North Haven

On Monday we took the ferry to North Haven Island and checked into Nebo Lodge. It was a perfect day, gentle breeze, no clouds. However, we put it to the test by cycling all over the place, with only one fall and no blood. We especially enjoyed the climb to and view from Ames Knob -- a panorama of the Fox Islands and the Thoroughfare. Dinner at Nebo Lodge was very good, though not worth raving about, as others have done on Trip Advisor. But it is a lovely place, and we enjoyed it very much.
On the way home we found a neat harborside eatery in Thomaston, called the Slipway. Fabulous.

The Olympics are here

Whoopee! And what a dynamic start they had! The first gold medal went to a Chinese air rifle markswoman. Why isn't our USA BB gun team up to it? Probably bad training. After all, it takes years and years of workouts to be able to pull that trigger. Do the "athletes" have to cock the gun, too? Or does someone do it for them? But we won a gold medal, too! Kim Rhode shot the lights out of clay pigeons! What a performance! See how fit she is!
Unfortunately, wimpy sports like lacrosse are not fit for the Olympics. The IOC defends the faith, and politics play no part in their drive to keep the Games free of new non-trashsport offerings. Here is a list of sports that have been tried and rejected:

* croquet
* motor boating
* polo
* tug-of-war
* plunge for distance
* underwater swimming
* obstacle race for swimming
* cricket
* lacrosse
* jeu de paume
* racquets

OK: "jeu de palme" is handball without a wall. And lacrosse was rejected because it has a French name... wait, don't all the public utterances of the IOC come in French and English? Must be that lacrosse is too sissy. No one can shoot a lacrosse ball as fast as a BB.
Yes, I despise the Olympics. No... wait: I love the Olympics! See my link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzQxfr1VOWk

Bye bye Hannah

Hannah leaves today, after brightening our lives for almost two weeks. Owen will be devastated. The gardens may shrivel back to their former selves. The bunkhouse will languish, unloved.
However, while she was here, Hannah did put a dent in Maine's seafood supply. Her Last Supper was at Gurnet Trading Company, some really great fried clams, and a disappointing (compared to their winter variety) seafood chowder.
It has been a great summer for eating lobster, though not so good for those who trap them.

The power boater's delight

Chaika was launched with her new E-Tec engine on Saturday. When Bart turned the key, she fired immediately. Ah, bliss!

And the band played on

On Saturday, Hannah had a "surprise" party at the Crotch. Not too many surprises, but a good time was had by all, as friends from Hannah's past (and present) gathered with family to eat, drink, and play games, not necessarily in that order.

The weather was perfect and the company starred. The hit of the day was a RAP put on by Suzanne and her siblings, with Sam as beatboxer. The fans howled in appreciation.

Happy Birthday!

Hannah's birthday came yesterday, a milestone but underplayed. Except that we had a grand lobsterfest at Five Islands, where Dave, Connie, and Abby, up from Philadelphia by train and car, arrived just after we did. The lobsters took a beating.

Hannah has been here since Monday. Our grounds and good spirits are much the better for her visit. And lately, the weather has been superb.

When you have your health

Something he ate? No, the food was excellent at Molly's beach party. But your Bloggah has been suffering from a tummy ache for several weeks. But today he went to the doc, and is now on the course to recovery. Perhaps these posts will become less bilious.
Perhaps not.

We welcomed Hannah today with a lobster and a cool breeze off the river. We are glad she is back in Maine, and she is, too.

The Blues

Em and Gregg accompanied us to the Sunday edition of the 19th annual North Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland. The highlight of the show was 79-year old John Mayall., who was really wonderful. It was a gorgeous day, not too hot, with yachts appearing to us as the tide in the harbor rose. Not everyone was into all music all the time, however.
Hannah comes today. The Bermuda high is still in sway, but it is not too hot here, just humid, and there is a daily breeze up the river. Last night it was almost too chilly to dine on the porch.

When will it end?

Another fabulous day, and a smooth and lovely boat trip to Boothbay for lunch. This has been quite the month in Maine.
Can you recognize the lobster and the starfish to the left?

Having looked at the pageviews for this blog, I realize there is no real audience. Unread blogs have no excuse for being, and therefore this one will end. Thanks to the few who have been faithful readers!
Bye, bye.

A plug for Sista's -- and justice

Last night we had a small family celebration of Molly's birthday. The BBQ came from Sista's on Pleasant St. The food matched the company. Really, this is the best BBQ around, all agreed.

In other news, early this morning we learned that the Bath Police had tracked down and jailed the ruffian who assailed yours truly in Library Park on Saturday. Quick work! Apparently the brute goes by the name of "Lion" Burger. The police have not ascertained whether this is his real name, or an alias. The investigation continues, I have been told. When the case will come to trial, who knows? Meanwhile, I shall be consulting my Boston lawyers, Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe to see if there is a possibility of a lucrative civil suit.

A brutal assault

On Saturday afternoon, in Library Park in Bath, in full view of hundreds of spectators who had come to watch the Fireman's Muster, this blogger was set upon by an unprincipled young tough, who viciously and repeatedly attacked him and knocked him to the turf. No one in the crowd came to assistance of the poor old man, and the young brute expressed his contempt by ripping off the blogger's cap, which had been covering his defenseless bald head, and throwing it far up the hillside, then shrieking with delight. I tell you, it was a dark day for humanity. What is our society coming to? I blame the foul-mouthed governor for cheapening life here in Maine.

July 4

Georgetown has the best parade going! It is always on time, lasts just 15 minutes, and displays great wit and originality.

The sign held by the driver says "A Republican Married to a Democrat"

Money Island

We have just returned from two nights on Money Island, in Connecticut's fascinating Thimble Islands. We had a grand visit with Nancy and the Robisons, everyone very busy. The weather was perfect. Early Monday morning I found some beautiful light.

Shampashuh

Can you see the egret?