Posts Tagged ‘maine’
The Maine Maven cocktail.
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Spiked with witty, breezy, advice for getting the very best out of this fascinating state, MaineMaven.com is brimming with insightful tips about where to find the coolest stuff around.
The Maine Maven herself is the gifted Kristen Andresen Lainsbury.
Kristen’s impressive talents have been honed by 12 years as an award-winning lifestyle feature writer for the Bangor Daily News.
Many will know her as ShopGirl, the title of her wildly popular column, which showcased her charming, natural, writing style.
According to her site, “. . . she has set foot in every town, township, organized and unorganized territory in Maine, and she loves every single one of them, though not equally.”
When Kristen’s not poking around Maine, or being The Maine Maven, she’s providing PR for the University of Maine at Orono, her alma mater. You’ve seen her work in Maine Magazine’s ‘48 Hours In’ feature and in a multitude of regional and national publications.
Helping with the mixology are Jason Lainsbury, the Webmaster and Business Director, and Shawn Rice, the wonderful illustrator.
Thirsty for the spirit of Maine? Whet your whistle at Maine Maven.
Cheers!
Food for spiders.
Saturday, October 10th, 2009
Spiders hopefully won’t be found in the lines at Market Basket, Chases Daily, or Farm Fare, but they have a fantastic alternative.
Gray is beautiful.
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
Some call it June gloom. If you’re in an area near a large body of water, you’ll often experience this soggy, gray shift from spring into summer.
Lucky Maine is just as beautiful in neutral tones, as in brilliant ones.
Especially when framed in silvery mist.
Abstract irises.
Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Georgia O’Keefe was famous for her irises. So was Van Gogh. He liked the blue ones. They’re complex. And when you look closely, very abstract. Irises are found just about now, in many Maine gardens. This is a fluffy German Iris.
The ancient belief is that the iris represents a warning that needs to be heeded, as the flower was named for the messenger of Olympus.
The fleur-de-lis, based on the iris, has been used used by numerous European royal families for centuries. Especially in France, since Louis VII first used it in the 12th Century.
Florence based it’s coat of arms on the native white iris. And when the Medici family took over, they reversed it to a red iris on a white background. They’re still trying to develop a red variety.
And here’s a note about copyright – ©. Thank you. It’s very flattering to find 2bnMaine photos on other web sites. Yes, there are ways to find originators of content. As with all other material you find on the web, all the content on this blog is under copyright. Not so sure these watermarks on the photos look great, but they are an experiment and a reminder.
2bnMaine is delighted by the interest, and happy to share, but would very much appreciate a request, a reference, a thanks, or a link.
Dave Getchell — Really gets it!
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009It’s not easy catching up with Dave Getchell — to find a time when he’s not manning exhibit booths at trade shows, installing docks in Rockland Harbor, or singing with dogs. These don’t seem like the normal range of duties for someone with the very important duties of an Associate Publisher. But Dave’s not an ordinary associate publisher. He works for Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors magazine, headquartered in Rockland — not an ordinary magazine.
Dave’s exuberance might explain why Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors is so popular. Some say that it’s what Downeast magazine used to be — full of detailed information, and quirky, intelligent stories, always reflecting the fascinating, and hard working people, and the beautiful areas of Maine.
As with many from Maine, the more he went away, the more he didn’t. And now he makes a living out of where he loves to live.
Maine and publishing are in his blood. Most likely helped along by his early childhood inoculations by the black flies.
Why do you live in Maine?
The more I’ve traveled over the years (a lot, especially when I was doing TV production and traveling 150 days annually), the more I appreciate what’s right here.
Are you from Maine?
Yes, and, well, no. My dad is from Bangor but thanks to the US Army, I was born out of state. Moved back at age 2. If that doesn’t make me ‘from here’ I guess I’m guilty of being from New Jersey.
Where do you live?
A little 1920s bungalow on the Megunticook River, downtown Camden. I like to say I have “in-town waterfront” property. I have an ocean view, too — if I stand on the very peak of my barn roof, that is.
How did you find it?
Originally rented the house, and liked the place so much we bought it in early 90s. Every so often I get the itch to try another location, do a bit of house shopping, and then am cured of this silly idea for several more years.
What’s the best, and worst, part about living here?
Best–the change of seasons, one of the things that progress hasn’t managed to screw up yet. Worst–the change of seasons, especially the advent of mud season. Perversely, one of my favorite seasons is when the black flies come out…they’re what keeps the coast of Maine from ending up like southern Connecticut. My dad calls ‘em the ‘guardians of the forest.”
What are you giving up?
Nothing, at least that I can see.
What are you getting?
Everything that makes Maine into Maine–lakes, mountains, rivers, the amazing coast, the fact you don’t have to lock the car every time you walk more than 5 feet away from it.
What is your favorite — boating destination?
A tiny island in Penobscot Bay that stands out for its Caribbean-like white shell beaches. It’s not named on the charts; I call the island Petit Phoque (baby seal) because one time I fell asleep on the sand there, only to wake as a baby seal hauled out a few feet away. i think it was disappointed I wasn’t it’s momma, because it bleated a few times, I said, “quit yer whining, go out there and catch some mackerel” so he swam away.
Food?
Foraged steamer clams and mussels on an island, cooked over a driftwood fire. A close second is lobster served no further than a few feet from high tide line, cooked over that driftwood fire and then served up on a driftwood plank. In either case, you toss the leftover shells below tide line, a feast for the crabs and seagulls who come later.
Colors?
That particular “red sky at night” sunset, which means we probably won’t need the rainfly on the tent that night.
What kind of boat do you have?
A Lund Alaskan, a 20-foot open skiff; it’s small enough to launch/land with just one person, yet seaworthy enough so I’ve taken it to Maine’s farthest offshore islands. It’s built out of aluminum, the only material tough enough to withstand regular landings on Maine’s rocky islands. I’ve had the boat 11 years now, and expect to have it many many more.
It thrives an a steady diet of island-hopping, beach BBQs, striper fishing, handlining for cod, towing my screeching nieces around on a tube on Megunticook Lake, big-water adventures on Moosehead, fall sea-duck-hunting, exploring coastal rivers (often finding new uncharted rocks along the way) and spending the winters on its trailer in a snowbank.
Best compliments on the Lund have come from lobstermen, usually from their boat to mine while we’re bobbing in a big surge off an island someplace; their usual reaction is, “Nice boat!”
Read on to to learn more about Dave, Cap’n Henri, and Maine, Boats, Homes and Harbors.
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The unfurling continues.
Saturday, June 13th, 2009
The myth about the symbiotic relationship between the peony and the ant is not true. The peony does not depend on the ant to bloom. The ant is merely feasting on the sweet nectar served up by the gracious peony. Go to Leslie Land’s blog to learn more about peonies.
If you look closely, you’ll see the ants on other flowers as well.
Earthly Delights — Summer Garden Tours in Maine
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
This is a partial list. Check back for updates. If you know of others, please note them in the comments below.
Throughout the summer — Belfast Friday Garden Tours, 10 am – 5 pm, $3 donation per garden.
June 20, Saturday – Stonington, Evergreen Garden Club Private Garden Tour – (pdf) (207) 348-2753
June 20, Saturday, Otisfield, McLaughlin Gardens with a View, 10 am -3 pm, visit their site for lots of gardening activities.
July 9, Damariscotta, Miles Memorial Hospital League House and Garden Tour, 9 am – 4:30 pm, $25, 207 790-2009.
July 11, Lewston Music Society Home & Garden Tour, 10 am – 5 pm, $20 advance, $22 day of tour.
July 16, Camden Garden Tour, 9:30 am – 4 pm, $25 advance, $30 day of tour, 207-236-8946.
July 11, Gardens in the Watershed, July 12, 10 am – 4 pm, go to the site to get list of the gardens. (Photos from last year.)
July 19, Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, The Bar Harbor Garden Club Garden Tour, Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of tour, 207-288-9689.
July 26, Sunday,11 am – 4 pm – Southwest Harbor House & Garden Tour, benefiting the library – ‘featuring six lovely gardens strung along the shore from Southwest Harbor to Manset, to Bass Harbor and up to West Tremont.’
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Live from Northport — it’s Saturday Cove.
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
Kimber Lee Clark’s wonderful Saturday Cove has been missing for a while now. But it’s back!
Her parents definitely had a sense of humor and she continues the whimsey in her art work. Her great taste, and sense of style, have been a magnet for fans from all over the world. Stop by and say hello, she’d love to see you.
Saturday Cove, Route One, Atlantic Highway, Northport, ME 04849, 207-338-3654. Here’s the website. (You’ll find it five miles south of Belfast and 11 miles north of Camden.) Open – June –Wednesday-Saturday — 10-5, Sunday –12-4 / July and August — Daily — 10-5.
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Traffic jams in the gardens have begun.
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
The lupines are starting, the lilacs are fading, and The Belfast Garden Club Friday Tours have already begun. Will post more garden traffic updates soon.
Fridays throughout the summer, 10 am – 5 pm, $3 donation per garden.
MAY / 22 Cronin garden, 43 Bayview Street, Belfast – Blooming spring bulbs planted on challenging slope & throughout garden / 29 Durrange garden, 129 Cedar Street, Belfast – Japanese-style side garden with water feature & vegetable garden in back.
JUNE / 5 Fancy garden, 33 Londonderry Lane, Belfast – Lovely primroses & native perennials in a 4-yr-old garden, plus a shade garden / 12 Richardson garden, 5 Delemos Street, Belfast – Stone walls, sculptural shrubbery, roses, peonies, plus heirloom annuals / 19 Anthony-Greeley garden, 291 Hatch Road, Jackson — Sweeping panoramic views, pond, shade, rock and formal gardens / 26 Walch garden, 33 Knox Station Road, Thorndike – Extensive perennial gardens for display, propagation and cutting.
JULY / 3 Pickford garden, 132 Goosepecker Ridge, Freedom – Acres of manicured lawns, a garden house, a perennial gardens, with view of windmills / 10/11 Waldo County General Hospital Garden Tour / 17 Berg garden, 12 Water Street, Searsport – Antique home with mature garden and espaliered apple tree / 24 Bennett/Whyte gardens, 29 & 37 Bridge Street, Belfast – Neighboring house and condo gardens connected by a path / 31 Parsloe garden, 140 Bluff Road, Northport – Rolling acres overlooking Bay, 100 day lillies, fruit trees.
AUGUST / 7 Fleming garden, 38 Broadway, Northport – Cottage on waterfront with old fashioned perennial borders & beds / 14 Williams garden, 5 Elm Street, Searsport – English cottage-style garden with pond and small waterfall / 21 The White House garden, 19 Church Street, Belfast -Formal gardens and pathways around historic home and gazebo / 28 Quimby garden, Quimby Road, Brooks – Farmhouse setting, pastoral views, dahlia collection, vegetable garden.
SEPTEMBER / 4 Davenport garden, 226 Kendall Corner Road., Waldo – Perennial flower & herb gardens with pathways, archways, stone walls / 11 Troy Howard Middle School gardens, 173 Lincolnville Avenue, Belfast — Pizza garden & clay pizza oven, greenhouse, rabbits, worms, farmstand.
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The sky cleared, the place was crowded, and it was fun.
Monday, June 1st, 2009Here are just a few of the participants in the Maine Home + Design Show over the weekend at beautiful Point Lookout in Northport.
Downeast Doormats were there with their very clever doormats made from lobstermen’s float lines. Great idea!
Tyson Weiss was there with his amazing fish that thrive in gardens.
Alec Brainerd of Artisan Boatworks was there with a gorgeous sample of his skills, along with his wonderful family. What a lucky guy he is!
Debby Neve of Castine browses through the wonderful Kennebec Company booth.
The very popular Dave Getchell, Associate Publisher of Maine, Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine was also there.
Were you?
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