And Bryn Arrives . . .

                                Bob and I (with Bryn) at The Mex in Ellsworth, Maine.

                        Bryn harvested these mussels and cooked them even though Bob fears they are tainted with neuro-toxins. Where's the closest hospital? HAhahaha!

   Yummy! I harvested these all by myself (in the rain) and now I'm going to enjoy them despite my father's paranoia.

  Lobstah dinner. I love cooking (and eating) for company. The poor lobstermen need someone to help them eat all the lobsters. This year there is a glut and the poor lobstermen are only getting $1.35 per pound. Some of them aren't even bothering to go out.

I was so happy that Bryn would see the moon waxing while she was here. The photographer, Bryn, decided to play with exposures and her Canon Eos Rebel xsi

                               On a rainy Sunday, waiting for the neuro-toxins to work.

                                                   Bryn at Sea Dog in Bangor Maine--Day 1.

On Thursday, Bob and I finished cleaning up the cottage for our daughter Bryn's arrival. We made our way into the "big city" Bangor and did some shopping in real stores. I haven't been shopping for months (except for antiques), so this was fun for me--not so much for my patient and indulgent hubby. Bob, though, did not complain. We did stop at Sea Dog for lunch and it was delicious, again, and so was the Creme Brulee and coffee I had for dessert. Then we went to Target, a real Target. Bob wasn't up for shopping at Target, so he took a nap in the van. Those of you who have been to my home know that in redecorating I have gone from red, yellow, and green to white, turquoise, and red. While shopping at Target, I realized that the college dorm decorating colors at Target were RED, TURQUOISE, and WHITE. As many things as I found that I would love for the house, I realized that we had little room for even the few things we've bought at antique places and even half of the driftwood I've collected, so all I had in my bag was new makeup. I'm on a search (and I have over a year to find it) for the perfect foundation so I can use it at my daughter's wedding on October 18, 2013. Then, we went to Dick's and bought some water shoes for Bryn.

Bryn, meanwhile had had a trying day. First, those on her 8:15 AM flight from JFK were told while they were on the runway that they were not taking off because of bad weather and the pilot was not sure when they would be able to take off. However, shortly after texting me, they were fourth on the lineup on the runway to leave. So, she got in about the same time anyway. Bryn flew to Portland and had arranged to rent a car so she could explore the coast. But when she arrived, she had a wicked headache and texted us that she was driving straight through to the nearest place to us so she could drop off the rental car. After getting some tips from the rental car agent about where to eat, she searched for about an hour for a parking place at the place he had recommended. It was supposed to have been on Food Network Channel--Becky's Diner. With the headache, traffic frustration, and hunger, she decided to go somewhere else. She went to Bintliff's American Cafe and she said the food was incredible. Her very helpful waiter also brought her a packet of Extra Strength Tylenol. With food, coffee, and Extra Strength Tylenol, her headache was gone and she decided to explore Coastal Rte 1. However, her cell phone car charger was not working and her battery was nearing dead. We Furlongs can't always get what we want, but we always get what we need. When she stopped at the first gas station to fill up, guess what they had? Yup, a cell phone charger, so she was on her way and one happy lady since this had been her plan all along. (She didn't want us to pick her up in Portland since it is a 3 1/2-hour drive. So she had fun exploring antique places and shops in Bath, Wiscasset, Oyster River Winery and picked up wine, maple sausage, and fresh blueberries and was on her way to Bangor.

We met her at the Budget rent-a-car place at the Bangor International Airport and we were on our way to eat dinner and have some beer. Off we went to the Sea Dog Brewery. We sat outside on the Damariscotta River Balcony and tried a few different beers and a few different dishes. Bryn had a Blackened haddock sandwich, I had a Haddock taco, and Bob had a Buffalo Chicken patty sandwich. Everything was scrumptious and Bryn and I shared a creme brullee! Then, we drove home--it was about a 2-hour drive. Bryn couldn't see much, but thought the cottage was cute.

On Friday, we visited the Catherine Hill Winery and Bartlett Estates Winery. The winetasting was both fun and educational. This time, it wasn't Alfred at the Bartlett Winery, but a woman, who was much friendlier and a bit more liberal with her pours. Bryn found all of the wines to be interesting and was just as surprised as I was the first time, that fruit wines can be dry.

A stop at Tibbett's (a fish shack owned and run by two old Maine ladies whose accents are so thick we could barely understand them) for three lobsters (soft-shelled) would be another interesting experience for Bryn

When we returned, we kayaked to the small island, around it, and then back. Bryn was fast and, of course, wanted to race me. I see my competitive spirit in her and Sean, but these days, I'm not going to compete with someone almost half my age. It's just not worth it. She kayaked so fast and so far that she looked like a whirlygig from afar. But was that enough for my little exercise fiend---NOOOOOO--then she went into the shed, put on a bicycle helmet and was gone for an hour bicycling down the road and back again.

When she returned, dinner was ready. I had steamed all three lobsters, made some corn on the cob, and had a tomato and mozarella salad and a tossed salad. The two of us made a huge mess cracking our lobsters, squirting each other with the liquids, and smelling up the cottage, so that poor Bob, who never once complained, ended up eating hot dogs after we finished cleaning up and descenting the kitchen. We stayed up talking, Bryn and I, almost until 1 AM and then went to bed to read perchance to dream.

 Bryn at Finn's and Bob at Sea Dog

On Saturday, we woke up a bit late and lazed around drinking coffee and eating thin bagels. After showers, we were on our way to Ellsworth, a bigger town about an hour away. For lunch, it was Finn's.  Bryn, like her dad, is a beer aficionado and Finn's is an Irish pub with quite an assortment of unique beers and local brews on tap. Its food is delicious also, so we parked ourselves in the railroad car cum bar room and had Irish nachos (potato chips with rashers, salsa fresca, jalapenos, and sour cream). Bryn had Steak and Mushroom pie which she proclaimed delicious. I had a meatloaf sandwich with meatloaf like I had been craving.  Bob had a reuben. Bryn had Geary's Summer Ale, Bob had a Switchback Ale, and I had Harp. Dessert, however, was Finn's Wedding Cake--an almond cake with vanilla butter cream frosting, and a raspberry filling. It was delicious and so was the coffee. After stopping at a few shops, The Grasshopper, a very beautiful gift shop, and J and R Landings, a kitchen, furniture, lighting, unique gift, and antique shop, Bryn decided she was thirsty so we went to The Mex, a bar/Mexican restaurant where Bryn had a margarita, I had a pina colada and Bob had mint iced tea. Homeward bound. I was exhausted for some reason, so I wasn't up for a big dinner or exercise.

Bryn, though, was full of energy and decided to go kayaking, so Bob said he'd keep her company (though I think she would've gone alone). When she returned, she went bike riding and took the hilly route. By the time she returned, she needed another shower and needed to lay down and catch her breath. Instead of a big dinner, Bryn and Bob made up a cheese plate (we Furlongs don't go anywhere without having at least five kinds of cheese with us), along with crackers and pot stickers. Bryn and I tried to watch the Olympics but none of the sports we were interested in were on before we would be going to bed.

                              Bryn, "Say CHEESE!"


Sunday
Today, it rained off and on all day, so after Bob prepared one of his many specialties--biscuits and sausage gravy, we lounged around for a little bit.

Bob decided to see if his beloved frogs were out. This would be a perfect day to see them in the nearby stream. The road was regraded and a backhoe was used to deepen a stream. As Bob said, "They f---ked up the ecosystem!". Instead, Bryn and Bob came across these

 A doe and her two fawns up the road apiece.

 Bryn, in the rain, all alone, harvesting mussels (filled with neuro-toxins, hahahahaha).


After doing some research on whether or not she needs a license, whether this is a closed red tide area, or if there is any bacterial contamination here, Bryn decided, even though it was still raining, to go harvesting mussels. Bob was sure that we would come down with a neuro-toxin disease (but it's been two hours and Bryn and I are still okay. hahaha). In the rain, Bryn harvested quite a few, almost forty, came in a muddy mess and we began the cleaning process. If a mussel is open, it is dead and full of mud. We only found about 6 dead ones and so we proceeded to clean Bryn's clothes in the bathtub and make the "poison" mussels. While Bob looked up the closest hospital, I chopped an onion, a tomato, and Bryn chopped garlic cloves--after sauteeing that, we poured in a cup and a half of red wine (syrah). added the mussels, put the bread in the oven (to burn and set off the smoke detector, AGAIN!). So while we all wait for the neuro-toxin to take hold of our bodies (Bob didn't partake), Bryn made blueberry muffin tops with the end of the fresh blueberries she bought  on the way up the coast. And the smoke detector goes off--AGAIN.  Now, we sit here doing various things. Bryn is singing (beautifully) an Indigo Girls song while playing the guitar (wonderfully). Bob is wood carving and I am typing up this blog post. We are never bored and have a cottage full of things to do, so we each go our own way and occupy our time. I love afternoons like this.

Bryn wanted a lobster roll tonight, so I'm not sure whether she'll want to go out and get one, or not. It's 6 PM and we're all still just chillin'--just relaxing.

Tonight, Bob's homemade roasted veggie pizza. Ready for the smoke detector?  Life is good.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Wednesday,

Today, sadly,  my cousin Antoinette and her boyfriend, Heath, had to leave to return to Albany. Heath works at the racetrack and Friday was opening day at Saratoga. He had to pick up his press pass and get ready for the big day. I hope they enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed them and I was very happy to see that Heath and Antoinette could relax a little while they were with us.

We went kayaking for a couple of hours and then returned to the cottage to clean up, fix some dinner, and do some relaxing ourselves. I didn't realize how exhausted I was (and Bob was), but I had some MH work to do. I spent a while doing that and we went to bed a bit early (though both of us were up late reading)

Thursday

Again, a lot of relaxing, some kayaking, a walk on the road to the cottage, and more work for MH.

Bob went to the laudromat while I was working but returned because all washers were in use and four people were waiting to get started.

For dinner, we had leftovers--since there were plenty to choose from, Bob had one thing and I had another--all heated in the microwave. (boy--is this boring stuff I'm writing).

Friday

Today, I spent far too much time working--rather trying to get answers to my questions since I could begin the work and work all weekend. However, both of my bosses were busy all day, and even though we did have a 4:00 web conference, I had more questions later, that would not be answered until Monday. I was bummed because I did want to get those questions answered so I could work all weekend. Bryn is coming on Thursday and I don't want to have to be working while she is here. I just want to enjoy my intelligent, beautiful, talented, kind daughter while she's here.


So we had another lazy day. Understand, that while we're lazing around, Bob and I are watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks (and at night we're smelling the skunk and listening to the racket being made by the raccoon (or raccoons). Tonight at around midnight (I had just fallen asleep after finishing another book by Diane Mott Davidson) I heard a lot of noise and banging around outside. I deduced that it must be the raccoon playing or searching within the Coleman cooler we had drying out near the picnic table not far from my bedroom window. It had taken me a while to fall asleep, so I wasn't really interested in getting up and trying to get a glimpse of her or him or them. The next morning we discovered the cooler and the top of the cooler had been dragged into the woods nearby. Funny.

While I spoke with my MH NY bosses and did some work, Bob went back to the laundromat, which was empty, and did the bed linens and some clothes.

Saturday

Today, I worked almost all day, but near the end of the day, I had a panic attack. My questions had not been answered, more had arisen as I worked today, none would be answered this weekend because my MH bosses have their priorities straight (I wish I did) and don't work unless they absolutely have to on weekends. My hats go off to them.

Bob and I took a break and did about three hours of kayaking. The weather was perfect, though the breezes were more like wind and paddling was a little more challenging. We were watching the terns diving, kerplunk, into the water and coming out with little fish (terns are pretty little) which Bob thought were alewives (the fish). We paddled quite a bit out from the cottage between two islands and then it was time to return. Our tired arms told us so as did the outgoing tide. On our way in, we saw a golden eagle flying over the trees. As I pulled my kayak ashore, I felt a pop in my calf and suddenly experienced a sharp pain. I could barely walk up the stairs to the cottage. Oh no! What the heck. I'm in better shape than I've been in a long time--why are all these things happening to my body? We spent some time on the Adirondack chairs listening to the wind through the trees and then went in because it was a bit chilly (3 PM).

I, however, was in a quandary about whether to continue working. If I am right in my guesses to the answers to my questions, I'd be in good shape and might only have to work Monday after they told me I was right. If I am wrong, however, I would have to undo everything I had done and start over. So I decided to send an email to Area9, the company that is doing the program I am working on. I also decided to stop working and I would find out tomorrow that that was a very good decision.

I gave up working and read as many magazines I could. I brought a huge plastic storage container of magazines with me, so it's good that I can read all the magazines and not have to cart them back in the van cross country. We've been donating them to the laundromat and Bob has found a number of ladies reading them when he has returned to do laundry. I'm down to about ten (I think I brought about 40 or more with me).

I finally set up my easel. This was a challenge because one of the screws for one of the legs was missing. I searched in my tool kit and found something that would do in a pinch, but I'm not sure how stable the easel will be. it's set up now, so all I have to do is get my paints and brushes out. Maybe tomorrow.

Sunday

We woke up, had coffee, and watched the tide come in. it was a beautiful sunrise and another beautiful day. High tide would not be until noon, so we lazed around and watched.

                                                        Sunrise and low tide from our cottage windows.

When I checked my email, I discovered, to my pleasant surprise, that Asger, from Area9, had answered my questions clearly.

That would mean, of course, that I could do all the work today. And this is exactly what I did. I spent about 8 hours and finished just in time for dinner (hot dogs and popcorn).

I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to go kayaking, but the wind had really picked up, and there were actually white-capped waves lapping the shore. The sound of the wind through the trees, however, was mesmerizing. I wish I could have these sounds on a loop that I could listen to when I couldn't go to sleep, because I was getting very sleepy. it was also quite chilly out--just the type of weather that makes me want to go to sleep all bundled up.

The temperature dipped, the wind continued dancing through the trees, the sunlight filtered through the clouds and Bob and I went to bed at 7:30 PM. Giggle, giggle.
I was reading in bed while Bob was asleep, but I decided that it was now or never to fill in the missing days of my blog, as boring as they might seem to my readers, though there wasn't one second that I was bored. We have a spectacular view; we're in the perfect location, and, God knows, we've brought enough craft, art stuff, musical instruments, and reading materials to keep us occupied for the next three seasons. And then--there's always eating.

Tomorrow, we will actually leave the cottage and do some more exploring. One place we are heading for tomorrow will be the Wass Wildlife Refuge. I'll make sure to take a lot of pictures.

The Wreck of the Ella Fitzgerald

Tuesday

This morning we woke up a bit later than usual, and it was quite cool, overcast and a bit foggy. However, Antoinette and Heath were intent on kayaking out to the two islands and back. While they were gone, I made a frittata--eggs, cheese, green chiles, potatoes and sour cream and salsa AND breakfast sausages.

As I was cooking, Bob yelled out, "Oh shit! She's in the water!" Through the binoculars I saw Antoinette in the water, hanging on to the overturned kayak, with Heath and two other kayakers fast approaching her to help her out. I knew that it wasn't dangerous, but Bob was worried about the cold water. He descended the stairs and prepared to launch the boat to rescue her, but by the time he was ready, the other kayakers had made a bridge with their paddles for her to hoist her up onto the kayak. So back she came, soaking wet, but no worse for the wear. We met her with a towel, she took a shower, and we had breakfast. Another funny adventure (but as Bob said, "And she wasn't even drunk.") She had fallen in when she turned as she heard voices behind her (the rescue crew).

It was a rainy day, so our choices were limited today.

We left to embark on a very short excursion. A stop at the Catherine Hill winery for a tasting, with both of us buying two bottles each. Eric was a bit rushed because there were others coming in and his wife was a bit obnoxious, so my little trip was marred by a comment she made to me--which was really nothing, but a lot of something if you want your customers to buy some of your wine.

Another place we had wanted to visit to look for birds; however, it was a pretty dismal, dark day and we didn't expect to see too much. We took a drive to Petite Manan Wildlife Refuge. There was very little to see, and hear, but we did pick some wild blueberries--can we hear another YUMMY!

On the way home, we went to the "little old ladies" lobster place, Tibetts, and we bought 5 soft-shell lobsters for 29.97. Not too bad. A quick stop at the grocery store (AGAIN?) and we were on our way home. The menu was potatoes, onions, peppers; corn on the cob (done the You-Tube way in the husks and silks, four minutes in the microwave, and they fall out of their husks; lobster, and a pie (no recipe) apple blueberry.

Sad. Our guests leave tomorrow. I'll be working once they leave and perhaps another visit to the laundromat is in our immediate future. Oh well, all good things must come to an end.

Monday

No breakfast, except for the industrious one. Heath made a potatoes, sausages, peppers from two nights before. The rest of us just wanted to get OUT!

                                                                    Glen

On our drive to Bar Harbor, we saw many antique shops, lobster places, nurseries, beautiful homes and resorts. We parked in the dock parking lot and since I needed some medication for my sore back, we stopped at Testa's, a popular bar and restaurant on the main drag. It was there that we met the next Mr. Casey Furlong, Glen, the bartender, was a very funny and knowledgeable guy! He made me and Antoinette caipirinhas, and he made them very well! He could tell a good story, but with a wry sense of humor. He knew about cachaca, about using raw sugar (but he didn't have any) and he ran to the liquor store to get the cachaca. Bob and Heath had summer ale (Shipyard). Then Heath tried a caipirinha when we had our second round, but this time, Glen, honored us by putting them into copper mugs. They stayed iced cold for a long time and the drinks were good to the very last drop. Glen educated us about digestifs, how the Europeans view meals, eating, and settling the stomach--we talked about where we could find moose, and he gave me a nose of Irish Mist (heavenly) and Pernod. I didn't want to leave so we decided to stay for lunch. Glen had recommended the prime rib sandwich, so Bob, Antoinette, and I got the prime rib sandwich. Heath ordered a bowl of clam chowder--and he is an afficionado of clam chowder. When it came and he tasted it, he declared it, "Hearty and delicious!" He said there were a ton of clams. When we got our sandwiches, H-O-L-Y C-O-W!! There was an 8-oz cut of prime rib, perfectly cooked, in a large French roll--it came with potato salad or French fries--and tiger sauce (yummy sour cream, worcester sauce, and horseradish). The prime rib was fat free, succulent, tasty, and just downright scrumptious.

                                                 Caipirinha

                                                                    Cachaca
We did some tourist shopping, bought some t-shirts, jewelry, and of course, something for Ana. We had a three-hour parking limit, but we were ready to leave anyway. So after looking at some of the boats and ships in the harbor, we were off on our next adventure.

We drove partially through Acadia, saw two deer, and left the park for LeMoine and Marlboro public beach. Heath was on a search for a crab. No luck, unfortunately.

Home again, home again, jiggety jig! We had Italian subs for dinner and Heath had ice cream with strawberries.

Then, guess what! We finally had Antoinette's fire. We sat around telling stories and talking for about two hours. It was a fun-filled night and Bob's fire was magnificent (but I always knew that!)

Sunday

No breakfast this morning--as we were a bit late leaving the house. Instead of going to Bar Harbor today, as we intended, after seeing so much traffic on Rte 1, we decided to go to Ellsworth.

Our first was the tidal falls. It was a beautiful area--an eddy with some rapids and a nice picnic area. Heath was especially intrigued by a green crab in the rocks. Bob tried to retrieve it, but it was tenacious and stayed in the rocks.

After driving to Ellsworth, we stopped at Finn's for lunch. Our favorite pub, I guess. We had a sampler appetizer plate: deviled egg, mozzarella sticks, lime potato salad, deep fried haddock, deep fried artichoke. We also had an order of Irish nachos--fried potato chips, covered with Irish bacon, salsa fresca, sour cream. We were just getting started: Bob had blackened chicken sandwich with fries. Antoinette had deep-fried crab wraps with a jalapeno tartar sauce. I had a roasted veggie wrap with potato salad. Heath had a burger and fries.
Lunch was at Finn's--YUMMY! We did some shopping in two shops and we were ready to move on.

Most of the time when Bob and I explore a side road, it's always the seaward side, so this time we picked the opposite side of Rte 1. We drove miles of country road through small towns like Franklin. Though we saw the Shalom winery, but it looked scary, so we decided not to go, We found our way to Tunk Lake, finally.  It was beautiful--Bob and I must go kayaking here. It was huge and surrounded by lush forests. We even saw an old, small house that advertised "Indian Food here"--no Thank You!

Home dinner was sausage, peppers, potatoes and onions and pizza. For dessert, pazooki (chocolate cookie--warm, with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, topped with Cool Whip).
Another night of rain so we couldn't have a fire--AGAIN.

Saturday

This morning, Bob, in order to redeem himself, awoke early to cook breakfast for us--his specialty--sausage gravy and biscuits. The man is a marvel--we had no cream, so he used the fat-free half and half that I use in my coffee. It wasn't thickening well, so he used Bisquick mix. It was wonderful. We had a hot pepper mix so it was spicy. Our entertainment during breakfast was the relating of the many events of Bob's "adventure" boating yesterday. He's such a good sport. After a fast cleanup and our bellies full, we were out on the first day of our adventure.

Our first stop was the Bartlett winery. We had a tasting, with very cheap pours (though what can I expect for free), we walked out with four bottles each. Lots of fun still ahead, obviously.

We drove to Schoodac Peninsula and saw double-crested cormorants, eider ducks (male and female)--it was a warm day, but we managed to get out of the car a few times and do some rock descents and wildlife watching. We watched the regatta races.

The Nautica Pub called to us as we were on the way home, so we stopped in to have a pint. The idiot bartender, who was very nice, forgot to order Heath's pizza and by the time he remembered, we were ready to leave, so it was canceled. Each of us had a beer and I had a piece of blueberry pie--great crust but cinnamon in the blueberries? Really?

Across the street from the pub, we saw a beautiful MGA--black convertible with a wicker picnic basket on the trunk. It was beautiful and I wanted to steal it. I wanted to sit in it, but I didn't have the nerve to ask the owners when they came out.

We sat around outside just looking at the water and drinking. It was so relaxing and beautiful.

Home again, home again. We had a delicious dinner of ziti, meatballs (Antoinette's) and sausages with ciabatta garlic bread, and tomato caprese salad. For dessert, we had strawberry shortcake (pound cake, ice cream, strawberries in sugar, and Cool Whip).

A game of Trivial Pursuit showed, once again, how much Bob knows and how much I don't. Antoinette and Bob's team won 21-18 over me and Heath. UGH! and I thought we were catching up.

Jenn and Tom's Sleepover

Yesterday, we drove to Jenn and Tom McCowan's house in Winslow (near Waterville) Maine. The trip was longer than I remembered, but it was certainly worth it.

Jenn was a teacher at Apollo. I went to Jenn's wedding shower and Jenn and Tom's rehearsal dinner and wedding in Prescott. Jenn is now teaching Drama and English at Winslow High School in Maine. Tom is an attorney. They have two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Kathleen (Kate). I should add that they are both talented, smart, and just full of that youthful exuberance and potential. They play musical instruments and dance--Hannah is also taking Driver's Ed. I cannot believe how mature they have become in just three years (the last time I saw them).

 One of the many dwellers of the McCowan pond.

 Wish you could see the McCowan gardens--beautiful!

 "I'm ready for my close up."

 Hannah and cat

 Right outside the window--and there were more and more and more birds visiting

 Just one of the many flowers grown by the green thumb of Jenn McCowan.

 Another visitor--and there were so many.

 A view of the flowers from the dining room window.

 The pond at McCowan Park.

The house looked beautiful--Jenn certainly has a green thumb--her flower garden was spectacular--we, and many birds, certainly enjoyed it. Tom had put in a small pond where we also observed frogs, tadpoles, and Bob thinks he saw one toad as well. In addition, we watched red squirrels and chipmunks scamper about on their front patio and through the garden. The house has been renovated and there is a spacious living room and dining area. In addition (no pun intended), the girls now have larger rooms and there is a larger master suite with its own bathroom. We stayed in the guest room.

Jenn had prepared a few hors d'oevres which we munched away on until Tom came home. Tom took Hannah to driver's ed while Bob began cooking his CIA Risotto-like Pasta dish. It's one of my favorites, but since it is so different from regular Italian food, it was a gamble taking it someone's home. Tom, Jenn, and Kate are real foodies, though, and while Bob cooked, he and Tom discussed everything from critters to the historical buildings in Waterville. Tom and Jenn are so much fun because they are interested in so many different things. Tom is very actively involved in the history of Winslow and Waterville (they live in Winslow, but Waterville is practically right next door). Jenn and Tom are also amazing parents--these girls are sure to be successful--they are mature, well-behaved, talented, and beautiful. I can't wait to see where they will be in another 10 years. Kate is going into 7th grade and Hanna will be a sophomore this coming school year. Jenn has managed to grow the drama program and is lucky to have a principal who will help her do so.

We had a wonderful time talking all night about so many different topics--both are well-read so part of the discussion ended up being book reviews and recommendations. We were drinking some pretty good hard cider first, then Pinot Grigio, then Bob and I introduced Jenn and Tom to Chocovine and Chocvine with raspberry. These wines are delicious and 14% alcohol. It doesn't seem like chocolate wine would be good, but it is delicious and I think we made two converts last night. With dinner, Jenn had made a nice salad and for dessert, she made tiramisu--which was delicious--that we had with the Chocovine. After a wonderful evening with these friends that live much too far away, we went to bed--we stayed the night because of the long drive back and because Jenn wanted to take us to one of her favorite places for breakfast.

The next morning was very embarrassing for me. Bob and I had set the alarm clock, but right before it went off, Bob (thank goodness) had to use the bathroom. When he did so, he saw Tom who was looking for his wallet and sunglasses. Thinking that perhaps when we were cleaning up we might have seen them, he asked Bob. Bob came into the bedroom and I immediately remembered picking up a wallet that I thought was Bob's and sunglasses that I thought were mine. UGH! They had been looking for I don't know how long, not knowing that their kleptomaniac guest had picked them up and put them into her purse. Poor Jenn! Poor Tom! Stupid me.

Breakfast was at a cute place run by a little old lady named Roberta (I think). I had Eggs Benedict, Bob and Jennn had eggs as well, but with sausage links that were delicious. The home fries were also yummy. Then we went on a short trip into Waterville and I was reminded that Bob and I had gone into the shops the last time we had visited the McCowans in 2009. Because we had to get back and get ready for Antoinette (my cousin) and Heath (her sweetie) who are coming tomorrow night, our shopping trip was short. We returned to Jenn's house and left for our cottage--but not before not being able to find our GPS. After rummaging through the van, I called Jenn and, lo and behold, she had found it. We returned one more time, got some water, used the facilities and we were on our way (again!)

It's unfortunate that we live so far from each other because, despite the age difference of 20 years, we could have many adventures and interesting discussions with this couple. Again, we had a wonderful time visiting them.

On our way home, one more grocery visit--boy we have a lot of food--too much especially since I know we'll be so busy during the day that we'll end up eating out and I don't know what we're going to do with all this food. UGH! Why do I overdo this food experience stuff EVERY  SINGLE time? I was going to make potato salad and chicken salad but I realized I have no room to put it in the frig. Tomorrow AM we'll be doing some rearranging and cleaning up, but probably no cooking since we have no room.

So our next adventure begins when Antoinette and Heath gets here and so does my anxiety about making sure they have a good time. Can't I just look forward to something without worrying about it? I guess the answer to that is NO!