The stolen flamingoes

Rain and Flamingos

If you think you are reading last weeks blog and I am complaining about the rain rest assured it is this weeks blog and I am complaining of the rain, because it is still raining. We had more than dbl the normal rainfall for June and yesterday we had a record low temp, it never came out of the mid 50's. We did have a sunny day Monday and Aimee and I along with the boys rushed to the beach. The rain is bringing in a few people off their motorcycle's. We are assured by the not so popular Weathermen that we are going to breakout of this cycle by Thursday afternoon.

Big News in Harpswell this week. We had a Major Theft.... Stolen Flamingo's. The Harpswell Island School is holding a Fundraisor for their Swim Program. Individuals and Business' are being "Flocked" with about 25 Flamingos on their lawn. To set the Flamingos free and on to other pastures the Flockee must pay a ransom (donation) and then suggest where they want them sent next. We had a nice flock here on the lawn at the Log Cabin. Can you picture this among the flower beds. There was also a flock at a Business on Orrs Island. The night of the Fireworks the Flock was stolen from Orrs Island. This got a lot of people's feathers up, me included. I called the TV Station and they aired a piece with photo's of the Stolen Flamingo's this also made it to the Radio Stations. Within an hour of the News Feed the Flamingos were returned. I suspect the Robbers did not know they were stealing from a Childrens Swim Program and then got shamed into the quick return.

Nothing out of the ordinary as gifts from the guests this week. I did get to pick some lettuce out of the garden and made Sue, Emily and I a nice salad for lunch.
There will be sun this Weekendso come visit us.

Alicia

Independence and Strawberries

I would like to start out by saying I am looking out the window with the sun shining but that would be a lie so I will not even speak of the 24 days of rain,clouds and fog that we have had.

When I think of 4th of July I think of Strawberry's. The Strawberry's seem to like the rain because I have heard reports that this is a great year. While driving down the road there are many people camped out in their cars selling them while dodging the rain drops. If you are adventurous like Matt, Aimee and the kids you can go pick them at several locations in the area. I also think of the yearly Ice Cream and Strawberry Social that has been at the Bailey Island Library Hall for more years than I can remember. The "true" Strawberry Shortcake is only with nice homemade biscuits which I happen to have in the oven right now. If you are not into shortcake there is of course Strawberry Pancakes,Jelly or Daiquiri's.

I have often reported on how our guests bring us some great gifts. This week I must say happens to be the most bizarre gift as of yet. The Lewis' of N.H. showed up with a Santa Claus Suit. I am not sure if this is so we remember them every time we look at our Christmas Card but gave us a good laugh on a rainy day.

Cooks Restaurant is hosting the Fireworks this year on the 3rd. The best spot to watch them is from the decks of our rooms. Happy 4th to All and travel safe.

Alicia

Walking and Hiking Opportunities

I am just about as sick of the rain as I am listening to people complain about the rain. I do wish I could look out and watch people swimming in the pool instead of looking at the cover on it.

One of things that I like to suggest for our Room Guests to do is take advantage of the many Hiking Trails in Harpswell. The Cliff Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail that crosses the highest point in Harpswell. For many the highlight of this trail is the two "fairy house" zones and the view from the 150ft cliff overlooking Long Reach.This property can be accessed behind the Town Hall. Another favorite is the Giant Stairs on Bailey Island. This is a 1/4 mile shore walk with spectacular views of the Atlanic Ocean. The Giant Stairs are formed by erosion of an intrusive volcanic dike. If you still have some ambition left there is the Long Reach Preserve, Thalheimer Farm, Austin Cary Lot, and Mitchell Field which is a 116 acre property with rocky beach access by foot.

Congratulations to Barry and Mary Alice O'Niel in the photo above celebrating their 53rd Anniversary at the Log Cabin.

On my way into the Kitchen to make some Mango Sherbert.
Alicia

Ice Cream

What an awesome day on Bailey Island. The pool is open, the sun shining and the lobster men hard at it. After several months of Matt bugging me, today I am finally making Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream. We have some Very Large Rhubarb patches on the property and it is a shame to let them go by. I even have some Room Guests that live locally that I have to call because they wanted to come back when I have made the Ice Cream. I think I should have Matt at least try it before I call them. I also just finished making a Blueberry Pie that a guest requested to go along with his 3.2lb Lobster for tonight.

In the Garden the Iris' and the Poppy's are so colorful it is like a painting as I sit and look out the window. The Magnolia blosssoms are just about gone, the Lilly's are on their way and I am anxiously awaiting the Dahlia's. I also picked the first lettuce of the season from the Garden what a treat the guests got. Today Sue is planting zucchini. This must be a sign of Summer, along with the kids finishing up school. Back to the Kitchen.. Alicia
P.S. Happy 31st Anniversary Sue and Neal

Sunsets on Bailey Island, Maine

Here are a few sunset pictures from the past.....we are in a rainy spell right now, so I thought these may brighten the day!

The gardens are quite spectacular at the moment....they are enjoying the moisture.

Hope all is well with all of you! Sue

Maine State Music Theatre

I started this blog 4 days ago but the power went out twice while I was doing it and I had to run around starting and stopping the generator plus cooking and training Emily at the same time. Now I am finally ready to finish.

I guess the joke was on me. Since I did hack into the blog Sue decided I should be in charge of it, so here I go..

Today is the Opening of the Maine State Music Theatre at Bowdoin College. Sue and I had Season Tickets to this at one time and it is such a great performance. Now with the Inn and a young child I usually go to at least one Show. The guests just love this as something local and entertaining to do. You can go to either a matinee or evening performance. They open today with Light in the Piazza followed by Crazy for You, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Drowsy Chaperone and 3 Childrens Performances. I highly recommend attending.

Today is also the opening day of our Swimming Pool. Heated and 82 deg ready for the Summer Crowd. We felt bad and had to turn the heat on when our poor guest Barbara was swimming in the pool at 63 deg. We had another full house this weekend. The gardens have taken shape as Sue is complaining like crazy about her aching back from planting. Don't forget to check the webcam as it is a Beautiful Day on Bailey Island.

Alicia