Opening Day

I know.. Opening Day for Baseball was months ago. With School out this week I am celebrating Opening Friday at Stovers Cove. Stovers Cove is located on the other side of Harpswell almost directly across from the Bailey Island Bridge. Every Friday a group of us with tons of kids meet at Stovers Cove starting from about 11am and we have been known to stay until sunset. The great part is that you can drive your car right out on the point that is owned by Harpswell Heritage Trust. Almost like an Outer Banks or Cape Cod feel. We unpack loads of stuff, grills, boogie boards, chairs, tables,etc. The kids just love it because of the many tidal pools and aquatic life they find. When the Tide changes  a rip current is formed and they can boogie board from the tidal pool into the Salt Water Cove. There are always buckets full of crabs, snails, seaweed, clams, and if they are lucky maybe a few crawfish. Aimee and I are usually there during the day and then we alternate who draws the short straw and has to come back to work at night.

This year Aimee has come up with a brilliant  idea she and I would stay there and Matt will work at night!!   Here is a picture of Terrence buried in the sand and I mean buried. Every crevice of him had sand.

This past week also kicked off the Music Theater  at Bowdoin College. The Maine State Music Theater is a Professional Group that does such a fabulous job that if you are around this Summer seeing a show is a must. Also visit the Art Museum, Perry Arctic Museum, Bowdoin Music Festival and the Beautiful Grounds at the College.

The Train is also running from Brunswick to Rockland. I was heading into the Grocery Store Saturday when I looked over at the new train station and saw some room guests waiting on the platform. It brought a smile to my face that they were off on a great day trip. Speaking of the train, it looks like we are all set for the Boston to Brunswick Amtrack Line to start in November. Wahoo!!!

The other thing that brought a smile to my face is the Peoni's bursting out this week. It was my

Grandmother's favorite flower and I think of her every time I pass them.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's especially mine and my husband.

Alicia

Howard

17 years ago, when we converted the Log Cabin Restaurant into the Inn, many local folks were upset that they would no longer be able to eat here (as we only serve room guests meals now). So, Howard, the owner of Lands End Gift Shop, decided to stay here in a room so he could eat here! Over the years, he has rented more and more rooms so that his "bowling buddies" could join him. This year, he has rented all 9 rooms, and tonight Aimee and Alicia are preparing a "feast" for them all. It is fun to have "locals" stay with us. Actually, we do get a few other Harpswell folks stay, as well as Brunswick. And, now that "stay-cations" are being promoted, our Maine clientele is increasing.

This past week has been very busy for us, despite the rainy weather. Looks like we are going to have a record breaking June! The weather has finally made a turn for the better. It is sunny and beautiful today. Matt is outside cleaning up the pool....should be a great pool day!

Well, I am off for the day....so I am headed home! Sue

A Day for Ducks

Today was truly a day for a duck. The 2nd Annual Duck Race was held at Great Island Boatyard to Benefit the Harpswell Community School PTO benefiting  the PlayGround.  The predicted weather for this weekend was heavy rain both Sat and Sun not what all the tourists, brides, graduates and shop owners were hoping for the first weekend in June. Over 500 plastic ducks were contained in a "coral" in the water at the Boatyard and while it was still light rain the ducks were let go and the Race Was On. Each duck cost $25 to purchase and there were 5 fabulous prizes including a night at the Log Cabin.  A Big Thank You to Mrs. Bailey the first place winner for donating the IPad back to the School. I was hoping I would win that IPad or the 2 kayaks. There was plenty of food and desserts to chose from and all kinds of kids games. If you are here for the Duck Race next year please stop by and see how much fun you can have with a duck in the rain, well hopefully it wont be raining next year.
  Today was also the 2nd "Fly In" at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. With the rain it wasn't much of a Fly In but last year when I attended it was a load of fun. Also this is Bowdoin College Alumni Weekend and Congratulations to our room guest Mr. Woodin on his 50th Reunion. I think it is Sue's 22nd but I am not asking. The other thing I did at 8:30am  in the rain today was Coach 30 kids between the ages of 5-7 T Ball. It is quite amusing some run to 3rd base first, sometimes there are 2 kids on base, sometimes they are just out in the field picking daises but at least they are out there and not watching TV.
  There is  a new Vietnamese Restaurant that opened on upper Maine St. near the Church. We are sad
to see Back Street Bistro closing along with Lilee's but look forward to another spectacular season at Maine State Music Theater at Bowdoin College.

I know many of you subscribe to DownEast Magazine so don't miss the article on page 25
"Destination Brunswick" and the wonderful insert on page 36&37 of Harpswell.

The one good thing about the rain all day is that I don't have to cover the pool tonight.
As expected we lost power last night so I am a little late posting the blog.

Healthy Wishes...Alicia

Bowdoin graduation

So, the class of 2012 will be graduating from Bowdoin College this morning. The weather here on Bailey Island is currently 60 degrees and foggy. But, if the weather folks are correct, the wind should turn soon, and the sun will heat us up to the 80's. If so, that was the weather the day the graduating class of 1991 graduated at Bowdoin as well. The graduation was outside, and the weather was beastly!! It was especially hot in a cap and gown! I speak from experience, as I was one of the graduates that day! My sons, Matt and Adam were there, Aimee also, and my Dad, who was 88 years old. My brother Bob came also, and was worried about Dad in the heat.....he was just fine.....and very proud! As you can surmise, for those of you who have not met me, I was not 20 years old. (Ok, I was  40!). My husband, Neal, who was also there, kids me about the fact that it took me 23 years to graduate....says I am a slow learner! I started college back in 1968 at Bates (where my brother Bob graduated from).....took classes over the years at U. Maine.....and finally, finished at Bowdoin!  Bowdoin is a great college, and congrats to the new class of graduates!

Also, this past week, I went to the Boothbay Botanical Gardens. They have a "Rhodie" garden that is absolutely spectacular right now. The picture above is one of my rhodies.....the botanical gardens must have over 200......and every variety possible. They really are breath-taking! Boothbay is about a 45 minute ride from here, and I suggest all go visit when they are here.

Well, I am in the middle of cooking breakfast.....so, I must go! Have a Happy Memorial weekend all! Sue

Friends

A room guest asked it I just started working at the Inn this year and it got me to thinking....

Sue and I have been friends for close to 18 years now. I first met her when I started working at the

Log Cabin when it was a Restaurant. We hit it off right from the start. At the end of about my 3rd season she brought me into her office and said " I am done, no more Restaurant. I am changing the place to an

Inn."  I was all for that since my College Major was Hotel and Restaurant Management.

We have shared so many good times together. We have gone on vacation together, San Antonio, Texas by far the best. Both she and Aimee were in my Wedding. Sue was in the delivery room when Terrence was born. We have also done quite a few things together than I can not share. I feel like I am delivering her Eulogy, she already knows  I am planning that as well. This time of year I am always giving her a hard time about buying Soooooo many flowers but honestly could you imagine coming to the Log Cabin and not seeing all of them. She is not only a best friend  but truly the best Boss anyone could ask for. How many other Boss' enjoy scrubbing and plunging toilets. Did you know she had a cake in the shape of a plunger for her 50th Birthday?

   So here is a picture of a vase Sue gave me many years ago for my Birthday and throughout the season I bring it in once a week an make her replenish the flowers in it.  Next time you stay  at the Inn you will have to ask Sue about the good times we have had.

Cheers!

Alicia

Planting season

So, it is that time of year again.....when I go to every Maine Garden shop I can find, and fill my car up over and over and over! Then, the plants go from the car to the kitchen (Alicia loves to complain about this), and eventually to the gardens. I am not sure what I was thinking when we originally created all of these gardens!  I must say, they are a lot of work! And, today,  I am headed north to Moose Crossing garden center for the 3rd time! It is a bit of a trek, but they have a super product, and great prices! One good thing about this year, is we have had many days of rain, which saves from watering.

It is hard to believe we have been open for more than a month. Time just zooms......Lovely to see all of our past guests once again. And, we have made several new friends as well! This is just a short blog today.....because.....I have to go plant!!  (I have to do my part to make Bailey Island even prettier.) Enjoy and be well, Sue

Hatch

My friends Hannah and Dustan have opened an Antique,Gift and Vintage Shop on Orrs Island.
They are having their Grand Opening today and I thought fit to stop on my way to work. The shop is oh so cute. They have turned an old shop into a bright and cheery place. Hannah makes  these little stuffed animals called "Softies" that I have my own personal collection of and they make such great baby gifts as well as adult gifts. It shows that Dustan has spent many hours looking through Vintage pieces to find just the right fit for the store. The great thing is that every day there can be different items and better yet I get to pass by there twice a day. So while you are out venturing around the Islands stop by Hatch and give the girls a Big Hello, they do like to chat.

Besides today being the Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo and the the Big Moon it is Opening Day
( for me) on Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Season.  I see with all our rain and very little sun the Rhubarb
has made it to a height where I can go out a pull a few stalks. Our gardener, Wanda told me just pull the stalks don't cut them or they wont grow back correctly. With over half the room guests eating Dinner here tonight and our first No Vacancy of the Season what better way to celebrate with some Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. Good thing Matt is off today or there may not be any left for the Room Guests.

 To  all my friends Running in the Habitat for Humanity 5K today, Great Job Harpswell
Girls.

Alicia