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."