leah, bred for show… doesn’t grow a strong winter coat so we give her a boost as well.

I am tempted to dive into the tangle of current events, so much of it alarming… but I think I’ll leave this post as a reminder that there are many many things to be thankful for, and our peace is worthy of protection. Keep doing all the things you do to make the world a better place, even the smallest acts of kindness send a ripple out into the world. Hug those you love, love on them well and tell them often. Take care of yourself, too.

Cheers to hope for the future, from our moms, who are still with us, (so thankful for that)…. to you. To all of us! 🥂

Till soon –

Trailblazing… and a stuck moment

Chatfield blue trail loop –

Welp… for starters, really pretty trail with mossy ferned pine needled trails aplenty- the smell was intoxicating after the rains. Gorgeous rock outcroppings and ledges .

What I didn’t pay any mind to when I set out this morning was the slippery conditions one should assume on any rock scramble woodland trails after heavy rains. The rock formations are beautiful along this trail and it is reviewed as moderate and good for hiking with dogs. Meh… In general I take those kind trails and that’s worked till today. This trail on wet days with the steep scrambles in areas are so slippery and steep they’re treacherous, especially for older or very young people and with dogs in tow.

Kai and I squeaked through a few hairy spots until One spot in particular I could not convince Kai to jump Up with my assistance, and he was panicking instead of letting me lift him. At this point we were pretty high up the rock formation with a steep long fall if we slid at all and tumbled. And IHATE HEIGHTS – I tried going back the way we came- but the rock descent we went down on our butts on the way out was too steep and slippery to go back up. So… Trudging down into the woods to foster pond, the bottom of that ledge met us at the waterline and the choice was to swim across and hope I didn’t meet snakes or snapping turtles or lose my dog in the process. So back up the rocks to that trouble spot . Called my son as he understands these trails too, and I said- WTF- should we swim?

Mike jr didn’t know he was going to have to leave the job sight today for search and rescue- but search and rescue he did

Nope I did not get pictures of the high scrambles, I was too busy having a panic attack. If you’re local and adventurous and fairly fit, this is a really pretty hike I might do again without the dog and in dry conditions.

My hero…

Onward, by all means –

And Just Like That…..

… it’s August.

We welcomed our third grandchild last Friday! Much to his parent’s surprise, he has a shock of beautiful red hair. We are all over the moon, full of joy for this little guy, who joins his sister M and cousin J, all of whom are being raised on this family farm.

My daughter and her son… my son and his daughter in our vegetable garden on the hill behind our house.. This picture captures the dream my husband and I have been building for 37 years and not a day goes by that I am not grateful for this blessing.

Speaking of blessings… the fruits of our labor were on the dinner table last night…

Not pictured is my most favorite summer food… a simple garden tomato sandwich with mayo, salt & pepper. Sometimes some greens.

More garden shots…. I think planting things in your surroundings and nurturing them is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

If you’ve been visiting this blog for years, you’ll remember our cottage at the shoreline.. Stella. That was a wonderful renovation project and we enjoyed Stella for six years. What we discovered along that journey is having two places to manage/maintain when our main homestead takes up so much of our time and energy isn’t ideal. I found that most of my time spent at the cottage was doing the upkeep chores instead of the rest and relaxation it was intended for. So ultimately we decided to sell it. Mom had been renting a summer cottage down on the island for five years previously, and this year the opportunity to rent that previous cottage came available…. and so we headed down to the island again, moved mom in for a little over a week… and enjoyed what initially drew us to the area – rest, relaxation, sea air, shore birds, and a few refreshing gin & tonics.

Who knew cormorants had such beautiful greenBlue eyes! They are the color of jadeite –

Have you ever seen an American Oyster Catcher? They, too, have beautiful eyes. All of these shots I was able to get while out in the kayak in the cove.

Back on the farm… smoke from the Canadian wildfires has made our sunrises and sunsets eerily red lately. Sometimes we can smell the smoke of it….

One of my favorite quotes – “We’re all just walking each other home”….. I keep reminding myself to keep this mentality when I allow myself to peek at the news headlines or glance at the TV screen as the noise blares. And there is SO… MUCH… NOISE. I’ve not ever enjoyed politics, largely just keeping it out of my life other than to exercise my right to vote and cast my pebble into the ocean of what feels like the right trajectory for us and our fellow countrymen. I knew there were many things our governing bodies were not getting right, many things that needed change and action that wasn’t coming – and that blame lies across the entire political spectrum.

That being said… I would not ever have believed an administration and a leader who is so thoroughly corrupt right in front of our very eyes in every facet of the human existence could muster the kind of cultlike support he has managed to create. It’s mindblowing. Ignoring it feels like a cop out, so I can’t.

If your entire political identity is built on hating “the other” – immigrants, queer kids, people of color, women who speak up – then maybe it’s time to ask who really broke this country. Because it certainly wasn’t progressive ideas… and let’s be honest about what that actually means, those progressives… the idea of progress. Specifically, it refers to social progress, the process of a society lifting itself out of ignorance, injustice, and inequality, toward a future that promises enlightenment, prosperity, equality, and environmental sustainability. Why does that notion offend anyone at all? The answer to that isn’t comfortable.

No… what broke this country was the normalization of cruelty, the elevation of fear over fact, and the celebration of power over principle. We didn’t drain the swamp, we added pollution to it.

Loving your country doesn’t require hating its people. If your politics demand cruelty and hate, you’re not patriotic. That’s parasitic.

And I don’t regret losing a few “friends” because I choose to speak up about what we are all seeing and being honest about it. Because I know… where I come from is a place of fairness, justice, truth, equality, safety…the desire for economic and environmental soundness…. FOR ALL.

If you’re still with me, this blurb below is true too…. ” we are all saving each other every single day in tiny, seemingly insignificant ways”…… that. Keep doing it wherever you are. Let’s grow where we are planted, and water others along the way. That is where our power lies, in the every day interactions.

till soon –

Ogunquit

Just a three hour ride from our farm, Ogunquit, Maine has become a favorite place to visit. For the past 40 years we have vacationed on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where I have certainly had a love affair with the rugged natural terrain and the charming New England villages, the cottages, the beaches and dunes and the restaurants, the artists…. the farming community and the summer revelries, the quiet ones and the big ones like illumination night at the campgrounds and the agricultural fair. All of those things are still wonderful… but tourism has really done a number on what used to be the vineyard experience. Now.. ferry reservations are hard to get and not always reliable, the price of summer rentals is through the literal roof, the crowds and traffic… I feel for the locals, they must hate it all, even as they need the income it brings. Sadly, in the past 30 years, the uber wealthy have taken over and caused a very real housing crisis. Families who have lived on island for generations have had to leave or are struggling to stay put…. employees and employers struggle to find help or housing because there is very little affordable housing. All of these things have changed the experience a bit, and it’s a little heartbreaking to witness.

A friend recommended Ogunquit… just a jump up the coast from the Vineyard as you arrive in the State of Maine…. and let me tell you… it’s a beautiful thing. Just as on the Vineyard, the sea air is refreshing.. the water clear and bracing… and strangly… in just that little distance.. the people are friendlier. Happier, it seems, less harried. My guy has a hard time unwinding, as his job is very demanding 24/7…. but here… he lightens up and that indeed makes my world a little lighter too.

Our sunrise walks along Marginal Way are our most favorite part of the day….

The red sun is caused by the smoke coming down from the Canada fires…. there was a faint smoke scent in the air during our visit.

The food… the food!! Halibut or Lobster, blueberry stuffed french toast, the bakeries, the ice cream…. two favorite breakfast places I recommend if you travel to this wonderful town are The Greenery Cafe (and order yourself a Honey Lavender Latte, you’ll be glad you did) … and The Egg and I.

Restaurants we love our The Maine Catch, Robertos… Barnacle Billys in Perkins Cover just down the road, and there are many others to choose from.

And speaking of Perkins cove… it doesn’t get more charming than this quaint little seaside town…

A charming shop owned by two lovely men….

I hope to return to this magical place for many years to come, God willing and the creek don’t rise.

As we were sitting on the lawn of Anchorage by the Sea relaxing with fellow vacationers, we witnessed the cat fight between The Orange Scream and the X-ecutioner. Now… the Mr. is a conservative republican forever and a day, so you can imagine the conversations we don’t really have, for they always become arguments. I could not revel outwardly in this Knew-it-was-coming moment , nor could I remove the “told you so” smirk from my face, but being on vacation had a soothing effect of sorts, so we both just kinda watched it unfold, one in horror but in disguise, and then there was me, the smirker.

In the history of ever… have you seen a more appropriate representation?

I don’t wish harm on anyone, and especially these United States and our fellow countrymen, no matter what your affiliations, religion, life choices, as long as you’re not hurting others. And that’s exactly why I am so alarmed at what this country is becoming… Tr*mp’s America. That doesn’t mean I don’t recognize the reason we arrived at this destination that is Tr*mp 2.0. And I blame that on the past failures of both parties, and the lack of solving our very real and long time problems, including immigration reform, healthcare reform, government overspending, corruption… the lobbying… and the division that has been encouraged for decades now, but more so in recent times. And it really comes down to this simple truth – together we stand, divided we will fall… hard. The End. Literally.

Anyway!… out of the muck of the place and back to the 🌟JOY🌟.. . and people…please give yourself this simple gift… let go of the crap that drags you and catch joy wherever you can. I find it in a good book, in the clear water I wade through, the smooth rocks and pretty shells nature provides, my children and grands… the smiles of strangers… good food shared with others… the animals (!) and even a 35 year marriage where we are really more alike than we are different, when we’re not waving vigorously our flag of the opinionated stubborn italian/irish/german cloth we are cut from. Immigrants, all of us. Remember that, too..and how empathy and kindness can go hand in hand with fixing what’s broken… and should.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods…

Till soon –

Harkness and Seaside

Yesterday was one of those early May days that remind a person of the simple joys of being alive and being able bodied to *just do things*. It was warm, sunny, breezy… T-shirt weather, my favorite. I got my barn chores done early, took a quick shower and hopped in the car with my doggo, Kai…

The air smelled of fresh earth and spring blossoms and because I headed down to the shoreline, salty balmy air. I wish there was a feature on this laptop to transport the scent along with the photos. When I do these walkabouts I breathe deep and slow, sort of nourishing my lungs and my peace of mind with all that goodness, flushing out any lingering toxins.

Harkness park is such a jewel bestowed on the residents of this state, and the now abandoned Seaside Sanatorium is an eerie contrast, just down the road from it. Seaside has an interesting history…. you can read more about it here if you’re so inclined.

First, behold Harkness Park…. It never ceases to amaze me and truly my gratitude overflows for people who had the forethought and the generosity to bestow their properties to the general public, for the welfare of all. Amen for those beacons of light, for the humanity they embody and share with us all.

On to Seaside – it was an eerie experience, haunting, really. I was glad there were a few other dog walkers there. Hard to imagine why this property didn’t flourish for generations to come as a hospital, a respite, a recovery centery, an elderly housing complex …… any of these things could have been beautifully done here and right on the water, surrounded by a nice neighborhood and nearby bustling town.

I had a physical last week and thankfully all is as well as a 60 year old can expect. I still have 20 pounds to lose but I did lose a little weight, and the sugar and cholesterol numbers improved. Had my eyes checked a few days ago and all good there too, just a small bump in the reading glasses number. I’ll take it. The hiking and walking and barn chores and light weight training is helping me stay strong – I always remember what a dear older friend of mine said some years ago…. I asked her what her secret was to staying so fit and strong as she approached 80. She said… KEEP MOVING. KEEP DOING ALL THE THINGS. DON’T START BEHAVING LIKE AN OLD PERSON. And so I plan to do just that. I hope you’re taking care of you, too – it’s so important to find something you enjoy doing to help your body and mind stay active… if you’re not already doing so, it’s never too late to start. Just do it. Sadly…. she ended up with dementia in her late 80’s, but she is lucky to have strong family support and the money to live in an excellent facility near that family with her own apartment.

On that subject… I have several friends who are living with and caring for their spouses who are suffering from either dementia or alzheimers… and several community members have either died from or are living with the same awful disease. It seems more prevalent now than ever -scary! What I have learned from both of them is…. family and friend support is so important. One of them has very little of either and at this point feels very isolated and alone, feeling trapped in her home as she cares for her husband. The other has tremendous family support and has found a support group that really helps her in various ways. It makes all the difference. If you know someone who is in the same position, please reach out in any ways that you are able. …. and no small deed is too small. If you are unfortunately IN that position as care giver…. remember…. you matter too. Reach out, don’t suffer alone…. and carve out time for self care, whatever that looks like to you. It’s not impossible, and it might at first feel uncomfortable to ask or seek, but do it… for you. You are just as important as the patient.

I hesitate to say anything at all about the present political climate….. I and many others are sad for this country and hoping with all we’ve got that eventually most of this country will right the ship and lean in to decency, grace and humanity again….. We deserve so much better, we are capable of so much better…. The world deserves better from us.

Onward.

Maine… what a catch!

The first few times I traversed the Maine landscape was with an old boyfriend when I was 20 years old. His aunt lived in the Bangor area and we explored Bar Harbor and attended the Fryeburg Fair. Loved it! For whatever reasons, when I married and we grew our family, Maine points weren’t on the radar for vacations… we headed over to the cape and I fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard, so there is where we spent our coastal region getaways. We will still visit in July, I need my fix of Vineyard time… but!….

I actually convinced the Mr. we’re not spring chickens and time is of the essence… we need to start slowing down the work machine and take time to explore and enjoy and relax. One never knows when that time has come and gone, right?

SO. Ogunquit, Maine was recommended to us and it’s just a three hour easy drive up the coast. I booked it. We went… we LOVED it… and we loved it so much we’ve booked a few days in September, a girls trip next time with my mom, my daughters and my grands.

In short, the people were happy and friendly and helpful with local information, the businesses all take pride in what they do, that’s so obvious.. the beaches and waters are clean, the air fresh, the food just phenomenal! We were told it gets much more crowded once the kids get out of school and I believe it. May, however, is perfect timing. Marginal Way is a wonderful walkway into Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Beach awesome for kids, especially little kids. I’m really looking forward to the return trip in Sept.

I hope all is well in your world. Tune out all the noise at least sometimes… it’s a wild, troubled world we live in, and we can’t let the undertow drag us all down, ok? This life, this time right here is all we’ve got. Make the most of it ❤ Onward and till soon….

59

Well, shit.

This is the weekend of my 59th birthday, and while I certainly feel it, I’m also so grateful I’m still here with a body still willing to carry me on ahead for a great while longer… that is my ultimate hope, anyway. I have vowed to take better care of this vehicle, and while I haven’t abused her horribly, there’s room for tweaks and there to I shall go.

Yesterday my faithful dog, Kai and I took a 3 mile hike through some very pretty trails, an easy trek with no scrambles through Pine forest and supply pond with swans and turtles and even a skunk making an appearance. No photo of that particular encounter. The weather was gorgeous and there were others out there enjoying it too. I love those days when it’s obvious everyone is in a better mood, spirits are lifted, faces to the sun 🌞

Later in the day, the Mr. and I had a late lunch/dinner at a friend’s restaurant on the water, I chose a healthy meal of fish tacos and then threw it under the bus with a chocolate orange martini. It is what it is.

Tonight the family gathered around our dining room table for a celebratory dinner, and it is these moments I am always most grateful for.

And may I say… this grandmother chapter of my life… and I have had several friends concur regarding theirs too… is truly the best chapter in some ways, just truly such a joy💗 .

Saw this next image on Facebook and honestly… do I have to say anything at all here? Well maybe just… ugh, ugh ugh ugh ugh. I’ll continue to pray for us all.

Some spring inspiration for this St. Patricks Day….

Till soon –

Ahhh… Vitamin Sea!

After all chores and errands were done I put my walking buddy in the car and together we enjoyed a walk on the beach. There were quite a few others with the same idea, but this particular beach is miles long with plenty of open space, no houses to claim territory… open to the public. I was reminded of the tremendous gifts we are given when people who are philanthropic and environmentally conscientious leave a gem such as this for all to enjoy forever and ever, Amen. Such is the case here, and I feel so lucky to live nearby.

Although it’s still chilly and there’s snow dotting the landscape, Spring is definitely letting us know she’s on her way, it was that kind of day. You know others are feeling it too when you are greeted with smiles or a warm hello – even Kai was given a few “well hello, fella” greetings by passers by.

As Susan Branch would say…. a red letter day. 💗

Till soon –

a Quilt of a post

Well let’s start with an actual quilt! Through blogland I have met some wonderful people, some of whom I consider dear friends. I have been collecting my son’s old t-shirts from childhood with the intent of having a T-shirt quilt made for him. Finding someone to do it proved difficult.. and then it dawned on me I have a very talented friend who does all sorts of creative things including sewing but mostly weaving beautiful towels, rugs, shawls, etc. for many years. So I asked Hilary over at Crazy As A Loom if she’d be willing to give this project a go, and boy did she ever! It came out better than I expected, my son loves it too. She said it’s her first T-shirt quilt, and her last, LOL. As I suspected, it’s a mighty pain in the a&& to make, but I am so grateful she was willing. My son and daughter in law are expecting their first child in May and one day this will be an heirloom for generations to come. It’s so warm and cozy.

Not sure if it’s the strange weather, a too warm and then frigid cold winter we’ve had here in New England… this fibromyalgia body has been in flare. When that happens I’m tempted to get lazy and slow down but with all the barn chores that’s not really possible and I do find if I keep moving I’m better off. I walk often and hike occasionally – this weekend we went over to the Scout Camp at Deer Lake and hiked to Fat Man Squeeze. I’m glad I still fit! When I adopted Kai he was a timid soul, so much so that on these hikes he would be afraid to go over big logs, afraid to climb rock and ledge, afraid to go into caves or up the very narrow squeeze. With the trust we’ve built over the past two years, while he’s still timid, he has come a long way and easily goes where I go without freezing, without me having to carry him up and over as we did initially. It’s a beautiful thing. Truly he is the best walking/hiking companion I’ve ever had.

I’m not a bendy person, so certain forms of Yoga make me look like the walking dead…..but yoga is really good for this fibromyalgia body and years ago I found a DVD set and used it for a long time and it really helped. It was great for beginner or low level yoga people like me. We got a new Tv system and no longer had DVD player and I just stopped, which was dumb. I’m thrilled to say I just found the exact series on Amazon prime $15 purchase and I can do it right in my office while it streams on my screen or on my flat screen tv in the family room via prime video. If this sounds like you to some degree- I highly recommend the Kate Potter series, seasons 1 and 2 in particular. It’s Calming, fun, enough of a work out that you accomplished something, and helps you stay limber, strengthens your core and overall body.

I’ve also carved a little time out for painting… the bridge picture is coming along… still much to do but I’m happy with it’s progress…

The following made me laugh out loud, and anything that does that is worthy of sharing…

Reading a good book right now, that gives a different perspective on the fallout and a different kind of victim of the Holocaust.. another dimension, another layer I had never given thought to before, and I have mixed feelings about it as well. I recommend it if you’re a reader – very well written

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods… Thank you for stopping by

Till soon!

The State of Things…

I don’t even watch the news anymore, rarely skim the headlines, truly shy away from anyone posting political crap on social media, and I used to be one who chirped.. a lot! I just cannot believe the utter shit show across the entire political system, our governing bodies. I decided my sanity and well being is more important than absorbing all the toxic noise, misinformation, ignorance. And we all know in our deepest well of knowledge that we don’t change the heart or mind of another person who will believe what they want to believe, no matter the detriment to themselves or others. So I stopped trying to do that, too. And I must admit, I’m not so sure those I trusted are trustworthy enough.

It’s freeing! I’m spending more time improving the quality of the work I put into my day job, this farm, the critters in my care, my family, myself. I picked up the paint brush again and completed a piece for a friend, and I have a new one on the easel. It all feels like the right thing to do.

The completed piece – this tells the beginning story of an immigrant who was born in this house ( no hospitals anywhere near) and raised here until his family moved (legally!) to this country for a better way of life. They have worked very hard for a long time with two successful businesses now and just built a beautiful barn and home here in town. He wanted this painting made as a reminder of their journey.

New on the easel… when completed it will be a snowy scene of a Vermont covered bridge in a town we visit often, many good memories and hopefully more to be made.

The weather has been good and bad and iffy and good and bad again. In between raindrops or frigid temps I’ve been walking with Kai again, and recently my son and I have gone on a few short hikes. It feels good to keep going.. and we’ll get more hikes in when weather permits.

This is Deer Lake Reservation, which has just been sold by the Boy Scouts of America after a lengthy campaign by locals and state representatives to save it from development, to Pathfinders, which will keep it as a camp and public recreation area and wildlife refuge. There are extensive trails, too.. this is a BIG WIN for nature, for campers and the general public who appreciate and recognize the value of open space. There are many cabins the scouts and other campers used, and they will be kept up by the new owner and used in summer camp programs.

This quartz wedged in a large boulder looks like teeth!

We’ve also been down to the shore for some winter walks…

This next scene is going to be my next painting, on a bigger canvas for the living room if it comes out decent. I am so grateful for this New England lanscape, diverse and beautiful in all seasons.

Our girls are in the second trimester of their pregnancies now, we are all so exciting for Jonathan and Mia to arrive. The eternal worrier in me keeps praying all will go well for both moms to be and their babies, and the dads as well! Baby showers being planned, I’ve already got a shelf full of childrens books I’ve been collecting for many years ( I’m a big fan). The baby clothes nowadays are so much more fun than when we were young mothers! and the baby equipment too.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods or piece of the plains, spit of sand on the shore or your stamp on suburbia… what have you been doing to stay sane in these troubling times?… creativity, better health, new horizons, perhaps travel again? Covid is running rampant again around these parts, my son and daughter-in-law just got over it. People are masking up again….just.. ugh.

closing this post with a few pieces I’ve found inspiring or profound…

Till soon-