Snow Birds

The enjoyment of a Maine Summer is all the sweeter knowing you can handle a brutal Maine Winter, much like we've been having this year.  Henri plans to eventually turn us into snow birds, but for now, I'm content to enjoy the bright spots of our winters.

I'm reminded of an old Maine expression that goes:  "If you can't take the Winter, you don't deserve the Summer." 

Guess I'll have to come up with a retort for that when we eventually head South for the winters. 

So that's why I've decided to take lots of pictures showing I do indeed deserve the summers.    

Although the birds are the ones doing the enduring, as I sit inside by a cozy woodstove with my camera.

I'm not saying we've completely lost it with this year's huge amount of snowfall, but secretly we think the starlings mean to taunt us with the sight of their snow dotted feathers.   

No, really, we're good.  But now is that a downy woodpecker?

Why yes, I do believe it is.  So, how's the weather been lately in your neck of the woods? 

Getting Through Winter

At the peak of our winter this year, here's what it looked like outside our place. 

But life has a way of providing warmth both physically and inwardly when you least expect it.  Like yesterday when I received this cheerful and very warm  sweater cowl from my sweet friend Vicki over at 2 Bags Full that I was lucky to win in her most recent giveaway.  Vicki also sells these lovely upcycled sweater cowls in her Etsy Shop that she creates out of retired or vintage sweaters.

She also included this beautiful card with a handwritten message sending me more warm hugs and bloggy love. 

And then, out of the clear blue my sweet friend Kat of Low Tide High Style brightened up my day with a beautiful metallic print of her amazing photography!

Kat just recently opened an Etsy Shop too where you can order notecards that she had made up from her beautiful captures.  They are the perfect breath of fresh air when Spring can't come quick enough! 

And now I will show you something that my dear Henri gave to me too.  Permission to paint over his beloved knotty pine wood in this one small area of our home.  (We have a whole room full downstairs, but for now I'm just happy for this one small spot over our woodstove.) 

All I can say is Ahhhhhh!   I have been wanting to do this for a long time. 

It's amazing how a small thing like this can really change the entire mood of the room. 

So take that Winter. How much worse could  it possibly get now anyway?

Oops! Well actually, Henri took this one in the parking lot of our local Home Depot a couple weeks ago while I was inside buying the paint to cover that knotty pine.    It IS kind of scary though, isn't it? 

Things That Caught My Eye Today

Sometimes while we're out walking, I remember to capture a shot of what may be an unusual sight in other parts of the country.   

Part of someone's morning commute.  Because it's not like you can just walk around to clear off the other side. 

And then, imagine going to such great lengths only to remember it's a Sunday, or that you forgot your keys.   Yeah, that would not be fun.  As I watched him head back to shore just moments later, those are the thoughts that crossed my mind though.   

As I stood on shore watching and snapping pictures, I couldn't help but imagine that not much in the scene I was gazing out on had really changed in the past 100 years or so.  Except for maybe the bench, of course.  

The scene is Sorrento's Village Green, looking across Frenchman's Bay toward the mountains of Acadia National Park.  A place that I'm lucky to be able to visit every day.

I even found a lovely piece of sea glass along the shore right there today.   Often, whenever I find a piece of sea glass, it  makes me wonder how it came to be mine.  This particular one, deposited right here at my feet, completely smoothed and hydrated from a 50+ year journey that perhaps began as a bottle of 7up. 

And of course, it's always the bright colors that catch my eye.  Especially in winter.   

And especially if they're right outside my livingroom window. 

A Painfully Beautiful Time of Year

This little birdie doesn't seem to mind the blizzardly conditions our Winter has bestowed upon us this year. 

Within this clump of clinging white outside our window the birds gather to wait their turn at the feeders. 

No church services until July at Sorrento's Church of the Redeemer.  Pity, as most of the summer parishioners may never know what they have missed out on during the winter months. 

We may as well let them believe that winter here is just grey and gloomy.  And that the sun never shines. 

And the only thing the moon shines down on is a frozen tundra in the middle of winter. 

Never to be seen peering above blue skies near dusk. 

Impatiently awaiting its turn after sundown. 

If you finally tire of winter, inside a reprieve, tucked here and there can help tide you over. 

Courtesy of someone who had the forethought to plan for times such as these. 

Even if it is just more white. 

If someone in your household feels the need to make a statement about the conditions this time of year. 

I always find it best to just humor them and snap a picture.  And be thankful that at least he hasn't lost his sense of humor.

Winter In Coastal Maine

Some people may find it a bit desolate. There are many places where you can go for miles and not see a soul.

It's a place where rugged coastlines are the norm.

And where scenic views abound.

It's a place where you learn to develop a watchful eye.

And don a beautiful coat while you stand outside.





And every once in a while, you stop and visit with a special friend you meet on the side of the road.

And before you know it

you realize, once again, your heart has been stolen.

Outside Influences

Melting icicles and fresh boughs of pine outside our window today.

Melting ice in a glass of ice tea with a fresh sprig of mint.

Melting icicles with a dusting of fresh white snow.

Melting ice in a glass of ice tea and brownies with a fresh dusting of powdered sugar.

Close up of the snow covered terrain right outside our window.

Close up of the snow covered, I mean the powdered sugar covered, brownies right within our reach.

And the kiwi slice was a little like a slice of today's sunshine!

Come Take A Walk With Us

It's just a short stroll today, but let us show you around a bit. Sorrento's year round population is less than 300, and is the smallest town in Hancock County. This is our town's Post Office, housed on the first level of a private residence, on the corner of Main and Waukeag.

Hello there, stack of granite on the corner of Waukeag and Bayview. You always make me smile.

On Bayview, we get a glimpse of the Church of the Redeemer and Bell Tower that is open for services only in the summer months of July and August. The parsonage, in the foreground, is purported to have a ghost. But not to worry, she's a former minister's wife.

It's kind of cloudy today, a nice day to notice this weather vane atop a summer cottage on Bayview near Ocean Avenue, without having to squint into the sun.

Oh look, here's another snow filled entrance to one of the summer cottages on Ocean Avenue. I'm glad you came along with us, it can be somewhat lonely here in the winter.

Oh, and here's Mr. Wren's private residence on Ocean Avenue. He likes being near the water year round.

I see we're starting to lose our daylight, we might as well head back.

Before we head back to the dock where we're parked, let's take a moment to enjoy the view of the mountains of Acadia National Park looking out across Frenchman's Bay.

See, I told you it was a short walk. Thanks for coming along! We enjoyed your company.