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!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Friday, October 17, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
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.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, February 18, 2013
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!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Journal - A New Beginning?
April 3, 2012
I will try, once again, to create a chronicle of my life in Maine...and anywhere else fate has in store. It seems fitting that Easter-time is a fitting place to start since, for many of us, it commemorates a new beginning...the phenomenon of Christianity. Also, the month of April heralds the emergence of the spring season. Flowering buds burst forth displaying their colorful joy that the worst of winter has passed while exemplifying trust in that which is yet to come. Daylight hours remain chilly, here, with a brisk wind. However, the warmth of the sun is becoming more apparent encouraging me to venture outside without layers of insulative clothing. Walks on the beach are a somewhat different matter...still calling for wind pants, jackets, and gloves (a few times I've even needed to wear a knitted hat...I hate wearing hats).
Yesterday's walk on Wells Beach was spattered with sunshine as gray-bottomed wind clouds scudded across the sky. Then I spent time preparing church bulletins on the computer for my church's forthcoming Easter sunrise and Easter worship services. The one for the Maundy Thursday service is done and copied, ready for distribution at Thursday evening's service. The love my life, Ken, interrupted my efforts at 11:30 PM with a phone call that he had fallen asleep on the bus from Boston, where he works, missing the stop in Portsmouth (where his car was parked) and departed the bus in Dover. He wanted to let me know that the next bus back to Portsmouth would be at 2:30 AM, and that he'd be late arriving home...so, guess who made a trip to the Dover bus terminal, then to the Portsmouth transportation center to deliver him to his car so that he could get some sleep before leaving for work, this morning, at 9 AM.
My plans for today include starting to get my income tax forms completed, with a beach walk fitted in at some point.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Spring, summer and autumn slipped by without attention to this blog. Now that I have more time at my disposal future additions may become a more frequent reality.
The change of seasons spawned an active summer for the hospitality industry but with local activities slowing to a crawl tourists become involved elsewhere and, therefore, I join them. The major reward has been the the successful effort expended on behalf of marriage equality in the state. Maine became the first state in the Union to sanction marriage of same-sex couples by the vote of the people. Friend Larry came from Oregon to become involved while Ken and I enthusiastic-ally joined the time consuming effort.
December brought a change of pace, subtly, as we resumed our services serving 70-100 free meals, per week, to local area seniors alongside other Soup's On volunteers. I also took on coordinator responsibilities for my church's Santa's Toybox community outreach program where the public is invited to "shop" for free donated children's toys, games, books and clothing to give as Christmas gifts. Ken assisted in this project and we helped 40-50 area families prepare for a fuller Christmas than they otherwise would have.
t)
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Pray for Newtown (Connecticut)...20 children and 6 adults killed, yesterday, when a grammar school was assaulted by a disturbed 20-year old gunman!!
How do the parents of those lost young sons and daughters start the day? Without the excited clamor that accompanies the season of Christmas. With hastily wrapped gifts lovingly hidden from prying eyes and inquisitive touches of exploring fingers. Without the good morning hugs so impatiently pulled away from in favor of preparations for a new day. How do they carry on...or do they.
I try to place myself in their shoes, trying to experience which sources of comfort might be most effective. I cannot quite get to that point, never having experienced the loss of a young child. I can envision the experience of losing a young grand-niece or grand-nephew, but to translate that loss to a child of my own seems beyond my comprehension. Would my faith sustain me? Would that, along with my circle of caring family members, friends and acquaintances, lift me from what must be such a deep dark hole of despair? Might communication with others who have experienced similar horrific trauma help? I simply do not know, and all that I can do at this point is to lift my prayers for the well being of those parents.
But, I can join forces with those who will attempt to effect changes which will discourage, if not end, the continuance of similar atrocities. According to respected sources, two basic elements need to be addressed...gun control, along with increased education and counseling related to mental instability.
Relating to gun control, it seems plausible to agree that our congressional leaders so fear their loss of position due to the pressures of the National Rifle Association's deep campaign pockets that they will not seriously oppose the association's objections to the control of personal firearms. In that case, would it not be a challenge to the general constituency to override that fear with the fear of congressional position loss at the hands of the electorate in succeeding Novembers?
As to mental health, can we not add our support to the need for greater awareness and funding where needed, be it with school programs, private clinics, or other appropriate areas as suggested by proven trusted sources?
I will try, once again, to create a chronicle of my life in Maine...and anywhere else fate has in store. It seems fitting that Easter-time is a fitting place to start since, for many of us, it commemorates a new beginning...the phenomenon of Christianity. Also, the month of April heralds the emergence of the spring season. Flowering buds burst forth displaying their colorful joy that the worst of winter has passed while exemplifying trust in that which is yet to come. Daylight hours remain chilly, here, with a brisk wind. However, the warmth of the sun is becoming more apparent encouraging me to venture outside without layers of insulative clothing. Walks on the beach are a somewhat different matter...still calling for wind pants, jackets, and gloves (a few times I've even needed to wear a knitted hat...I hate wearing hats).
Yesterday's walk on Wells Beach was spattered with sunshine as gray-bottomed wind clouds scudded across the sky. Then I spent time preparing church bulletins on the computer for my church's forthcoming Easter sunrise and Easter worship services. The one for the Maundy Thursday service is done and copied, ready for distribution at Thursday evening's service. The love my life, Ken, interrupted my efforts at 11:30 PM with a phone call that he had fallen asleep on the bus from Boston, where he works, missing the stop in Portsmouth (where his car was parked) and departed the bus in Dover. He wanted to let me know that the next bus back to Portsmouth would be at 2:30 AM, and that he'd be late arriving home...so, guess who made a trip to the Dover bus terminal, then to the Portsmouth transportation center to deliver him to his car so that he could get some sleep before leaving for work, this morning, at 9 AM.
My plans for today include starting to get my income tax forms completed, with a beach walk fitted in at some point.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Spring, summer and autumn slipped by without attention to this blog. Now that I have more time at my disposal future additions may become a more frequent reality.
The change of seasons spawned an active summer for the hospitality industry but with local activities slowing to a crawl tourists become involved elsewhere and, therefore, I join them. The major reward has been the the successful effort expended on behalf of marriage equality in the state. Maine became the first state in the Union to sanction marriage of same-sex couples by the vote of the people. Friend Larry came from Oregon to become involved while Ken and I enthusiastic-ally joined the time consuming effort.
December brought a change of pace, subtly, as we resumed our services serving 70-100 free meals, per week, to local area seniors alongside other Soup's On volunteers. I also took on coordinator responsibilities for my church's Santa's Toybox community outreach program where the public is invited to "shop" for free donated children's toys, games, books and clothing to give as Christmas gifts. Ken assisted in this project and we helped 40-50 area families prepare for a fuller Christmas than they otherwise would have.
Today, I'm winding down. The town's Christmas parade was held yesterday along State Route 1 that passes in front of the mobile home park's entrance drive thereby prohibiting access and egress. I watched the parade, camera in hand, then walked 1-1/2 miles (round trip) for exercise.
t)Saturday, December 15, 2012
Pray for Newtown (Connecticut)...20 children and 6 adults killed, yesterday, when a grammar school was assaulted by a disturbed 20-year old gunman!!
How do the parents of those lost young sons and daughters start the day? Without the excited clamor that accompanies the season of Christmas. With hastily wrapped gifts lovingly hidden from prying eyes and inquisitive touches of exploring fingers. Without the good morning hugs so impatiently pulled away from in favor of preparations for a new day. How do they carry on...or do they.
I try to place myself in their shoes, trying to experience which sources of comfort might be most effective. I cannot quite get to that point, never having experienced the loss of a young child. I can envision the experience of losing a young grand-niece or grand-nephew, but to translate that loss to a child of my own seems beyond my comprehension. Would my faith sustain me? Would that, along with my circle of caring family members, friends and acquaintances, lift me from what must be such a deep dark hole of despair? Might communication with others who have experienced similar horrific trauma help? I simply do not know, and all that I can do at this point is to lift my prayers for the well being of those parents.
But, I can join forces with those who will attempt to effect changes which will discourage, if not end, the continuance of similar atrocities. According to respected sources, two basic elements need to be addressed...gun control, along with increased education and counseling related to mental instability.
Relating to gun control, it seems plausible to agree that our congressional leaders so fear their loss of position due to the pressures of the National Rifle Association's deep campaign pockets that they will not seriously oppose the association's objections to the control of personal firearms. In that case, would it not be a challenge to the general constituency to override that fear with the fear of congressional position loss at the hands of the electorate in succeeding Novembers?
As to mental health, can we not add our support to the need for greater awareness and funding where needed, be it with school programs, private clinics, or other appropriate areas as suggested by proven trusted sources?
A Year in Commitment
On June 14, 2012, Ken & I celebrated a year of committed, monogamous, loving partnership. We sort of pulled the date out of the air, trying to reconstruct our meeting and the subsequent date when he moved in and we commenced sharing all aspects of the relationship.
Ken was looking for a room to rent, I had posted online the availability of a room in my mobile home seeking help with expenses as well as hoping for companionship. After reviewing another respondant I offered Ken the room. We dated for five weeks before he moved in. By that time we had concluded that our relationship was going to be more than landlord and tenant. We committed our mutual fidelity and agreed to live together for a year, as long our feelings for one another remained strong, before taking further steps.
Now, four months into our second year together, we continue to marvel at the strength of our feelings. My family has fully embraced his presence in my life, but it is taking his family a while longer to accept our relationship. Their religious background is deeply fundamental and while the younger members are more understanding the senior members seemingly cannot work their beliefs around the concept of two men lovingly sharing life.
Ken was looking for a room to rent, I had posted online the availability of a room in my mobile home seeking help with expenses as well as hoping for companionship. After reviewing another respondant I offered Ken the room. We dated for five weeks before he moved in. By that time we had concluded that our relationship was going to be more than landlord and tenant. We committed our mutual fidelity and agreed to live together for a year, as long our feelings for one another remained strong, before taking further steps.
Now, four months into our second year together, we continue to marvel at the strength of our feelings. My family has fully embraced his presence in my life, but it is taking his family a while longer to accept our relationship. Their religious background is deeply fundamental and while the younger members are more understanding the senior members seemingly cannot work their beliefs around the concept of two men lovingly sharing life.
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