I had not researched Ely, Minnesota or this area other than reading the chapter in Kuralt's book, and now I'm finding out that this is quite a unique place.
But before I begin writing about certain places, I did visit Ely Baptist Church Sunday, now known as Ledgerock Community Church; maybe the name Baptist kept some from coming so the name change, that's what someone told me. Very comtemporary service with guitars, a harmonica, accordian, piano, keyboard, off the wall music, film clips to enhance the message, very busy hour, but also a very good, timely message. Their mission statement read,"to live empowered by God's Spirit to reach people for Christ." Hopefully every church has this statement and purpose.
Monday, Angela and I took a trip up the coast of Lake Superior to a resort town, Grand Marais. Well, the drive, about an hour, was absolutely beautiful, the bluest water, coves and inlets, the greenest forest trees, scenic falls , even some swimming, the water was cold. As pretty as it gets. The little town of Grand Maris, a population of only 1,400, had the usual shops, eateries, boardwalk, sailboats, motels, but it was different. You were so close to the water you could drive your car right in. Ate lunch at
The Angry Trout Cafe, didn't ever find out the reason for the name. Anyway, a nice day and reneged on going on to Duluth, Minn. though I would have loved to have seen the city, it was another two hours away. The temperature was just right with a light sweater which I even hate to mention since Alabama is sweltering.
I forget that I'm the sole caretaker of my car and I must keep things checked so it was nice to find a station that would change oil, rotate tires, check filters, hoses, all that stuff. My car is good to go on for the next phase. And, of all things, I so dislike pumping my own gas, so a fill-up was done by the attendent while I was there.
This area is most important because of the discovery of the high-grade iron ore
which made Minnesota and Ely famous. The first iron ore discovery was made in Ely about 1883, resulting in the movement of people and homes to the area.
The Voyageurs, explorers, who traveled the border water lanes over 200 years ago, blazed the trails for the discovery of the rich iron ore which developed into the Vermillion Range. Now the modern voyageur- the fishmen, hunters and canoeists use Ely as the base of supplies into the roadless area of the Superior National forest . It has become an outfitting center for vacationists and sportsmen eventhough it is , and always has been, a mining town.
Ely, like the other Range cities, is one of the melting pots of the nation. Its lumbering, and mining attracted adventurous, enterprising and hardworking people virutally from all parts of the earth creating a working pool of men of all nationalities who worked side by side, many achieving and realizing their hopes and dreams, which America symbolized to them. The culture of Ely is a composite of these many immigrant groups many of which have kept alive the old ways as they interweave with the current history. There are Swedes, Finns, Norwegians, Irishmen, and Slavs with names like Larsen, Flachman, Berteison, Nikkola, Reinertsen, Reichensperger, Ulicsni to name a few( taken from the phone book). Didn't see Jones, Henson, Schell, Beech, any ordinary names you can pronounce.
Now, Twin Metals LLC, a combined venture of Duluth Metals Limited and international mining leader
Antofagasta PLC are developing to operate an underground copper, nickel and platinum mining project in Northeastern Minnesota. This project will create large numbers of construction, engineering, exploration and long-term mining jobs for generations of Minnesotans, revitalizing the century-old mining industry of the area. These stragetic metals are essential elements in renewable energy applications such as wind turbines, hybrid and electric vehicles, batteries and mobile technologies.
This is considered a world class deposit with more than 4 billion tons of copper, nickel and other metal resources, the largest known undeveloped deposit of strategic metals in the world. And another most positive aspect of the project is the commitment to protect the environment, using environmentally sound practices in every phase of the project. A plus, of course, is the revenue that will be generated for state and local governments and local school districts. This certainly won't happen over night though because it is now entering into year four of baseline studies and entering prefeasibility analysis. It will be an interesting development to follow.
There is another thing I love about Ely. The streets are so wide that there are two lanes of traffic and a lane on each side for cars to park. It's such a welcome change after the many parking experiences I've had in other places. And that makes the streets wide enough for u-turns without having to manuever or even back up. I haven't checked about the legality of the u-turns, I've just seen others do it and have assumed it's legal. There are only two police cars in the town also.
More later!
ely
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Revisiting America
Received a call from my neice, Jo Anne Sims, in Cypress, Ca. that she will be visiting me in Twin Bridges, Montana, my next stop. (Thank goodness, it's only 1,171 miles from here). I knew she was coming to visit at some point in time, so this is definite. I will pick her up in Bozeman on the way to Twin Bridges, she'll be visiting friends there, and we'll have a nice four-day visit. Jo Anne has taught school in Cypress for many years, husband Russell is with Izusu and son Brian and wife Nosha are nearby with jobs I won't name because I think they've changed. Good family and interesting people that I'll share more about in the book. Jo Anne and I will have a good visit.
I already know I'm in trouble as far as getting everything done in Ely. Picked up a list at the newspaper office of 100+ Things To Do In Ely, in the area. Wow! Thank goodness some of them can only be done in the winter.
I did start by visiting in and out of shops in town to see some of the many unique and handcrafted items.
And on Tuesday and Thursday nights I can sit on my back-porch steps and listen to live music in town.
Good music. I will wander up there to see these groups in person. And I've already sampled a good many of the restaurants. I have nothing negative to say about Ely. Everything so positive and good.
Thursday night was the Ely Rotary Club Annual Auction. Ward Nelson came by and gave me a ticket for the meal. What a crowd and I would say this is one of the most important events of the year. This particular club is celebrating 90 years of service and friendship in the Northwoods. In 2009 this club finalized incorporation with Rotary International, with a new set of by-laws, and certification as a charitable organization with the IRS. "Informing the citizenship, safety and community pride in parks and public places, scholarships for students, penny jars to fight hunger and the Auction are some of the many projects the Rotary promote. Everyone really entered into the bidding, many laughs, a very good meal, and to me, moved quickly and finished at the designated time. I had already gone on-line to view the many items for bidding and the Silent Auction, so surprised at the number of items donated for the Auction.
I've been fascinated with the story of The Root Beer Lady, Dorothy Molter, and wanted to know more about her. So, I visited the museum and really enjoyed the displays, the guided tour and video and came away with several books about her life. Admire someone like her that will actually did what she wanted to do with her life.
Then a trip to the North American Bear Center to visit with the bears and watch them eat grapes, play with toys, and do what bears do. The 50+ video exhibits were great as was the guides lecture, but actually seeing the bears in their natural habitat was special. They seemed oblivious to people, even those that fed them.
And last but not least of my many activities this week was the American Cancer Society Annual Relay for Life Walk in Whiteside park. The rain dampened the luminaries but didn't dampen the spirit of those manning tents with information, those walking, those serving food, a wonderful atmosphere for the most worthy cause. It will be interesting to know the amount of money raised at both events, The Rotary Auction and the Relay for Life Event. I did walk several laps and bought a luminary for the many cancer survivors and victims in my hometown, though I didn't name any one specifically. We should always be willing to support organizations that provide care, information, and opportunities for so many, many people.
I already know I'm in trouble as far as getting everything done in Ely. Picked up a list at the newspaper office of 100+ Things To Do In Ely, in the area. Wow! Thank goodness some of them can only be done in the winter.
I did start by visiting in and out of shops in town to see some of the many unique and handcrafted items.
And on Tuesday and Thursday nights I can sit on my back-porch steps and listen to live music in town.
Good music. I will wander up there to see these groups in person. And I've already sampled a good many of the restaurants. I have nothing negative to say about Ely. Everything so positive and good.
Thursday night was the Ely Rotary Club Annual Auction. Ward Nelson came by and gave me a ticket for the meal. What a crowd and I would say this is one of the most important events of the year. This particular club is celebrating 90 years of service and friendship in the Northwoods. In 2009 this club finalized incorporation with Rotary International, with a new set of by-laws, and certification as a charitable organization with the IRS. "Informing the citizenship, safety and community pride in parks and public places, scholarships for students, penny jars to fight hunger and the Auction are some of the many projects the Rotary promote. Everyone really entered into the bidding, many laughs, a very good meal, and to me, moved quickly and finished at the designated time. I had already gone on-line to view the many items for bidding and the Silent Auction, so surprised at the number of items donated for the Auction.
I've been fascinated with the story of The Root Beer Lady, Dorothy Molter, and wanted to know more about her. So, I visited the museum and really enjoyed the displays, the guided tour and video and came away with several books about her life. Admire someone like her that will actually did what she wanted to do with her life.
Then a trip to the North American Bear Center to visit with the bears and watch them eat grapes, play with toys, and do what bears do. The 50+ video exhibits were great as was the guides lecture, but actually seeing the bears in their natural habitat was special. They seemed oblivious to people, even those that fed them.
And last but not least of my many activities this week was the American Cancer Society Annual Relay for Life Walk in Whiteside park. The rain dampened the luminaries but didn't dampen the spirit of those manning tents with information, those walking, those serving food, a wonderful atmosphere for the most worthy cause. It will be interesting to know the amount of money raised at both events, The Rotary Auction and the Relay for Life Event. I did walk several laps and bought a luminary for the many cancer survivors and victims in my hometown, though I didn't name any one specifically. We should always be willing to support organizations that provide care, information, and opportunities for so many, many people.
Revisiting America
Thank you, Terry Jackson, for such a nice, lengthy article in "The Ely Echo", weekly Ely newspaper. You really captured the heart of the trip. As before when articles have been printed, I'll send copies home to family.
This has been such a busy week, enjoying events day and night. I find this town is so much like my hometown of Chatom, Alabama, there's no lack of things to do.
Monday was "get everything together day", clothes washed and ironed, the house neatened, taking stock of the frig and see what's needed, journaling, (you know I haven't blogged), making a list of people and places, looking at expenses, all the necessary things that will make a week easier.
Then went to Angela Campbell's for "supper" and an Arbonne Skin Care party. Of course, the meal was delicious, and the party was fun. Met a new group of ladies, and reminded myself of the products I had bought at a party several years before, never used, but will now that I'm reminded of the advantages of its use. Karen Brodeen did an excellent presentation and it was a pleasure meeting the ladies. The strawberry shortcake refreshment was yummy too.
Tuesday at noon I attended the Tuesday meeting at the Grand Ely Lodge, ate lunch, and was impressed with the presentation of Mark S. Rubin, St. Louis County attorney. He gave an overview of the four phases of his work, then graciously answered many questions from the group. I thought it was a good crowd and I'm happy that I now recognize and can call the names of people I've already met.
Left this meeting and went across the "road" to the Ely Arts and Heritage Center at the Pioneer Mine Complex. Programs are given throughout the summer and fall. There is a walk-through type explanation of the mine and its importance. This mine, Pioneer Mine, operated underground from 1888-1967, and produced 42 million tons of Bessemer grade iron ore, over the space of two world wars and the industrialization of America. I'm sorry I didn't get the name of the gentleman sharing information about the mine, but will, and will certainly give him credit for sharing his knowledge of the mine and surrounding area mines. This also gave me an opportunity to meet Trudy, a lady from the Chamber of Commerce who helped me with names and numbers of realtors before I came to Ely. She was hosting the afternoon visitation at the mine.
Tuesday night found me at a "lia sophia" jewelry party with Angela and a totally different group of ladies. Again, a good presentation by a talented young, lady, Jen Moats, and the party was hosted by Kate Anderson. We played games, had refreshments, and I won't tell you whether or not I bought jewelry. Anyway, a fun time was had by all.
Wednesday a.m. met Gerald Tyler at The Front Porch for coffee, having talked to him on Tuesday about meeting Bill Campbell and talking to him about Kuralt. Not only did I have coffee with Gerald Tyler, but a table full of men who meet there daily for coffee and discussions. Again, I don't have all the names but will get them. They talked about Ely, Kuralt, fishing, retirement, etc: So good to meet all of them and for a little while be a part of their morning coffee group.
Do you wonder why I stayed home Wed. night? I already knew about something for Thursday and Friday nights, plus daytime events, so it was time to regroup.
This has been such a busy week, enjoying events day and night. I find this town is so much like my hometown of Chatom, Alabama, there's no lack of things to do.
Monday was "get everything together day", clothes washed and ironed, the house neatened, taking stock of the frig and see what's needed, journaling, (you know I haven't blogged), making a list of people and places, looking at expenses, all the necessary things that will make a week easier.
Then went to Angela Campbell's for "supper" and an Arbonne Skin Care party. Of course, the meal was delicious, and the party was fun. Met a new group of ladies, and reminded myself of the products I had bought at a party several years before, never used, but will now that I'm reminded of the advantages of its use. Karen Brodeen did an excellent presentation and it was a pleasure meeting the ladies. The strawberry shortcake refreshment was yummy too.
Tuesday at noon I attended the Tuesday meeting at the Grand Ely Lodge, ate lunch, and was impressed with the presentation of Mark S. Rubin, St. Louis County attorney. He gave an overview of the four phases of his work, then graciously answered many questions from the group. I thought it was a good crowd and I'm happy that I now recognize and can call the names of people I've already met.
Left this meeting and went across the "road" to the Ely Arts and Heritage Center at the Pioneer Mine Complex. Programs are given throughout the summer and fall. There is a walk-through type explanation of the mine and its importance. This mine, Pioneer Mine, operated underground from 1888-1967, and produced 42 million tons of Bessemer grade iron ore, over the space of two world wars and the industrialization of America. I'm sorry I didn't get the name of the gentleman sharing information about the mine, but will, and will certainly give him credit for sharing his knowledge of the mine and surrounding area mines. This also gave me an opportunity to meet Trudy, a lady from the Chamber of Commerce who helped me with names and numbers of realtors before I came to Ely. She was hosting the afternoon visitation at the mine.
Tuesday night found me at a "lia sophia" jewelry party with Angela and a totally different group of ladies. Again, a good presentation by a talented young, lady, Jen Moats, and the party was hosted by Kate Anderson. We played games, had refreshments, and I won't tell you whether or not I bought jewelry. Anyway, a fun time was had by all.
Wednesday a.m. met Gerald Tyler at The Front Porch for coffee, having talked to him on Tuesday about meeting Bill Campbell and talking to him about Kuralt. Not only did I have coffee with Gerald Tyler, but a table full of men who meet there daily for coffee and discussions. Again, I don't have all the names but will get them. They talked about Ely, Kuralt, fishing, retirement, etc: So good to meet all of them and for a little while be a part of their morning coffee group.
Do you wonder why I stayed home Wed. night? I already knew about something for Thursday and Friday nights, plus daytime events, so it was time to regroup.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Revisiting America
Good day today. I've been church-hopping. Grace Lutheran Church is one block from my house with Sunday a.m. services at 9:30 , and diagonally across my house is the First Presbyterian Church with Sunday a.m. services at 11:00 a.m. I made both of them and was so inspired by the messages, the nice people and participated in the Lord's Supper ( Communion) at both services. I did get the wrong cup at the Lutheran church and drank wine instead of grape juice. I guess I'll listen more carefully to the instructions the next time, but you know how small the communion cups are so I didn't wobble or sway going from one church to the other. Many activities to participate in at both churches according to their bulletins. And especially here where so many people visit just in the summer they depend on the summer crowd to help carry them through the winter.
It's so noticeable the lack of young people and young couples with small children.
Excellent music at both services.
I'm so glad errors are made in other printings since I make so many in my writings, but was amused by the stewardship thought in one of the bulletins that read-share you fits with others as Christ shares with us.
That did mean "share your gifts with others as Christ shares with us, but I suppose we do share our fits too, don't we?
Hope you've had a wonderful day too, and I think I'll forego any services tonight. Just know that there are preachers everywhere preaching God's word and people are listening and responding, isn't that great.
It's so noticeable the lack of young people and young couples with small children.
Excellent music at both services.
I'm so glad errors are made in other printings since I make so many in my writings, but was amused by the stewardship thought in one of the bulletins that read-share you fits with others as Christ shares with us.
That did mean "share your gifts with others as Christ shares with us, but I suppose we do share our fits too, don't we?
Hope you've had a wonderful day too, and I think I'll forego any services tonight. Just know that there are preachers everywhere preaching God's word and people are listening and responding, isn't that great.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Revisiting America
Welcome to Ely, Minnesota!
As always leaving one place for another is painful. I had said my good-byes late Saturday because I planned to be on the road again by 6:00 a.m., and only missed that by 20 minutes. According to Map Quest the trip would be 1,736.83 miles and take 35 hours and 17 minutes, don't quote me, I had it written down but can't find it.
The trip was long, but uneventful, thank you Lord. Friday night I stayed in Fredonia, New York, Saturday night in Racine, Wisconsin( I still question Onstar on that little jag in the road), and arrived in Ely, Minnesota around 5:30p.m. Sunday afternoon, safe and sound, but a little weary.
Found a motel room at Budget-host, and that would be my home for the next two nights also. Seemed strange not having secured a place, that had been our pattern, but there were so many possibilities with lodges, resorts, etc:, I wanted to have a look first, because I preferred to be in town. I had already called the Chamber of Commerce and got a listing of realtors, and one lady and I talked, and e-mailed and I ended up calling her. She invited me over to her house, a block off main street, and even offered me her home, which has four bedrooms, office, everything I would need, and she would be gone during the day and I would have the run of the house, so to speak.
Long story short, Angela (my angel in this town) and I walked around, saw several houses for sale, she knew the agent, called her, I looked, she called the owners, and I am now living in a wonderful arts and crafts, 1920's home, two blocks off main street, three bedrooms (only one furnished because the owners own another lake home and are gradually moving to that place), great kitchen, large living-dining space, an office, full basement with washer-dryer, corner lot with white picket fence. Does the Lord provide or not?
Ely, is a town of 4,000, around 7,000 counting the surrounding countryside with all the resorts, lodges, lake area, etc:. A typical town, with main street running a good mile, shops and businesses several blocks off main with all kinds of stores-shops, well-kept, a block-park right in the middle of town, schools two blocks off main, hospital, nursing home, and according to a Chamber of commerce brochure, "unique shops, good places to eat, friendly people, Tuesday night live music, Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Boundry Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, fishing, clean lakes, canoeing ( according to some you're not a true Elyite unless you have a canoe strapped on top of your car, I'm not so sure how far I'll go with that), walking many of the area trails, festival of all kinds ( I just missed the Blueberry Festival), carry-out at the grocery store, loved that, woods and woods, peace and quiet and much, much more. I'll tell you more about these places as I visit them. You can tell I'm pleased and quite at home already.
Kuralt bought the radio station here that was on the edge of financial ruin, because he said, "a town need a voice". Here Kuralt is better known for his love of fishing, canoeing, and too, saving the "town voice". I've already met Mike Hillman, a special friend of Kuralt, and I'll have a lot more to say about Mike another time. Ventured into the gallery of internationally known photographer, Jim Brandenburg,( I hope to interview him also), best known for his work in National Geographic magazine. Really, there are famous people everywhere.
I've already been interviewed by the weekly newspaper, "The Ely Echo", so I'm looking forward to that. The picture better make me look good. Ha!
Talked with sister, Janie, yesterday and she is better, with theraphy and the proper medication but will not plan to resume the trip at any time, so you are stuck with me for the remainder of the trip. Please stick it out with me till the end. It has been so good to have you as my readers and supporters and everything has been so good about the trip and I don't doubt that it will even get better. Posting before anything happens to this part.
As always leaving one place for another is painful. I had said my good-byes late Saturday because I planned to be on the road again by 6:00 a.m., and only missed that by 20 minutes. According to Map Quest the trip would be 1,736.83 miles and take 35 hours and 17 minutes, don't quote me, I had it written down but can't find it.
The trip was long, but uneventful, thank you Lord. Friday night I stayed in Fredonia, New York, Saturday night in Racine, Wisconsin( I still question Onstar on that little jag in the road), and arrived in Ely, Minnesota around 5:30p.m. Sunday afternoon, safe and sound, but a little weary.
Found a motel room at Budget-host, and that would be my home for the next two nights also. Seemed strange not having secured a place, that had been our pattern, but there were so many possibilities with lodges, resorts, etc:, I wanted to have a look first, because I preferred to be in town. I had already called the Chamber of Commerce and got a listing of realtors, and one lady and I talked, and e-mailed and I ended up calling her. She invited me over to her house, a block off main street, and even offered me her home, which has four bedrooms, office, everything I would need, and she would be gone during the day and I would have the run of the house, so to speak.
Long story short, Angela (my angel in this town) and I walked around, saw several houses for sale, she knew the agent, called her, I looked, she called the owners, and I am now living in a wonderful arts and crafts, 1920's home, two blocks off main street, three bedrooms (only one furnished because the owners own another lake home and are gradually moving to that place), great kitchen, large living-dining space, an office, full basement with washer-dryer, corner lot with white picket fence. Does the Lord provide or not?
Ely, is a town of 4,000, around 7,000 counting the surrounding countryside with all the resorts, lodges, lake area, etc:. A typical town, with main street running a good mile, shops and businesses several blocks off main with all kinds of stores-shops, well-kept, a block-park right in the middle of town, schools two blocks off main, hospital, nursing home, and according to a Chamber of commerce brochure, "unique shops, good places to eat, friendly people, Tuesday night live music, Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Boundry Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, fishing, clean lakes, canoeing ( according to some you're not a true Elyite unless you have a canoe strapped on top of your car, I'm not so sure how far I'll go with that), walking many of the area trails, festival of all kinds ( I just missed the Blueberry Festival), carry-out at the grocery store, loved that, woods and woods, peace and quiet and much, much more. I'll tell you more about these places as I visit them. You can tell I'm pleased and quite at home already.
Kuralt bought the radio station here that was on the edge of financial ruin, because he said, "a town need a voice". Here Kuralt is better known for his love of fishing, canoeing, and too, saving the "town voice". I've already met Mike Hillman, a special friend of Kuralt, and I'll have a lot more to say about Mike another time. Ventured into the gallery of internationally known photographer, Jim Brandenburg,( I hope to interview him also), best known for his work in National Geographic magazine. Really, there are famous people everywhere.
I've already been interviewed by the weekly newspaper, "The Ely Echo", so I'm looking forward to that. The picture better make me look good. Ha!
Talked with sister, Janie, yesterday and she is better, with theraphy and the proper medication but will not plan to resume the trip at any time, so you are stuck with me for the remainder of the trip. Please stick it out with me till the end. It has been so good to have you as my readers and supporters and everything has been so good about the trip and I don't doubt that it will even get better. Posting before anything happens to this part.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Revisiting America
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens ( I'll refer to it as CMBG) is one of Maine's top attractions) and I'll take a description from the brochure to describe it. It is one of the most talked-about botanical destinations in the country, with exquisite gardens, compelling natural landscapes, gracious Visitor Center and quintessential Maine waterfront location making it unique, charming and totally captivating.This project has grown from an ambitious idea of a group of mid-coast Maine residents( some of the directors using their homes as collateral) with 128 acres of pristine land and 3,600 feet of tidal shore frontage, to the 248 acres that now comprise the
gardens, making it the largest botanical garden in New England, also one of the very few waterfrtont botanical gardens in the United States. We walked the entire gardens and especially enjoyed the Learner Garden of the Five Senses, and The Children's Garden themed from children's literature by authors with a Maine connection. Aren't we all children at heart?
We then rode around in the direction of Sputhport, only several miles from the Harbor area. It was cool enough for a jacket by this time because the fog coming in on the water made it look like a cold winter day. Coffee, and one last look around town and we were home to get the girls ready to leave.
Early to rise for them to get to the airport in Portland, and they arrived in Mobile around 4:00 in the
afternoon. It was fun. They are such wonderful girls, so glad they're mine.
Have I mentioned my interview with Lisa Kristoff, Associate Editor and Staff Reporter of the Boothbay Register? A delightful lady and a good time with the interview and visit. Needless to say on the date of the publishing, July 28, I bought quite a few papers. I had told Lisa they may need to publish a few extra that week. Thanks Lisa for such a great article. I had to pinch myself to realize you were talking about me.
One unpleasant thing that lasts no longer than a mosquito bite. They are big, and blond, and on my skin they weren't noticed until you got the bite. Really shouldn't even mention something that trivial against all that was so wonderful about the people and the area.
As always, there's that sadnes about leaving a place, and this is the seventh time I've said this. Staying a month in each place really gives you the time to get to feel at home and be a part of the goings on.
Couldn't believe Maine could be so wonderful, but it was and to all those I haven't mentioned, or given short reference to, like my neighbors, Robert Mitchell, Mary Lou Teal and others, remember, there will be a book.
Janie( I'll mention her condition later) kept saying I had more stuff than she did, and it proved right when I packed my car this time. Of course, I include the kitchen stuff in my things, so that's the reason. Plan to send summer things home after this month.
I will blog soon when settled in Ely, Minnesota.
gardens, making it the largest botanical garden in New England, also one of the very few waterfrtont botanical gardens in the United States. We walked the entire gardens and especially enjoyed the Learner Garden of the Five Senses, and The Children's Garden themed from children's literature by authors with a Maine connection. Aren't we all children at heart?
We then rode around in the direction of Sputhport, only several miles from the Harbor area. It was cool enough for a jacket by this time because the fog coming in on the water made it look like a cold winter day. Coffee, and one last look around town and we were home to get the girls ready to leave.
Early to rise for them to get to the airport in Portland, and they arrived in Mobile around 4:00 in the
afternoon. It was fun. They are such wonderful girls, so glad they're mine.
Have I mentioned my interview with Lisa Kristoff, Associate Editor and Staff Reporter of the Boothbay Register? A delightful lady and a good time with the interview and visit. Needless to say on the date of the publishing, July 28, I bought quite a few papers. I had told Lisa they may need to publish a few extra that week. Thanks Lisa for such a great article. I had to pinch myself to realize you were talking about me.
One unpleasant thing that lasts no longer than a mosquito bite. They are big, and blond, and on my skin they weren't noticed until you got the bite. Really shouldn't even mention something that trivial against all that was so wonderful about the people and the area.
As always, there's that sadnes about leaving a place, and this is the seventh time I've said this. Staying a month in each place really gives you the time to get to feel at home and be a part of the goings on.
Couldn't believe Maine could be so wonderful, but it was and to all those I haven't mentioned, or given short reference to, like my neighbors, Robert Mitchell, Mary Lou Teal and others, remember, there will be a book.
Janie( I'll mention her condition later) kept saying I had more stuff than she did, and it proved right when I packed my car this time. Of course, I include the kitchen stuff in my things, so that's the reason. Plan to send summer things home after this month.
I will blog soon when settled in Ely, Minnesota.
Revisiting America
I said I would not leave one location without blogging the final week, but I did. Seems to get so hectic the last week or so and my intentions are good, but.
My girls, Kay and Ellene arrived the twenty third, almost, arriving a little past 1:OO a.m. Sunday morning. So excited to see them, knowing they were there safe and sound with me.
We talked several hours, got a few hours sleep, and attended church around the corner at 9:30. Again, a wonderful message by the visiting pastor. What a way to visit other churches, I didn't even have to leave the neighborhood to hear four different faith messages.
Changed clothes, then went in to town for lunch at The Lobster Dock, you've heard that name before. Such pleasant weather to walk around and visit the many different shops, have coffee, by-pass the ice cream shop, and get home early vowing not to eat any more that day until Lanny suggests this is Ocean Point night at the Ocean Point Inn, and the sunset would be spectactular. It didn't take long for us to drive over and sample all of the above.
While in town Sunday we made reservations for the Clambake at Cabbage Island on Monday. This tour cruised along the Boothbay coastline where you saw lighthouses, all named, seals, ospreys, and of course fishermen hauling in their lobster traps. A very secnic ride, but the feature was the food, the way it was cooked, we watched, the friendly welcome by the Moore family, who host this event for eleven weeks in the summer. The meal was a feast of New England Fish Chowder, two red lobsters, white steamed clams, corn on the cob, an egg, onion, baked potato, and Blueberry cake for dessert. After a meal like that who could take advantage of horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, or just walking the island? Some did.
Cabbage Island is a 5 1/2 acre island, known for scenes that artists would love, also very quiet and relaxing. The lodge, a 1900's guest building that would seat 175 visitors in case of rain, homes of the owners, and even a garden with all the summer vegetables.
The most fun was just visiting with different people, namely the owners Wayne and Jo Ann, Bob, some of the nephews who were servers, and the mother of this operation Bennie Alice (the boat was named for her), Bob and Susan Binkley from Orlando, Fla. as well as others on the boat who took our blog address so they can follow the trip. It was a fun day and we participated in a real, traditional event.
Tuesday morning we went to the Atlantic Wholesale Lobster port where Kay and Ellene ordered and shipped home lobster for Scott and Richard. Lunch at The Tugboat Inn Restaurant then to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Perfect weather, overcast, light breeze, good walking conditions.
Sorry, got to go for a while.
My girls, Kay and Ellene arrived the twenty third, almost, arriving a little past 1:OO a.m. Sunday morning. So excited to see them, knowing they were there safe and sound with me.
We talked several hours, got a few hours sleep, and attended church around the corner at 9:30. Again, a wonderful message by the visiting pastor. What a way to visit other churches, I didn't even have to leave the neighborhood to hear four different faith messages.
Changed clothes, then went in to town for lunch at The Lobster Dock, you've heard that name before. Such pleasant weather to walk around and visit the many different shops, have coffee, by-pass the ice cream shop, and get home early vowing not to eat any more that day until Lanny suggests this is Ocean Point night at the Ocean Point Inn, and the sunset would be spectactular. It didn't take long for us to drive over and sample all of the above.
While in town Sunday we made reservations for the Clambake at Cabbage Island on Monday. This tour cruised along the Boothbay coastline where you saw lighthouses, all named, seals, ospreys, and of course fishermen hauling in their lobster traps. A very secnic ride, but the feature was the food, the way it was cooked, we watched, the friendly welcome by the Moore family, who host this event for eleven weeks in the summer. The meal was a feast of New England Fish Chowder, two red lobsters, white steamed clams, corn on the cob, an egg, onion, baked potato, and Blueberry cake for dessert. After a meal like that who could take advantage of horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, or just walking the island? Some did.
Cabbage Island is a 5 1/2 acre island, known for scenes that artists would love, also very quiet and relaxing. The lodge, a 1900's guest building that would seat 175 visitors in case of rain, homes of the owners, and even a garden with all the summer vegetables.
The most fun was just visiting with different people, namely the owners Wayne and Jo Ann, Bob, some of the nephews who were servers, and the mother of this operation Bennie Alice (the boat was named for her), Bob and Susan Binkley from Orlando, Fla. as well as others on the boat who took our blog address so they can follow the trip. It was a fun day and we participated in a real, traditional event.
Tuesday morning we went to the Atlantic Wholesale Lobster port where Kay and Ellene ordered and shipped home lobster for Scott and Richard. Lunch at The Tugboat Inn Restaurant then to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Perfect weather, overcast, light breeze, good walking conditions.
Sorry, got to go for a while.
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