Happy Holidays

Wow! Christmas is two weeks from today. It is difficult for me to imagine  since the weather the last two days have been in the 50's. We have yet to have any snow or ice. I am pretty sure we have not had more than 3 days that it has actually been below 32 deg. There is mud in the driveway, I still have parsley growing in the garden and large buds on the Magnolia Tree. I am certainly not complaining, although about 3-4" would be nice for Christmas. Many of you know I have spent the last 20 winters in Florida and this year I am staying in Maine all Winter :(. My husbands job changed and now he is in Boston. I did manage to book 2 weeks in February in Florida. So far so good with braving the cold but I am sure that will change soon.

Last night my family along with Aimee and Matt's all went to the Boothbay Botanical Garden for their first ever Light Show. All I can say is WOW! It was Fantastic. The Boys had a great time with over 250,000 lights. There was even a scavenger hunt and fire pit at the end with smore's.  The previous week we went to the Christmas Parade in Freeport. LL Bean does an amazing job with their outdoor tree that plays music and does a light show.

For all those wondering, Matt did get his deer! A 7 point Buck. I enjoyed some nice venison jerky that he made. Sue is still driving  herself crazy with the Puppy and grown up dog. I think at this point she would work full time in the Winter to get away from the house. We haven't started any Big projects at the Inn yet. I am sure after the Holidays Aimee will have a list to start on.

We wish everyone a Happy Holiday and enjoy a very Healthy New Year so you can come
visit next year.

Blessings,

Alicia

Closing Time, again.

 Wow! I can't believe only one more week and we will be closed for the 2015 Season. It hardly seems possible that the end is near. This year we actually got one extra week open because the last Saturday of the month is Oct 31st. We are leaving Victoria in charge that night because Aimee, Matt and I will be Trick or Treating. What an amazing Fall we have had. The weather was fantastic we have had No Vacancy almost all Fall Season. Even tonight we only have 1 room open. We do however have two rooms open the last weekend so its not to late to squeeze in one last trip.
Sue just got out of her boot/cast after 6 weeks of limping around on that thing while chasing the pup Zoe around. Zoe who is keeping her awake at night and running during the day. That may be another reason why I have written the blog most of the season.
After working here 20 years I figured I must have done just about every job. Except for  plumbing of course I leave that to Matt. This Fall I decided that I would try helping Victoria  cleaning up the gardens and putting them dormant for the Winter. Seems like I have been working for hours and there is always just one more thing. I guess this is why they look so good in Season. Then I made the mistake of telling Sue that I needed some tulip and daffodil bulbs. Well you know what that lead to. I have a feeling I will be busy for weeks after the Inn closes...

So glad to see all our regular customers this Season. It feels great to have those return customers. This week made me think of a couple that came here 4 years ago on their Honeymoon. The following year they came on their Anniversary and she was pregnant. This year they came with their 2 year old son. Not only do guests see our children grow but we also get to see theirs. Very rewarding.

Don't forget if you want to spend some time on Bailey Island this Winter we will have the 2 bedroom West Shore Home available.

Blessings,

Alicia

Happy Medicare Birthday Sue

I first met Sue when I applied as a waitress at the Log Cabin over 20 years ago. I am not sure what one thing hit off our relationship. I was in my 20's and lets say she was somewhat older. She was finishing up a degree at Bowdoin College and I just ended an 8 year career at a Big Convention Center. We both have a hard work ethic and family is very important to both of us.

We have had some great  times together.None of them ended in jail but some were very close. Our trips to San Antonio, Key West, Boston ,  Portland and Augusta are time to remember ( or forget).

Sue has been with  me through ups and downs. She has held my hair back while I have been sick. She was with me during all my single days and boyfriend turmoil. . She was the "oldest" Bridesmaid at my Wedding. She wanted to be the flower girl but I did have a 3 year old niece.  She was the only one with me when I got the first sonogram with my son, and the only one who knew the sex of the baby, not even me! She was in the room when I was in labor and there at delivery. She was at the Hospital when I had Emergency Gallbladder surgery at Christmas.
She has been my lunch partner,  my cleaning rooms partner- I take the bedroom area and leave her the bathroom :),  we even took karate together ( that was funny), my partner at the gym, my Theater partner, my drinking partner, dieting partner.
We have had a lot of laughs and shed plenty of tears but that is what being a Best Friend is all about.

So today I wish my Best Friend a Very Happy 65th Birthday!!!

Web Cam

The Giant Staircase is just a 20 minute walk from the Inn


You never know what people are interested in until it is gone. With that saying, Yes we know that the Web Cam is down. It isn't something that is an easy fix like cleaning the lens or unplugging it and plugging it back in. It seems the problem is with the Web Designer and we have to find a new one. After that they need to rebuild the web site along with the web cam link. It is going to be quite a process which unfortunately will not happen until after we close.
Our September has been phenomenal. Last week we had temps in the 80's. This week feels a little more like Fall with night temps dropping to the 40's but the days are still warm and people are still in the pool. I believe our room occupancy will just about surpass that of July! We do have some openings during the last week of September and here and there in October.  We are open almost a week later this year so you have until October 31 to book a room. Don't forget next year also. If you have your favorite room or time we do not want you to miss out.
Are you wondering what it is like on the Island in the Winter? You can also visit us at the Rental Home, water side in front of the Log Cabin. Skip all the hassle and spend the Holidays by the gas fireplace and the spectacular Winter Sunsets.    Check out www.vrbo.com and it is 56 West Shore House.

Community

Most people don't realize the Town of Harpswell is made up of 3 different Islands  Bailey, Orrs,Great Island, Cundys Harbor and  Main land Harpswell or as we refer to the "other side" .
It can take 30 minutes to get from one part of town to another. That being said this Town could not run without the many people who Volunteer their time to make the Community the fine place it is to live. The residents can really pull together to help each other out in times of trouble and times of celebration.
Take for example our Elementary School Swim Program run by Volunteers ( Aimee being one) that devote 2hrs every Wed during  the school year to give all kids K-5 eight weeks of swim lessons each year. Which living on an Island is important. This is not sponsored by the school for only $20 a child can be sponsored for all 8 weeks.
There are way to many organizations to list that are all Volunteer and Support this Town but I would like to touch base on 2  that stand out. There are 3 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments spread around Town. Without the Volunteers and Ambulance Drivers critical minutes would be lost while we travel the 16 miles to the Hospital. Each August there is a Large Auction and Yard Sale on Orrs Island and that supports 
most of the budget throughout the year along with other generous donations. I hope not to need any of these services but know if I need them the volunteers of this Town will be there.
The Harpswell Heritage Land Trust has a Board of Directors as well as a very dedicated and experienced volunteer base. The Trust just received Accreditation by the National Land Trust Alliance. This is something they have been working on for years. The Land Trust along with Harpswell Recreation and many volunteers maintain the dozens of free public trails in Town. 
You can always look at the Town website www.Harpswell-Maine.gov and research  about our giving Community that makes Harpswell an amazing place to live.


We are closing in 2 months, October 31 almost a week later than last year. Fall is a spectacular time in Maine so if you are waiting to book do not wait to long we are filling up.

Blessings,
Alicia

HHH

Hazy, Hot and Humid that is what we have been experiencing this past week. I know I shouldn't be complaining because just take a look at the rest of the country. Plus we are working in an amazing location with a great group of guests but every time I look out at the Ocean I want to jump in, until I remember the temperature of it and decide that maybe the pool that is only 30ft away is a better choice. We could really use a couple days of rain ( at night only of course). I think the room guests are happy that all the rooms now have Air Conditioning.
The Dahlia's seem to have liked what ever magic was in the soil this year because they are just blooming like crazy. I think the stalks on these plants are the tallest and thickest we have ever had.We also have such a variety of colors and sizes. Some are 2" across and some are more than 12". It makes cutting fresh flowers for the tables an easy task.
I must mention what a great event last Saturday night at the Grand Opening for Cooks Lobster and Ale House. The new Owners had a day long bash with events for all ages. At night they had a big tent set up with a live band that was superb. You could get drinks and food out at the point and so many of the local people came out to support the new venture and dance the night away. It ended with some fantastic Fireworks on the  Bay. The addition of the new fire pits look quite inviting as well.
It is hard to believe that Terrence starts school next Thursday. Is Summer really almost over? I think it should be a Federal Law that school starts after Labor Day.
We do have some openings for the Fall which is my favorite time of year. Have you ever been to Maine apple picking, or to the Pumpkin Festival in Damriscotta? Come check it out this year.

I do have a challenge! I will give a Log Cabin coffee mug or etched wine glass to the first guest that comes back with a picture of them at the Thursday Night Live Music Event at the Mitchell Field Bandstand. They have concerts until the end of September.

Blessings,

Alicia

Lots to do

So much goes on in the Summer you can barely blink and what you wanted to do is over because you were doing some other fantastic event. It would be next to impossible to list every activity but some of the Highlights of my Summer have been most recently the 77th Annual BI Tuna Tournament. This was a stellar year for Tuna. They landed 13 Tuna and the largest being 751 lbs. This is also when the Boys have their tournament as well. They all got quite a few mackerel and all got new rods and lures for their efforts. They were on the Hunt for a Big Striper but none to be found before the buzzer rang. In Maine you are allowed 1 striper a day and it has to measure 28".

There was a Quilt Show on Orrs Island, the Art Shows on Orrs and Great Island. We went to the Music Man at Maine State Theater, Bowdoin College. It was amazing, if you are here in the Summer it is well worth seeing this Professional Theater. The Bean Hole Supper is this Sat at Mitchell Field which is hosted by the Boy Scouts and is really an adventure to watch. Another great thing at Mitchell Field is the Thursday Night Concerts in the new Bandstand.

Maine Maritime Museum  has opened a new Lobster Exhibit. It is the largest exhibit in the State and covers such a variety of topics on lobstering and lobsters. This is a must see along with the Boat ride from the Museum on the Kennebec River.
The sunset sails on the Alert have been postcard perfect. Last night the Sun was bright red as the boat was sailing by. Another note worthy event is that Cooks Lobster House was bought after 60 years in the same family. The new owners are young and  have young children. Nick and Jen are very nice and have already made some great changes, along with the name Cooks Lobster and Ale House. Next time you visit head down and say Hello.
With temps in the high 80's the AC in the rooms will be getting a work out today. We still have some availability for August so if you are in one of those States where it is 110deg head to Maine for some cool fresh air.


Blessings,

Alicia

Wicked Joe

 Did you know that we serve Wicked Joe Coffee in the Dining Room? This company is owned by
Harpswell Residents and is roasted locally in Topsham. Wicked Joe is committed to sustainability,organic and free trade beans. As of July 1, 100 of percent of their beans are either organic, Fair Trade or both. Their new coffee roaster uses 80% less fossil fuel and and puts out 80% fewer emissions. The Garvers make several trips a year to check on the beans. They look for beans that are "bird Friendly" these beans are grown under a three layer level of canopy composed of a dozen or so variety of trees. Even their vans that they use for delivery are all electric, including their forklift. Next time you take a sip of your coffee while you are enjoying our lovely breakfast think about all that went into that cup of Joe.  You can buy Wicked Joe locally at the Vegetable Corner or Hannaford Grocery Store.

It was super Hot today, 90. Between my shifts  I took a ride around the Island on a small boat, something I haven't done in a very long time. I urge everyone staying here to get out on the water while you are here. There are many choices and so much to see. It is not to late we still have rooms open this Summer.

Blessings,

Alicia

Happy 4th of July!

This is George Bailey, our dining room Moose. One of our guests named him, because "It's a wonderful life" here on Bailey Island. He replaced our original moose that came with the building when we purchased it in 1979......he was tired.
Hard to believe it's the 4th of July.....time is speeding by. We are very busy.....yard is looking great.....weather is perfect for the holiday. As we can see so many miles in so many directions, our yard is a great place to watch fireworks.....there were many last night, will be more tonight, and tomorrow Cooks does them on their point.
Hope you all have a great holiday! Sue

Vegetables

Many of you may think that cooking Dinner is a bother to us. That actually isn't so. We stay until 8:00pm every night. It is nice to visit with you while you enjoy our very local and very fresh food. As you know you must reserve by 3:00pm if you want to eat Dinner with us. That is mainly in part because we ( Sue mostly) shop every day for our food. We also get the lobster every afternoon fresh out of the local waters, caught by local lobstermen. In keeping with our ranking as an Environmental Leader we also grow our own vegetables. On the side of the building close to the dining room we have a vegetable garden. At the moment we have several kinds of lettuce, radishes, carrots, chive, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and I know I must be missing something that we planted and didn't mark. Along with our own garden we have belonged to the local CSA. We pick up once a week at the Farm in Brunswick. It is a surprise to what we may get every week so being creative is something I am challenged with. If you are here on a Saturday I urge you to visit the Farmers Market at Crystal Springs Farm. Not only are there some fabulous food items and crafts they usually have music as well. Brunswick also has a Farmers Market on Tuesday and Thursdays Downtown on the Green Space. With all this Fresh Food how can you not be enticed! Not to mention our homemade desserts, like the rhubarb item that I just finished making with rhubarb from our garden of course.

The pool is open for the Season and the heat is on. We have been real busy this week, No Vacancy all week.  Victoria is doing magic out there in the gardens the Iris' are blooming and look amazing. One of the Poppy's just "popped" out today.

Terrence gets out of School tomorrow so it looks like my Summer has just started as well. I better start looking for some projects.

Blessings,

Alicia

End of May already?

Hi, This was taken from our dining room at sunset. The sun is setting around 8pm, and is almost setting behind Mt Washington. Still amazes me how clear we can see Mt Washington from here!
Well, we have passes the Memorial Day weekend. The weather was beautiful. Bowdoin College had their graduation.....I guess it was a bit windy and chilly that morning....people wrapped up in blankets! But it was sunny and clear.
Our gardens are spectacular this year. Apparently, they liked the ton of snow we got. Glad there was some benefit to that winter!
As always, it is so great to see so many returning guests. Makes me very happy that the Inn makes them very happy! This really is a super rewarding job. I know I have said it and said it, but we are so lucky to live on Bailey Island and have such a special place like the Log Cabin to share with so many folks.
I am reminded from time to time that I am getting older....guess we all are.....but hope to be active here for many, many more years!

Hope to see you this year, if you have not been here yet! Sue

Mothers Day

After spending 34 years working  in the Hospitality Business I think I have worked every Mothers Day. Some better than others. I worked for many years in a Convention Center where we served about 1200 people for Mothers Day lunch. After that I came to work at the Log Cabin when it was a Restaurant. Those days were so busy. The waiting line started as soon as we opened and went until we closed. I think I bought a new pair of sneakers every year just for that day. So today even though I am working and a Mother it is with great pleasure that I only had to cook lunch for 3 of us,  Roast Duck with Asian Slaw.
It is also a Beautiful Day. The fog burned off the sun is shinning and the flowers are bursting out. Victoria has done a fantastic job weeding the Gardens and Sue has already started buying plants and flowers. I can't complain quite yet about it because they had such a depressing Winter I figure she deserves it.
It has been nice starting to see the familiar faces as they check in. So many have followed our families and lives that it is nice to give them updates and find out what they have been doing all Winter. Local Business' have started to open. If you haven't tried any of our miles of Hiking Trails they are a must. The Town has many trails of all abilities which can keep you busy for days. Last Year I did the Harpswell Hiking Challenge all the trails in 2 days. It takes place again this year on June 6&7th.

Have you seen our Harpswell Room or stayed in it? If not let us give you a tour.


Blessings,

Alicia

I am Back!!!  Wow what a Winter on Bailey Island. I am glad I missed most of it. I just got back from Florida on Friday the 24th. I can't talk to much about the Amazing Winter and above average temperatures and my tan because the people here will kill me :)  I stayed in Florida about a week longer than I normally do. I figured why not? Aimee and Matt had all the hard work done and there was still a pile of snow in my driveway.

The buds are starting to pop up at the Inn. The Forsithia is starting to bloom. We haven't seen any tulips yet but the daffodils are not far behind. Victoria has already started in the garden so I am sure this year will be just as fabulous as years past.

I am excited to report that we have 2 new King Beds in the Sunset and Casco Bay Rooms. These will be a definite bonus to the already fantastic setups. We have some very inviting new Adirondack Chairs. The Westview Room also has a new vanity in the Bathroom.
 We have a contest for anyone that stays this Spring they can put their name in a jar for every night they stay and win this fantastic basket which will be drawn on June 19th. Stay 4 nights you get 4 chances. It even includes a $50 Dinner Certificate here at the Inn.



I look forward to all my old pals that have been coming for years and look forward to meeting some new guests that will join our Big Happy Family.

Blessings,

Alicia

Opening week!

Sunset from Bailey Island.....hard to beat! We open up this Friday! Very excited after the long winter. Rooms are looking super....got a couple new beds, new pillows, one new bathroom counter. Everything is sparkly clean thanks to Matt and Aimee's work. Reservations are coming in rapidly now. Everyone must have cabin fever.
We do have lots of rooms open for April......we are dreaming up some sort of special. Will post it on Facebook soon.
I am headed to the grocery store to start on the very long opening list. Think I will do it in several trips--less overwhelming.
Can't wait to smell the fresh coffee, muffins baking.....bacon......great breakfast smells! Oh, and getting some beautiful fresh flowers for the tables!
Give us a call!
Happy spring! Sue

Spring is on the way!

Ok, this is from last year.....but the good news is, the tops of those granite posts are now sticking out of the snow banks! Haven't seen them for awhile. It is sunny and almost 40 today......lots of melting going on. We open in 25 days!!!
Record breaking winter......snow and cold. Haven't seen one like this for many years. Hope it's many years before we see another. Perhaps it means we will have an extra special spring!
Hope you all are well. Matt is in a cast for a few more weeks.....slipped on the ice and broke his elbow. But, he is still painting, shoveling and getting the Inn ready. (With Aimee's help of course.)
Lots of rooms still open in April if you would like to come see us! Give us a call!
Sue

February snow on Bailey Island

Well, we are having an old fashioned winter here on the island. We have got over 40" of  snow in the past 12 days, and more predicted for tomorrow. It is absolutely gorgeous here.....unless you have to do the shovelling and plowing. Luckily, I do not. Matt and Aimee take care of that at the Inn, and lucky for me, at my house as well. So, it is easy for me to get out and about. Thanks so much to them!
There have been many no school days.....can't imagine what time the kids will get out for summer vacation. Snow is very important for our state with many ski areas and snowmobile trails.
I was very fortunate to escape the storms for 9 days this month, and got away to Key West for a break. The weather there was perfect (sorry). It was 80 when we left and 8 degrees here. We got in right before the last storm. We flew the night of the Super Bowl....the pilot was great at filling us in on the score. Great game, and congrats to the Patriots!!
We open in 57 days!!! Yahoo!!! Spring is on the way. Reservations continue to come in on a rather rapid rate.....call or email soon if you haven't done so. Look forward to seeing you all again this season! Sue

Sea smoke

I think this may be one of Matt's best photos. We had an extremely cold day last week, and for those of you who do not know, when the ocean temp is higher than the air, we frequently get "sea smoke". This shot was taken from Cooks point of the Bailey Island bridge. I just love it!
We have had some cold so far this winter, but very little snow here on the island. It is spitting a bit right now. The snow makes the sea look so very, very blue.
January is flying by.....we open in 82 more days. Aimee just said this week she wishes we were open. I feel the same.....but I don't think the guests would agree when the temperatures are below 20 and the wind is blowing. It gets very unpleasant here on those days.
Reservations continue to come in rapidly......if you have not called us yet, do so!
So happy the days are getting a bit longer......spring will be here soon!  Hope you are all well, Sue