Our Maine Adventure!

Maine is such a beautiful state.  We were excited to get to Bar Harbor (Bah Hab bah as Yankees say).  Rachel was in the co-pilot seat and I was standing and running from window to window so not to miss a great pictures.  I took so many of trees!  Guess I like them.  When we were outside of Bar Harbor, we saw this beautiful bridge coming up. I mean HUGE.  Burl pulled over and of course about 4 other cars followed us.  We read about the bridge and then took pictures.

From there, we headed to our campsite.  We had a view of the ocean but when we were there to see it, it was all muddy and rocky.. low tide. 
The one thing we were wanting to do was go to Acadia National Park.  So early the next morning we headed out.  The park is outside of Bar Harbor but so easy to find and the people are so kind.  We had a demonstration by a park ranger telling us all about the park and how to see certain things.  My big things were Thunder Hole and Cadillac Mountain.  Cadillac Mountain is the highest mountain on the eastern seaboard.  It also is the first place the sun rises on in the East.  The day was cloudy and cold.  I guess we should have waited but we were all anxious to see this place.  We started driving up the mountain.  They had certain routes you take for different things.  I knew we couldn't climb because Rae has a bad knee and back.  So we drove but it was so beautiful.  We kept making Burl stop so we could take pictures.  There were some gorgeous bridges.. not your plain old bridge, but with design and texture.

 And the Trees!  They were a light green and with the light coming through them, they were so beautiful.  I took lots of pics . 

We stopped at Thunder Hole but the guy said the hole is really big when high tide comes in.  It wasn't high tide!  Just my luck.  But I did see some splash.  this picture is looking straight down into the hole

  As we got to the top of Cadillac Mountain, we had to really search for a parking place.  Packed! and it wasn't sunny and warm!  It wasn't what I expected, but it was a beautiful site.  The rock was flat at the top so that you could go to the edge and look out... forever!  The cloudiness made is a little spooky..  It was really windy and cold so needless to say, we didn't stay long.  Even forgot to take pics of us up there!  Dumb Dumb! 


On the way down we pulled over for one more view of the beautiful water and islands.  We were parked in front of a stone wall and all of a sudden a sea gull flew right down on the rock in front of me.  I was still in the car.. guess he thought we were having a snack.  Instead of food, I took his picture! 

He sat there for about a minute, then literally jumped to the rock in front of the car ahead of us!  Adorable.   When it was time to leave we decided to eat.  We stopped at a place that had fried clams.  Ugh... they were not that good.  Big disappointment. 
The next day we drove down around the southeast and southwest harbor.  Just a nice ride running along the ocean.  Stopped a couple times to take pictures of the rocks and waves.  Very comforting to me. 
It was time for us to leave beautiful Bar Harbor, but our time there was so enjoyable.  We were heading to Canada and that would be a great experience...

We are heading to Maine!

I remember Maine!  When I was a kid, mom and dad and my cousin Kitty and I went to Sebago Lake in the summer.  There were such great memories there and I often think of all the enjoyment I had in Maine.  So as we planned this trip to Canada, I was sure to be in Maine a few days. 
When we left with the RV, we were excited and anxious to get to our new destinations.  Driving up to Sebago Lake for the night was an interesting drive.  Our GPS seemed to be "off her rocker" and brought us all over the place.  Even with tolls, the GPS lady was "kooky". 
We were finally on the road headed to our campground and found what we thought to be our campground.  It seemed to be the right one, so we started to drive in.  The entrance seemed kind of narrow but we went in and, THEN realized we were in the wrong campground!  Now understand, we pull our car along behind our 40' Motorhome so it isn't a breeze to just turn around or definitely NOT back up!  We went to the office and explained we were in the wrong camp and needed to get out.  She pointed the way and Burl started around the corner.  We were all inside and heard .... crack... crunch... !  I yelled STOP!  Jumped out and checked out what was going on.  Well, it wasn't good; not good at all. 
On the corner there had been a HUGE wood planter in the shade and we didn't see it.  It tore off  the door that covers the electrical wires (the one we just paid to have painted and put on while in Ellijay) and it scraped the heck out of one of the doors.  The door that holds our lines for water etc.  I was sick!
The young man that worked at the campground got a large piece of machinery and dug out the plant holder so it wouldn't do any more damage.  We unhooked the car and I backed the car out and waited for Burl to get the RV out of that campground.  I was sick to my stomach!  Burl is so great.. he tried to talk about other things and not get mad and all that.  We  went into the next campground which was Naples Campground and it was wonderful.  We were placed in a pull-thru right next to the showers and bathrooms.  Good thing too, seeing we couldn't get the water hose out.   We had to use the facilities but that was okay.  It was a great campground and the people were wonderful.  We have even talked to them about possibly coming to their campground as 'work-campers' in a couple years.
We set up and headed to Rachels grandsons house about 20 miles down the road.  We visited there and saw the family.  They have 3 little children and it was a joy to see the new baby who was 5 weeks old.  As the evening set, we headed back to the RV.  It was chilly but not too bad.  (little did we know!)
Bedtime came quick as we wanted to get out early to head to Bar Harbor.  When we woke up, it was 8:00 a.m and 46 degrees!! Those night shades in the RV sure do keep the light out!  So we bathed in the showers the campground provided and used their bathrooms.  Thank God those people keep the bathrooms really clean!  We finally were ready and headed out ... on our way to Bar Harbor. 
The beginning of the trip was very long, especially when the GPS lady took us all around Robin Hoods barn!  We finally got on the Maine Toll Road but at least we were headed in the right direction.  We did stop off the road at a rest area that had food, gas and information.  We got a lot of books and information on the rest of our trip.
Up until now I had been excited, but reading the information on Bar Harbor and seeing what was possible to see and things to do, I was like a kid in a candy shop! We found out there was a "scenic route" to Bar Harbor and we took it.  It was wonderful.  I couldn't sit in the RV, so I let Rae sit up front with Burl.  I was up and down, taking pictures of anything I saw out the window.  Trees, water, sky, bridges, anything!  It was great! 
So here we are, at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground in Bar Harbor, ME!  What greets us as we enter, but a swimming pool!  We drive to our site and what greets us?  The OCEAN!  Yep, we have an ocean site!  I probably took 20 pictures of the ocean (low tide) and just smiled.  Its so beautiful.  We set up (Burl did finally pound open the door that held the water hose) and pulled out our chairs and tables and sat and looked.  We then walked down to the ocean, talked with people in the park, then sat down with a glass of wine, and watched the ocean.  How more perfect could a day be? 
Tomorrow we head out to Bar Harbor, Arcadia National Park etc.  We don't leave until Thursday.  I'll slowly put pictures up but right now... I'm tired!  Rae is already in bed and Burl is watching TV.  AND.. its Really Really COLD!!!   Heat is on... blankets are on the bed and warm pj's... Night all....

Vermont Trip

It is hard to believe that Burl has been graduated 53 years!  His class always seems to have class dinners and get-togethers almost every year.  Burl missed his 50th due to our cruise to the Mediterranean.  So he decided that this year we would attend his Class Dinner in Springfield,  Vermont.   
On Friday the 16th of June, we left Fitchburg and headed to Springfield, Vt.  It is about an hour and half trip but seemed to take a little longer.  We had to stop at a Dunkin Donuts so I could get a Vanilla Creme donut!  We were going to stay with Burl's best school friend, Ralph Goings and his wife, Sherry.  When we arrived, Ralph was waiting on the side of the road seeing Burl couldn't remember which house it was he lived in.  Ralph is just a cool, funny guy.  Listening to their school stories is really a treasure.  Thinking of Burl doing some of the goofy things they talked about was hilarious! 
Friday night we went out to eat at the Black Rock Restaurant.  I had Chicken Cordon Bleu and Burl had Baked Scallops with Gruyere Cheese (not sure of spelling).  The food was fantastic! And there was so much of it.  Sherry had Lobster and steak.  Watching her pull the lobster apart and dig out the meat was really interesting!  She is a pro, trust me!  We went home and just enjoyed some good conversation and then we all crashed from exhaustion!
Saturday was an awesome day.  We went to a store I've only read about and always dreamed of seeing.  Sherry and Ralph brought us to the Vermont Country Store.

                                            

We had so much fun in that store.  I found a few things to buy and Burl found lots of samples to try; like cheese, dip, jellies, etc.  We were full by the time we left.  While in the store I saw this lady with the most beautiful dog.  She told me the dog was a breeder at a puppy mill and she had rescued "Annie" from her death.  She let me hole Annie and then took a picture of us.  She was so loving and really beautiful!

When we left the store, Ralph drove us around Springfield.  He showed us all the parts of the town they, Ralph and Burl, as boys did things.  I saw the schools and where people lived etc.  It was really interesting.  They finished up by bringing us over the N. Springfield Dam area.  It is so beautiful. 

Finally, it was time for the Reunion.  Ralph, Sherry, Burl and I were the first ones there!  That was awkward!  People looked at me like, "who is she?" but kept walking on.  Some people recognized Burl but many did not.  Ok, 53 years later, guess that isn't odd that they wouldn't recognize each other!  Burl got to see the girl he took to the prom their junior year.  He met up with many of his school friends and really enjoyed the night.  Now the food was NOT GOOD... but they decided that the next reunion will be somewhere else on their 55th year.  Who knows, maybe we'll be at that one too.  I'd go just to see Ralph and Sherry again.  They are the BEST HOST AND HOSTESS ever.   I felt like I had known Sherry for years.  They are really great people. 

Here are some pictures... Hope you enjoy!

This is the N. Springfield Dam

This is me holding Annie... She is a long haired Chihuahua... Precious!

The Stone Church in Chester, VT

This is a picture of the few that attended the 53rd Class Reunion of Springfield High School.

Burl is FAR LEFT standing in yellow shirt; Ralph is next to him in blue shirt.  The 2 best looking men there!

Some of the maple syrup in the Vermont Country Store... YUMMY!!

Our Trip to Salisbury, Ma

Have I told you how much I love my family?  My niece, Linda, called late Sunday night and asked if we would like to go to go to Salisbury for the best clams ever.  I immediately said YES!  Somehow the clams taste better near the ocean, probably because they are fresher. 
We met Linda at her office in Leominster and headed toward the ocean.  It has been probably 45 years since I've been to Salisbury, Newberryport and Plum Island.  My dad used to take me down that way to fish when I was a kid.  We went to Salisbury and Hampton beaches as teenagers.  I didn't realize how much I missed that salt air smell and the looks of the buildings.  Houses up here just look different at the beach, and I love them. 
It took about an hour to get there with all the crazy traffic and crazy drivers on the road.  OK, maybe it was only 50 minutes!  But the smells and sights all came rushing back!  I remembered the excitement and feelings I felt as a kid when we drove through the small villages.  The sea gulls and their songs along with the smell of ocean waters.  The white boats along the docks and the small clam shacks found hidden in between the cottages.  I felt like I was home. 
Linda asked, "Eat or beach first?"  We both said, "eat!"  So on to the small 'hole in the wall' place that she said had the best clams every.  It was packed with cars and that is a good sign.  We went in and were seated immediately. No questions in Burl or my mind what we'd have.. FRIED CLAMS!  Looking around the eatery, I saw banner from every college I could think of, plus more.  Even GEORGIA!  It was such a cute little place with waitresses smiling and ready to serve.  When the food came, I was amazed.  I was going to take a picture of the clams, but figured everyone knows what they look like.  They were so light in color and my plate was full!  I didn't care about the french fries or the coleslaw.  I dug into the clams immediately and... was not disappointed!  They were so fresh and almost sweet.  Oh they were good! I finished mine before Burl and he took pity and gave me 3 or 4 of his.  Did I say how good they were?  My My My!! I've already suggested to Linda that we return when we come back to Massachusetts after our Canada jaunt. 
From there we drove to the beach.  In this area the towns run into each other, so I am not positive which little town we parked in, but it was right next to the ocean.  We walked to the beach and I remembered how beautiful our beaches are.  Large boulders on the beach. Sea grass on the banks.. Its beautiful.  I took pictures of all of it.  We saw a jetty down the beach and I wanted to walk to it so off we walked.  So many things along the way. 
The beach houses were different sizes, shapes, colors and textures.  The beach property is a little different here than it is in Georgia or Florida, that I can remember.  Some houses are meant to be rented and others are full timers. 
One sight was a mailbox being held by a walrus.  We saw a shop that made all kinds of soap and lip balm (I bought some) and scrubs for the skin.  Just a little hole in the wall but had a great smell and lot of neat soaps etc.  There was a lighthouse we passed; boat ramps and parks.  So many beautiful sites.  When we finally stopped at the jetty, we'd probably walked 3 miles!  Now... we had to walk back!  The chats and laughs and fun we had could never be replaced by anything.  It was so much joy seeing and smelling all those memories. 
Time goes so quickly and we have to take what we can get when we can get it.  I love my homeland, my place of growing up and these memories bring back all the fun times with my dad and mom, brother and friends.  Times of laughter and of sorrow, but all memories.  I am the kind of person who like to "see and touch" things.  Those things become lasting memories.  It give me courage knowing I am going to start new "memories" by reliving the old memories.  Life is so good and I thank God every day for being ALIVE.  What a privilege to live in a time when I can share my memories and even show you, out there wherever you are, my memories.  Thank you for reading my blogs and becoming a part of my memories.  Now I have to add my pictures and then I'll put them on here.  Enjoy! 

Looking down the beach.  See the rocks?  It looks so much different than the southern beaches.

This is one of the beach houses.  This house is in Cedar Shakes.. Very unique for this area.

This is the Walrus Mailbox!  How creative is that?  We usually see Bears holding mailboxes.. first walrus I've seen!

Here we are at the jetty with the houses in the background.  This is such a beautiful place to sit and relax. 

The Friends of Plum Island Light.  Very pretty and very real!

















These are only a few  pictures as it really time consuming to get them on here.  If someone is really a techi... then they could do it quickly.  I am not so this is what you get.  Hopefully, I'll get better at this as I go along.  Thanks for reading!!

Turn of the Times

Posting my life on a blog is so different for me.  Its like a diary of my everyday life; things that I will look back on and laugh or maybe even cry.  It is for others to read, whether it is happy, sad or just plain interesting.  I've always been told my life was interesting and I should write a book.  Maybe I will when this journey is over.  I sure will have stories to tell, right?
Our arrival to Fitchburg was interesting to say the least.  Fitchburg, Ma. has many hills, potholes and crazy drivers.  Now when I lived here, I accepted these 3 things as "normal" but since living in other places where there are paved streets without holes, polite drivers that actually let you go ahead of them and of course flat roads, I find this "disturbing."  We are driving along and people want to "cut us off" while on the road. Why would a little Toyota want to cut off a 40' RV.  We could have crushed them!  Burl is a very courteous driver and tries to stay over to the right so the drivers will know we are not rude.  However, when WE get behind a very slow moving vehicle going uphill, Burl moves out into the traffic (not cutting people off) and gets ahead of that slow moving vehicle and then immediately moves back to the right side of the road so other vehicles can pass quickly.  That is called "courtesy."+I think some of these drivers here have forgotten that piece of information.  I guess we learned that in the south.. Now on to my story!
We are parking the RV at my nephews house where he has a "turnaround" and it will be out of the way for his guests when they part out front.  Well, it seemed narrow (from remembrance) so I told Burl to detatch the car from the RV and I'd drive it in behind him so he wouldn't have any trouble around corners etc.  He decided he could do it.  I was extrememly nervous, but guess what... He Did It!  Drove that baby right into the yard with all the turns and narrow roads etc.  He's getting pretty good at driving this big baby.  We finally got the RV set up with chairs outside and chimes blowing in the wind for when the kids got home.  The reaction to the RV was favorable so I was happy.  We were told that we were having a BBQ at their house and their son, Kevin, and family would be coming.  However, an hour later plans changed and we went to Kevins in NH.  It gave us a chance to see the house they built and to meet Brady, their youngest child.  We had so much food and so much time with Kevin, Erin, Chloe and Brady.  It was totally awesome!
The next day, Saturday, Heidi (my niece) was opening her store in Ayer, MA, called "etc." which has antiques and all kinds of neat things.  Its basically on the FT DEVENS base or where it used to be.  Cool store and if you live in the area you need to go visit it. Think the grand opening is in a couple weeks while we are in Canada.  It was fun spending time with Heidi, and Rachel, and Linda ... eating Chinese Food!
Sunday we went to church with Linda and I love that church and their pastor Tom.  He is awesome. 
Monday and Tuesday it rained.  But Tuesday I did get a haircut from a great stylist in Westminster, MA. 
Today we are headed back to Heidi's store to help her price and look up items on the Internet.  Very easy life right now here in Fitchburg.  We head out next week to Springfield, VT to attend Burls 59th Class Reunion!  Boy that will be fun.  I'll have lots of pictures from that!  But now, I'm headed to Heidi's store.  Keep up with me... Its going to be fun!