Acadia National Park

Brian and I had the pleasure of sharing some time in our favorite playground.  Acadia National Park.  We biked the carriage trails for hours and had the chance to paddle on Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond and Seal Harbor.  I recently finished "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rueben.  There were many suggestions to finding some happiness everyday, one of my favorites  was  that a person should try to remember what they loved to do at the age of about ten years, and chances are that if they  pursue that same activity now it will give them just as much pleasure as it did so many years ago.  When I began to look back I realized as a child I was very rarely indoors.  This is the explanation for the shear joy I obtain when I am playing in Acadia.  The day has no specific hour, my body tells me when I am hungry and when I am tired, it is the existence of a ten year old, and what a wonderful, magical, existence it is.

What a great job a National Park Ranger !!

This is a bridge on the carriage trails at the top of the Jordan Pond loop

Eagle Lake

Seal Harbor

This is one of the carriage trails there are some thirty miles of roads like this through the park, the smell of balsam is overwhelming, like a balsam fir pillow dangling under your nose.

Aren't they cute !!!


I suggest you search your pasts, and try to remember what activity as a ten year old gave you the greatest joy and do it once again !!

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A Wedding

On the left is my nephew Gary, whom I have watched grow since the day he was born.   This past weekend this young man joined hands with Erica to tell the world they will have each others backs in the coming future.

Gary and his Mom , my dear sister Kathy

Mrs. Gary Johnson Jr.

I admit to tears.  I found the greatest tears came from watching this event through my sisters eyes.  This is a woman who has worked harder than most, asked for very little, and continues to give to others each day.  I made it through  the vows, I smiled as they danced together, but each time I looked into my sisters eyes I found myself weeping with joy for her happiness. 

 I love you Kathy.

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Natures Bounty

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Family Reunion

The annual Muzerolle and DeRaps family reunion was a great success.  It was an opportunity  to see family that I so seldom have the chance to visit with.  

Peter and Charlotte our hosts for the day.

These are Peter's parents, Arthur and Bunny Muzerolle.  They have gone on before us but are remembered with much love and fondness.  My aunt Bunny's maiden name was DeRaps.

Peter with his son and his grandson, all three share that gene for music making.

This is my aunt Bunny's brother Ernest DeRaps and his wife Pauline (Polly ).  Ernest is US Coast Guard Retired and he once manned the Monhegan Island Lighthouse with his wife and family.

My dear sweet Daddy Pete Muzerolle and his wife Dot.  Looks pretty good for a man that had a stroke two weeks ago !!  Go Pete !

There was music and food, this is a lovely rendition of Amazing Grace.   That is Ernest and Polly's son Tom, on the guitar.

We also raised $ 300 for the Richmond Food Bank,  thanks to the auction conducted by Peter and Tom. Many priceless heirlooms went for rock bottom prices.

Yes ! thats a fancy shmancy, citified doggy pooper scooper you see there, I believe it sold for $ 5 ! 

Thank you Peter and Charlotte, thanks Bunny and Muzzy the memories were thick and the laughter plentiful.  I will close with one of my cousin Peter's tidbits of wisdom.  

"Many a true word, has passed through false teeth"

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Home Coming

Seven days apart.......................seems like an eternity.

Peach Cobbler

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Beyond Mid Summer

       

  I go out each evening, closely searching, after sunset.  I am gauging summer, and her decent.  This change, this maturation is subtle.  Only those that have been watching will see her changing.  I have found for over a week now that the fireflies are no more.    This is a sure sign that the glorious days that are June and July are truly over.  A dear friend commented to me yesterday that "the golden rod is blooming, summer is over !"  A good observation, but do not despair, we have September.  Those who live in Maine and are not just visitors know that some of the most wonderful summer days can occur in September.  For me, the appearance of State Fairs pulls me back to thoughts of , apples, sweaters, and colorful leaves.

      
   So, run out their all of you !  Right into the middle of summer and take a big bite, hold it close and keep some in your pocket to pull out and cherish when the winds blow cold this winter.

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