So yesterday on our trip home from Maine, I felt so awed by such a short trip.
First, the addition of four new friends that happened so effortlessly and instantaneously. They walked in the door and the connection was there. I tend to be an introverted person by nature and it's something special when I don't have to sit back and watch before I decide to join in and become a part of a group. Occasionally that instant connection happens and I'm always surprised. Seldom do I experience an instant connection with a whole group - it's generally a one on one thing for me.
The bounties we enjoyed on this trip seemed endless. To arrive at the converted barn to find lots of fresh milk from the cow, and fresh eggs straight from the chicken was such a treat, but then to have these four people walk in, right after Rich and I arrived, with armfuls of veggies from the garden... Pure delight. That first night's dinner of scrambled eggs with some veggies was just a shadow of what was to come. The food for the rest of the time we were together was so close to the earth and sea and wholesome and delicious.
To me, it seems the best times are spent around a kitchen table and the barn was no exception to that. Whether you're actually eating or not is immaterial. It's the warmth and exchange that happens best in an informal setting like that. Laughing, eating, laughing, cementing an old friendship, laughing, and creating new ones made the first part of this vacation a delight. (I was nervous heading out to spend that much time with mainly people I'd never met and felt silly about it after that first dinner.)
Along the lines of friends, we had an unexpected visit with a dear friend who's had such a rough year. It was good to know we gave her a chance, if only for a quick lunch, to get away from the stress of caring for her loved ones as she has been for the better part of this year. Though it was wonderful to see her and provide a short distraction, I left lunch wondering at the strength it takes for her to leave her still recovering husband three quarters of the way across the country to take care of her daughter while she also struggles to recover. I've always felt it was better to be the person afflicted than the person on the sidelines cheering and supporting. Top that off with trying to do it for two.... She's a strong woman.
I've already alluded to the food. Lot's of seafood - it's Maine, after all. Outstanding was the fish fry we had around that kitchen table fresh from the lake we were on. Took me back to my very young days vacationing with my family where we'd eat our catch of the day in the evenings. Nothing better.
Animals.... Well, not what I'd expected, but fun. We saw porcupines every night by the barn, Cashmere goats on the road to the barn, wild turkeys, dolphins, a whale, harbor seals, a young bald eagle, and snakes. What we didn't see were the bears and moose we were told were there. (I think they just say that to the tourists - they're not really there.)
Scenery... Lush forests, beautiful gardens, stunning seasides, and lovely harbors. I remember the shore of Maine from our last trip out there in the early 80's. All the islands and curving inlets and harbors are so picturesque. The fog and mists just add to the beauty. Stand still a bit and watch it change everything in a matter of minutes.
Food..... Yum
Adventures.... My first kayaking. I love it! Can't say I'm ready or wanting to try it on anything as big or wild as the ocean, but in a quiet lake. Perfection! Soooo peaceful.
Then there was the hiking up the mountain. Besides the fun of taking novices up to something they'd not done before, to end on a mountaintop overlooking not only miles of land, but the gorgeous shore and harbor? Magnificent.
Then there was our trip to the light house. The day before we made it over to it, we stood on the shore looking at the rushing water, 15 (at least) foot depths of water ebbing and flowing between us and the islands. Rusty looking steps and ladders leading straight into the water. Impossible that we could walk across there, right? Wrong! The next day at low tide we scrambled down the ladders, across the rocks, in between the seaweed now flattened on the rocks, and up the other side (twice - two islands) to arrive at the foot of the light house. Amazing.
Exploring Campabello Island on the second day. First in the fog. Experiencing the changing views, the hush of the fog, then returning to the same spots later that day to see it all again in clear sunshine.
People... We met warm, friendly, helpful, fun folks everywhere we went. From the bed and breakfast owners, to the deli sandwich girl, schooner crew, waitstaff at restaurants, store clerks, people on the trails and streets, you name it. They were all great.
Food.... Oh, and did I mention, the food? (haha!) Fish, Lobster, Ice cream, Veggies, fresh,fresh,fresh, and repeat......
Weather.... It was cool, it was warm, it was sunny, it was rainy, it was foggy, it was clear. It was wonderful!
And so, is it any wonder that I came home feeling blessed? I laughed 'til my sides ached both with the group and with just Rich and I. The dry humor of the "Mainers" was contagious and just plain silliness happens when there's magic around you.
So now that I'm home and reflecting on all those blessings and thinking up new ideas that were inspired on our trip I can't help feeling anything other than blessed. Here's hoping you find things in your life today to make you remember how blessed you are too.
