We're Not in Kansas...What the Hell?

If we thought the Monday Night storm was bad, we were kidding ourselves. The bonus was we were not out in it.

Again we could hear the thunder rolling in the distance, though we had blue skies. Lex and I sat on the grass outside after dinner. He blew bubbles while I listened to my book. When the thunder got louder and the lighting started to flash in the distance, at this point Lex thought it was best for us to go inside. "We go in now Momma." He was firm able his request and wouldn't go inside until I got up and made my way to the door.

Shortly after the sky got dark, the rain began to fall and the wind whipped. We started to watch form the three season porch. The lighting hitting across the lake. The rain came harder as did the wind. At the same time Mad Dog and I decided that it was best for us all to go into the house. I had seen a large piece of wood fall from the tree in front of me. Mad Dog has noticed something else. Lex was very nervous and not happy about the whole thing. The lights kept flickering but held strong. The kids were playing on the floor as Mad Dog and I listened to the storm. There was a large bang. Mad Dog looked out into the side yard. The canoe has fallen off the saw-horses it had been set on. We would have to take care of that in the morning.

Things started to calm down after 20 minutes or so. We went back out on the porch. The lights finally went, which meant no water (the well pump is run by electricity). Everyone had their flashlight. We sat and watched the last of the storm. When the rain stopped, Mad Dog and I went out to look for any damaged. We did found the canoe on the ground. It didn't look like there was much damage to it. We reset the saw-horses and together we lifted the canoe and put it back in place. The smoker was completely knocked off the fire pit. A small tree was uprooted. We moved branches and cleaned up the yard as the kids watched from the windows. Cars had backed up on route 4 outside the gates of the yard. Mad Dog noticed that there was an Ambulance and Police cars were up the road blocking the road. Something had happen, possibly the power lines were down just around the bend. The kids came out and looked around. There was a tree slit in two across the street. It was getting dark and we had enough excitement for one night.

We called my Mom and let Stuart know there was some damage to the canoe through we didn't know if was old or from the storm. We would bail the boat tomorrow morning after any additional rain fell. We moved the rest of the branches before turning in. Lex and I slept in the small bedroom; Gabrielle on the floor in her sleeping bag in the kitchen; Mad Dog and Loki on the three season porch on the futon. Lex fell asleep quickly and I dozed off listening to Salem's Lot.

The following day we packed up and cleaned up to leave as best we could. The power was still out, preventing us from cleaning the remaining dishes and vacuuming the floors. I bailed the boat with Loki as Mad Dog packed the car up. My Mom called we shortly before we left to inform me that the National Weather Service confirmed there were three confirmed tornadoes in Maine on Wednesday evening. One of those touched down in Alfred. The Alfred tornado was categorized as an EF1, putting winds at 90 mph. Looking at the damage as we drove out of Alfred, the images were those of a town cleaning up. The kids didn't know, and don't know about the confirmed tornado. It was the end of our Maine vacation, it was our adventure.

She Can Talk to the Animals

Wednesday, July 21st: Photo Journal of Maine Vacation Trip to York Wild Kingdom Zoo and Amusement Park

Beach Blanket Bingo

When people think summer a lot of people think Beach! The sand, the waves the people in bathsuits that shouldn't see bathing suits. As a kid we would spend our summers on Cape Cod, about a 1/4 (probably closer) miles from the beach. We would spend the day in the sand, go back for lunch and then back again. This went on for a week and one summer I remember two weeks. My parents would let me take a friend (and again one lucky year 2 friends) with me, this was for their benefit and mine. Someone to amuse me and prevent me from saying the dreaded vacation words "I'm bored".

As I have grown older the beach has lost it allure. I don't find myself dreaming of laying on it, in fact I can't don't always enjoy a trip to the beach. My adult experiences with the beach have been mixed at best. I had the joy of going to walking on the beach in Fall and early Spring with Friend in Rockport, Massachusetts. Those mornings or evenings when the beach is just about empty and the sun is low in th sky. Magic hours are always the best time to be at the beach. I love those memories with my friends. 

The other end of the spectrum is going to the Vinyard, riding a bike back and forth to the house out of shape and being made to lay on the beach with two other girls that had the bodies that no one would deny a bakini was made for. If you can't guess this would be one of those moments that have turned me off to Beach Blanket Bingo.

Having children we want them to exprience everything they can (when we can) regardless of our feelings for such things. I don't know if Mad Dog is indifferent to the beach or not. I do know in past years he has mentioned us going, with me changing the subject as quickly as possible. On this trip to Maine we decided to take the kids to the beach. We packed all the right things, buckets, shovels, rakes, towels, snacks and sunscreen (I didn't forget this time). Lex was very excited about the beach, with great plans for a huge sandcastle. Gabrielle was planning shell hunting, which ment that we would have buckets of stinky shells to lug home. I explained ot her if she found SMALL shells we could make rings or jewelry, but hell who wants small shells. Loki, well Loki didn't really know what was instore for her, this would be her first trip to the beach.

We picked Ferry Beach State Park which stretches along Saco Bay in (you guessed it) Saco, Maine. Parking the car, we pulled together all our gear and started the short walk to the beach with Lex leading the charge down the boardwalk. We manged to spray everyone down with sunscreen before they took off for their own pursuits. Lex, Mad Dog and Gabrielle took for the water. It was cold and no one went further than their knees (including Mad Dog). Loki settled herself high on the beach sitting in the sand digging. She played by herself leaving the others to the water. Mad Dog and Lex then settled in the wetter sand for castle constructions, while Gabrielle pulled shell after shell from the ocean and placed it in a pile for the trip home. I  laid a towel down and took pictures. 

Mad Dog built and Lex destroyed (see a pattern?) Loki eventually came down to where they were playing helping Mad Dog top his bucket castles with more sand. She was very careful not to break them, unlike her brother. Gabrielle joined in from time to time, but mainly collected shells until she needed to drag me back to the bathrooms near the car. We didn't stay much longer after that, because of Gabrielle's planned visit with her Great Grandmother who lives in Kennebunkport.  

After dropping Gabrielle off, Mad Dog the kids and I headed into Kennebunkport for lunch. Mad Dog parked the car, while I got out and went into a public restroom to possibly puck. I had let Mad Dog do most of the driving - no his driving isn't that bad, but I was looking out the window taking pictures which caused a little car sickness. I didn't get that sick and once my stomach was full of lunch I was okay. We made our way through the streets looking for some place to eat, we ended up at Federal Jack's Pub & Brewery. Though I would have loved to same a brew, I stuck with water because of my stomach. Lex had the BEST Peanut Butter (to the waitress "Girl - No Jelly Please.") ever. Loki ate mostly her fries and later fed her toasted cheese sandwich to the seagulls. Mad Dog found a Black & Blue Burger (which he didn't find blue enough) and Sweet Potato Fries. I had Grilled Crab & Havarti Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. Food was yummy and the kids (being their normal 2 child dynamic) were extremely good during the wait and meal. 

After picking up Gabrielle we started back to Alfred. Lex fell asleep in the car. We let him sleep with the window open once we got back to the house. Loki was very upset by his absence from the group. She stuck by the car, trying to wake him.  Shells were cleaned in buckets and some were lost to little feet. The rest of the day and evening was spent around the cabin. We grilled and ate. The kids played and everyone went to bed in the tent with no issue. 

122 Miles and How Many "Are We There YET?'s"

With a packed car, three children and 2 1/2 hour drive ahead of me makes me stomach turn. Don't get me wrong I love road trips, I mean I am the woman who has driven 6 1/2 hours with a 6 month old and later with a 2 year old and a 9 month old. I love road trips and their not all that bad with kids. I will say with 2 kids, adding the third makes things a lot stickier. Regardless of all that we climbed into the car to leave for Maine.

We had packed everything we needed for four days in Alfred. We brought with us vegetables from our CSA and meat from the Meat Farm, along with a packed lunch for the ride up. We left around 10:30 AM since I had issues with uploading my book onto my I-pod (I wasn't leaving without it). The plan was to drive up making several stops hopefully preventing Loki from getting car sick. Lex and Gabrielle watched a movie on the portable DVD player (which in some ways on it's last leg). Each of the family wore their family vacation t-shirt  (check out post: Are We There YET!)at the request of Gabrielle, which loved them. Mad Dog and I filled the tank at the gas station and picked up an Iced Latte and Chai to help us make it through the morning.

Mad Dog drove and I started me Salem's Lot audio with my camera  on my lap. I planned to be trigger happy on this trip if I could help. I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the craziness that I forget to snap a few off. Loki fell asleep between Worcester and the New Hampshire border, because of this we didn't stop in Burlington as planned continuing on as far as we could go while she slept. We ended up stopping at the New Hampshire Welcome Center. Adults had bathroom breaks, kids got run around time and we all had lunch before climbing back into the car.
We arrived in Alfred around one o'clockish. Our plan was to set up the tent first thing since there was a forecast for rain that evening. The kids played as I unpacked the cooler and Mad Dog set to work on the big tent. I set up a smaller tent in the side yard but the door for the kids to play with. It's a Coleman pop-up tent we picked up on clearance several years ago. The kids ran out their energy and we ran down the day.

Before we knew it, we had dinner - Spaghetti (a request of Gabrielle's) and garlic bread. As the day ended and moved into night the thunder rolled in the distance and a cool breeze came across the lake. Mad Dog and I were ready for bed before bed was ready for us.  

Things Don't Go Bump in the Night In Maine...You Don't Hear Things Come For You!

Planning for a vacation from home is always important. You have to plan carefully and make sure you have all the things you need, so that there are no unexpected shopping sprees to correct an oversight such as forgotten underwear or shaving cream (I'm not saying I have forgotten either of these things before, they are just examples). Of course where you're are traveling too makes a difference on what you are packing and what is really necessary for a good time. When going to Maine what do I need, what is necessary for me to have a good time?

1. My Camera - I love to document things, or even just shoot for the fun of it. I usually carry my camera on me, leaving it in my backpack or purse which allows me to take photographs of the unexpected. 
2. My Net-book - This is something new for me. I think I'm taking it so that blogging when I return won't be so difficult. Getting my thoughts down at the end of the day or after something has happened always helps. Since we don't have internet where we are, it is more of  a write and store process. Which will allow me to post things when I return. 
3. A Good Book - This is honestly a joke now that we have 2 kids (actually 3 here). There is no way I am going to be able to enjoy a book while we're away. It's just not going to happen. I have thought about it and I do plan on bringing one/two, but I know deep down it is highly unlikely I will get to read a single page. 

What kind of book do I take to Maine? In the past I have found my summers filled with Chick-Lit. Yes, at one time I read Chick-Lit. I don't anymore. I think the last time I picked up a Chick-Lit book was when I was pregnant with Lex, and I just don't relate to them anymore (THANK GOD!) But Chick-Lit isn't a Maine book, that is a I'm going to New York City, or some where FABULOUS! Maine calls for a different type of a book. I think you know where I'm going with this. It calls for a Stephan King book. 

I have been a long time King fan, though in recent years I haven't read much (not just him but anyone). I listen to a lot of audio books while I work, which I recommend if you can't managed to do more than one thing at a time. My Co-workers can't believe I listen to a book and get what I get done in a day, but if I didn't I don't think I would be as okay as I am with the work I do. It makes me feel like I am accomplishing a lot more in a day. I have King's Bag of Bones on audio (read by King) which is amazing. I think his reading of the book is wonderful and I highly recommend to anyone who is an Audio Book listener. I am currently rereading Four Past Midnight, which Mad Dog picked up at the library for me. I don't know where my old paperback vision is which is all marked up. I'm planning on taking this with me to Maine, but I'm also taking something I haven't read. 

Mad Dog is picking up Under the Dome and Salem's Lot on Audio at the Library today. We'll rip them and I'll listen to it on my I-pod, which will probably be the only way I get to read this vacation. I know reading Stephen King in Maine - will you sleep? One of my Bosses said I should just watch Friday the 13th while we camp. Mad Dog has reminded me I can't watch Bring it On or some other fluff movie after I read/listen to something that scares me (a common practice of mine). I'm not worried about being scared, though I'm sure I won't be wondering around the tent after dark, but then again I don't usually unless I have to.

I guess I should go pack, seeing if I don't I will only have my camera, my net-book and a book. That would make vacation difficult. 

Time Outside the Bubble

Do weekends, especially long weekends have to go by so fast? There were moments I thought this weekend wouldn't end and then there were moments I wished it could go on forever.

Our weekend started out rocky. Leaving work Friday I headed up to Burlington to meet Mad Dog and the kids. This way we could leave Mad Dog's car and start up for Maine (our final destination) earlier than if I went home and we left from there. We were hoping to beat some of the traffic. Sadly my car had a different plan. We left Burlington and got on 495, only to have my "At Oil Temp" light go on. This is not good. We drove back to the mall. Not wanting to cancel because of the kids, we transferred everything to Mad Dog's little car (kids and all) and headed to Maine in his car. Gabrielle felt more comfortable, the space between the car seats seemed to have more room. We stopped for dinner once we hit New Hampshire. All was looking good. We were running late, but still we would have time to set up the tent and maybe have a swim. We hit Alfred and about 8 minutes from the house, Loki threw-up her lunch (she didn't really eat dinner). Lo-Mein noodles not fun. It was bad. We managed to convince Gabrielle it was better to make the last few minutes to the house and then deal with clean-up. We did.

Then it was all hands on deck! We had to unload the car, get the tent up and get settled before we could think about that swim. The kids all jumped in (somewhat). Gabrielle watched Lex and Loki while Mad Dog set to the tent. I unloaded the car, and put food away. We had things done in no time. With us "settled" I made a run the the grocery store, which is oddly aways farther away than I remember (Mad Dog likes to remind me of this each year when I make the run). I picked up yogurts, milk and a few small odds and ends and rushed back to the house, since Mad Dog couldn't exactly take all three kids in the lake alone (which oddly he managed to on Saturday). I got back to see all the kids chomping at the bit to get in the water.

The water was warm and refreshing, however "Houston we have a problem"! It is a pond/lake and with such places if you linger too long in the mud, there is the possibility we found of leeches. Not my favorite thing to deal with. Having said that we dealt with it. Miss Lo-Lo had on on Saturday and she lived! She was also a very big girl about the whole thing. When we first got in, Loki wasn't too thrilled with the idea of not being able to walk, or be in complete control of what she was doing. Mad Dog took her in and had her in the big tube. Lex hung out with me in the fishing chair (this big tube like thing you can sit in the water in and fish from). We played for a bit, and then headed in (checking everyone for any little friends).

Bedtime in Maine, is in the tent. Though we do stay at Stuart's cabin (my Mom's husband), we sleep outside. We have a huge tent that fits us all and we could have a few friends if we really wanted them. This year is the first year we haven't had a pack n' play. We purchased Loki her very own sleeping bag (blue). At bedtime I headed out to the tent with Lex, Loki and a prayer. The plan was (okay I know that was first problem - having a plan with kids) to have Lex sleep on my left, Loki on my right and Mad Dog next to Loki and then Gigi next to him. Loki didn't like this arrangement. She wanted to sleep next to Lex. That is the way she fell asleep, cuddled between Lex and I. Lex on the other hand was a little too excited. He couldn't settle down. He claimed his tape-worm was hungry (he didn't stop eating all day), worried he would wake Loki up, I got frustrated and feed up. Kicking him out with his flash light to walk around the house in the dark to the front door. He didn't think twice about this. Taking his Toy Story flashlight he pointed it at the ground and headed in. Announcing to everyone (my Mom, Stuart and Nana had arrived by this late hour) that he came to say hello forgetting all about his tape-worm. When he came back to the tent with Mad Dog and Gabrielle in tow he settled between Mad Dog and I in Loki's original position. I woke ever hour to make sure they were both covered (it was chilly that first night).

The morning started with Lex announcing it was "Morning Guys!" I got up with him and let the girls and Mad Dog rest. The house was already rockin' (I guess it's true older people don't sleep). Lex got his yogurt and sat  down and ate it while talking with Nana Sandy. Loki, Gigi and Mad Dog followed a little later.

Gabrielle, Sandy and I headed to the grocery store for a few things and to Ed's Grove Discount Warehouse (aka The Junk Store). We love Ed's. It is a all in one place kind of. They have toys, tools, fishing gear, kitchen stuff, craft stuff, t-shirts, gifts and more! This is the origin of O'Brien, Lex's little monkey friend who hangs out with Jimmy. Gabrielle bought O'Brien here several years ago on a visit. The focus of this trip was for "Funny Bands" (Lex is so in). They had them for $0.99/dozen. Nana Sandy had picked up some a few weeks ago for Lex and Gabrielle was on the hunt. We picked up some more and headed back to the house.

The rest of the day and weekend (we stayed until late afternoon on Sunday) was made up of fishing, swimming, eating and yelling at the dog (Indiana). Lex and Gabrielle went fishing with Mad Dog and Stuart. They all came back with fish except Stuart! Mad Dog said Lex was a little bothered by the fish flapping around, but other than that was very into it. Loki was left at home with Nana, Nona and me to play without anyone bothering her. When Deadliest Catch came back to shore, Gabrielle and Stuart let the fish go. We were all amazed and impressed with Gabrielle and her fish handling.

What is going away with the Grandparents, if they didn't worry that you were going to allow your kids to kill themselves? My Mom reads this blog, and I'm sure she will agree that she was a nervous wreck about the kids being around the dock, the water, the stairs, the chiminea and just about everything you could think of. I think she was honestly upset about the leech issue with had with Loki. I know this is what Grandparents do. Trust me we won't be telling any Maine stories around Mad Dog's Dad (unless I want to completely freak him out). The kids were fine, they always are. They learn (and sometimes Mad Dog and I will admit, they DON'T LEARN) from experiences. We were recently honored (I think both of us were) when a new Mom friend of ours told us both that she liked how we were with our kids, we let them experience and didn't overly worry about them keeping them in a bubble. I like when parents see us that way, I worry sometimes that people don't think we parent, because we don't freak over everything, or anything for that matter.

Saturday evening ended with s'mores. I did it a little different this time. I crushed up the graham crackers in a bowl and poured some chocolate sauce in another. We toasted marshmallows and then dipped them in the chocolate and graham crackers. This made it easier for the kids, plus the traditional s'mores always are too big for the kids. Gabrielle gave up toasting half way through and just dipped. Lex didn't want to eat them, just toast them. Loki had strawberries no s'mores for Berry-Girl.

Sunday was clean-up day. Packing up the sleeping bags, pulling down the tent and making sure no Friend was left behind! Morning fishing trip for the kids and Mad Dog while Nana Sandy and I broke down the tent. 

After lunch we headed out, stopping at Walmart for book for Gabrielle, since she reads so fast (a book that she read/finished by the time we got home). I stopped on the way home for deli meat and potato salad for dinner (too tired and hot to deal). We unpacked. EVERYONE took baths and went to bed. 

Everyone had a good time. When asked what was their favorite part: 

Lex - Swimming

Gabrielle - Letting the fish go or Swimming across the lake BY HERSELF. 

Mad Dog - Spending time with the family. 

Loki - (She didn't say but we're pretty sure) Strawberries and swimming (minus the leech). 

Me - Cuddling in the tent between Lex and Loki. 

Today (Monday) was for recovery. Mad Dog had to work. I took the kids to Target  to pick up diapers, and stuff we needed. Otherwise we just hung out. Camp starts tomorrow for Gabrielle. Lex and Loki get Daddy time with Mad Dog since it's his day off (he had to deal with street cleaning - poor guy). 

Long Weekend (Part I)

This weekend began for me at one o'clock on Friday afternoon when I got out of work. We honestly had not "real" plans for the weekend with the exception of Friday night when my brother, Kevin, and his husband were coming up for a late Birthday dinner for Kevin. Since Kevin couldn't make things simple and give me a remote idea of what he might like I had to make it up as I went.

Though he thought he was being easy, he only made things hard. For people who like to cook, sometimes being given no direct is ten-times worse than being given ten-million restrictions. This was one of those times. I stopped at Whole Foods on my way home, hoping to fine something that would inspire me. I had made the decision that we would be having chicken, but I didn't know how said chicken was going to be prepared. I also had in mind that I was going to make a seafood starter of some kind, again what kinds of seafood was a complete mystery to me. At Whole Foods, I found Sea Scallops and that was a start. I picked up some mushroom, organic garlic, red potatoes and scallions for cooking and I picked up a New England Turkey Sandwich and bottle of water for lunch for me. I continued on my way home (Whole Foods took a whole hour). I stopped at another grocery store on my way home and a liquor store for some wine. I also picked up a fresh fruit tart for desert, instead of a cake (with cupcakes for the kids).

What did I end up making? I prepared to scallops 2 ways. The first was pan seared with panko breadcrumbs and dressed with a mango curry sauce. The second way was with a honey and butter glaze. The honey butter scallops were lightly breaded with a crushed graham crackers (Yes I know it's odd, but is worked). The chicken was dredged in flour and seasonings, browned in a pan. Mushrooms, onions, scallions and garlic were added. I made a brown gravy by deglazing the pan.  I roasted a head of garlic and made a smile garlic mashed potatoes. Along with all that Mad Dog made a rosemary dough for homemade bread  sticks. Everyone ate. Kids had cupcakes and then bed, while the grown-ups (I use that term very loosely) played a game.

Saturday morning, we did Lex and Mad Dog's Build & Grow event at Lowe's and then Target before heading home. The kids took naps, while Mad Dog headed off for work and I made cheese. The kids and I made pizza with the left over dough from the night before and the mozzarella I made that afternoon. We watched Toy Story 2 about 5 times before bedtime. Saturday was my low-key day.

Sunday morning we had planned on hitting the park after breakfast. Mad Dog had the day with us, and we planned to stick close to home. My mind got to thinking, we could drive up to Maine to the cottage and see everyone. If we had known Mad Dog was going to be off Sunday, we might have made plans to stay up there, but since we didn't it was WAY to much work to pull out the camp equipment to head up to Maine for a night on a whim, now matter how spontaneous we are with the kids. Instead we packed  a few extra diapers, PJ's and snacks and jumped in the car to surprise the family in Maine. About 2 hours later, and a million "We there?" from the backseat we pulled up to the house. Scaring the living daylights out of everyone. I think it honestly took my Mom about 10 minutes to figure out were were really there.

The kids got to play, Mad Dog and I got go to the antique shop down the road and we ate dinner. After dinner there was a fire and marshmallow toasting before pajamas and heading home. Lex and Loki didn't even make it to the Maine Turnpike before falling asleep. It was a wonderful day. Below are some of the photos from the day.