The Last Day

Saying goodbye to Maine is always bittersweet for me. I am glad to be going home to sleep in my bed, but I am sad to be leaving my place of total relaxation. The last 2 days that I spent at the cottage were awesome. My friends had made the 3 hours trek up to spend some time by the water and I always enjoy time with them. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a great group of people. I am a lucky girl! Here are some pictures from the last two days!


So Saturday morning after an amazing breakfast of stuffed french toast we piled into the car, turned on some tunes and drove out to the candy store. Only very recently did I learn that the name of this place was Willow Brook Farms. We always called it the Indian candy store because they use to have a huge Indian chief statue outside the from door. Seriously though, going into this place is like stepping back in time. 

 They sell penny candy among other things, but obviously that's why I go there!

 Here are Brigitte and April waiting in line for some yummy goodness!

They were having a farmer's market this day and they had some farm animals for the little kids to feed. I was intent on bringing this goat home as a new family addition. My roommate was less then thrilled with the idea of her walk-in closet being used as the new "goat room"! But isn't she so cute?

We sat for a while reading and working by the lake. It was nice to be able to sit in silence and just read for awhile with everyone.

The sunset was beautiful as always, and the fire was burning strong. We always end with a bonfire and s'mores! 

And sparklers!! 

Sunday morning we were graced with the sight of some huge loons! We had been hearing there calls all weekend but had yet to catch a glimpse of one in the lake.

We went to The Crabby Bear Restaurant for dinner. It was ok, but the company was great!

Here's April!

 Esther

 Brigitte

 And me!

We fed some ducks before we finished packing to leave.

That was my last glimpse of the lake. It is deflating to leave and get back to the grind of 9 to 5, but I am already planning the next trip! How could you not just want to live here. The beauty and stillness of nature astounds me and I feel surrounded by it there. When night comes you can actually see the stars. I don't think I realize how many stars there are until I am away from the city in the silence just searching the night sky. It is incredibly humbling to be reminded just how small you and your problems are. I guess you could say that this spot gives me my perspective back, and sometimes that is just what I need.

See you Sunday!

~Traci

Here we go again...

 I don't mind working on days when it is rainy and gloomy out. Today is one of those days. I would much rather be curled up at home with a good book but I don't mind being here because I couldn't enjoy the weather at home any more than I can here. I can reminisce about my vacation a little today though so here are some more photos from then. These are from last Thursday.

It has been a really long time since I have seen a lady slipper. I pulled over in the middle of nowhere to check out a little cemetery and there were a bunch of these pretty little flowers growing all over the place. 

Then I found this cute little school house. When I think of school houses this fits the stereotype!

Then I got a little closer and looked in the window...

For some reason or another there is a noose hanging in the window...strange. I left really fast because it creeped me out.

Here's another thing that creeps me out! How strange looking caterpillars are. 

They day turned out to not be so bad! Ches enjoyed lounging around on the dock. It was at an angle so he kept on sliding down it which was funny. 

I love this old door. The handle reminds me of the door knob from Alice and Wonderland.

The weather did change slightly as the day progressed and a storm passed over us. The water was calm before the storm and left quite a reflection. 

The wind picked up as the clouds continued to blow in. Luckily the thunder bypassed us completely that day.

The wind blowing through the willow tree was more movement then I have ever seen in that tree.

The storm passed and it cleared enough for me to have a fire and watch the sunset. 

Life isn't always this easy going but I sure do enjoy the times when it is!

See you Friday!

~Traci

Day ??? It's been a lot of days...

So, it's been awhile, but I am back. My computer quit and then this new one has been extraordinarily slow! Plus, I didn't have access to my huge photo selection on my older computer. It was a very long, frustrating week.

But I digress.

Yesterday, hubby & I hopped in the truck and took a drive to Fort Popham. It's a beautiful place; it boasts a beach on the south end and at the north end of the peninsula lies Fort Popham. Until yesterday, I'd never been inside the fort. And wasn't I pleasantly surprised!!

The stonework and detail that accompany this amazing structure are phenomenal. I've always believed I was born in the wrong era, and decidedly, I believe I should have been born when forts and castles were used. I find them intriguing, and I am hoping to get to some other forts this summer. :)

It has a moat! I think this is the coolest part of the fort! :)

The stone stairs were, quite frankly, the most amazing part of the fort.

There were cracks and leaks all over the place. But I was still in love with it.

This was actually the hallway to a large dark room with no windows. It was creepy and I just couldn't make myself go into the dark room. Still cool, though.

The fort faces the water. It's so great!

Well, that's all for today. The fort made me feel like I was lost inside one of my historic novels, and I loved it. :) I can't wait to have another adventure! See you all later this week!

<3 Dawn