Palm Springs - Sep 2016

Sunday, September 11
On the fifteenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City, at approximately the same time of that disaster Ken and I boarded an American Airline flight departing from Logan Airport in Boston.  Upon boarding we witnessed, from our seats, a portion of a commemorative ceremony memorializing that event being held at the gate from which the ill fated plane had departed.

We arose at 4AM to take the C & J bus from Portsmouth to Logan.  There, upon successful pre-boarding procedures, we had breakfast and purchased sandwiches to take with us for lunch during the flight.  Departing Boston at 9:15AM, we were pleasantly surprised that breakfast sandwiches were available during the comfortable trip.  Arriving at Los Angeles, 2PM PST, we shuttled to the rental car agency, picked up our vehicle and checked in at the nearby LaQuinta LAX hotel.  There we ate our Logan-purchased sandwiches before driving to West Hollywood.  As the weather was Maine-like and Ken had brought neither sweatshirt nor sweater (after all, our final destination was Palm Springs where temperatures were high) we stopped along the way and made an appropriate purchase for him.  I discovered that the area had changed, or my memory had, during the 30 years since last I cruised Santa Monica Blvd.  We found Micky's bar, where I spent a considerable amount of time during those earlier days, completely revamped but still crammed with beautiful boys.  Parking was non-existent and we did not stop to cruise but continued on to find other familiar landmarks that did not materialize.  However, we did pass by Hollywood Bowl where there must have been a significant event in progress due to the surrounding crowded parking lots and buses.  Back to the hotel for much welcomed sleep.


Monday, September 12

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we checked out and drove back to West Hollywood and found street parking on Santa Monica Blvd. Walked to Micky's to photograph it, then on to The Abby where we had lunch.  Drove into Hollywood where we found a street from which to view the Hollywood sign, then on to my former neighborhood and to view the apartment building where I had lived.
          
           

Through heavy rush hour traffic we started our trek to Palm Springs via Rte 101 which turned out to be the Pomona Freeway tat took us though West Covina from where the hills of Hacienda Heights, the location of the second home I purchased, were visible.  Ken had taken his GPS for help with finding locations, but it wasn't programmed for the west coast and we used Google Maps on his smartphone.




During the trip, I hit a wrong key that locked us out.  Stopping at a rest area, Ken tried to reinstate the phone to no avail. Knowing the rest of the way we traveled on to Palm Springs and eventually found La Dolce Vita Resort and Spa where friend Larry was waiting our arrival.  The temperature was comfortable mid-70s. He gave us tour of resort...2 pools, 2 hot tubs 22 units. We occupied a poolside 2 bedroom suite with full kitchen.Spent the remainder of the evening poolside catching up and planning the next few days.

​​​Each morning we were up at 7 taking an hour's walk, before eating breakfast at the resort. Temps, at that time of day, still mid70s under cloudless blue sky.

Tuesday, September 13
Larry directed us on a driving tour of downtown PSP. Addressing the fact that Ken's phone had died during trip from LA, we found a Verizon store where he was advised that repair would be costly and time consuming so he bought a new version.  Larry & I walked the downtown streets in mid-90 degree temp while waiting for Ken to work out the details of his purchase. Following that we went grocery shopping.  Dinner at Sammy G's, an Italian restaurant, followed by a walk through the gay bar/club district winding up the day at the pools and hot-tubs.

Wednesday, September 14
 Following our morning walk and breakfast, the temperature climbed into the high 90s. We found Liberace's former home after a bit of walking and retracing steps, then drove to the Kaufmann House (designed by famous architect Richard Neutra, from FLLW's era). Stopped at the Art Museum but it was closed, nice grounds. Temps still mid 90s. That evening Larry cooked us a delicious baked salmon. We then went to the Purple Room lounge to hear a jazz trio and soloist that had performed in Ogunquit. Larry had met them there and we spent a short time refreshing memories with them. Returning to the resort we enjoyed the pool where Ken gave Larry swimming technique counseling based on Ken's early life experience as counselor at a children's summer camp in New Hampshire.

Thursday, September 15

After our morning walk and breakfast Larry had a previously made engagement so Ken & I did some solo sightseeing with temps in the low 100s. We found the Architectural Design Center closed because they were changing exhibits for their high season. We visited the Native American History Museum, local tribe: Agua Caliente. We took in the Art Museum where we toured all three floors.



During the evening, with Larry joining us, we went to the Village Street Festival, held each week, where arts and crafts along with fair-food booths generously displayed their wares. Took a quick walk through of the local casino then returned to the the pools and hot-tubs at the resort
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Friday, September 16 (Kern's birthday)  
Following our morning walk and breakfast the temperature climbed quickly to 107 degrees  We spent most of the day in the pools and tubs. The resort hosted an open bar social hour where we met some of the other guests that we hadn't already met. Ken prepared a very nice chicken dinner before we swam some more. A full moon enhanced our time outside.

 Saturday, September 17 
Another day with hot temperatures. Ken & I did most of our packing for the return trip then went to the PSP airport to see if he could get special employee boarding passes for our flight to no avail. We drove to Cathedral City to see if we could find the area where I weekend camped with boyfriend-at-the-time, Tony. Found that there had been too many changes during the 30 years since my last visit there to find the place, if it even still existed. We cooled off with one last swim at the resort before Larry treated us to a very nice belated birthday dinner for Ken at The New York Steakhouse.  We returned to the resort to say our goodbyes at the social hour then headed for LA arriving at the hotel around 10 pm.

Sunday, September 18
 Up early at 3 am, Turned in the car and shuttled to LAX where we had breakfast at a Starbuck's
followed by a 1-1/2 hr delay in our departure. Arrived in BOS early evening and took the C & J bus back to Portsmouth.  Drove home where we were welcomed by our​ kits.

RESPITE 2016

Respite 2016

Friend, Larry, from Oregon, visited Ogunquit recently.  Originally from the Boston area, he is retired and among his passions are walking, writing and photography with which he embellishes his blog.  Almost annually, during the nearly 10 years that we have been acquainted, he has crossed country by train to obtain his "fix" of New England.  I always enjoy Larry's visits in that not only does it enable us to renew our friendship but it also provides a respite from the routines of life...a mini-vacation, so to speak.  

Prior to his arrival, this trip, Larry suggested that Ken and I meet him at Back Bay Station in Boston where Amtrak would deposit him late in the evening.  We did that, using Amtrak's local Downeaster from our town of Wells, and with Larry made our way the few blocks to Marriott's Copley Plaza hotel.  Dinner was enjoyed at Club Cafe, in Boston's south end to which we walked.  The following morning, as Larry wanted to visit the campus of his Alma Mater, Tufts University, we rode the subway system to as close as it went then walked the distance remaining.  It was a comfortable day for walking and the view of Boston was spectacular from the "top of the library".  In order to arrive at North Station, for our return to Maine, before the train departed Larry called for a taxi that whisked us back to town and eventually we concluded our trip with Larry comfortably ensconced in his Ogunquit motel room.

During the following three weeks, Larry walked many miles including the 5 mile walk from Ogunquit to Wells where, one evening, Ken and I hosted dinner at our home.  At other times we ate and drank at favored restaurants, walked and conversed, watched a televised Republican political debate as well as an Oregon Ducks football win.  Larry spent an afternoon of sightseeing with my sister, and at the conclusion of his stay in Ogunquit his Godson, Joel, and wife drove from Vermont to spend a night with him.  Having met Joel some years before, in Ketchikan when Larry and I cruised to Alaska, I joined them for drinks on the eve of Larry's departure.  The following day Ken and I enjoyed brunch with Larry prior to seeing him off at the Amtrak station where he continued his journey to Boston and beyond.   

Walk at Wells Beach

November 20, 2015

An overnight rain storm departed earlier today leaving a moderate off-shore breeze in its wake.  The sea is still churning with fast breakers loaded with sand and rooster-tails of spray lifted and tossed seaward by that wind.  Friend Larry, a recent visitor to our shore, spoke of messages he received from the sea as he walked the beach at Ogunquit.  With my mind open, during today's walk, I perceived a message of PEACE even as the water roiled.  Usually, during my beach walks, my mind is occupied with songs of praise and gratefulness for the privilege of life along this shore.  Ah, that today's message may be from a harbinger relating globally to days that will follow!

Simply, An Elegant Wedding

The Wedding of Beth Ann Cooper & Robert Zdonick, Jr., October 11, 2014

My Granddaughter

As planned Ken & I arrived at the bed and breakfast, Dexter's Inn, in Sunapee, NH, with ample time to prepare for the 5:30 PM ceremony.  The rural inn is located at significant elevation commanding views of both Mt. Sunapee (sporting it's ski trail scars) and Mt. Kearsarge underscored by a sliver of Lake Sunapee. A pretty sight with autumn foliage at its peak.  

 My daughter, Brenda, and her husband, Joe, hosted the wedding at their newly completed home, in Sutton, as fifth generation occupants of property originally owned by my great-grandparents.  The building includes an open covered porch with decorative wood-beamed structure protecting its main entrance.  This became the location for the ceremony.  Rows of comfortable folding chairs facing the porch accommodated the guests.

The ceremony was attended by immediate family members and close friends and was officiated by my daughter who is a New Hampshire Justice of the Peace.  The bride wore an exquisitely designed white satin gown with a medium length train.  

In addition to both their full-time jobs Brenda & Joe annually plant and manage large vegetable gardens.  As a part of that operation they have a large tubular-frame sheet-plastic covered greenhouse that, for the wedding, they moved close to the main house and decorated for use as a reception hall.  With overhead lighting, created by using multiple strings of clear Christmas lights, and groups of candle-lit arrangements surrounding a lengthy cloth covered table complete with a center burlap runner and glowing candlesticks the utilitarian structure became a protected, warm and romantic venue in which to celebrate the marriage.  

SPRINGLIKE, Tuesday, April 1, 2014

SPRINGLIKE,  Tuesday, April 1, 2014

March came in like a lamb and though the lion gave one final roar before departure, April  graciously dawned in spring mode.  It is hoped that it is not an April Fool caper!  The snow mass on the area lawns has thinned, but none of the spring flowers have ventured forth. The rose bushes look dead as do the buds on the early rhody, but how can anything different be expected when the temperature only rose above freezing a couple days during the prior month?  At least, here at the coast, there has not been a significant snowfall during the past couple weeks...it's a good thing as the snow shovels are worn out.

Three hours following high tide, the surf at Wells Beach was active as breakers sheeting the sand were closely spaced.  A pair of surfers abandoned their unsuccessful efforts to paddle out beyond the rough sea.  With their each attempt the force of the waves drove them back toward shore a greater distance than they had gained.  For the beach walkers, however, the wind was light with a bright sun in a clear blue sky creating virtual warmth that exceeded the 42-degree air temperature.  The pebble strewn beach sand gave evidence of wind driven surf of the night before.  Ogunquit Beach, five miles south, would have been more comfortable to walk, but lacked the potential for a find of sea glass.  In a competitive effort the ebbing tide, during a forty minute walk, left an increasing width of smooth packed sand.   With a sense of complete satisfaction, I picked up a piece of sea glass and headed home.

Vacation 2013: One Day at a Time

"Maine, the way life should be"...a slogan evidently coined by the tourism guys in Augusta.  Being a resident here makes one aware that the way life actually IS may reflect a different picture.  Many of us spend our summers in the hospitality industry making sure that those seeking the pleasures of Maine get to enjoy them.  While those fortunate visitors lounge on ocean and lake beaches, camp in pine forests, hike trails and shore, explore history, and shop, we who live here also have homes to maintain and clean.  We do the laundry, shop for groceries, service our vehicles, mow lawns, and grab a few winks of sleep overnight before putting on our smiles and welcome hats for another day of service.

Summer vacations are hard to come by for the working Maine resident.  So, we take them a day at a time.  We grab a stroll on the beach, if the tide is right when we find that available minute or we build in a detour along the path we are required to traverse during the day.  We plan a picnic if friends or relatives are in the area.  During a routine shopping trip, or around an appointment, a break at a local coffee shop becomes a welcome respite.  Celebrating a birthday or anniversary provides a dinner out or an evening at a local entertainment venue.

As an example Ken & I, disappointed that summer was passing us by without our involvement, decided to take a drive.  We had never been to Cape Porpoise, a part of Kennebunkport, so we followed Maine State Route 9 and finding that the town was somewhat lackluster we entered a street that seemed to be directed toward the coast.  Shortly, we came upon a bustling bayside restaurant that was part of a lobstering  operation.  Finding a parking spot along side a boat ramp that due to low tide was not going to be used we walked to the lobstering pier where we observed a catch being transferred from a boat to a waiting delivery truck.  Goat Island Light was visible at the mouth of the harbor providing a pretty view.  Continuing along Route 9 we hoped to find Goose Rocks Beach, but missed a turn and found a secluded beach where there were several parking spaces.  Grabbing the lunch bag that Ken had thoughtfully packed before we left home, we came across a large driftwood log that made a perfect bench for a picnic lunch on the beach.  We traveled north, through Saco into the Biddeford Pool area which we explored.  It wasn't long before we found ourselves at Old Orchard Beach and a few miles north of the pier discovered a lobster market where we stopped for a drink.  At the adjoining pier a lobster boat was being loaded for a trip out and from which kids were having a banner day catching crabs.  We retraced our route now traveling south toward home and eventually entered the Turnpike leaving it at Kennebunk where we stopped at Federal Jack's restaurant, in Kennebunkport, for a light meal. 

The day was pretty, the drive interesting, and we were together.  A very nice vacation...one day at a time!

Winter Fest 2013

My daughter, Brenda and her husband, Joe, host an annual WinterFest in Sutton, NH, on Presidents' Day weekend.  This year there was plenty of snow to satisfy all cravings for downhill speed using a multitude of conveyances; sleds, saucers, a toboggan, and a snow-scooter, along with an unnamed patch of fiberglass with handle attached that requires precise body position and balance.

As a kid, growing up on that same property, my winter conveyances included a Flexible Flyer sled that included a couple of steel rails bridged by wooden slats to support a body.  The steel rails were connected at the front by a metal framework to which was fitted a wooden crossbar that articulated enough to provide some steering.  

Fast forward 65 years and I find myself, after consuming several glasses of a very nice Pinot Noir, hurtling down the same hill on a Hammerhead sled.  Constructed primarily of fiberglass this sled includes a sling of fabric netting to cushion the body.  It features four runners that remind me of short skis the front two of which somehow react to pressure on an aluminum crossbar and steers the unit.  These days it takes me concentrated balance to negotiate the snowbank that serves as a starting block and significant complaining from an arthritic hip while climbing aboard.  A very patient Ken steadies the sled and once I am in position enthusiastically aids in launching my run (as if any additional help was needed) as the sled dove in a nearly vertical trajectory down the face of the bank and sped along the well groomed course to the end of the run.  Shear terror was replaced with exhilaration and the run proved much too short and quickly I was climbing aboard the "lift" (a massive John Deer towing a trailer outfitted with four rows of bench seating and space for snow toys) and headed back to the top of the hill.  No, I did not opt for a second run...next year!