Friday, August 16, 2019

Friday, August 16, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. As you can see, Mattie was drawing all over the white erase board in his hospital room. When Mattie was not drawing there (which honestly he rarely did), what you would see instead were numbers. As we had to record Mattie's intake and output volumes each day while in the hospital. I am talking about 24/7. At first it was hard to get into that routine, but after doing it enough, going to the board and recording volumes became second nature to us. 





Quote of the day: Acclaimed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and author Stephen King were both born in Portland. King still maintains a residence in his native state. ~ mentalfloss.com

Our waiter, Mauricio, snapped this photo of us last night at dinner. There were two formal nights on the ship, and this was our second evening getting dressed up. Notice Mattie Moon in the background. Along with us on our journey. 







Portland was founded in 1632 by the British as a fishing and trading post and named Casco. In 1658 the name was changed to Falmouth and Portland was put on the map in 1786. While Portland's name has changed over the years the essence of the area has not changed. Today, Portland still remains a vibrant fishing and commercial port, Maine's largest city, and its cultural, social and economic capital. 

Maine produces 99% of all the blueberries in the country making it the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States. In addition, approximately 40 million pounds (nearly 90%) of the nation's lobster supply is caught off the coast of Maine. But what surprised me is that tourism is the number one source of revenue for the State. 

We docked in Portland and then took a bus to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Along our drive we passed incredible Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian style homes, including this "wedding cake house." It is the most photographed home in Maine, however, the home is in bad condition and truly needs to be restored. The home was built in 1825 by shipbuilder George W. Bourne, for his wife. 

The beautiful rocky coast of Maine. Keep in mind that the water is cold, in the 60s!

We drove to Kennebunkport (about 60 minutes from the port), known for the houses of the rich and famous. 

Kennebunkport is particularly famous for this compound which belonged to President George H. Bush. The family still owns the home and our tour guide, Julie, said that the family was in town since the flags were up. 

Driving over the river, gets you in Kennebunk. An absolutely charming town filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful water views. 

If you had to imagine the quintessential New England coastal town, this is it!

We crossed the street numerous times and people actually stopped their cars and were courteous. Absolutely refreshing. 

I was intrigued by the store with all the whirligigs. 

We were given about 75 minutes in town. Along the way, we stopped at Rococo's. Known for its creative ice creams. 

We had goat cheese with blueberry ice cream and chocolate coconut cream. Both were fabulous. 

Then we got back on the bus and headed to Fort Williams Park. Home of the famous Portland Head Light. The oldest Maine lighthouse. It was an extraordinary sight!!

Near the lighthouse was this plaque. It read:

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (born in Maine) often walked from Portland to visit this lighthouse. The keepers were his friends and it is believed he sat here for inspiration for his poem the Lighthouse.....

Sail on, Sail on ye stately ships
And with your floating bridge 
the ocen span
Be mine to guard this light
from all eclipse
Be yours to bring man near unto man.

With the American, Maine, and Cape Elizabeth flags! You can walk all around the lighthouse, just not in it. 

I have seen this lighthouse on TV, but in person, it is incredible. Construction began in 1787 at the directive of George Washington, and was completed on January 10, 1791, using a fund of $1,500, established by him. 

Being a lighthouse fan, this was a special treat! What you may not notice, is there was also a lighthouse in the background. It is the Rams Island Ledge Lighthouse. It marks the entrance to Boothbay Harbor. 

This is Rams Island Ledge Lighthouse. Julie told us that this lighthouse was scheduled to be torn down. Until a doctor and lawyer went into a bidding war over this structure. The lawyer won, spending over $100,000 to purchase the lighthouse. What is he going to do with it? Nothing! He bought it to preserve it and its history.