Dinners on the Porch

What can I say? Isn't this beautiful? We decided a home cooked Lobster Bake was in order a few nights ago. Local Island Lobsters, fresh corn on the cob, mussels picked by my family on the beach behind the Big House, and homemade blueberry pie made by me. Life is good.

Islesboro

So... Where was I? Sunday was my niece Lila's birthday, we had a wonderful time celebrating with her. She is the most lovely two year old I've ever met.

Sunday also marked the switch in our living arrangements. Following Lila's party and post grocery store we headed to the ferry... Off to Islesboro and GrandmaNan.

For the past few years, and most of my husband's childhood summers were spent in Dark Harbor, Islesboro. This year we are staying with my Mother-in-Law on the other side of the island, in Pripet. So far things are shaping up quite nicely.

Yesterday I took my first ever riding lesson. It was fantastic! I am learning English Riding which uses very suttle ques to the horse and is a little against my natural instinct, but so much fun. I can't wait to go back tomorrow for my next lesson. I am very lucky that my Mother-in-Law lives only about a 1/4 mile from the Riding Center, tomorrow I plan to ride my bike to and from.

I've also been painting. Not pictures, Walls and doors, for my Mother-in-Law. Pictures to come. I've been having so much fun. More to come.

Family

Today started out grey and cloudy, the rain just fell and fell. It was cold and a bit dreary. What a great day at camp. We woke up early and decided a nice quiet breakfast was ideal. Off to the Riverside Cafe in downtown Ellsworth. Max tried his first pancake and it was a success.

A few hours later we were joined by family. A lot of family. We shared laughs, food, and a few drinks. The sun came out and we all headed down to the pond.

I was honored to watch my niece Lila while her mom ran down for a quick swim new played with boats and booms and blocks and more. She had several costume changes. This was my favorite. Tomorrow little Lila turns two. We can't wait for the party.

What a day!

This morning began with a view. See that mountain. I climbed it.

Schoodic Mountain lies directly across the pond from camp. After breakfast, around 8am, we said goodbye to Max and jumped in the little whaler and headed off to start our climb. We finished around 10:30am, had enough time to grab a snack and start a painting before Max woke up from his nap. (Pictures of the painting to come in a future post.)
As it turns out, we have camp to ourselves today. Just my own little family. Everything has just been wonderful.  After I finished my painting we went out for a quick lunch at Jordan's Snack Bar, best fried clams ever.  Then we decided it was time to introduce Max to Donnell Pond And he loved every minute of it. He was very interested in the water and of course the boats. We decided to brave a screaming fit and took him out for a short ride in the little whaler. We started out very slowly, pushed away from the dock and Max started jumping up and down. Max was ecstatic. We slowly rode around part of the pond, at one point dad started to get a little faster and Max jumped even higher he was so happy. As we traveled by different parts of the pond and Max would wave at the trees; we later decided he was saying hi.

Go climb a mountain tomorrow. You can do it. You never know what the rest of your day might bring.

Date Night

You gotta love grandparents.

After a lovely day which included: a run, a trip to the local coffee shop, a boat ride, and a short trip in the canoe, we were granted a Date Night.

I love my life.

Charlie and I have escaped to Bar Harbor, his childhood stomping ground. We started at McKays. I ordered the filet mignon paired with the "Troublemaker" wine. Can I just say it was amazing. Followed by a walk around town, a new amazing pair of sunglasses, and a perfect view.

I think the plan is to find some fried clams and head off to bed.

You gotta love grandparents.

"Up Ta"

So. "Camp" has also been referred to as: "UP Ta". Anyone from Maine should immediately understand what "Up Ta" means. I am from Iowa; this name is completely lost on me.

"Up Ta" is just what it sounds like. When you hear a Maine man say "Up To". As is "I'm heded Up Ta camp for the Summa. "

"Camp"

We have arrived. Maine, just as sweet as I remember. My father in law built "camp" this winter. "Camp" is a cabin on Donnell Pond. A lovely little spot, mostly quiet.

We arrived a little after 3:30pm. The big boys went down to the lake to put in the dock while Max and I started to baby-proof. Crackers and a sippy cup where a great distraction while I swept.