Part Two
For those of you who didn't read or remember LAST YEAR's blog, a click on the RED link will throw you back for a review. The highlight of my visit here in Maine has been to coincide it with my cousin John and wife, Barbara's vacation time in Camden. They're from Medfield, MA in the Boston area and this area is perfect for their treasured get-away. Last time they were in the midst of renovating their cottage and Barbara was still working part time. This year, the cottage is completed and she's more "officially retired."
Besides both being graduates of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, we go way back to the days of childhood where, on Sundays if I wasn't traveling down to da Bronx to see my other cousins, we would travel over to Catherine Street in Peekskill. While our folks shot the breeze, John's father was busy in the kitchen preparing the Sunday meal of pasta...opps, sorry, macaroni, gravy, and the assorted meats that go into it and along with it. Other Sundays, they would journey over to my house on Washington Street; same scene, same food, different cook but still great memories. John and I would spend most of our non-eating time in the living room on the floor either setting up the Lionel trains or playing Monopoly. Our
Monopoly games lasted forever but no records were broken. (70 days in 1975, I believe) When the day ended, we'd simply push the board, it's contents including my token, the race car, his token, the canon and the money under the sofa in the living room ready to go the next time we got together. The dice were even placed by the token of player whose turn it was. Hmm. Now that I think of it, it was always at his house; under his couch. I always wondered why he had more money than me AND he was always the banker. Hmm. The pieces now fit, no pun intended.
Sunday night after setting up, John and Barbara drove from their summer cottage in Camden to the campground to pick me up and drive another 5 miles or so east to The Anglers Seafood Restaurant and treated me to dinner. As mentioned in my Facebook post, for a Sunday night the place was packed. While we were there, they even accommodated a busload of 40 people in a back room. For this "off season" evening, they had to be happy albeit haggard, to have a turnout crowd like this. Check out the menu from the link (in red). It was varied and prices very reasonable. We did not leave hungry. Their famous (for John) coconut cream pie was outstanding. It had been a long time since I've enjoyed a bread pudding. It was hot, with raisins (really, Ray) and delicious.
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| Joe |
Monday night they picked me up once again and treated me to dinner at their cottage. Perfectly grilled loin of pork by grill master, John, with mashed potatoes and Swiss chard. Their friend, Joe joined us. Afterwards, a trip into Rockland ME to the The Time Out Pub which features Monday night Blues. That night the blues band, Bruce Katz Band performed. We seniors were among the well-attended gig (of mostly other seniors) for the very talented 3-piece band.
Tuesday night it was may turn to treat. As you may know, my favorite go-to meal while camping is London broil on the grill along with grilled rainbow peppers and onion. Shrimp and organic, rainbow carrots were served as appetizers. Steamed small red potatoes and corn on the cob topped off the meal. Afterwards, we enjoyed a fire..
Wednesday night, we went into Belfast and dined at The Nautilus Seafood and Grill. Joe joined us once again and my delicious dish was the Lobster Mac & Cheese and a side of butternut squash.
Saturday night, I returned to John and Barbara's for another home cooked meal. Chicken, potatoes, tortellini w/sauce, and baked potatoes. So nice to have meals with others.
Some photos for you.
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| A Maine March snowfall 2015 |
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| Project complete |
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Renovated, bright, open, airy, and a very utilitarian kitchen.
And it's enjoyed by a lady who knows her way around the kitchen.
Thank you, Barbara and John for your comapny, delicious meals.
And some homemade bread as well. |
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| Whitey - the bottomless pit |
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| Gracie, who, rumor has it.... |
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| ...is very friendly with the neighborhood lemur. |
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John's impressive years-long project of collecting stones found on beaches
that have the shapes of states continued and concluded with.....
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...the state of Maine. The other 51 state will
have to wait their turn. |
Sunday morning brunch was in downtown Belfast, a place we've visited each time I'm in Maine. Darby's Restaurant & Pub. We look forward to seeing Sandy, our waitress, who, each year, (not only remembers) greets and takes good care of us. After our final good-byes and thank you, I took off for Salisbury, MA, 173 miles to Black Bear Campground and an overnight stay before heading back to Croton Point Park....my last hurrah (maybe) to end the 2016 Summer Adventure.
Thanks for joining me; hope you liked it.
Monopoly games lasted forever but no records were broken. (70 days in 1975, I believe) When the day ended, we'd simply push the board, it's contents including my token, the race car, his token, the canon and the money under the sofa in the living room ready to go the next time we got together. The dice were even placed by the token of player whose turn it was. Hmm. Now that I think of it, it was always at his house; under his couch. I always wondered why he had more money than me AND he was always the banker. Hmm. The pieces now fit, no pun intended.
Sunday night after setting up, John and Barbara drove from their summer cottage in 
I think this was my favorite of this "Summer Series" of entries. I loved the story about the Monopoly game. I'm also quite impressed with John's artistic talents. That map of the US is such a wonderful labor of love. Great job.
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