A HOUSE BECOMES A HOME.
The home improvements continue. Now that the weather has turned cold most work is being done inside. It is such a pleasure to see all the changes. Some of them take a bit of adjustment as I still find myself groping about for the dangling chain to turn on the upstairs hall light when I am well aware of the new switch being on the wall. It is also a comforting thought to know all the wiring from the late 1800's has been removed and replaced.
Brent has long since become our favorite and most welcome visitor. There seems to be nothing beyond his capabilities. At the right he is putting the final touches on the studio ceiling light. Now we are not dependent on the sun and some lamps for ease of vision.
Slowly but continuously this house is becoming what we dreamed it could and would eventually be. Thank you Brent.

THANK YOU GEORGE.
Before the worst president our country has even known leaves the White House (where he never belonged according to popular vote), I want to take a minute and thank him so very kindly for my economic stimulus refund check. You may not be able to read the amount - it is for a whopping dollar and fifteen cents. I am truly indebted to our President. Due to this hefty refund I will be able to buy food, gasoline, and fuel oil. My medical bills can be cleared up and I will have a little ahead for my prescriptions. I am not complaining, but if the refund had been just a little bit more, I would have been able to buy a couple of Christmas gifts for my loved ones. George - you do us proud! I don't even mind that I had to wait till November for the check to arrive.

THE LAST SCENTS
Last week I noticed a single honeysuckle blossom that still clung to the vine. David had noticed it earlier; it seems it had been hanging on a good long while. Most of the vine is brown and dead, ready to be cut back for the winter. Yet this one blossom struggles to remain atop its lonely bit of green sprig. And - yes, it had retained that lovely scent and reminded me of warm summer nights when the odor of honeysuckle wafted up and into the bedroom window.

MISS WILMONT STANDS ALONE
Miss Wilmont's Ghost was a pleasant surprise in our garden this year. (See - http://www.sunnygardens.com/garden_plants/eryngium/eryngium_1448.php - for more information on Miss Wilmont's Ghost. The blooms were a wonderful pale lavender color and lasted a very long time. As the blooms faded the plant took on a white-silvery (ghost-like) color and appeared to be a different plant. Then, when it finally died; this plant dried nicely as it remained in the ground. Small seeds can be seen falling from the thistles whenever it is jostled and we are hoping for a dense reseeding.
Apparently this plant obtained its name from Miss Wilmont who, after attending parties, would discretely toss a few seeds from her pocket into her host's garden. Viola - come Spring, the lovely blooms of Miss Wilmont's Ghost would grace the garden of some surprised past party-giver.
Now all the rest of the garden has been tilled over and the iris bulbs have been planted along with the allium bulbs leaving only the fresh nutrient-rich soil exposed along with the shades of - Miss Wilmont's Ghost.

THE MICRO-GARDENER
It's the end of the season and time to pull up the garden and prepare the soil for the coming Spring. We have had success with our min-farming attempts this year and are quite proud of ourselves since this was the first serious attempt by both David and myself. It was a joy to sit at the table and consume vegetables picked twenty minutes earlier from our backyard. To us, of course, the fresh, clean, organic taste towered above any store bought produce. We also were members of Tide Mill Farms CSA (community supported agriculture) this year. This enabled us to supplement our garden produce with other organic goodies from a local family owned organic farm and dairy. Eating green and local not only tasted great; it gave us a sense of pride that we were minimizing our carbon footprint on the planet.
As you can see by the photos, not all was perfect. These two cucumbers were the total result of six plants. The one bite each that they provided was delicious - they were so tiny. I understand my folly now - I cannot plant cucumbers in the middle of summer; I have to start in the Spring. Next season we will have a bit of experience under our belts and hopefully will do a much better job.

BEAUTY IN ALL THINGS.
Why can't dandelions be beautiful? I think they can; they are. This Spring the vacant house next door to me had a lawn the was totally uncared for and all of a sudden a million dandelions sprang up. Their golden yellow blossoms were a cheer each morning as I sat on the deck or balcony having my jump-start of coffee. On a particularly breezy day it was wonderful to observe the waves of yellow undulate across the field. It reminded me so much of the wind on the wheat fields on my cousins' farms that I used to visit as a child.
I am so thankful that as I get older my eyes begin to serve me better and I can see and appreciate the wonder and beauty in things that would have previously never captured my notice. Now, as I drive along my country roads it amazes me how many beautiful "weeds" I can spot and appreciate even cruising at 50 MPH.

A PROJECT COMPLETED - A DREAM COME TRUE.
Yes, the new dooryard is finished, the clover is planted between the times and the tiles are stable enough to park the cars on.
Clover was chosen initially because it comes up fast (in 48 hours actually) and the root system is tight and deep and provides almost instant stability to the tiles. In the Spring the clover will be replaced with creeping thyme which we discovered at kingsbrea Gardens in Canada. The creeping thyme is an excellent choice for spaces between pavers because it also has a tight root system and when crushed by walking or driving on it, it gives off a lovely scent. They crushing does not kill or harm the plant - in fact, it stimulates more growth. The bonus is the tiny, delicate pale purple blooms and the foliage is so dense it feels springy and soft like moss.
Another project completed and only 999 left to go. Slowly but surely - one day and one project at a time.

PLANS AND DREAMS COMING TRUE.
Finally, the work on the new dooryard was commenced. To the left is a photo of the dirt spot where we used to park our cars. For years we have been dreaming of a specific dooryard - one to our liking which David designed. And - here's David in the red shirt discussing the plans with Ricky Camick who will be moving the earth and leveling the area before the actual tiles are laid. Obviously we were very excited this day because we had waited for such a long time. We had almost resigned ourselves to accepting the fact that the project might not get under way till next Spring.
So, the work continued daily and we excitedly watched the progress. Duncan didn't like the noisy machinery and the vibration of the earth and the house; actually neither did I, but we tolerated it and paid the price for our little dream.
The day arrived when all was completed and it was my turn to plant the clover between the paving tiles and plant the new grass on the sides and edges. The clover came up in 48 hours, but I haven't taken a picture of that yet. The grass is just now starting to sprout - about a week and a half after the seeding. Hopefully before the killing frost we will get a glimpse of the totally finished product. In the Spring we will plant creeping thyme in place of the clover. Not only will the thyme look better, but there will be a lovely scent each time the dooryard is walked on or driven over.
Meanwhile work goes on inside the house by our ever faithful and multi-talented, Brent - That's for another blog entry.

FRANI GRACES EASTPORT.
July 17th my cousin Frani arrived to experience my new home. Frani came from Ohio via Arizona via Pennsylvania (the rooting point of us all).
This was a different type of visit - more adult oriented, but the activity level remained high as I wanted to share so much of this magic place with such a special guest. We kept very busy most of the time. Fran is now accustomed to the community sense of a small town; she recently moved from the hustle and bustle of the Phoenix-Mesa area of Arizona to the relative sane and sedate atmosphere of Hubbard, Ohio.
She was impressed with our little town on our little island. She was immediately struck by the fact that the curbing in the downtown area was granite, a fact that I had overlook after seeing it everyday for years. Now I am really gung -ho about obtaining granite steps for our front entrance.
Frani (like David and I) is really into photography. A camera accompanied each of us on all of our local adventures and Fran enjoyed documenting the beauty of our little corner of the world. I think all three of us have the ability to see the wonder of a scene or view that another person might easily miss. I guess we are lucky enough to have "the eye". I know I appreciate that gift.
We spent a day on Campobello Island and of course drove out to Head Harbor Lighthouse. Again we arrived at high tide. All the years I have spent here and with all the trips I have made to the lighthouse, I have never managed to arrive at low tide when one can actually walk out to the historic site. Guess that means I have to keep trying.
The visit was special and made me realize how fortunate I am to have loved ones in my life with whom I can share the wonders of my new adopted island home. See "my Space" (link on the right) for more photos.

Eastport Continues To Draw Company "from away."
Early July brought the arrival of my niece Missy, her husband Kyle, and my two great nephews, Zion and Zachary. They came to enjoy Maine and the 4th of July festivities associated with "Old Home Week." The timing was fortuitous because a 3 and a 6 year old need lots of activity and entertainment. I learned lessons in love, patience, and consideration and developed a great new respect for parents. Having never had full-time children about, I finally got of little taste of that experience. All I can say is God bless good parents; and Missy and Kyle certainly are good parents.
I love my family especially my great nephews and we all had a wonderful time during their visit. Due to space availability Missy and family camped out in our backyard. This in itself was a big thrill because now we had finally become apart of the "old home week" tradition with family overflowing into tents and campers and RV's into the surrounding yard.
We went to Deer Island for a picnic; we flew kites; we went Kayaking at Gleason's Cove; we enjoyed many of the in town festivities, we went to the fireworks display; and we had our own fireworks three nights in a row out back. needless to say Zion and Zach love this. We also attended a small circus and the kids got to experience their first lobstah! Zion was able to kayak alone and managed quite well. Zachary had to ride as a passenger with Dad, but still was thrilled. Zach was the only one who never seemed to wind down or tire out. Of course the explanation for this was simple - Zach can nap-out anywhere; in the car, on the ferry, in the stroller, in Mom;s arms; or in Dad's arms and the activities just progress around him.
When they pulled out of the drive I was very sad and missing them before they were out of side. All of a sudden is was not very important how tired or drained I felt. I had been given the wonderful opportunity to spend some precious time with some of my "little people."

SUMMER SEASON BEGINS - GUEST & FAMILY ARRIVE.
Although winter in Eastport can be busy, summer is much busier. My postings have been neglected because I have been entertaining family and friends. Summer is the time for company and it affords me the opportunity to do many of the things that have been postponed because "tomorrow is another day". With company in house these adventures must be undertaken or the time slips by.
My cousins JoAnne and Mary from Las Vegas arrived in late June and were fortunate enough to miss the heavy rains the week before. We had a great visit and many enjoyable day trips. They both loved the place. I was concerned that Mary, being a teenager from the bright lights of the big city, would be bored to tears. However, she also fell in love with the place and remarked that she wished she didn't have to leave.
We all took a lot of great pictures and indulged in the fantastic local seafood. Mary had her first Maine lobster and managed quite well.
JoAnne is the shopper in our family, but also managed nicely with the limited availability of local, big city commercial enterprises.
Of course, Duncan was thrilled to see his Aunt JoAnne because she spoils him rotten. Thus began the "season" for us and it will continue through September when we are tentatively expecting our last guest, our contractor and a great friend, Will, from the old days in Florida.
For more photos check "My Space". New pictures will soon be uploaded there.

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY
I know it doesn't look like much now, but it is a start. this is the birth of my rose garden which will border the end of the driveway and provide pleasant viewing for us and our neighbors.
When I went out to water the new roses this morning I realized it was Mother's Day and I had planted three bushes. I decided this should be a memorial garden for our mothers and I named the rose bushes - Lois, Dorothy and Mary after my mother and my two dear aunts.
When JoAnne comes to visit at the end of May, I will give her the opportunity to pick out a rose bush and we will plant it in memory of another mother, my loving cousin and JoAnne's mom, Shirley.
Check this blog later in the summer and see how the girls are blooming.

BACK TO PAINTING
As I have already explained, I have no illusions of grandeur concerning what I paint or any of my creative pursuits. It is just something I enjoy. It relaxes me; It makes me happy; it gives me a sense of accomplishment.
So - Here I am posting my latest three endeavors. I hope you enjoy them. I find myself beginning to be more thoughtful and focused while painting than I was when I first started. Is this good? Or - am I beginning to inhibit myself subconsciously?
Oh well, it's growth; it's change. Nothing can stay the same; so, I say go with the flow and see what happens.

GOTTA MISS FRIENDS.
Yes, I truly am happy the Florida phase of my life is over. I believe that state is in decline already and has lesser days to come. But - people are a whole different concept. It was very difficult seeing beloved friends once again and not really knowing the next time I would be able to have the pleasure of their company. I was so fortunate to learn early in life that acquaintances are not friends and that true friends are the only treasures worth having in this life. I have been blessed with loving, caring, reliable, and dependent friends. I also believe ""like brings like" and do try to be to others the type of friend I would like to have. Guess what? It works.
I was so happy to leave a piece of my old life with Bev. She liked my chair and a half pull out sleeper, so I had Will take it over to her office. As you can see, it looks lovely there and fits right in. Bev was happy because it helped dress up her new more spacious office and it created a place for her late flight personnel to have a little nap before a long drive home. Bev is just one of the many I will miss and long for - and - you all know just exactly who you are. Unfortunately not all of my Florida pictures came out well . I would have liked to post more. Oh well, it gave me an excuse to purchase a new camera which is now on it's way. I will also take the time to fish through my older photos and find some good "friends" pictures to post.

DING! DONG! THE HOUSE IS GONE.
Just got back from a necessary trip to Florida to sign papers for the closing of the house sale. Hooray! I am finally totally free of the sunshine state. It is such a shame that in just 30 years Florida could change from a paradise to the crime ridden, overpopulated, polluted, cost prohibitive pit it has become. I am desperately trying to be thankful for having had the pleasure of experiencing it as it once was, should be, and never can be again. Man can be so hateful and cruel to nature. The upside is "man pays" - Nature ALWAYS wins and will outlast all mankind.
Enough of that I am past my Florida phase and am snuggled into the beautiful hidden-away parts of Maine where I should be; where I want to be. Everyday is a celebration of life and nature.

A Good Day.
Yesterday was a good day. The weather was great and we spent a lot of time out of doors. Duncan loved it because for a while the doors remained wide open - just like in summer. Duncan has the impression that the deck, balcony, and the property are simply extensions of the house - his living space; his territory.
I received the good news that my house has definitely sold in Florida and the signing date is set. Now to find a reasonable air fare. It most certainly was a GOOD day and one I must hold for future reference when there comes a time when things might not seem so wonderful.
My new art supplies arrived From Blick Studio. I was thrilled as the order included my new Navajo easel. It had to be assembled - David did this for me as I am still allowed to play the "broken are" card for a while; I celebrated in the late afternoon by painting two more pictures. Painting - it makes me feel good and puts my mind in another place for a while - and - it's a nice place!

Giant Japanese Lantern.
This is the greenhouse at night with the light on. It really does look like a big Japanese lantern.
Since we have erected the portable greenhouse we have noticed many people on their walks coming down our driveway to see just what the heck it is. I am sure the walkers tonight and in the pre-dawn morning will have something to stop them in their tracks and baffle them just a bit.
I got many plants started today - lupine, poppies, gladioli, - tomorrow David is going to give his cactus, which survived the Maine winter outside, a jump-start in the greenhouse also.
Monday we have to drive to Machais to get Duncan's meds refilled and I am going to find some tomato plants or seeds - that will be the next hot house inductee.

Jump-Starting Spring.
The new portable greenhouse arrived a few days ago and although we both were feeling punk, David with his nasty cold and me with my two broken arms, we had to pop it up immediately. We love it and can't wait to get the light inside so it will look more "spacey" at night - kind of like a huge Japanese lantern.
We stopped by the storage shed today after lunch at The New Friendly Restaurant and brought in the shelving for the plants some of which have already been started in the house. Tomorrow I plan to get into gardening in my greenhouse. I am determined to have "real" fresh home grown tomatoes all summer this year and not have to consume those commercial varieties that always taste like wet cardboard. My mouth is waterinng already thinking of a nice ripe acid-y tomato just like from my cousins' farms.

Carpeted Stairs.
David recently finished carpeting the stairs. this is a boon for our Dalmatian, Duncan, who now has more security and traction managing the climb and descent. His new found confidence has him bounding up and down like a dog five years younger.
We were also lucky enough to find some carpeting in Bangor that was just a plain gray and goes well with our white and gray interior. We were kind of distressed when all we could find were Victorian-type floral patterns. This serves the need and pleases the eye. We are all pleased - David, Duncan and me.

New Direction For Energy Flow.
About a week ago I began having art lessons from Cheri, my beloved Eastport artist friend - well, actually more like extended family. Anyway I am lucky as I have no talent or preconceived incorrect notions. She says this is good because I don't have to begin by unlearning. Cheri says she can teach anybody to paint and now I believe her. Oh, I don't fancy myself as a "grandpa Moses" or anything like that - but I am having a really good time; enjoying myself; and I believe actually learning something. If nothing else it will be good exercise for my brain and perhaps help keep me young at heart.

SNOW'S DONE - NO SQUIRRELS YET.
Yesterday after the subtle sunrise experience, the day bloomed into a brilliant early,but perhaps falsely misleading, Spring. The temperature struggled toward 50 degrees and the sun came out in full radiance. It was a perfect day for a walk in the woods at Shackford Head. So the three of us trundled off and had a nice short hike among the pines. Duncan was, of course, on the alert. He was well aware of the creatures who had passed in the night leaving their personal scents and signals about and he was as busy as a blind man reading braille.
The ground was wet and soft, but not muddy. The breeze was gentle, but not chilling, and even out poor humanoid olfactory equipment could pick up the scent of green and new growth. It was a very well spent hour and set the stage for a quiet evening at home. We were all impressed; although I think Duncan was disappointed that the squirrels were not awake yet and he had no one to scold.

JUST AS WONDERFUL.
Sometimes the sunrises here are a little more on the subtle side, although no less beautiful. There is a serene calmness that washes over you as you are mesmerized by the slowly evolving light show present free of charge by Mother Nature to all who would open their eyes.
I awoke at 5:45 AM and realized I could not return to slumber land. Duncan was awake also and ready to greet the day. David was still snoring. Duncan and I went to the Waco for a hot cup of coffee and headed onto the Breakwater where I watched the subtle lightening of the Eastern skies and Duncan watched the gulls swooping about and gliding effortlessly on the cool morning currents. What a wonderful way to center yourself.

HOW TO START THE DAY.
This morning I could have closed my eyes and imagined I was in the South of France in a small family-owned eating establishment. The aroma of apples, raisins, rum and hot oil wafted through our kitchen; the sunrise was spectacular; it was a perfect day to try out a new receipt David found in an old cookbook he gleaned from a Calais book Shop the other day. I seem to be blessed with the ability to cook - is this an art form? I tackled the Beignets de Fruits with confidence. They came out perfectly and mentally transported me off to the Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter of New Orleans where I first tasted those heavenly light and powdery beignets. Ooh, la la! David and I were tempted to call Cheri and have her join us until we looked at the clock and decided that 7:00 AM might not be the best time to roust her from slumber. Besides, we now have a little masterpiece to present at one of our summer deck breakfasts.

RETURN TO TRADITION.
What could be better than Sunday morning breakfast at The Blue Iris and a long leisurely chat with Sid and Hilda, owners and operators who always have time for their patrons. Actually their patrons are treated more like family or good friends and are always greeted enthusiastically. They certainly do feel like "family" to me, in the Hawaiian sense of the word. This has been a summer tradition for me for quite a few years. The winter hiatus is over,The Blue Iris is open again, and tradition can continue.
The view from their dining room or deck of Friar Roads, Lubec, and Campobello Island, and the good conversation (Eastport chat-style) make the wonderful food all the more enjoyable.
So, what could top this? Perhaps an afternoon poetry reading at the EAC (Eastport Art Center). David, Cheri and I attended along with a good number of our neighbors and friends. The reading was The Ballade of Reading Goal by Oscar Wilde. The reading also included four of Wilde's other poems including one that was a tribute to his beloved sister who died at age twelve - this one was a tear-jerker and even the reader was visibly touched.
This was the first poetry reading I have attended in my 61 years and I realized what I have missed and how much more I could be enjoying poetry given the proper exposure. Yes, yes - Eastport is the place to be.

SQUARE DANCING? NO, IT'S CALLED CONTRA-DANCING.
It's easy. It's fun. Last Saturday I conned my good friend, Cheri, into accompanying me to the Contra-dance at the Eastport Art Center; since David graciously declined and I wasn't quite ready to debut solo. Cheri agreed and off we went after a short cocktail at home to temper the nerves. There was no need. We arrived to a group of 5 or 6 friends and neighbors wondering where everybody was. Linda Sisson was there - sort of mistress of the affair; Lauren Simpson was there - caller and impromptu dance instructor for us novices; the band was there, Keltic Schmeltic - local group and very good; and best of all, the food was there. There were lots and lots of home prepared goodies all of the dessert category. We would need the sugar for energy and the bottled water for re-hydration. Gradually, in Moose Island tradition, folks began to arrive in groups on one, three and many to hardy "Heys" and Welcomes" from those of us already present.
Watching once dance was all it took. I danced every one after that except the waltz which I need to polish up - waltzing is now a pleasant memory for me - bringing it back couldn't hurt. It's a gentle and kind dance and a perfect slow-down rest break from a Contra-dance.
I took a few pictures before I became one of the group. The one to the left is of a Canadian couple Sashaying down line. They were first-timers too; I was not alone and did not stick out like a sore thumb. Since this couple was from Canada, we were actually engaged in an international social event here at the end of the world in a paradise called Eastport.
At 9:30 PM the band took a break and promised to return for two more Contra-dances. I called it a night - I will have to work up to this new level of energetic exercise.
But - I did love it and I shall dance another day!