Ode to the Olden Days

I don't know many people who don't have fond memories of or love the smell of freshly cut grass....well, anyone other than an allergy sufferer.  It always takes me back to the long summer days of my childhood.  As I was sitting at the front counter of Lucky Hill this morning, I found myself smiling as the aroma of freshly cut grass drifted in the window.  The nostalgic scent was accompanied by a sound I couldn't quite place which seemed to get closer and closer to the open front door.  And then I saw it.  The old push mower that had been tucked into a corner of the garage.....being pushed by Dan!

After I came back into the shop, I heard a group of women call out to my husband that it was so wonderful to see someone using the old-fashioned mower.  It was charming and most perfectly suited to Castine.  The rhythmic schwump schwump of the rotating blades was so much sweeter than the loud roar of a gasoline powered lawnmower.  While being green might require a little more elbow grease and time, it's more than worth it on so many levels....although I wasn't the one pushing the mower!  Dan, on the other hand, might still believe it's not easy being green.  Then again, maybe not.

Norman Rockwell's America at Its Best

Dan and I have been looking forward to our first July 4th celebration in our new hometown of Castine, Maine and it most certainly didn't disappoint.  Whenever people spoke of the impending festivities, the name Normal Rockwell always seemed to pop up.  After experiencing the day's events, all I can say is Mr. Rockwell would have been proud and had a plethora of subject matter to paint.

The last time I saw an old-fashioned July 4th parade with decorated bikes and wagons was as a child while visiting my grandparents at the Jersey shore.  From the minute Dan and I approached the town common, I frequently found myself overcome with emotion and welling up with tears of happiness.  I hope and pray these celebrations and traditions will never be lost.

I'm going to let the photos speak for the day, but will say the highlights were the little piglet named Jimmy Dean in the parade and the pie eating contest.  Sadly, the weather was not terribly cooperative with morning rain during the Otter House 5K race and evening fog causing the fireworks to be postponed.

I hope your Fourth of July was as memorable as ours.  Enjoy Castine's Fourth in the photos below!

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Long Goodbye

On the road again well wishes

"A thought....."  The second I read those words in an e-mail or hear them over the phone, I know our dear friend, Ridge, is posing something magical.  I'm not entirely sure if they were the exact words in the e-mail in which Ridge offered to host a going away party for Dan and me, but that's how I will always remember it.  The date was set for last night and the event, as is always the case when one hikes the 64 steps to the house on the hill, was the perfect mix of excellent food, bottomless bottles of wine, and jovial company.

Dan's brother, Vic, and his partner, Thuan, drove over from the desert and our dear friends, Jim and Mike, up from behind the Orange Curtain.  We were joined late in the evening by Ridge's grand nephew, Richard, and his partner, Michael.  Not surprisingly, the guests provided lively conversation, strolls down memory lane, and so much laughter a baby skunk decided to check out the festivities and wandered right up to the screendoor. 

Our wonderful host

Upon entering the living room, complete with the million-dollar view of L.A., we were greeted with a yummy display of hors d'ouevres backed by a presentation that provided everyone an overview of our soon-to-be home town of Castine, photos of the new home/shop/gallery, and well wishes on our next adventure.  Corks popped and everyone wandered onto the deck to take in the sunset.  When Ridge said dinner was something "simple" it's a safe bet to say his idea of "simple" and mine must vary greatly.  Dinner was a lobster salad on the half shell, perfectly poached salmon with a silky sauce sprinkled with dill, and roasted veggies all beautifully plated on a bed of spinach.  Simple?  No.  Exquisite?  Absolutely. 

I don't know if Ridge keeps a dosier on all of his friends, but he always astounds me when he manages to remember my favorite things.  I could swear the last time I was over at his house I commented on the stunning golden orange roses in his garden.  Amazingly, they were at the center of the table amid an array of pillar candles.  And when the red velvet cupcakes appeared for dessert, I couldn't help but whisper to Ridge that he had, once again, remembered they are my favorite.  I was beyond touched when Ridge offered me the most beautiful handknit Irish throw for use in the shop as display.  The warmth the throw will provide during those long cold Maine winters will not only be due to the thick wool, but also in knowing it was Ridge's.  It will be comforting to look across the shop and feel he is with me.

Red Velvet cupcakes from Lark Cake Shop

Time is winding down and emotions are running high for me.  I can be so incredibly stoic about some things, but such a crybaby about others.  Last night proved more than a little hard to say goodbye to our family and friends.....who I also regard as family.  Ridge pointed out that we have only known each other for two years, but through my tears I told him there are some people you meet along the way who are fast friends from the start.  Ridge was one of those people.  Dan and I are blessed to have friends who are family and family who are friends.  There aren't enough words of thanks we can offer Ridge for his generosity, hospitality, and friendship so Dan and I will simply say, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts".
 

Dan, me, and Ridge at the end of a perfect evening

Remembering: Popping the Cork

I don't know when or even why we started the tradition of writing on corks, but it seems we've done it as long as we've been together.  Similarly, I don't think there was ever actually any intended end use for the scribbled on stoppers.  They have heralded grand events like weddings and births, special occasions and gatherings, life punctuations, and simple days we want to remember.

There is a collection of three corks on the desk in my studio reminding me of an especially difficult contract from which I am now free.  On our window sill is another grouping from dinners with friends.  Kitchen drawers hold a plethora of corks of varying vintages and wineries each possessing its own special notation.

No, our house is not overflowing with corks and most people who visit would probably never notice, but we do on occasion.  The other day I was looking for a biscuit cutter and opened a drawer to find a cork from a dinner at a favorite restaurant when  Dan's daughter, Nicole, was visiting nestled against another noting a happy vacation in San Francisco.  These subtle little cylinders, when discovered, usually bring a smile to my face and transport me back to that moment when Dan pulled out his black pen and immortalized the occasion.

I've contemplated the idea of putting the corks in clear jars or bowls and sitting them around the house so we could see them, but somehow that would take the fun out of our discovering them in the normal comings and goings of daily life.  Perhaps they are perfectly placed....playing hide and seek...happily reminding us of the special moments in life when we least expect it.