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!