Merry Christmas Cove

Cap'n Grandma in the Tower

Off we went with the McIlvains and Dodger on a hot deal from the Coastal Journal to The Christmas Cove Inn, or the Unique Yankee  Inn, or Munson's B&B (still not sure which) in Christmas Cove. Turned out to be a grand time. The inn is pretty new, constructed by the owner, who is in the cellulose insulation business, and it is opulent and beautiful. We were very well treated there and given an introduction and gift certificate to the Samoset Restaurant in New Harbor, where there wasn't much food left on a Sunday night. What there was, was good. This experience is highly recommended.

Jodigliani

The artist on the right, whose work is presently on display at the Curtis Memorial Library, was said to be influenced by the work of Modigliani, who painted the portrait at the left. However, in the portrait at the upper right you will notice use of pastels and an original background that makes a wry comment on the figure in the work. I suspect we shall be hearing much more from this artist in the future.

Sproiiing

Today is the first day of spring, tra la. Just look at the little robins pecking at the lawn, the budding crocuses, the greening up of the grass. Can't see? That's because IT'S STILL FREAKING WINTER!!!
Meanwhile, just now, Emily and Gregg are arriving at the St. Thomas airport. They will be competing in the Rolex International Regatta. Info here. .
And Hannah is off to join President Obama in Israel. Ah, warmth. Just think, just dream.

St. Paddy's Day

Bath makes a big fuss about St. Patrick's Day -- thanks to Joe Byrne, who uses the holiday (now stretched to a week) to drive business to Byrne's Irish Pub. However, having witnessed this day several times in Newport, Bath seems very tame.We happened upon the "parade" this morning, which did include some non-playing bagpipers and some ATVs.But it's mostly just the suds.
They do serve "the full Irish" breakfast at Byrne's, though, and we partook several years ago. When asked if she would like to go this year, Grandma replied, "I'm not drinking any beer." Surprise of the year!

Have faith

We saw more signs announcing Our Lord and Savior in Georgia than in Florida, but his presence there seemed doubtful. Florida seems to be coming back, led by its oh-so-weird governor. Anyway, we may be back next year to see more miracles, though topping the Clydesdales will not be a simple task.
Oh, yes, I have faith: today's sun presages an end, eventually, to this long winter, the brunt of which we seem (so far) to have dodged. There is a lot of cleanup to do here, and quite a bit of rugwork, but the future may be bright. Of course, maybe not.
If you are interested in our trip south, here is a nine-minute YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=orNH9kPS02M

Home Sweet Home

Yes, we have  returned. The snow is still here and it is still cold. However, we are in our own lovely house and comfortable bed. I am sure that this is great, although Florida was not too bad. Next year, six weeks.

More gastronomic news

Having left the frigid climes of Virginia (Floyd, our last stop, was 21 degrees as we left), we are now in or near Kutztown, PA. Adjacent to our motel is DeMarco's Italian Restaurant, and we chose to dine there after our long drive. Of course, this is Pennsylvania Dutch country, though not the heart of it; but we are also in a quirky area of the country which I know and love. Tonight at the Italian restaurant in PA Dutch country, the chef was a Mexican.  The meal was adequate and the decor delightful. We fervently hope that this is our last restaurant meal for awhile. We have eaten well, but satis est satis.

Tiger double bill

Here in cold Asheville we took a walking tour, abbreviated, then viewed the Folk Art Center. The center is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a little bit, and with the snow headed in, that may be all of the parkway we see. But we are hoping. Also visited a classic old radio museum and Biltmore Village before settling in to the place on the right to watch Princeton-Hopkins lacrosse and Princeton-Harvard basketball. The Tigers won both game, but the experience was somewhat undercut by the rather amazing slice of Americana we saw there and the remarkably horrible "food." Beer was fine, though.