Yesterday, a beautiful sunny day here in the great State of Maine, I picked up Miss Susie Q and off we went to the Spring into Summer Quilt Shop Hop. We only made it to three of the five shops because well, these things can't be hurried. Not when there's fabric involved!

We made the looooong haul to Auburn and Quiltessentials and it was so worth it. I may have dropped a few dollars there. Also met Jo Diggs, a wonderful landscape quilter whom I've always admired.

simply could not resist this laminated cotton

On to Freeport and Cotton Weeds, a favorite of mine, where I picked up a few more pastel batiks for Lu's quilt.

Across the street, we stopped in to Buck's Naked BBQ for a quick lunch. I had no expectations, I mean BBQ in Maine? Really? But, have to say it was really yummy. We had the pulled brisket sandwich special. They advertise "fooze" which is apparently a little food with your booze. We did not indulge but apparently if you order a bloody mary, it comes with a bbq'd rib on the top. Weird.

Fortified, we drove on to Bath and Mariner's Compass. Not my favorite shop but just look at this fabulous turtle they made from Kaffe fabrics. Might have to try something like that . . .

And, then we were out of time as I had to rush home to let the girls out. I may have to  take a little trip to Alewives Fabrics today when I finish in the garden.

* * * *

So this morning, I woke up having a sweet dream about an old boyfriend of mine I hadn't thought of in a long long time. I mention this because today is the 29th anniversary of my wedding and my first waking moment was NOT focused on my husband. That is a huge forward step! I haven't yet had a day when he didn't cross my mind but that will come in time. Maybe one day, I won't even notice this anniversary. Maybe. I loved being married and I loved my husband and I miss my old life still. But I'm no longer utterly miserable. Time really does heal. My affirmation from Louise Hay for June says, I so appreciate the beauty that life shows me every day. My gratitude is another expression of love. Giving and receiving love is so easy when I relax and just allow it to flow. 

Amen sister.

I had such a great day yesterday. Still unpacking and settling in, I had to go to my bank in Wiscasset so of course, I HAD to go to Red's Eats - woot woot!  I got me one of their giant lobstah rolls and took it to the back parking lot in Damariscotta to look out over the water, read the paper and have my lobster roll. Doesn't get much better than that!

monstah roll

Took my trash to the transfer station and did some grocery shopping and then headed over to Moose Crossing where I spent a happy hour choosing some plants for my containers this year. 

 Look how beautiful my little front perrenial bed looks compared to . . .

 . . . less than just 3 weeks ago!

bleeding hearts

 And before I could plant even one plant, a storm rolled in with lots of lovely thunder and lightening and just a few drops of rain.

Home sweet home

My sister, Becky, arrived in Ann Arbor in the wee hours of Thursday and after breakfast, I said goodbye and love you to my Daddy and her and jetted back to Maine. And the very best thing I can say about Delta Airlines is that they didn't kill me. So, thankful for that. Florence met me at the airport and after some wrong turns here and there found our way to Soakology - Props! - where we had a 40 minute massage and a foot soak with tea and crostinis. Awesome place, wonderful women. You must go when you are in Portland, Maine and tell them that Lizzie sent you. It is fabulous.

the view from my armchair

Here is what I saw when I walked in the front door. My beautiful little cottage, my view of the Lake and a VERY warm welcome from my girls. Doesn't get much better than this.

And here is Sophie this morning. Pretty stressed out. HA! That is her stuffed skunk lying next to her. I loved spending time with my daddy and I'm so happy to be home in Maine.

Decadent Doggie

Want to give a shout out to Florence, for taking such great good care of the girls and my homestead. She is:

International Petsitter Extraordinaire!

Lost one of my heroes

I'll never forget you, Maya Angelou

Check this out. I made this little quilt for my mom when I first started quilting. I remember it so clearly because it was well above my abilities. Had a terrible time with it. I tied it because I had no clue about how to go about quilting the whole thing. Can't believe it's lasted so long - at least um well close to 20 years? Like seeing an old friend. Or frenemy.

Likewise with these placemats. Not nearly so old. Super cute - I think I did them for everybody one Christmas. They are all different front and back. Might make some more . . .

I took my Daddy to daycare again today, The Silver Club. And he liked it!!!! OMG, major breakthrough and I am so happy. Wednesday afternoons are a start, a tiny bit of respite for my mum and hopefully will translate into more.

So, I am loving whenever we hit a pothole or my dad is startled, he says Holy Toot! Never heard him say that in all my life and when I asked if that was an expression from his childhood he said, I expect so. Tonight out of the blue he said, the itty bitties are flying fast!  Made me laugh and then he laughed. It's the little things, you know? 

And what I am not loving so much? 

Only now realized I was sweating profusely and went to look under the note. Yup, he turned it up to 76 again. Note: note does not work.

And there is this:

It goes on the front door. Note: note does not work. 

So, at least one eye open at all times and when I get home to Maine: The Way Life Should Be, I'll sleep.

My BFF, Sue, wrote me tonight and said please send $10 to the Alzheimers Association and I will write you a check. I love her so much. Donations like that make a difference. Thank you, my friend, you are AWESOME!

In all her glory, my friend Sue!