Shells and Roses

Groundhog Day Shenanigans

2012-02-02T19:07:00.007-05:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

Wanted to share
these images just sent to me by family
of some incredibly cute
groundhog
cupcakes and lollipops
created by my sister and nephew
in honor of groundhog day!

Hope they bring a smile....

Since last Sunday

2012-01-28T09:24:00.012-05:00

As the sun was setting last Sunday eve, we
drove through the streets of Portland
to take in the views.

Tuesday morning was magical...
the ground fog from
the snow was so very mysterious and beautiful.

The sundog appeared in the afternoon sky on Wednesday...

Friday brought rain and with it the beauty of
raindrops!

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-20T15:24:00.011-05:00

When I awoke this morning
I didn't expect to see a
winter wonderland when I
peered through the window!

As quickly as I could
I bundled up and slipped into
my boots and stepped into the unshoveled
paths to capture the wonder of it all!

The sun came out and the fluffy snow fell from the
branches...so glad to have seen it in the early morning.

Since Saturday

2012-01-19T09:39:00.005-05:00

Since Saturday it's been mostly very cold
with some snow...

While doing an errand, we paused to watch
children sliding ...a slippery coating of ice
had formed over the snow.
Brought back memories!

Something special about a winter sky at the beach...

My favorite time of the day as the sun goes down
and the gulls fly home.

It's Snowing!

2012-01-12T07:44:00.007-05:00

What a sight through my windows
this morning...

the snow fell through the day

turning to sleet in the late afternoon...

Suddenly it feels like winter!

Special Day

2012-01-06T21:58:00.010-05:00

Was magical to wake up on my birthday and
see a dusting of snow...the first snow of the year...
actually the first snow since the October snow storm!

We wandered down the coast...

and came upon a beautiful sky and sea birds...over here.

took a brisk walk along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit...

and window shopped at Harbor Candy Shop in Ogunquit...

Upon returning home, up in the night sky a beautiful
ring had formed around the moon.

It's the little things that make a day so special!

New Year's Day

2012-01-01T23:19:00.016-05:00

New Year's Day started

with trees that shimmered
with the rising sun as ice crystals clung to the
delicate branches.

At 11 am. the brave lined up for the annual
Atlantic Plunge to raise money for charity.
Considering it is January 1st, the weather
wasn't too bad for such an event...
44 degrees and sunny
with no snow.

The count down began and

everyone participating ran screaming
into the ocean for a dip!

The sun set at 4:16 pm. and I love this time
for a walk along the ocean.

Best wishes for a year filled with happiness
and good health!

December 24th

2011-12-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

Happy Winter,
Happy Holidays
and most of all
a Very Happy Birthday
to my Dad!

Best wishes and xo...

ps. we have been experiencing internet problems for
over a week
and it may not be resolved for another week
so I have to find other sources to connect and
check e-mail!

A Beautiful Cold Full Moon Eve

2011-12-11T08:12:00.011-05:00

As the sun set on Goat Island Lighthouse

and the sky and ocean took on pale shades of
lavender, pink and gold

just to the north the moon was rising...

a magical sight...

as the sky darkened the lighthouse glowed
with many colored lights...

the moon followed us...

and hovered over the Clam Shack who
had a special visitor inside.

Looking At The Moon Tonight

2011-12-04T21:19:00.002-05:00

So clear and mysterious,
looking at the moon tonight!

Prelude

2011-12-02T22:34:00.006-05:00

Friday evening I set up my display for the Holiday Fair
at the Consolidated Elementary School in Kennebunkport.
I am in the hall and how appropriate that "The Cat in the Hat"
is peering out from behind my display with a big WELCOME!
(The walls are covered with school children's posters and art for it
is a school!)

The tree lighting ceremony took place
while we were setting up but afterward
we took a ride through town to see
more people than in the summer,
bustling around, many wearing unusual and
comical hats for the occasion.
The tree sparkled!

Busy Days

2011-12-02T07:43:00.007-05:00

Kennebunkport is celebrating the Christmas Prelude
this weekend ... the tree is in place and shopkeepers
are in the process of decorating with lights.

I am preparing for a Holiday Fair
on Saturday December 3rd at the Consolidated School in Kennebunkport
from 9 am. to 3 pm.
Stop by if you are in the area (I'll be in the hall).

Burning the midnight oil!

Thankful

2011-11-24T19:56:00.004-05:00

Before Winter

2011-11-20T11:01:00.008-05:00

D has been digging potatoes and here's the purple
potatoes.

Under the straw he came upon a
single apple.

A little critter must have hidden it there for
safe keeping.

So much work to do on the house...
sanding and painting.

and digging more potatoes....

I was struck by this single leaf sitting on the
front steps...

and the shells on a little shelf at the front door
as a constant reminder of the beach even when
the winter snow is upon us.

Lights at Night

2011-11-12T20:07:00.007-05:00

We followed the moon as it rose with a bright rosy orange
glow tonight...
it led us to Cape Porpoise.

Out of the darkness with a sense of mystery in the air
could be seen the lights
at Goat Island Lighthouse,

a beautiful sight on this chilly evening.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T22:38:00.006-05:00

A golden day to remember...

swirling wind

leaves twirling to the ground
and landing in unusual places...

...this oak leaf took
a ride on our windshield.

a day of reflection...

Not The Usual October 30th

2011-10-30T19:08:00.013-04:00

Last night the major snow storm moved into Maine
and it resembled the middle of winter when we opened
the front door this morning with snow flurries lingering.

Halloween is tomorrow...

We left the house early and drove through the
snowy streets heading for the Nonatum Hotel.
The car was packed with my
art for I was to have a little display in the lobby
for their "Breakfast with an Artist".

It was warm and cozy inside and I loved the
breakfast...they had one of my favorite foods...

It was not too busy but I met a few guests.

On the way back home we drove by the ocean
and marveled at the rooster tails!

Back in our yard it seemed strange to see snow
and leaves still on the trees.
The heavy snow bent many of the tree limbs to
the ground and D went around trying to knock
the snow off of them.

By afternoon the sun appeared and helped to
melt some of the snow.

We were very thankful that we didn't lose the power.
My relatives in Connecticut are having a tough time
as are so many other people.
They may not have power returned for a week in some
cases. So many trees and wires are down there.
Hope everyone is safe and can find warmth to get
through this tough time.

Autumn to Winter

2011-10-29T21:02:00.004-04:00

This afternoon felt and looked like autumn around here,
still some subtle color in the trees and the
pumpkins were still hanging on the pumpkin tree.

Tonight is a different story...the snow started
around 6 pm. and it is heavy and clinging to
the trees that still have many leaves.
We're worried about the damage such
heavy snow could do to the trees and we
could lose our power.

Have my flashlight by my side!
If you are in the path of this unusual October
Snow Storm in New England I hope you stay safe
and warm.

First Snow

2011-10-27T22:45:00.005-04:00

First snow...evening...lamplight...

Pears, Beans, Marsh

2011-10-26T22:07:00.008-04:00

D collected the Asian pears
from our tree this afternoon...
perhaps it might snow tomorrow.
Any ideas of what to do with so many?

He also collected the dried bean pods...
I love their subtle colors and pattern.

In search of what we thought was an eagle
in the late afternoon we came upon
a Great Blue Heron and some others
over here.

A Pink CLoud

2011-10-26T09:31:00.003-04:00

As the sun was disappearing last night,
I noticed a pink cloud lingering briefly
as I looked towards the west in our yard...

Monday's Findings

2011-10-24T23:14:00.012-04:00

While meandering through our
yard on a partly cloudy Monday afternoon
I came upon

the apples turning golden russet...

the last of the tomatoes lined up on the garden fence...

the delicate dandelion seed head....

a rose still clinging to the vine...

whirlygigs...

soft feathery milkweed...

and a beautiful shade of pink hydrangea...

it all warms the heart...

Sunday's Findings

2011-10-23T21:41:00.006-04:00

It's nice to find a rose still blooming in the garden
to bring indoors.

Finding potatoes in a basket on the
front steps that D dug up in the garden.

Taking a walk on the beach and finding the
signs of autumn in the sand...

It's the little things that make one's day...

Sunset and Cormorants

2011-10-21T07:54:00.007-04:00

To my surprise, last night's walk provided a
beautiful sunset as the cormorants flew against
the strong winds to the safety of Bumpkin Island
for the night as waves
crashed upon the rocks.

Clouds Extradonaire

2011-10-19T23:10:00.008-04:00

What a surprise when we looked at the sky
after coming out of a store and stepping into
a parking lot in Saco, Maine.

It took my breath away to see such incredible
patterns and swirls in the sky.

and then I heard the sound of geese honking
and turned to see them flying towards me.

What a moment!

A Pumpkin Tree

2011-10-14T22:39:00.004-04:00

Have you ever seen a pumpkin tree?
Well, just down the road from us there
is such a sight!

Amazing how the pumpkin vines
grew right up the tree!

Autumn Splendor

2011-10-12T23:01:00.009-04:00

This autumn the leaves have turned late...
what a surprise to see this through our
backyard.

I have been painting the wall of the porch green
trying the beat the onset of cold weather.
Once I started painting it I couldn't stop and ended
up rearranging everything on the porch
and hopefully making it neater and more inviting!

Here's a look:

My scarecrow doesn't really do his job
as you can see if you click over here.

Hope you are having a good autumn!

Ten Ten

2011-10-10T23:33:00.019-04:00

October 10th is a special day for us...

and the weather was perfect...mid 70's

in the morning at 10:10
the ocean was calm as butterflies
sailed by...

it's our anniversary...

over at Great Hill the cormorants were sunning themselves
as the ocean sparkled...

the amaranth looked so fancy!

Late afternoon, the light was so beautiful...
bittersweet led the way to the path to
Goose Rocks beach...

As we were waiting for the moon to rise,
a chevron of Canada geese flew by in the distance.

down by the water's edge sandpipers and
a gull were in close proximity...

a cormorant flew out to sea...

the light was soft and beautiful...
very calm.

someone had left a giant message in the sand
written with seaweed that said:
"here comes the sun"

a gull flew past the moon...

the color faded from the ocean and the moon
rose higher in the sky and softly ushered in
the night.

So Clear and Crisp

2011-10-06T22:24:00.005-04:00

This evening the air was so crisp and clear...

The overnight temperature is supposed to be 31 degrees...
I hope these pansies make it through the frost.

Rainy Sunday

2011-10-02T22:19:00.005-04:00

it was raining at the beach...

many seagulls gathered on the shore...
my favorite little shore birds were also there
if you look here.
They made a gray rainy day feel good.

The Blues

2011-10-01T20:47:00.003-04:00

I do love blues!

Sunday Night

2011-09-26T19:52:00.007-04:00

Sunday night we were
on our way to have dinner and
visit with friends from away
that we only see once a year.
To add to the specialness of the occasion,
the sky turned brilliant
shades of pink and yellow orange as the sun set.

It was such an uplifting visit and dinner
and we will miss them
until next year...
Thanks so much S & R!

Last of Summer

2011-09-20T23:47:00.008-04:00

This evening I paused to take in the sight
of the last of the beach roses
growing out of the rocks
overlooking the sea.

Though it's leaves were dried up
and brown a few blossoms still
managed to display
a pink glow.

Just a bit further down a couple sat on the
rocks overlooking Spouting Rock which
happened to be spouting!

Autumn is closing in....

Reflection

2011-09-10T22:03:00.005-04:00

Moments on the Maine Coast

2011-09-10T08:23:00.004-04:00

Friday turned out to be a beautiful day with
magical moments!

Hints of Autumn

2011-09-05T22:10:00.005-04:00

Little signs of autumn are appearing here and
there in our yard...

Looking at the Moon

2011-09-02T08:40:00.006-04:00

Last night as I walked along the ocean
I thought I caught a glimpse of the moon
through gossamer clouds.

I paused to look at the moon...

Calm

2011-08-31T07:11:00.005-04:00

Tuesday night's walk was very peaceful...

I hope things return to normal soon for those
affected by the storm Irene .

During the Storm

2011-08-28T18:32:00.007-04:00

Here are some images from today's outing
during the storm on the Maine coast.
When we were out it wasn't too bad.
The rain stopped in the afternoon as
the wind picked up.

I know there have been many power outages
and downed trees and too much water in the
wrong places!

Hope it was safe where you are.

Night Before the Tropical Storm Irene

2011-08-28T08:38:00.005-04:00

The storm was still
south of us on Saturday.

By Saturday evening the ocean was rather calm
but the sky was very dramatic,
you can tell something is brewing!

Now it is Sunday morning and so far we have
rain...the wind hasn't picked up yet.
Will keep you posted!

Take care everyone!

Rain Came Today

2011-08-25T20:25:00.004-04:00

We needed rain...

it started at the beach... and
poured on the way home almost to the point
where we couldn't see.

The vegetable garden really needed to be watered!

The violet pole beans liked it, too!

Now our concern is for hurricane Irene...
we are hearing reports she could hit Maine
on Sunday night.
We may just get too much water and wind.
We'll see and are hoping she calms down
and that everyone in her path stays safe!

The Rainbow

2011-08-16T22:55:00.003-04:00

A beautiful rainbow covered the sky tonight
as we took a walk and it wasn't even raining!

We gazed in awe at it til it faded into the
lovely clouds.

A Sign

2011-08-10T22:08:00.006-04:00

August 10th was a very sad day
but in the evening something special happened...
the sky was totally overcast with thick clouds,
as we drove by the ocean looking for the moon.
It was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly the invisible moon sent a thin line of orange
moonlight through the clouds
that lit the ocean at the horizon line.
The light slowly moved towards us a little and faded away.

It was very mysterious and
perhaps it was a sign from our beloved cat, Polly
that we sadly lost that morning.
It was a comforting thought...

In My Heart

2011-08-01T23:35:00.001-04:00

My beloved Mom is always in my heart,
missing her on this special day.

Relief from the Heat

2011-07-21T08:10:00.004-04:00

We've been experiencing hot humid weather here
in Maine...last night we found a bit of relief
along the shore but it was still very humid.

If you are in the midst of a heat wave I hope
you can find a cool spot to cope with
the weather.

Here are some excerpts from an article I found on-line
about dealing with the heat
and especially caring for elders in the heat:

"How to stay safe when the weather is hot  • Lower your standards: 90 degrees is already too hot for many older adults  • Go to an air-conditioned area (home, grocery store, mall, senior center, library)  • Avoid strenuous activity  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and hats  • Stay hydrated (not just water—see below)  ...
What are warning signs of dehydration or heat stroke?  • Dizziness, confusion  • Weakness, headache  • Muscle cramps, nausea/vomiting  • Fast pulse, sweating (but not always), passing out
 What to do if you notice a problem  • Get out of the heat ASAP and call for help if you cannot  • Water is good, but it's not enough if you are sweating—drink a sports drink  o Sweat contains salts (sodium and potassium chloride)  o Many sweat replacement drinks on the market, get one for marathoners  ...
Dr Arbaje says making your own sweat replacement drink is easy and gave the following quick and easy recipe:  • 1 quart (32 oz) or 1 liter water  • 1/3 cup sugar  • ¼ teaspoon table salt  • Flavoring to taste – ex: orange or lemon juice  • Keep refrigerated"

Lettuce and Blueberries

2011-07-21T06:52:00.003-04:00

The Romaine lettuce in our vegetable garden
resembled a rose to me!

The blueberries haven't turned blue yet but
look so beautiful!

In the Garden...

2011-07-19T23:02:00.007-04:00

Welcome to the garden path...
So much is blooming now.

The lilies are so beautiful...
many colors dot the gardens.

After all the many years that D spent working
on the perennial garden it is now mostly on it's own.

Now D's energies have been focused
on the vegetable gardens, learning as he goes.

Catching Up

2011-07-17T11:50:00.005-04:00

It's been very hot and humid recently...
here's some scenes from the past week.
Hope wherever you may be it is comfortable!

Cape Porpoise

2011-06-25T23:27:00.002-04:00

The sight of Cape Porpoise tonight
was so calming...

Signs of Summer

2011-06-06T08:37:00.006-04:00

It is suddenly looking like summer on the coast
on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

So clear and cool...

Lilacs

2011-05-30T09:24:00.008-04:00

As the apple trees drop their delicate petals
the lilacs are blooming filling the air

with their fragrance and beauty.

New Prints of Scenes

2011-05-24T10:47:00.004-04:00

I've been busy working on new
drawing/paintings and thought
I would show you a few of the
scenes that I have made into prints.

Just click on the collage to see it larger.

I'm so inspired by so many things,
I could work day and night...

A Week of Rain and Fog

2011-05-21T07:31:00.008-04:00

Every day for a week now it has been
very cool (actually cold) and damp
with rain, fog and mist.

This weather has it's charm and mystery...

Work is beginning to be done out at the
Goat Island Lighthouse...

It looks like today will be another similar
day...

What a Sky!

2011-05-11T22:09:00.000-04:00

Another amazing night for looking at the sky...

The Little Flowers

2011-05-11T22:08:00.001-04:00

I love wandering through the garden and
coming upon the littlest jewels.

Potatoes!

2011-05-11T22:08:00.000-04:00

We grew potatoes last summer and harvested them
last fall...as you can see if you click over here.

Well, we had more than we could eat and had them
in storage...D decided to check on them and to
our great surprise this is what we found!

Looks like we have plenty of potatoes
to plant for this year...
we couldn't get over the colors and the size of
the sprouts!

Magical Sky

2011-05-09T21:26:00.017-04:00

On the spur of the moment,
we went down to the beach tonight
just before sunset.
Was very very cloudy but I thought it would
be nice to take a walk.
As soon as I set foot on the beach I found
a beautiful heart rock.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Under a canopy of beautiful clouds,
I fell in love the the sky tonight.

So soft...

Out of an opening in the clouds
the sun slipped through...
magic light lit the hotel and houses across
from the jetty...

A rainbow appeared in 3 places rising from
the ocean into the clouds...

the sky turned shades of crimson and gold...

Moments to savor!

Soft Pink

2011-04-30T21:46:00.006-04:00

The pink hyacinth began blooming a few days ago,
a cheerful addition to the garden.

I love watching the magnolias unfold
revealing their delicate beauty.

At the end of the day, the soft pink sunset is
very calming...

Sea of Blue

2011-04-27T06:34:00.006-04:00

So blue is the sea and sky...

as is a carpet of blue scilla...

the hyacinth looks down at the scilla,
beautiful shades of blue this spring...

Sunday

2011-04-17T22:03:00.007-04:00

We took a ride to look at the beach this morning...
it had rained heavily over night and thought
the ocean might look interesting.

The tide was high!

Part of the road was blocked off to vehicles
for the ocean was crashing over the seawall
and throwing rocks into the road!

The sea and sky never cease to amaze me.

Later in the afternoon, the sky cleared and the
wind picked up even more.

Leaving my studio tonight, I had been thinking
of the moon and wondering if it had risen yet.
I looked over to see it shining through the
branches...so very beautiful!

All In a Day

2011-04-11T08:33:00.008-04:00

Early morning, rumbling rolling thunder
led to heavy rain...

raindrops clung to the new buds...

the soft lovely fog remained...

the sky darkened mid-morning
bringing more thunder and lightning
but most of all

hailstones that resembled large marbles!

Wait a little bit and the sun came out with
warmer temperatures...so beautiful by the ocean.

Near the ocean a haze hung
in the air in the evening...

So calm as the sun set.

Frost to Sunshine

2011-04-09T22:05:00.004-04:00

Frost has been outlining the leaves in the early
morning...

while sunshine has been glowing through the colorful
crocuses during the day.

Early Spring Moments

2011-04-04T13:37:00.009-04:00

The snow from April 1st didn't stop the crocuses...

what a surprise to find parsnips that made it
through the winter...one appears to be dancing!

This beautiful little blue scilla had hitchhiked
into a plant that had been outdoors last year
and brought in for the winter...
what a treat to see it blooming indoors!

For more early spring moments with my furry and
feathered friends click here!

April Fools

2011-04-01T07:56:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, Thursday, I was delighted to see
the purple crocuses had opened to join the
yellow and white ones.

Little did I know that the snowdrops
would actually be the harbinger of a blizzard!

This morning, April 1st, I opened my eyes to the fluffiest
snow clinging to trees and turning the yard
back into a winter wonderland!

ps. well, the fluffy snow turned into a wet heavy snow
and then the sleet and rain arrived which eventually
turned back into snow.
Meanwhile, the power went out at around 8:30 am.
and just returned about 4 pm.
This is quite an April Fool's Day here in Maine...

Hope the weather is kinder to you wherever you may be!

Dramatic Sky

2011-03-26T14:02:00.003-04:00

Just when we thought we were celebrating the
beginning of spring,
we've had a dusting of snow throughout
the week. This kind of weather has brought
very dramatic looking skies and here's one
from Friday afternoon.
It's very cold!

Spring Is In The Air

2011-03-20T21:49:00.008-04:00

Turning the corner to the beach on Sunday afternoon,
colorful kites dotted the sky....a lovely and whimsical sign of spring!

Though the air temperature
was still mighty cold and windy,
there was no doubt the feeling
of spring was in the air!

D uncovered a garden bed that had been buried
under tons of snow all winter and to his amazement
Swiss chard was growing and he was able to
harvest 2 parsnips!

Hope signs of spring surprise you, too!

Snow and the Full Moon

2011-03-19T21:47:00.008-04:00

As the saying goes in Maine,
if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes...

After a day nearly reaching 70 degrees on Friday,
Saturday morning snow seemed very out of place
and felt like a set back!

But by midday the snow had moved out
leaving big clouds
and sunshine.

By evening the clouds had slipped away enough
to reveal the
rising of the full moon.
So lovely!

The moon connects us all
and I find my thoughts are constantly thinking
of the situation in Japan and hoping
for safety, comfort and solutions.

Rainbow Adventure

2011-03-07T23:19:00.018-05:00

To our great surprise in the late
afternoon the sun appeared opposite
a very deep blue sky, lighting the distant
trees with magic light!

As we changed course, a rainbow began to appear
across the entire sky.

I jumped out of the car with my camera
and stood on a snow bank at the edge
of the road when to my dismay my right leg
sunk right down through the snow.
It looks as though
I'm sitting in the snow but actually I am standing
on my right leg that has disappeared and I am
stuck!
My husband was trying to take a
photo of me looking at the rainbow and kept
telling me to stand not realizing I couldn't get up!

He started to move towards me and then his leg went
through the snow and disappeared like mine.
So there we both were with cars going by and I was concerned
our other legs would have the same fate.

I managed to pull my right leg out
but my shoe remained at
the bottom of the hole.

D had to crouch and reach down all the way up to
his shoulder to retrieve it!

All was well and the rainbow was so amazing!

Reflections

2011-03-06T21:59:00.002-05:00

Gazing into a puddle on a Sunday in March.

A Close Call

2011-03-05T23:15:00.004-05:00

The tide was so high as the ocean waves were
being blown in towards the sea wall this afternoon.
We pulled over in the car to watch and as
I rolled down my window to take photos I tried to
protect my camera lens from
a fine mist that was in the air from the distant
sea spray.

I was so lucky, I had just closed the window
after this photo was taken and was looking down on the
floor for the lens cap when a really big wave
hit my window with such great force it nearly shook the car.
I was so fortunate to have closed
the window when I did for I would have been soaked
as well as my precious camera. Whew!

Snow Squalls

2011-03-02T22:05:00.009-05:00

Today was a dramatic and beautiful day for weather!
We started out with an overall gray cloudiness
and then the sun poked out and before you knew it
the skies were cloudless and blue...
in the afternoon a very gusty wind moved in
swaying the trees from side to side and bringing in
clouds and with it
swirling snow!

By the time we went out for a walk on the beach
the sky was the most beautiful to me.
I love blues and it was like being under a dreamy canopy.

Along the horizon we could see the wisps of
blue drifting down towards the ocean indicating
it was snowing somewhere in the distance...

I sure do love this sky and
it will inspire new paintings soon!

Happy Birthday

2011-03-02T22:05:00.004-05:00

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to
my sister, my sister-in-law
and to Judy's daughter and
whoever else has a birthday
March 2nd!

More Blues

2011-02-28T23:28:00.004-05:00

Rain and sleet visited the coast for a good part
of the day bringing with it a churned up ocean
and misty blues!

Yesterday and Today

2011-02-25T20:52:00.005-05:00

Yesterday the sea and sky
were deep shades of blue...
you could tell a storm might be on it's way!

Shades of white colored the landscape today as
a snow storm covered the area with a heavy
wet snow...

and the shovel that sits near
the front porch was put to
good use!

Surprise

2011-02-18T08:01:00.010-05:00

We found ourselves still doing errands in New Hampshire
in the early evening last night in a commercial area
and not very scenic!

I walked out of a store and gasped for there was the most
beautiful pale orange full moon rising.

I ran for the car and grabbed my camera
and scurried around the parking lot
trying to find a clear view without the wires...

Eventually I found a little opening...

It was so magical, it doesn't matter where
you are when you have the chance to meet
the full moon, even when surrounded by a
sea of concrete, pavement and wires
the experience is transforming and serene.

What a Sky

2011-02-16T22:21:00.006-05:00

I fell in love with the sky in the early evening...

and when I came out of my studio tonight
I was in awe of the ring around the moon!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T20:31:00.004-05:00

Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day!

Sea Foam

2011-02-13T21:45:00.005-05:00

Very cold walking along the shore
as gusts of wind rolled sea foam
down the beach...

Sea Gift

2011-02-07T07:55:00.004-05:00

Though the snow remains at the ends of the beach
there are still treasures to be found on the wet sand
where the tides washes in and out.

a perfect angel wings

carefully carried to become another gift that
the ocean left behind.

Magic

2011-02-04T18:52:00.012-05:00

Sometimes there seems to be magic in the air!
Just as the sun set today was one such time.

You may wonder what one colorful glove has to
do with magic....

I'll try to explain...
I almost missed taking a walk on the beach today.
I haven't walked in a long time because of all of
the snow and cold!
It was late in the day and getting dark when we
happened to be near the beach and on the spur
of the moment I decided to take a quick walk
and left D in the car reading!
As I was approaching the stairs leading to the beach,
I noticed something colorful poking out of the snow bank
on the edge of the sidewalk.
As it came into clearer focus it looked like a mitten
and it reminded me of my colorful knitted gloves
that my sister-in-law in Germany sent me years ago.
One of those gloves has been sitting in the backseat of
our car for quite some time
and I had assumed I had brought the matching
glove into the house weeks ago and kept forgetting to
the bring the one in the car inside to join it.
When I got close enough to reach the mitten, I at first
thought it might be a child's but when I bent down
and pulled it out of the snow I realized it was my glove!
I hadn't really known that I had lost it and to see it there
totally amazed me! I was ecstatic!

I wish it could tell me where it has been all this time.
We've had so many snow storms and the plows have
been moving tons of snow everywhere.
To think that I almost didn't take that walk tonight
and that we happened to park near those stairs
and that just enough of the glove was showing to
peak my curiosity...oh, it really did feel magical!

In the fading light, I happened to look down
at the dark wet sand, and barely saw the outline
of something round and then another...
sand dollars together! I carefully picked them
up and slid them in my pocket.

So clear was the sky with a delicate moon
and way above moon shone the evening star!

Night

2011-02-03T21:51:00.004-05:00

The stars are out...

the air is bitter cold, 7 degrees F...

...the height of the snow piles along the sides of
the path makes shoveling very difficult.

More Snow....

2011-02-02T22:01:00.006-05:00

The path to the studio now feels like it is
between two mountains!

The disabled old Volvo has totally disappeared!
It is under the mountain of snow to the right of
the house...

In case you are wondering what
you are looking at,
below is what it looked like last April!

Snow Covered Beach

2011-02-01T22:47:00.002-05:00

It snowed again today...

even more is predicted for Wednesday!

One Path

2011-01-27T22:24:00.003-05:00

Just one path led through the snow banks
to the beach that
some kind and ambitious person shoveled!

Softness as Evening Approaches

2011-01-25T23:39:00.008-05:00

The sky and sea appeared so soft and calm
as evening approached on this bitter cold winter day.

Tonight as I write it is minus 6 degrees.
More snow is on the way for tomorrow night!

Sunday sunset

2011-01-23T21:59:00.003-05:00

So cold but beautiful and serene as the sun set tonight...

Sunset Walk..Getting Colder

2011-01-22T22:27:00.007-05:00

A sundog

the sky was captivating...

as was the sunset

on a cold winter's walk.

Snow, Snow, Snow

2011-01-21T22:40:00.009-05:00

The overnight snow continued through this morning
leaving a fluffy light snow but lots of it!
The snow piles on the side of the paths are
getting mighty high!

We had so many birds visit today
and you can see some of them over here.

winter reflections in our car window...

After the snow storm all seemed calm
over at the beach.

Very cold temperatures will be upon us next
in the weather forecasts!

A Walk at Sunset

2011-01-16T21:00:00.009-05:00

Join us for a sunset walk on the beach...
brrrr, it's biting cold out so bundle up
don't forget your scarf for it is winter
at this beach in Maine!

Watch your step going down the
stairs...

Ah, the sky is beginning to turn
shades of pink and gold...

Almost set...

Now as we turn around to walk back
we notice the moon
high in the evening sky.

A contemplative evening...

Snow Tracks Along the Coast

2011-01-13T22:18:00.010-05:00

After the big snow storm of yesterday,
D and I took a walk down a snow filled road
along the coast in Kennebunkport.

Pristine tracks in the snow behind the
wrought iron gate of St. Ann's immediately caught
our eye and we think that they
belonged to a fox.

We continued walking down the road.

D paused to peer over the wall of snow
and noticed more fox tracks...

Can you see the fox tracks in the photo above?

Here's a closer look!

As we walked along climbing up on snow banks
for a better view of the snow covered rocky coast
we realized the fox traveled quite a distance.

Felt so mysterious and fascinating to be able to follow the journey
of the fox without actually seeing him (or her)!

Snowing!

2011-01-12T08:17:00.005-05:00

Little Polly always steps out into the porch
early every morning
no matter what the weather.
When I opened the front door this morning
I noticed that the snow had drifted into the porch.
Polly didn't seem to mind!

Looks like the bird house is snowed in!

I'm going to bundle up and shovel my way
over to the studio now.
More a little later!

Treasures

2011-01-10T22:31:00.006-05:00

Bitter cold as the sun lit the edge of the rocky shore...

Focusing on the myriad of beach rocks
and looking for my special ones...
what will I find today?

Here's what fit in my pocket...

Evening

2011-01-09T17:28:00.003-05:00

So clear tonight...the moon and the evening star...

Saturday's Walk

2011-01-09T07:47:00.002-05:00

A brisk walk along the coast on Saturday
as a glimmer of sun lit the ocean...

January 6th...Birthday

2011-01-06T23:19:00.010-05:00

My special day was mostly sunny...

...woke up and started the day by
making a gluten free bread
in the bread machine.
(It is a very delicious 2 lb. bread!)

I was so happy that the Blue Moon Classy Diner in Arundel
had haddock chowder today so D went over to take out
3 bowls of it ( 0ne extra for me for later).
They didn't have bowl size containers so they used 6 smaller
containers and D so generously said I could have all of them!
It's a favorite of mine!

Also, another favorite is dark chocolate almond bark which
he found at the Candy Man Shop in Kennebunkport.

Late in the afternoon we took a short brisk walk
on Oqunquit beach

and a quick stop at the Harbor Candy Shop in
Ogunquit to see if they might have something
in their bargain basket...they did and we headed
for Wells to see a matinee...the movie was a terrific
romantic comedy called "How Do You Know"!
It was just what we needed to top off the day.

Guess what I had for dinner?

more chowda!

Magic in the Air

2011-01-04T20:55:00.003-05:00

Some days when you least expect it,
things may fall into place serendipitously.
This was one such day for me!

A New Year Approaches

2010-12-31T23:24:00.003-05:00

As the New Year approaches I wish
you all a year that is filled with kindness,
warmth, light and love.

Starfish and Sunset

2010-12-30T22:56:00.005-05:00

While walking along the beach this afternoon,
I spotted a tiny starfish.
I seldom see starfish and never on this beach so I was
very surprised...

It was very beautiful...

...as was the enchanting sunset on a favorite road.

The Sun Returns

2010-12-28T21:33:00.005-05:00

It was nice to have the sun return,
though it was still mighty cold today
walking on the beach!

Stormy Sea

2010-12-27T22:41:00.007-05:00

After we shoveled out this afternoon,
we wondered what the surf might be like...

Just going by the tidal basin was a hint of
what to expect for there
were waves in what normally is calm water.

The tide was high and the surf was wild and crashing
with rooster tails...
something about a storm and the ocean that is so
mesmerizing.

We watched til almost dark...