Adventures in vacationland

Big yard doings!

2010-05-03T19:19:00.005-04:00

Landscaping abounds at Michael Drive.

Matt is sorry he was volunteered for this project, but has been very helpful.

Chloe likes to watch and mouth off from the deck.

Sid and his grandson, William, took a ride over on the JD. Sid and Jackie are getting a new garade. Big doings around the hood!

William is one of my new favorite people. He is three, proud, fearless, loves to dig in the dirt and go fishin.

I finally figured it out...

2010-03-16T18:39:00.008-04:00

Matt has multiple activities disorder! Not that there is anything wrong with that?

Aroostook County fine art.

2010-03-14T17:18:00.007-04:00

Spring and Easter greetings abound.

Bunnies are everywhere. This one sings and dances.

I have quite the bunny collection.

Matt's twim was given this fine hand crafted bird house from a friend he works with up in "the county." It's a signed piece of art which Mark felt I would appreciate.

His eyes follow you no matter where you go in the room. I call him Woodie.

Big Valentines weekend!

2010-02-14T18:41:00.015-05:00

Chloe had surgery on Monday. She was fixed, (although not broken in her mind), and had 4 teeth removed. Knocked her for a loop for 2 days and she has come back with more attitude than a little dog should be allowed.

Annie continues to wonder about the sanity of humans!

I got roses and cupcakes!

Yet again this year, I was fortunate to have Butchie as my Valentines date.

We attended a great party with friends.

Everyone looked so nice!

We love to celebrate the holidays with friends!

Pretty dresses and chicks were everywhere!

Happy faces!

I love these people!!!

It's all about the bling!

2010-01-17T16:43:00.007-05:00

Matt has a new hat for his upcoming ice fishing derby.

Johnny was a welcome visitor today.

Chloe never goes away.

Everyone loves the new hat!

I find lately...

2010-01-14T19:36:00.002-05:00

...that I am not the blogger I used to be due to facebook. I love my blog and realized today that I have sustained my blog since 2006. It has kept me in touch with family and friends. I will blog on through the next year and all 2 of my readers will blog on as well!

Happy New Year Everyone!

2010-01-02T17:37:00.002-05:00

I love a three day snow storm!

Home for the Holidays,

2009-12-27T17:40:00.007-05:00

Every year our tree gets prettier!

I love Santa!

Chloe's first Christmas.

The best dog that ever lived!

We love our new dishes from Butchie!

My Kindle. I dream come true!

It's better than I knew it would be!!!

Holiday decorations

2009-12-19T20:57:00.005-05:00

It's all party, party, party around here this holiday season!

2009-12-05T23:09:00.013-05:00

Chloe, Matt, and I got all dressed up. Annie stayed home and watched the farm.

What a great party!!!

A Happy Thanksgiving Day in Carmel.

2009-11-28T06:12:00.004-05:00

Chef Matt.

Chloe takes on lobstah.

Lobsters on parade.

Harley girls!

2009-11-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

From my kitchen to yours...

2009-11-01T17:10:00.004-05:00

Today we are making Yorkshire pudding!

Happy Halloween!

Creek Ratz!

2009-10-29T19:21:00.006-04:00

Just down the road from Mom and Dad's is a great lunch place called "Creek Ratz." You can walk along the creek and enjoy great food.

We liked it so much on Thursday, we went back on Sunday.

It's where I met my Bubba Love!

A Fashion Statement!

2009-10-17T09:31:00.006-04:00

Chloe got a new winter jacket just in time for cold weather.

Fur trimmed of course.

Her jacket matches her new sweater.

A warm blanket and her sister's butt also keep her warm.

The James family does Myrtle Beach!

2009-10-15T20:23:00.004-04:00

Dad has a new camera that takes great pictures.

We had a great time.

Mom and her boy.

Me and my new boy toy, Bubba Love.

Gold Digger!

2009-10-01T20:59:00.004-04:00

Chloe's first outfit is a little large for her. XXXS is too big.

She is a fashion statement.

Meet the latest addition to our family!!!

2009-09-29T19:21:00.003-04:00

This is Chloe. She is an eight week old Yorkshire Terrior that my dear friend and boss felt I should have as a birthday present.

She came complete with all the accessories and weighs a pound or so.

We were not prepared at all for this addition to our family, not to mention how Annie might feel about her, but so far we are all adjusting. Matt and I are in love with her. Annie is not so sure how she feels and may need therapy.

Too much fun!

2009-09-22T20:07:00.003-04:00

In the Northern Maine Woods! I love this pic I took of my teammates having fun.

Race for the Cure!

2009-09-22T19:41:00.002-04:00

My friend and I, along with 5,000 other runners and walkers, participated in the Race for the Cure to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.

The opening ceremonies were great. Many survivors were celebrated, great entertainment, and we did the salsa to warm up for the walk.

Great day!

Ultimate team building!

2009-09-18T20:08:00.015-04:00

White water rafting on the Penobscot River. My boss thought it would be a great team building exercise to go rafting.

Ready to raft from left to right: Brandon, Mark, Michelle, Rena, Erika, and me. As the brochure reads: The Penobscot is the most challenging river in Maine and one of the best in the United States. You will experience more technical rapids, exposed rocks, steeper gradients and awesome whitewater.

Michelle was glad when the ride was over. We enjoyed a post ride meal of steak, chicken, salmon, three bean salad, bread, and rice. We were so tired, cold, hungry, and glad to be alive.

We took three rafts up the mountain, just in case.

Our wet suits were cold, wet, and not the best fit.

Erika wanted to take this floatation device down the river with her. She is the new bride who's wedding we attended in Bar Harbor last month.

Michelle, Erika, and Rena are getting ready to ride.

Rena and Brandon trying not to look nervous.

I love that we were able to take home pictures of our adventure the same day. The rafting company, "North Country Adventures" has a photographer take pictures of you during the ride and are available on CD for you at the end of the day.

This is Blake, our safety guide in his kayate. We loved him. He is the guy that will try to help you in the event you fall out of the raft. He is a wild man!

We really did this today and lived to tell about it!

Believe it or not, we were still in the boat coming out of this rapid. I was scared to death, but can't wait to do it again next year. We are in there somewhere. You want to just hang on for dear life, but must hang on to your paddle and work together to get through the rapids. The guide in the back of the raft gives commands on what to do. When he yells, "Go, go, go" you paddle with all your might.

That's me, third rafter back on your left. Of course, Rena got us what's called "The Ulitmate Ride." It's twelve miles, six hours long. The river is rated a Class 4 river with some class 5 rapids on a scale of 1 to 6. We stayed at the Big Moose Inn at Baxter State Park the night before and had quite a party. One tends to drink more when think you might die the next day. Hitting those rapids instantly brings you out of a hangover. We were quite a team!!!

Labor Day weekend at Duck and Dobsie Lakes.

2009-09-07T17:38:00.026-04:00

I love this boat!

We cruised all over Dobsie Lake. The weather was perfect.

Rita and Bobby had family visit.

Bobby and Matt were catching fish left and right, with Rita providing supervision.

Our fire pit continues to be a work in progress. We upgraded this year by adding a steel tire rim to contain the fire better.

Works like a charm.

Gathering wood is a favorite activity while at camp and a necessity as the nights start to get quite chilly.

Captain Matt with Skipper Bobby.

I'm not so sure if we did this or not.

Rita's nephews loved fishing off the dock...

...while the men told fish stories.

This is a little cabin on an island on Dobsie Lake that I wish belonged to us.

The more time I spend on Dobsie, the more I realize why my Uncle Roy loved it so much.

Thank you my Native American friends.

Hero and his Dad fished the back of the boat.

Hero was in his glory.

This is the shore of Duck Lake just down from our little slice of camping heaven.

I love pond lilies.

On the shore of Duck Lake. It's very pretty but not good for swimming. Very mucky, weedy, and we have seen blood suckers. I was a spoiled child and spent every summer where I could go swimming right in front of our camp. Personally, I am looking for a place on Dobsie where I can do that again.

In the meantime, this will certainly do nicely.

Lettuce rejoice!

2009-09-01T18:55:00.004-04:00

For the little things in life. Like a garden that we started out with great gardening enthusiasm but were stunted by two months of rain.

Matt with another Uncle Henry's find.

If nothing else, we had tons of lettuce this year.

Rusty, trucks, and Matt.

2009-08-22T21:04:00.005-04:00

The truck is not rusty...

...but Rusty was present. We went out to visit John and Kim in Eddington today. Rusty was sporting a new hair cut and is going through adolescence: barks at his mother, is brave as all get out, and humps when he gets the chance. We love him to pieces.

We love our new bathroom!

2009-08-22T19:47:00.006-04:00

Our old dingy master bath is now 100 percent renovatived. Love the new big tub and ceramic tile. Neil did a great job.

The vanity Matt got for me as a birthday present a few years ago looks great.

Bathroom reading material with some shells from Myrtle Beach of course.

Love the new high rise tiolet.

A bowed shower curtain is the best and I used a coupon for the new shower curtain at one of my best friends, "Bed, Bath, and Beyond."

What a Wedding!!!

2009-08-10T19:56:00.013-04:00

We attended one of the best weddings ever at the Bar Harbor Club this weekend

Such a beautiful setting!

Mother of the bride and the best boss I have ever had.

Cocktail hour on the patio over looking the Atlantic.

Matt toured the grounds.

This is one of my favorite little girls in the world, who looked like a princess. She was flower girl and obviously drop dead gorgeous!

I love big men! Travis is one of the best, the son of my boss, also brother to the bride, and just a all around great guy! We had our heads in the clouds.

Of course, the attempt at the " Paris Hilton arm pop."

I loved my dress!

My date was very handsome!

My bestest work buddy and her hubby!

Man's best friend.

2009-08-06T21:14:00.002-04:00

Johnny and Rusty.

Too much fun...

2009-08-01T20:17:00.002-04:00

Heidi and I were all teeth and sunglasses.

Catching a big one...

2009-07-21T19:28:00.002-04:00

All 2 or 3 of my frequent readers know that my Mom can catch a big one!

The joys of camping...

2009-07-19T20:17:00.016-04:00

A camper with a mirror at the dining room table so you can take a picture of yourself...

A living room with a picture your Mom painted, a MP3 player, and trophy fishing lures...

the tinest kitchen in the world to clean...

...in addition to the dining room table, you also have a kitchen table full of reading material which also folds into a bed...

a man that reads the camper manual...

... a singing lobster that your sister felt you must own and you continually play while at camp.

We headed out on Dobsie Lake one morning, the sky was gloomy, and islands and really big rocks were everywhere.

We made it through the "narrows" and into the big lake.

The sky cleared and we were not ship wrecked.

I caught a white perch so big he would not fit in the picture.

The best part of boatin is floatin!!!

On the way back from camp, we stopped in Lee, Maine of course. There is a new take-out stand across from the grange hall, just down from the museum, that has the best fried clams.

Girls just want to have fun in Boothbay Harbor!!!

2009-07-13T18:36:00.015-04:00

I make such a good tourist.

We laughed alot and solved all the world's problems.

Lobster is a must when we get together.

Jen, the official tour guide.

I wanted to cast away on this yacht but Jen wouldn't let me.

This 13 pound beauty just came off the boat.

When in Boothbay, one must sit on the harbor and have Cape Codders.

We hung around the fence of knowledge but didn't get any smarter.

The weather was absolutely perfect.

Big catch!

2009-07-09T20:22:00.002-04:00

That's my Mom. She knows how to catch a big one. Matt is the master of all fishermen: he has years of fishing experience, calculates the angle of the dangle, and has more fishing equipment than LL Bean. However, he can't say he has ever caught this big of fish. Way to go Mom!

The first day of summer...

2009-07-05T19:11:00.005-04:00

The herb garden is complete and in place.

Easy access off the kitchen.

Chives, basil, lavender, and sage.

I want to add oregano and rosemary.

After the rains...

2009-07-01T19:32:00.011-04:00

It was so nice to be able to walk around the yard tonight and see what's bloomin. This is Uncle Franks's rose bed, which blooms better every year based upon his advise of beer as a fertilizer.

The Emily tree continues to grow and spread new wings.

Dad's arbor is over run with flowering maple.

The pool is ready for a swim.

I keep waiting to see hummingbirds at their feeders. Birds swimming in the "Jerry" bird bath, and be able to sit on the bench without 62,512 misquitos eating me alive.

I was finally able to stain and stencil my herb garden bed.

Almost ready for planting.

We were finally able to mow and appeciate the bloomin yard.

As always, Annie keeps watch. It's so good to get outside.

We found these little skinny hosta two years ago in the woods and moved them to the front of the house. They have grown so much, especially with the recent 65 days of rain.

Mission renovation!

2009-06-18T19:52:00.008-04:00

The master bath is gutted, striped, and new plumbing abounds.

New flooring and a huge tub await in the garage.

Doors are every where.

My raised bed herb garden continues to be a work in progress...

...and the best news of all!!! We have a new washer and dryer. I love my laundry room.

Features and options abound.

Herb garden.

2009-06-16T20:31:00.001-04:00

My new work friend brought me all kinds of herbs for my new garden.

Bathroom Renovation!

2009-06-14T17:38:00.007-04:00

We are renovating the master bath, thanks to our housemate and resident plumber.

We have three new super high rise, easy glide toilets and a load of old bath stuff.

Matty Stewart found a deal on new deck seat cushions.

I keep planting.

Found a great deal on herb garden bling at Marden's yesterday.

Also a $3.95 pool sign.

I love bocce ball!

2009-06-09T19:35:00.006-04:00

This is our bocce team competing at State games for the first time.

A team photo of athletes, coaches, managers, and family.

Our team manager kept a close watch on the game.

His Grandma and Aunt came to watch the game.

I love a parade!!!

2009-06-05T22:46:00.011-04:00

Especially the opening parade for the Special Olympic games at UMO.

One of our athletes was interviewed by Channel 5.

The proud team banner.

Antique PD.

Anah Temple guys have a new thing they do that involves really big hats to cover their stomach faces!?! It was entertaining, yet strange?

I asked Zappo the clown where he had been all my life.

Proud cheerleaders!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-05-27T19:18:00.010-04:00

We were all excited to go to camp this weekend. Circumstances did not allow: like a truck that does not run after $600.00 of repairs, a lack of desire to load up camp gear, and too much stuff to do around the homestead.

We stayed home and worked around the yard with Annie supervising.

I had happy feet.

Fed the little tiny birds with a new feeder.

The barn got new flowers.

My chives inspire me to plant a new and improved herb garden this year.

We cleaned and moved the bird bath. It's very heavy and looks much better in it's new location. It fits perfectly on the stump of the "Jerry" tree we recently cut down.

Go Mike!

2009-05-26T19:28:00.002-04:00

My nephew Mike just graduated and has a promising future. Go Mike!
He is so good lookin!

Fishin the fine waters of Long Lake.

2009-05-26T19:02:00.006-04:00

The annual May fishin trip occured with no major incidents. The new boat ran well and nobody drowned.

Matt scored these two trouts.

Saw a loon or two.

Showed off our new boat, which I have still to ride in.

Max caught the biggest salmon ever.

Take a look at the size of that fish!!!

No one loves spring more than me...

2009-05-20T20:11:00.003-04:00

It's the little things that make me happy!

The continuing drama of Michael Drive...

2009-04-27T19:05:00.016-04:00

What a busy weekend around the homestead. Emily came to visit for the grand opening of the pool.

She brought along her grandfather, Sid, who is the best neighbor ever. He can fix anything.

I love a good birch tree. Matt insisted this tree had to be slaughtered because it put, "too much crap in the pool."

Emily is just glad she can stick her feet in the pool and can't wait to go swimming.

She insisted I take a picture of her new Hannah Montana fur lined crocs.

The Hog came out of hiding. It's for sale, by the way, my internet friends.

We want a camp instead.

I was surprised this weekend with a new ride of my own.

Matt found me this new bike at a yard sale. I have been looking for a new bike for a couple of years. I wanted a classic beach bike with gears. Most beach bikes have no gears because they ride on a flat beach. This baby has seven speeds. The previous owner bought it new last year for over $200.00. He thought it would help after his heart surgery. He rode it three times to Dysart's Restaurant for breakfast. If you have ever had a Dysart's breakfast, you know that biking there defeated the purpose of the ride.

To make a long story short. I have two new rides.

These are the trees our new neighbors cut down over the weekend.

I raked and was glad to see green stuff.

Sid and Jackie have the best garden in the neighborhood, as always.

Annie was just happy to get outside.

Happy Patriots Day!

2009-04-21T18:30:00.004-04:00

Matt was ever so festive and brought home the best butter in the world.

...along with 5 lbs of clams

...big, beautiful lobstah

Mark joined us for a wonderful feast!

A sleep over!

2009-04-19T16:39:00.010-04:00

Rusty came to stay! We all acted like a puppy.
Ebony and ivory sort of. Rusty just wants to play, play, play and Annie wants to be Queen Bitch. They are cousins and I think they will come to love each other?

Matt gave me the most thoughtful Easter stuff!

Rusty loves crocs!!!

In support of the arts, Matt read aloud from Uncle Henry's.

Easter party!

2009-04-05T18:00:00.008-04:00

We had our annual Easter party at our new offices today. Of course Butch had a front row seat by the DJ.

We had a great dinner and then proceeded to get down to some serious dancin.

Our new office space makes for a great party hall.

Dancing up a storm!

We have such great parties!!!

Rock on!!!

Latest addition to the family.

2009-04-04T18:19:00.006-04:00

After a busy shopping day, Matt and I stopped out to see Johnny and Kim for happy hour. We were just in time to meet their new baby.

Kim found him in Uncle Henry's of course. He is about three months old and 100 percent pure lovable.

Name that puppy? Since he just came home, he is still nameless. We tossed around several possible names today.

For the first hour in his new home, he appeared quite well behaved, had some fun, cat food, photo ops, and loves his crate. What a good boy!

I'm in love!!!

Phil!

2009-04-01T19:03:00.004-04:00

I found this little guy roaming around the garage last week. He was starving and had a gimp leg. Since I brought him inside and have been feeding him a nutritous, well balanced diet, he has been doing great! I call him Phil Philbrick.
April Fool.

New office digs!

2009-03-29T16:12:00.010-04:00

We recently moved to new offices. Two doors down from where we were in the same mini-brick mall. It was a flooring and lighting studio that went out of business. Consequently, we have great flooring and lighting.

This is the reception area that looks like you are checking into a nice hotel.

A lovely sitting area outside of my office.

We have a water fountain that is out of control and sprays water all over a nice hardwood floor. It's a work in progress.

This is my office looking in. We call it the White House.

I love the big windows.

Inside the oval office. My boss also gave me a big, brand new desk.
The other half of my oval office.

Our new toy!

2009-03-28T17:50:00.010-04:00

What a Uncle Henry's find! Thanks Mom, Dad, and Matt. This 17 foot beauty is a 2004 boat with a 2005 motor.

The nice man we bought it from in Biddeford included much boat bling: a paddle, life jackets, many manuals, fish holders, and a fancy, pancy fish finder.

Our new boat is a wide ride!

I love a Yamaha motor that is bigger than I am. I'm told it is a 115 HP, four stroke, 4 cylinder unit.

Beach resort!

2009-03-24T18:45:00.002-04:00

My spring fever is causing me to long for a vacation in South Carolina. This resort offers 2 restaurants, 6 pools, 2 lazy rivers, and a popular 1060 foot fishing pier. All for the low, low sum of $44.00 per night. Anyone when else want to go and have some fun in the sun?

Wild neighbors!

2009-03-23T19:25:00.003-04:00

Oh! A deer a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun, me a name I call myself, far a long, long way to run.
Right in our own front yard. This girl comes out frequently with 5 or 6 of her family to feed on Sid and Jackie's garden. It's been a long cold winter and they are so happy it's spring.

Boat update!

2009-03-19T18:48:00.004-04:00

I'm sure you regular readers have been waiting for an update on our continuing search for a new boat. Uncle Henry's comes through yet again. We are about 95 percent sure this is the boat we want. Although it has no canvas top and frame, we know someone who can make the top for about $1700.00. Matt is leaving for Biddeford on Saturday to see the boat up close and personal.

Uncle Henry's boats.

2009-03-13T18:20:00.013-04:00

Boats and trucks come and go out of our yard frequently. Mom and Dad graciously sends Matt a yearly subscription to Uncle Henry's.

We are looking for a boat like the one I told Matt that I loved, but he sold it anyways and broke my heart.

Give me back our old boat.

Matt checked out this 17 foot boat today in Wiscassett today.

We want a Lund boat, because they are the supposed to be the best.

Another boat we are considering. It's five years newer, bigger motor, but has no canvas top. A new top is about $2500.00. Which way do we go?

So many boats, so little time.

This time of year makes me long for the south.

2009-03-11T19:57:00.007-04:00

A vacation with two of my favorite men.

Big fish above the mantle.

Being right on the beach.

My family and best friends.

Wild weather!

Walking the plank!

Vacation Matt!!!

More of the same...

2009-03-02T17:25:00.001-05:00

We know we are really snowed in, when it's above the rocking chair.

Big Duck Lake!

2009-02-23T18:00:00.008-05:00

A trout no doubt.

Ice capades.

The two fish of the day.

Imagine this baby on the grill with a seafood stuffing. Our friend Matty was the only lucky fisherman of the day.

It's just a winter festival!

2009-02-20T19:28:00.005-05:00

Matt's all excited about ice fishing with his buds tomorrow at Big Duck Lake!

It has snowed for two days and everything looks clean and fresh.

The barn seems so far away.

The fence is buried.

All Dolled Up for a Valentine's Dance

2009-02-13T22:17:00.008-05:00

Sporting the popular red carpet arm pop position.

Sporting the popular "Butchie" photo position with my date.

We were so glad to see our friend Rob. He was on team Maine with me when I went to Special Olympic National Games in Iowa and is one heck of a dancer.

Matt gave me chocolate dog chocolates.

Girls night out!

The music was great!

Everyone was all dolled up!

The food, friends, and festivities made for one good time!!!

New blog layout!

2009-02-05T17:59:00.002-05:00

What do you do when it has been below zero for a freakin month? You stay inside, hope the dog doesn't have to pee too frequently, eat lots of comfort food, and change your blog layout. The picture now headlining my little blog is a recent shot of Michael Drive. It looks like I may gotten creative with black and white photos, but that's just Maine on a snowy day.
I love the street on which we live for many reasons: it certainly is quiet, it's named after my nephew, my dog is Queen of the neighborhood, and you may even get snowed in.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-02T19:23:00.001-05:00

To avoid cleaning, I decorate.

This one is for you Dave!

2009-01-31T18:02:00.006-05:00

Your fishin buddies went back to one of favorite fishin spots without you.
It was 55 below zero outside the ice shack.

They scored about 20 salmon. Had three trucks that would not start. Ate great food including: moose meat, chop suey, and breakfast in the ice shack.

Played and cheated at poker while solving all the world's problems.

Sleds are required.

The camp has had many improvements in the past couple years.

Keeping the home fires burning.

2009-01-29T18:55:00.004-05:00

....by remote control.

Matt's wounded shoulder gets better every day and caused no damage to his Marine Corp tatoo.

Annie's bed got washed today. She paced the whole time it was in the washer and dryer. She hates it when her world is disrupted, but loves a fresh clean bed.

Snow Day!

2009-01-28T17:31:00.002-05:00

We are getting another 12 to 18 inches today.

Post op!

2009-01-21T20:02:00.003-05:00

Matt's surgery is over! Yippee!! He has this wonder tube that sends pain medication directly to his wounded paw.

Nurse: "I've never had anyone take a picture pre-op before."

Me: "and you probably never will again."

This Christmas past...

2009-01-20T18:55:00.014-05:00

Kim just sent us these pics from our Christmas Eve celebration. Of course I had to help Matt prepare for a photo op.

We might be silly... ...but we clean up well.

...thanks Kim for such a great Christmas Eve!

Elaine played Santa!!!

...we loved the tree !

...and opened great presents!

Hero has a birthday!!!

2009-01-15T19:22:00.003-05:00

Hero celebrated his birthday this holiday season with his proud new family.

He is so thankful to have been found by Kim at the humane society, adopted by Bobby and Rita, and living the good life. We all just love him!

More of my favorite 2009 "Daily Bitch" calendar.

2009-01-14T18:47:00.002-05:00

January 7th - "I have no idea what I'm doing out of bed."

January 9th - "My inner child is a sassy little bitch too."

Annie's favorite things...

2009-01-11T17:40:00.005-05:00

Being able to stand on all fours without falling on her face.

The new Christmas "Boodah" from Aunt Kim and Uncle John.

Walking in new snow.

Me filling bird feeders and Matt not knowing how to take a pic with my camera.

Hill View Barns!

2009-01-09T19:07:00.003-05:00

You frequent readers know that we love our mini barn.

We were pleased to find out that Hill View Mini Barns is now designing cabins.

This 12 x 28 unit is called the "Settler"

One more of my favorite things...

2009-01-04T17:33:00.004-05:00

The calendar my friend Carol gave me called: "The Daily Bitch."
So far it reads:
January 1, "Live fast. Die Young. Leave Bills"
January 2, "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you do your hair"
January 3, "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups"

Thanks Carol!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-12-29T19:18:00.008-05:00

Forgive me, but I watched The Sound of Music yet again last night. So here are a few of my favorite things this holiday season:
I love the fact that a seed catalog arrives two days after Christmas.

Annie has this new wonder brace to keep her from licking her elbows to the bone. We are told it is a side effect of her medications that causes this self-abusive behavior. It is not one of her favorite things.

Matt and I received many lottery tickets for Christmas and remain full of hope to someday win the big bucks.

I continue to love our new alternative source of heat. Fireplace, definately a favorite thing!

Matt loves his "Crown" from Butch and family. It appeared to be one of his favorite things this holiday season.

Matt also loved his new mat from Smitty and Carol.

Thanks Kim for the great placemats.

Mark gave me a food processor that eats whole veggies at a time.

Storm riders.

2008-12-28T08:20:00.009-05:00

After a big breakfast at our one and only Carmel restaurant, the famous Seafood Galley, Matt and I took the big truck out four wheelin in the freezing rain.

We cruised by the deer farm near our house. These guys are just waiting to be on someones dinner plate in Europe.

We continued to East Corinth to check out the house Mark has put in an offer to purchase.

It has a mini barn which I consider a necessity.

A two car garage where we can store some of our toys.

And a day light basement for a mere $92,000. We hope he gets it!

That's the spirit!

2008-12-22T21:20:00.008-05:00

We had yet another great party at the rec center.

The birthday girl!!!

Santa's elf!

The one and only arrived.

Josh and Erika got engaged!

I made the coolest gifts for R and C!

Holiday Cheer!

2008-12-21T17:08:00.006-05:00

Butch, Phyllis, and Mert came for Sunday dinner.

We gave Butch a remote control spider and after some assembly, it was fun for everyone.

We were festive!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It's going to anyways.

Crazy shots.

2008-12-18T20:49:00.004-05:00

Matt, being disabled and all, has time to take shots of our tree from all different views.

I know the palm tree in the background needs water, but right now the 10 foot pine in our living room is suckin up all the watering energy I have.

Our recent ice storm was hard on our birches, but we never lost power.

I felt the need to decorate five wreathes for our fench because I have nothing else to do.

All dolled up this holiday season...

2008-12-06T23:09:00.013-05:00

The tree is up and we got all dolled up for a Christmas PartyMom and Dad, the red cape you got me a few years ago looked really nice over my little black dress! Thanks again!

We danced and danced!

...and danced some more!

I got to see some friends I had not seen in some time.

Some more of my favorite people and co-workers!

What a smile!!!

We love the band "Midnight Rose." This is my friend Bob. I have known him for about ten years now. It's great that I get to see him when his band rocks and rolls at our parties!

Butch loves Bob and the band! What a great party!

It's all about the garland!

2008-12-05T20:31:00.007-05:00

Matt and I take great pride in our fence decorating. We found this garland at Sam's Club for 14 bucks for 25 feet. It is North Carolina pine and cedar. We added white lights of course.

Johnny and Kim came to visit Annie and helped with decorations.

Kim and I had fun making this work of art from northern and southern pine products, and some new candle lights.

Thanksgiving dinner menu!

2008-11-25T20:22:00.004-05:00

We true Maine natives are supporting our local economy and lobstermen by eating lobsters this Thanksgiving as opposed to turkeys. Reasons being:
* lobster tastes a whole lot better than turkey and cooks in 20 minutes.
* turkeys are plentiful: herds run through our yard at times.
* lobster is cheaper than turkey right now.
* no need to make stuffing and shove it up a bird's ass. All you need is melted butter.
* lobstermen work really hard and are having tough times right now.
* squash and turnip suck to cut up.
* prime rib compliments a lobster real well

Give me snowmen over rain anyday!

2008-11-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

Santa's workshop.

2008-11-22T20:41:00.008-05:00

My cellah dwellah room is busting with activity. Matt's mother made the blanket on the futon. She was a yarn master!

I am wrappin and scrappin at the same time.

Thank God for propane.

This is a gift for Jerry that I really wanted to keep for myself.

Sore paws abound!

2008-11-13T19:22:00.002-05:00

Matt and Annie have sore paws and many medications. Matt starts physical therapy tomorrow because the insurance company will not pay for an MRI unless you rule out therapy first. His doctor feels that therapy will not help and surgery is needed. In the meantime, I love having a house husband. I do not have to: rush home to let the dog out, start laundry, unload and re-load the dishwasher, think about what to have for supper, prepare supper, feed and poop dog, help unload the groceries and assorted other Matt purchases of the day, and try to relax at the same time. My house boy has made muffins, some chicken pasta dish with pesto, and two chocolate cream pies in the two days. He has done this left handed, drugged, and with the help of the kick ass mixer Mark got me for Christmas a couple years ago.

A witch and a cat!

2008-11-05T19:13:00.003-05:00

We had two trick or treaters on Micheal Drive this year. I was so happy to see them because I always prepare these little treat bags and have no takers. They were so cute and walked away with many little treat bags. They are sisters! Annie, feeling more like herself, acted all mean, barked at them, and then proceeded to lick them to pieces.

Our spooky dog!!!

2008-10-27T18:47:00.004-04:00

Her Harley collar this Halloween season reads "Bad to the bone" and her legs are wrapped like she had been in a bar room fight. Ever try to put a bandage on a dog's elbow?

In case you don't know her, this is not a costume. Annie has been fighting Thrombocytopenia, also known as Evan's Disease for about two months now. This condition refers to an abnormally low blood -concentration of platelets, which are blood cells that promote blood clotting after injury to the lining of the blood vessels causing bruising and internal bleeding. She has been through weekly blood draws, a ton of different medications, bladder infections, more meds, and now has two ulcered spots on her elbows. Most recently, her blood cell count and platelets are up and our bank account is low.

Our girl is worth every penny and so much more.

See you next summer!

2008-10-19T17:19:00.005-04:00

We were overdue for closing up the pool this year, but it is done.

I'll miss my poolside views when it is 20 below this winter.

Annie hangs tough and soaked up some Vitamin D today.

Closing of the camp for the winter.

2008-10-16T19:11:00.006-04:00

I'm going to miss our little camp site for the winter.

Although I do believe some ice fishing will take place this winter.

It's time to break out the blaze orange because I would not want to be mistaken for a deer person.

Lakeville Maine!

2008-10-13T18:34:00.003-04:00

This is Duck Lake, Junior Lake, Pleasant Lake, and Dobsie Lake.

Bobby and Hero on top of the world.

Michael Drive update!

2008-10-10T19:28:00.007-04:00

Dollar Store fence decorating.

A view of upper Michael Drive.

It's time to put away the yard bitches.

If I only had a brain.

Playing with fire!

2008-10-07T19:09:00.004-04:00

Our new stove was installed today. We researched pellot stoves, wood stoves, and propane.

Wood is too much effort, messy, and makes me nervous. The cost of corn pellets is ridiculous and a corn pellet stove is $2,000.00. Matt snagged this beauty at a deal and it heats our house with propane. No mess, no fuss, and a remote control! We love it!

I painted this sign this weekend. Well at least I meant to, but then we went to Marden's and got it for $8.00.

I love baking this time of year!

A birthday party!

2008-09-29T19:29:00.005-04:00

I love it when John and Kim come to visit, especially when they bring birthday wishes!

What a nice surprise. John and I showed off our fine jewelry.

Kim and I just had fun!

I love my bamboo from Jerry, Dave, and family.

Camp adventures

2008-09-24T20:03:00.003-04:00

Matt enjoyed his vacation up at the lake. No, he has not gained weight, but had his life vest on underneath his jacket. Safety first.

Fire starter.

I think pickeral are gross, and would never eat one, but guys seem to like catching them.

Pleasant Lake. So many lakes, so little time.

Tis the season to go apple pickin!

2008-09-22T19:24:00.008-04:00

One of my favorite times of the year!

Butch and I checked out the corn maze.

One big pumkin patch!

We enjoyed the animals.

Watched a goat doing what a goat does.

Butch saw a good friend.

It was a beautiful fall day!

Happy Harvest!!!

2008-09-15T20:07:00.007-04:00

A trip to Walmart and the barn later...

Annie and I decorated for the season.

Sunday was rainy and cold, so I decorated and...

made whoppie pies for the first time in my life. Pumpkin with cream cheese frosting. Now I know why I never made them before, too much effort.

Our biggest zuke ever!!!

It just keeps on comin!

Thanks Mom and Dad for the great new dollhouse furniture.

Pointless blog!

2008-09-05T19:58:00.006-04:00

This homemade boat impressed me.

We all know and love this water dog.

This is the shore of Duck Lake just down from our place.

Two of Matt's favorite hookers are proudly displayed in the camper: the John Deere hook from Jerry and Dave and some other special hook.

Who would have thought...

2008-09-03T19:58:00.004-04:00

...that I would someday love four wheelin. I love taking my kitty cat out for a drive around the camp roads.

Too much machine for me.

Dog days of summer.

2008-09-03T19:32:00.009-04:00

This is the shore of my Uncle Roy's favorite lake, Dobsie Lake. It is about six miles from where we are on Duck Lake.

On a Saturday evening, you will find many labs and people enjoying the view and swim.

Annie and Matt checked the waters.

Our camp neighbors other dog, Chester.

Of course, Hero, was a true adolescent and thought he owned the dock and every stick available.

Annie was the only chocolate dog of the night.

Bobby does dog duty.

Every so often...

2008-09-03T19:17:00.006-04:00

Matt feels the need to buy a truck.

A really big nice truck with a honkin stereo system.

Leather heated seats and many buttons.

Now that we are going to camp as much as possible, a big truck is needed.

At least that's what I am told.

Happy Labor Day 2008

2008-09-01T19:10:00.012-04:00

Bobby and Rita's little slice of heaven.

Our neighbors Ken and Laurie with their dog "Chase"

K and L have a brand new four wheelin, stump pullin, big machine that everyone enjoyed riding!

Our other neighbors have a great sign!

Thank God for Mallett Hall. We needed water in a bad way.

When in doubt? Go back to the places you know and call your Daddy!

We were able to fill up on 60 gallons of water and visit with Mrs. Whitney!

The camper kitchen table has some of my favorite things: like the singing lobster from Jerry and Dave, fresh corn and tomatoes, and the basket of silverware from a yard sale.

The shore of Duck Lake.

Annie is quite comfy in the camper living room.

Annie Update.

2008-08-26T19:11:00.005-04:00

For all her family and friends who have been concerned about Annie's recent health concern. She expresses her thanks and is feeling much better. She has yet another blood test tomorrow.

The fall web worms return each year. We natives can never believe that it's fall even though it happens at the same time each year.

Sunflowers border the garden.

...and Matt just keeps on mowing.