Sunday, August 9, 2015

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2007. As you can see Mattie and Peter were having a wonderful time going down the slip and slide at Peter's parents home in Boston. This was Mattie's first experience with such a slide and he took to it like a duck to water. With Mattie you never knew what to expect. Sometimes he approached things very cautiously and if he had a bad experience with them, then he would get turned off of the whole activity. So we learned that he had to move slowly and gradually with Mattie and follow his lead. Once he was comfortable with something, then there was no stopping him. 



Quote of the day: The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good–and how he treats people who can’t fight back. ~ Abigail Van Buren

Last night we went out to dinner at a restaurant called, Brown's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor. It was a very charming setting right on the water and the neighboring restaurant was playing live jazz music. So it actually was a very relaxing and entertaining meal all in one. When I arrived in Boothbay on Friday, my lifetime friend, Karen let me know about Brown's Wharf! The irony is she lives in New York City (not Maine), but we both like food and restaurants, and when we go places, we like to get involved in our dining experiences. For us food is a big part of our trips. We all got a kick out of the name of the restaurant, since my married name is Brown and I am traveling with Peter's family who are all Browns. So this seemed like the appropriate restaurant for all of us to visit on our last night. As you can see Peter snapped a photo of me wearing a lobster bib. I can attest to the fact that Maine lobster is quite wonderful!

This was the sight we could see while dining. There were yachts, lobster boats, sailboats, birds flying over head, and as the sun was setting, we could see absolutely amazing colors in the sky.

On our way back to Boston today from Boothbay, we stopped in Kennebunkport for lunch at Pier 77. This restaurant was hopping today, and I suspect it was because the weather was glorious, the sun was shining, and people wanted to be out and about enjoy it and time together. 

The last time I visited the Maine coastline was before Mattie was born. So it has been over a decade. There is something quite beautiful and natural about this part of our Country. In many ways in comparison to where Peter and I live, Maine isn't built up, there are few people, no congestion, and the way of life seems so different and foreign to me. Yet one can appreciate the natural space, the water, and charm of these beautiful towns. In a way words can't do Maine justice, one has to really visit the state to experience it because I do think in many ways Maine is a sensory experience. 

Case in point, before leaving Maine today, we also went to a large outdoor flea market. This market has a history, it opened in 1977, by Norma Hunnewell and since that time has grown to the number 1 antique market in the State of Maine. It is now run by her daughter, Gena (http://www.montsweagfleamarket.net/). While at the Market, I had the opportunity to talk to several people who have lived in Maine all their lives. They really welcomed me, someone from DC and were thrilled to talk with me and share a host of information with me, such as where to get the best blueberries in town (which is one of the fruits Maine is known for). There was clearly great pride felt in one's town and region and they were happy to share and impart it. But it was the friendliness, warmth, and good nature that was special to experience. Perhaps it is not having competition for space and feeling more free in one's environment that provides one this sense of calmness? I don't know, but there is indeed a measurable and noteworthy difference.