Quest for Beauty ~ Maine Adventure

On a day like today, what would be better than a quest for beauty? Let’s leave the heartbreaking 😢 world behind for a little while and go see Maine! It’s October, and we have MUSICA . . .

We planned this trip a few months back . . . to drive north to see our friends Sharon and Jeff who were coming from California to stay in their camp on the rocky coast of Maine . . . so here I am, your own private tour guide, just in cases you’ve ever wanted to see Maine, which I have to say is a destination that could keep a person enthralled for a very long time. 💝

Doesn’t it look fun?

Happy, as always, Joe and I travel better than almost any other thing we do. All our troubles and long work hours stay far behind us, and we are free. We have more stuff than we will ever need, big cups of ice tea with shots of lemonade in them from Micky-Dees, the radio is playing, the trees are beginning to turn colors, we’re on the open road, who could ask for more?

We stopped at the BEST farmstand. Herricks ~ and while we were there, they brought in fresh corn, just picked in the field. Be still my beating heart!

Hill and dale we go, past villages and rivers and church spires, and the only thing breaking the old-fashioned-ness of it, were the myriad of telephone wires, my pet peeve in life. You can’t get away from them these days! If you are a time traveler like I am it’s hard to pretend it’s 1800, even with the luv-lee church spires, when your view is criss-crossed in black wires.

Fields and meadows . . .

We traveled north on Sunday, look at everyone going back home after the weekend ~ which was nice, because the rest of our trip was pretty much traffic free! See the throngs of people on the left of the photo? They are standing in line for lobster rolls at a famous eatery called Red’s Eats in Wiscasset . . . we thought, yes! We will stop there on the way back, we’ll be there in the middle of the week and have it all to ourselves. And across the bridge we went… breezing along with the breeze . . .

Into the small town of Damariscotta . . . very adorable, would look like 1845 except, of course, for the wires. I promise I will never talk about the wires again. You will just have to see them without me pointing them out.

The Damariscotta River runs right through the middle of town and they make the very best of it. Damariscotta is also famous for their yearly PumpkinFest!

Lots of small charming ma-and-pa shops, excellent yarn and quilt stores that people drive from miles around to visit!

Sharon and Jeff invited us to stay in their Air BnB apartment ~ it was a lovely place with a darling kitchen, filled with books and comfy places to read them. This was my view from the sofa on our first morning where I was sitting drinking my tea and writing back to all the lovely comments you left on my last post, thank you so much! 💓

The next days we went over the river to walk through the old neighborhoods to take pictures of houses because we love  New England architecture so much . . . walking along, kicking up leaves, listening to the birds and the wind in the trees . . .🍂

This was the street we (too many wires but don’t tell anyone I said that), filled with leafy shadows and the ghosts of days gone by . . . 🍂

Most of the houses were late 18th, early 19th century. I wish when they said 18th century, they meant 1800s, because I am never-endingly confused by hearing 18th century, then immediately having to re-compute weak brain to 1700s. It never seems to get automatic, I have to think. 🤔

Porches and bird feeders . . . and porch ceilings painted traditional blue like the sky . . .

Out of focus, but there is no way I am leaving out this cranberry enchantment.

Picket fences and rock walls, all handmade . . . In a thousand years I will never get tired of this view of a peaceable kingdom, where all is tinged with the sounds moths beating on porch lights, of baseball games on the radio, slamming screen doors, the smell of cookies baking . . .

Very interesting upstairs windows on this one . . . perhaps that’s where they practiced piano . . .

Love the blue door with the little “lights” over the top, the trellis’s on both sides, the criss-cross windows with the reflections in them, the glassed-in porch, the big ole tree . . .

Porches and low branches and pots of chrysanthemums . . .

And wild asters everywhere . . .

Bunches and clumps of them all the way down to the river . . .

A huge harbinger of fall in New England woods and coasts . . . Free, they re-distribute themselves every year, seeds fly through the air, and there they are the next year, for the picking.

And in Maine, as here on the Island, huge hydrangea bushes, turning colors like everything else . . .

And right in the middle of this neighborhood, is a graveyard, from a time when families stayed nearby even in death.  (I loved how they painted the telephone pole white to make it “blend”  . . .)

See? There are houses on all sides, the barbecue is there too . . . your history was as much a part of you as your now . . .

The tree of the goddess, the magical hawthorn tree’s red berries hanging over the fence, the world decorates itself for fall!  MUSICA

Of course, we did lots of this . . .

Another thing Maine is very good at . . . and nice prices I might say!

Baskets full of vintage Christmas linens. . .

And we stopped for lunch, warm goat cheese to go with the lobster salad!

Maine lobsters, Maine oysters, YUM!

Then out for more antiquing . . .

I bought a silver serving spoon and a white cotton lace cloth for my bread basket . . . thinking holiday dinner parties!

Signs like this everywhere . . . farmer’s and fish markets too, fresh local delights.

And they still hand out these flyers from the 1960s.

The recipe for boiled lobsters is just like Joe’s, except he puts cut lemons in the boiling water.

And off we went to Sharon and Jeff’s camp, near this little fishing village called Christmas Cove. Don’t blink or you will miss it, and for sure, you don’t want to miss it.

Out of town and onto a finger of Maine coastline. . . the Maine coast is ALL FINGERS. A travelers delight, so many little crevices to explore. We’re about mid-way up.

See? There’s a finger right now . . . smells of salt and pine. . . and takes us to

. . . a dirt road leading to the cottage, then a path through the woods.

Deep in the woods, voila, we find it!

All kinds of wonderful critters populate this area, fox and moose, chipmunks and red squirrels, too. And although Sharon is a master gardener, not a bit of a garden here, hard to garden on rocks . . . she lets real be real.

And she lets candles be candles. This is the living room, their house has perhaps ten rocking chairs in it, most of them on the porch.

Which you get to by going through this door. Note reflection, because that’s what’s behind me.

 Speaking of reflections: I’m outside, on the porch, looking back inside through a large plate-glass window with the reflection of the sea behind me and my own reflection in the window glass . . . on the far wall inside is a mirror made like a window, you can see me in it, and the lamp that’s in the foreground of this photo, AND the view behind me.  Plus a cozy chair with quilt . . . and the unlit candles on the coffee table. I love this photo.

And now, I’ve turned around, the window is behind me and view is no longer a reflection. The sound of the waves, the rocking of the chair . . .

Here I am, rocking with Sharon’s husband Jeff . . . Note delicious edibles on table . . . we wanted for nothing . . .

At one end of the porch is this tiny screened in room; no bug dast destroy ambience of deliciousness . . . table is set . . . pears are lined up on the window sill . . .

Into the kitchen we go.  I love seeing our cups on other people’s shelves!

 Sharon and Jeff, being from California, despite Maine connections, are weenies such as I, and will not cook a lobster. Joe was our only hope, and he came through like the hero that he is. We may not cook it, but we will totally be the hypocrites that EAT it. ☺️

We also had farm-stand corn on the cob, dripping in foreign butter, salt and pepper and this wonderful healthy kale salad from our blog girlfriend Martha  . . . here’s the recipe . . .be sure to massage the kale to make it soft.

And took it outside, to eat with the sound of the waves . . .

lots of candles, glasses of pink wine . . . we stayed out there forever because it was a gorgeous evening . . . stars and crickets and the waves . . .

Then we came inside and made a fire with the owls whose eyes light up . . . and basically, to sum up, we did this every night while we were there, as we solved all the world’s problems and rocked the night away . . . We’ve known each other many years, our rocking is different than it used to be!

XOXO

Just your basic evening in heaven . . .

Another dinner . . .

Sometimes we couldn’t see that finger of land north of us because of the fog . . . but there it is!

More candles . . .

And another cozy fire . . . but this one is different . . .

Because it’s our last . . . we go home the next day . . . we are talking about Joe’s legs, because I think they are like the legs of a four-year-old roller skater.

Sharon talks with her hands . . . she’s a communicator!  MUSICA

Before we go, we need the love photo . . .

We now pronounced them man and wife, kissed them good bye, said thank you, thank you, see you in California . . . And off we go, down the long dirt road . . .

And the next day, we head straight for the little town of Wiscasset, the one we passed on the way in, where that crowd of people was waiting in line . . .

We are nice and early, they haven’t opened yet . . . not a soul around . . . perfect.  We’ll be back.

Such a famous place, they even have paintings of it in the art galleries . . . must be good! We can’t wait to find out why! Off we go to work up an appetite . . .

By shopping this luv-lee little town . . .

Look what’s in the window of the antique store!!! All Petey’s friends! (If you’ve read A Fine Romance, you know who Petey is!)

There was a wonderful women’s clothing store called In the Clover with fabulous sweaters and scarves. . . and across the street, this fantastic shop filled with original and wonderful stationery and gifts, called Rock Paper Scissors … I had a great time visiting with the creative owner and buyer, Erika, and found the perfect handmade diary for our next trip to England. I also did some rather magnificent Christmas shopping, just little things, but really special little things. 😘

She had interesting and creative jewelry too ~ go there if you can, but try to go on week days, when it’s not crowded, because this is a very popular little town. We started back over to Red’s Eats to get our Lobster Rolls, and AGAIN, there was a line around the BLOCK! 😱 But, we had to catch a ferry. No Red’s Eats for us. Must go back another time.👍

Time for one more antique store stop. And in the parking lot, we saw this! Oh, to be famous! Ha ha ha!

And we needed to get our pumpkin allotment . . . The little ones for over the front door, the big ones for the porch and garden . . .

Off we go! Leaves blowing up behind us!

This is the sky out the car window as we’re heading for Woods Hole to catch the boat . . .

And from the bridge that goes over the man-made canal that separates the Cape from the mainland . . .

As the clouds followed the sun into the sea, we followed them to our boat . . .

We were on our walk yesterday and, like we often do, stopped to see our friends Bruce and Gail Kissell. They live in a little camp like Sharon and Jeff’s, right on the water, and asked if we’d seen that gorgeous sunset.  I said, “Not from your front row seat!” Gail had taken photos! She sent them to me, and these are them ~ wasn’t it amazing? Love the reflection in the sea and wet sand.

The clouds chasing the sun into the sea . . .

And this wiggling, squiggling, green-eyed fuzz ball was our reward for coming home . . .💕

We unpacked, and put up the pumpkins and hung the wreath . . .

And distributed the pumpkins . . . 🎃🎃🎃

I need to go out and see the world sometimes, to bring home the juicy creativity that lives out there in such abundance, but I’m just a homebody at heart. 🏡

POLDARK started last night!!! Did you see it? We did, and I recorded it so it could play while I was working on this post. So good. Look how long her fingers are. I think my little finger comes up half way to hers.

Odd view, but this was us last night watching Poldark. That’s my shawl on my leg on the left, Jack’s between it and the arm of the chair, but for some reason he liked hanging his head over the edge . . .

I used my camera to look down there and see if he was happy, and he was. The paws are my favorite. My little prince.

Yup, home, and back to work. Today I have to choose the embroidery thread colors to include in the new cross stitch kits we are having made!!!! This is the fun part! More info on that to come!

I designed two little cards and sent them to Kellee this morning. You are going to be able to print them out to include with your cup-gifts for the holidays  . . . two kinds, one for a Merry Christmas one for a Happy New Year. Soon I’ll give you a link so you can print them on card stock.💞 And I think Kellee did lots of fall “Free Stuff” for you to print out ~ Enjoy! 😘

I hope you enjoyed our Maine Adventure! I loved reliving it! Best part, the memories! Have a luv-lee rest of the day. The Constant Nymph, with the impossibly young Joan Fontaine, just came on TCM, leaves are falling 🍂, you-know-who is waiting, and my new British Country Living is here! Happiness! Wishing you the same! XOXO

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698 Responses to Quest for Beauty ~ Maine Adventure

  1. Margie says:

    Just got Back from Maine and was a hypocrite eating lobster for breakfast and lunch. My mouth watered when I saw your pictures. Such torture! Spent the day on Parsons Beach and wrote a long poem. When the old salty walked by with his fly rod my day was complete. Love your photos and yes, we watched Poldark. But, there is no place like home 🏡 as I rubbed my ruby slipper together!

  2. Cindy B says:

    I certainly enjoyed that little trip to Maine I just took with you and Joe! Thank you for another beautiful post! (And I thought I was the only one who got confused about 18th century/1700’s, etc! I always have to stop and translate it in my mind!)

  3. Beckie from Maine says:

    So happy you enjoyed Maine! That is where I live. It is certainly a world all it’s own. I’ve tried to figure out how to write you to let you in on a little secret my daughter and I just found. If you have Net Flix, there is a British TV series on there called “Escape to the Country”. It is the British version of HGTV’s many “searching for homes shows”. It has 24 episodes, in different counties and villages. I was just ecstatic watching them. We watched them straight through over a few days and cried when it ended. You just HAVE to see them! I love England and all the little cottages and thatched roofs and sheep on the hills just like you do. It is a wonderful series and the only thing wrong is there needs to be more of them!!!! I can’t wait to see the cross stitch kits! Happy Autumn and enjoy the shows!

    • sbranch says:

      We loved it! Wonderful series! After that, we went from there to Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages . . . did you see that one? You’ll love it!

  4. Trudy says:

    Beautiful fall pictures and love to see Jack hanging with his head down. My little Kitty Josie does the same.
    Cann’t wait to see your stitching kits-love cross stitching!
    Enjoy your walking in the autumn air.
    Greetings from Holland

  5. Rebecca~~Riverside, CA says:

    Thank you, Susan. Just what I needed, a bit of lovely.

  6. Marianne in Mo. says:

    Your friends have a little piece of heaven there in Maine. I don’t know how anyone can leave from there, it gave me such a restful feeling just seeing the photos! Speaking of which – that shot of you in the window was mesmerizing, trying to distinguish the real from the reflection!!! I know you all had a fabulous time visiting together. So sad you didn’t get the Lobster Rolls though. I myself, living in the almost middle of America, have never had lobster in all my 63 years, so I have no idea what you missed any more than you do. HA!
    Thanks for posting today and pulling us all away from sadness for just a bit. I pray for the souls lost and those grieving from another senseless, violent act.

  7. Joanne Vyce says:

    I visit a friend on the opposite side of John’s Bay where we can watch the sunset over Christmas Cove. I hope you had a chance to go to Pemaquid Point and see the lighthouse and check out the Seagull Shop. They make the best blueberry pancakes there. And Reny’s in Darmiscotta is great for poking in to get their sales. Love, love, love that part of Maine. Thanks for the memories.

    • sbranch says:

      I bought a top at Reny’s for $9.95. I haven’t seen $9.95 on a price tag since my mom took me shopping at Penney’s! I saved it! I’m wearing the top now, it’s a comfy sweater with a mock turtleneck in darkest sea green. How could I go wrong? xoxo

  8. Barb in MI says:

    We sure needed your lovely post today. I turned off the TV mid-morning and have been trying to enjoy our beautiful fall day here in Michigan. I can’t shake the sense of sadness that has been following me around all day, but your post transported me to another place for a while. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures and reminding us of the beauty and goodness that even small things can bring to our lives.

  9. What a comforting and beautiful trip! Fall is my favorite time of year. The colors just make me smile and warm my soul. Happy Fall.
    Marie Fluck

  10. Margaret says:

    We were on a cruise in Maine in August; such beauty! I never tired of the breathtaking views along the coast. Such quaint villages and harbors…and the lobster is scrumptious!!! The cruise even went through Cape Cod Canal and had a stop at Martha’s Vineyard, where I bought 2 of your calendars at Bunch of Grapes Bookstore (met a fellow “girlfriend”). From our ship’s balcony, we watched the ferry come in, do a 180 degree turn and dock…the whole time I couldn’t help thinking, “I wonder if Sue and Joe are onboard?”. I’m getting ready to reread your wonderful “Isle of Dreams”. Love your sweet Jack…how can you ever leave him. Thanks for the sweetness and sparks of memories!

    • sbranch says:

      I imagine a boat along that craggy wild coast would be quite an adventure. But how wonderful that yours came to Martha’s Vineyard! Thank you back for that spark of memory! And yes, leaving Jack is the hardest thing I do. He is my little love.

  11. Lorraine sodaro says:

    Thank you for your post! I really needed a little “vacation” today!

  12. Vicki South of Arroyo says:

    My husband knows two people who were at the Las Vegas concert and survived but we’re feeling shaken as is the whole world. I’m so glad to see you posted something beautiful and soothing. The diversion will help. I’m feeling a bit numb to read it at the moment, so am going to do a few chores and then come back to it to get calmer. I feel such a need to be quiet today; settle my thoughts. You are a balm at times like these. Outside right now, it’s such a nice day here in SoCalif; I don’t know what else to do but go stand in it, soak it in, be thankful; and pray for all those who are hurting.

    • sbranch says:

      My brother was traveling through, I was worried he was there, was happy to get a text right back this morning. It’s beyond understanding. There is nothing like counting our blessings in times of trouble. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      • Vicki South of Arroyo says:

        I’m catching up to this October post of yours this evening, finally; thank you for taking us along for the ride. Susan, your photos are so enchanting and I want to go to Maine SO badly. My husband was ‘based’ in Rockport for a couple of weeks and he really loved Bar Harbor and Acadia Nat’l Park. I love reading the girlfriends’ comments on Maine; so many wonderful travel tips. I think the first time I had an awareness of Maine was when I saw the movie, “A Summer Place” with Sandra Dee even though it was filmed in Carmel & Monterey (Calif) but I’ve since enjoyed reading about the big mansions on the coast where wealthy families would spent summers (indeed some of those homes having since been turned into inns) and also the ‘camps’ (there’s that series going on right now, DIY [TV] network, called “Maine Cabin Masters” where they go in and do a lot repair/upgrades on the little camp cabins which are so severely affected by weather and water; I’ve watched it here & there; the cabin/family owners are very sentimental about these summer vacay homes). And I’ve enjoyed reading about Martha Stewart’s restoration of that sumptuous Maine estate called Skylands on Mount Desert Island at Seal Harbor (which I guess is a somewhat isolated place; 1920s-era property owned formerly by one of the Ford family, I think Edsel Ford).

        I have to ask, at your front door, what’s the sign taped to the window? Is it because you have gawkers wanting to see you? (The Girlfriends would be more respectful not to knock!)

        • sbranch says:

          It’s because we never use the front door and the UPS man is new and leaves things there and we don’t know it until one of our friends calls and says, “I just drove by and there’s a package on your porch!” It’s a note to the UPS man to bring things to the side porch!

  13. Tim & Laurie Sweet says:

    Hi Susan & Joe;
    We just got back from spending 1 week on the road & a week in Camden…..love that town! Had a nice cottage by the harbor! Maine……our favorite place to visit (from Michigan)! Lobsta, chowda, the ocean & tides……what’s not to love! When we drove past Red’s (going to & from) the line was out the kazoo! Maybe next time!

  14. Annie in CA says:

    Are you sure we’re not sisters??!! I’m in love with the world’s most perfect Maine cottage. The stone fireplace is perfection, along with the pine tree screen door and the sailboat door. And the cranberry colored house on the way…mwah!

    The day we went to Red’s it was raining buckets…we were third in line 😄 And please send Joe over to do lobsters! Can’t bring myself to put them in the pot.

    Please keep the beautiful posts coming. It’s always a pleasure to get back east.

    • sbranch says:

      At this point, I think part of the reason I so enjoy going, is being able to share with you all afterwards! Thank you Annie!

  15. Ann Woleben says:

    Another wonderful excursion in this glorious autumn season~Are you sure you don’t need someone to carry your luggage? I can be packed in a heartbeat! Thank you for the fall “freebies.” Love using the bookmarks and stationery!

  16. Mary H. says:

    How enchanting! Can we trade places just for a day? I love seeing and reading about all your adventures. <3

  17. Pat Mofjeld says:

    Thank you for sharing your photos of you and Joe’s visit to Maine, I really enjoyed seeing them and hearing about your trip. No Door County for us this first Fall in our new house–we are having a lot of company visiting us!!! Which is wonderful but made viewing your photos even more enjoyable! It is Fall here finally in Minnesota–the leaves are turning and all the markets have mums and pumpkins for sale. Apple crisp, cider, pie–the air smells of apples! We planted four apple trees and two cherry trees–in a few years hopefully we will have our OWN apples!

    • sbranch says:

      I love that you are still loving your new house, it sounds just wonderful Pat!

    • Margot in Sister Bay says:

      Wow Pat, your own apples. I have been going to Seaquist’s here in Nor Dor, and The Little Farmer near Fond du Lac. So will we see you next year in Nor Dor?

      • Vicki South of Arroyo says:

        Quite a few years ago now, I read the novels of an author named LaVyrle Spencer, long since retired from writing. It was pure escapism from my busy job at the end of a long day but what I loved about her writing was that she would often go stay in a place and write from there so that she really absorbed the atmosphere, then transforming the feel of it so beautifully to the page. (In her historical novels, she would also put in a lot of research, to make her descriptions era-accurate; just, to me, made the fiction so much richer.) She wrote one book about Camden in Maine but one I really loved had the setting of Fish Creek in Door County, Wisconsin; I’ve wanted to go there ever since and one of my doctors from California is visiting there right now as I write, so can’t wait to hear of his experience. I remember the names she’d drop, like Sturgeon Bay, but what I mostly remember are her descriptions of blossoms falling from the trees…I can’t remember if cherry blossoms or apple blossoms but, gosh, it was pleasant reading, so can’t even imagine what is must be to see in person.

  18. Erika Pierce says:

    OMGoodness!!! Is that Ms. Sharon Lovejoy?!?
    Birds of a feather do flock together 🙂
    I have so many of her books. You gals must be kindred spirits.

    Thank you for the journey to Maine. I really look forward to your
    posts 🙂

    ~Erika.

    • sbranch says:

      She owned an antique store in the 70s in California, I was a customer! We talked. Total kindred spirits! Thank you Erika!

      • Vicki South of Arroyo says:

        Ah, explains why that cozy, lovely ‘camp’ cottage is so warm and inviting; I’d glanced around at some of those antiques (fabulous!). She has the place decorated so…right; just right!

  19. Lee says:

    Susan, you took pictures of everything I would have. I love nature, but I also love old houses and old towns. Thanks again. Blessings, Lee

  20. janice says:

    Be still my heart did you drop the cross stitch bomb! and the end of this lovely Maine bilodeux. Holy Schmoly

  21. Heather Frederick says:

    Red’s Eats is worth the wait! Next time…. 🙂 Thank you for this much-needed getaway today of all days. Lovely trip, lovely you!

  22. Willa Brown says:

    Wow! Did I ever need this beautiful walk through Autumn today. Just beautiful and such a reminder that we CAN find beauty in spite of a messed up world. Thank you Susan! You read our minds….again!

  23. Barbara Irvine (Connecticut) says:

    Thank you, Susan, for this wonderful post on such a dark day in our country. Such horrific events in Las Vegas last night, but you have uplifted my spirit by showing there is so much to appreciate in our country and our people.

    I have visited Maine several times, but have not been to the areas you mentioned, and have added them to my “wishlist”. All along the Massachusetts coast, the New Hampshire coast (yes, New Hampshire has a seacoast along the Atlantic!) and the Maine coast … beautiful beaches and sometimes thundering waves of the sea.

    Prayers for all who lost their life last night and all who were wounded, that they may be healed, and strength for their families and friends. Please, God, help those who are driven to this evil to find another way …

  24. Carolyne Roehrenbeck says:

    Thanks for your delightful Maine post after another heartbreaking day for our country today. Your beautiful pictures of mid-coast Maine also helped me to relive my recent Maine adventure, too. Returned 3 weeks ago after another fabulous stay. Love mid-coast Maine. Wiscasset and Damariscotta are wonderful Maine villages, but we stay farther “down east” in Camden. As for Red’s Eats……. next time try McLoon’s in Spruce Head (So. Thomaston). It’s fabulous!!!! Check out July/August issue of Yankee re: best lobster rolls in Maine. A bit of a drive from where you stayed but worth it. Lucky you and Joe …… to have friends who have such a special place on the Maine coast.
    Thank you again for all you do to make this world a more beautiful place for all of us. XOXO

  25. Lynne Barlow says:

    Oh, what loveliness. I want to go back!
    A tree fell on our house today in a big wind, crunching the satellite dish. I’m looking forward to not watching the news tonight! Grim, grim, grim, as usual. It will be a nice respite.
    Xo
    Lynne

  26. Robyn Brown says:

    Just a lovely little trip, thank you. I love that red house. I’m moving in tomorrow. Packing now 🙂

  27. Judy says:

    Thank you so much for posting !
    We need a lighthouse today. <3

  28. Diana H. says:

    Oh my heart, Maine!!! Thank you for taking me there again Susan! My hubs and sis and I went in Late October last year… It was the BEST vacation EVER!…. I really could live there….if I could bring all my family with me or was rich enough for a “second home”! It is gorgeous everywhere!! Couldn’t get enough!! Thanks for the beautiful photos and memories…. I am looking forward to the cross-stitch kits. I haven’t done that in years. I have been busy crocheting dish cloths for fall and will get started on holiday ones soon for gifts… it really is the little things. I think my hubs and I are the same type of travelers… we love stopping at historic markers and scenic views and turn-outs and all manner of farm stands, etc…..I also like to park in one place for a while and take in the everyday-ness of a place….well, this really helped my mood for the day… had to quit watching television and go back to my music, books, and of course you and Maine! Love and peace to you and yours from the Leaves Changing/Falling Midwest – Diana

  29. Sharon says:

    I adore all things Susan and I needed
    Your beautiful blog today. Thank you darling girl. I love love love
    Your beautiful cups!!! My Autumn
    Cup came last week. Have you read all of the
    outlander books? Since you mentioned Time traveling 🙂 they are about a thousand
    Pages each so they are each a commitment but so worth it despite the gory Non SB parts hee hee.

  30. Carla vdM says:

    Ooh my goodness what wonderfull photo’s from your trip.
    Loved reading about it.

  31. Cheryl Hutchinson says:

    I was born and brought up in New England, but now live in Washington State, which is beautiful in its own right, but I sooo enjoyed seeing the familiar beauty of Maine. Thank you for bringing up the memories.

  32. Heartsdesire (Judith Hogan) says:

    What a lovely adventure. I love those beautiful old white houses, so much charm. Your photos make me want to go up to the front door, knock, go in and take a good look around. The lobster looked delicious, and what a cozy house (camp). Good to be home though, great looking pumpkins over your front door. Happy October.

  33. ~Del Gato gordo y descarado~ says:

    Thought of you and yours…
    Norah Wellings Jollyboy sailor dolls

    rubylane.com/item/72894-SSK00033?utm_medium=email&prfid=%24encmailingid&utm_source=monthlyfinds&utm_campaign=2017-10-02%20Ruby%20Lane’s%20October%20Finds&utm_term=72894-SSK00033

  34. linda matera says:

    Hello my friend,
    Your email was a balm for the news today.
    When will the powers that be——-do something about the gun laws(sorry to spoil your day).
    My daughter’s friend lost her beautiful son 5 years ago in that awful school madness.
    The world is mad,but you helped me today.

    I too spend some days in Maine….Our daughter has a second home there..But i always want to come home…..Home to baking,making quilts & thinking & breathing on my front porch.Home to Connecticut…my happy place.

    Happiness is an email from Susan.Thanks for making this a better day.

    • sbranch says:

      Thank you for doing the same for me Linda. Blessings on us all. xoxo

      • pat addison (cave junction, OR) says:

        Linda I’m with you when will the powers that be do something about the gun laws. I never could understand why a person would want to own an automatic or semi-automatic weapon, let body armor piercing ammo, I mean seriously who needs that?? I have no problem with people owning guns and rifles, but not weapons that are better used by the military or law enforcement. and to think that the ammo could be sold just about anywhere, like at a local sporting goods store or even a Wal-Mart store and yes it is sold there, why would anyone want to buy it??? there has to be a way to prevent that type of weaponry and ammo from getting into the public’s hands… that’s all I will say about it, but lets all pray for those wounded and for the families of the ones killed Sunday night.

  35. Holly says:

    I have always wanted to visit Maine. Thanks for taking us all along! It was very needed today. I went to work and looked at my four year old students during nap time a bit more tenderly today. I went around and tucked them all in and prayed for them all. I hope the world turns it’s back on all this hate and offers them a more loving world to grow up in. Thank you for the respite.

    • sbranch says:

      You are perfect for what you do. Little dear hearts, so believing, just the way we are, still, in our inner hearts. Thank you Holly!

      • Mary Berryman says:

        I loved what you said in your above response, “Little dear hearts , so believing, just the way we are, still, in our inner hearts”. So very many of us, in our inner hearts, believe in that way, not knowing that we have, since childhood, always had this inner heart.

  36. Shelly Stone says:

    What a great trip! Love the pictures! I was excited to see cross stitch kits in the making! So glad Poldark is back! I have a cat too, Zoe, it amazes me the positions that they get in and can sleep. Thanks for your wonderful blog.

  37. Michelene Thomas says:

    I love your tour of Maine. I’m leaving for Rockport on Thursday to visit my brother and sister -in-law. I recognizedon’t those beautiful towns you went through. My favorite is Damariscotta. Schooner Landing is my favorite place to eat lobster. And their fish chowder is out of this world. It’too bad you didn’t get to see Pemaquid LightHouse. I never get tired of watching the waves crash upon the rocks and treasure hunting for the perfect heart shape stone, starfish or an occasional sea urchin. My heart belongs in Maine! Hope the leaves will be spectacular. 🍁🍂🍃🎃🎃🎃 Happy Fall.

  38. grace thorne says:

    when i lived in maine, i would marvel at the beautiful houses and picturesque villages with picture perfect harbors…and as far as red’s goes, the big attraction is a big lobster roll, but you can (and did) get the very same lobster tons of places…red’s food is good but nothing that isn’t available many places without standing in line for an hour. the clams are fried in a batter with brown sugar added, so they always come out toasty brown…

    • sbranch says:

      Thank you for the insider info on Reds. We get these amazing lobster rolls at a local church every Friday, so chock full of lobster, just delicious. I can’t imagine anything better, but I was willing to give them a chance. Except, I draw the line at lines!

  39. Debbie Sisk says:

    Thanks for the trip. Yessss Poldark!! Have you read the books? I’m putting them on my Christmas list. 12 of them. Happy Fall.

  40. Delaney Ann Prins says:

    A wonderful respite from today’s world of pain and suffering! A mental escape and so delightful! I am ready to go traveling!!!

  41. Marilyn says:

    Thank you for a glorious shout out for Maine💚 We love it and go to Acadia National Park every fall. We spend the morning hiking and exploring and the afternoons on the rocks- my sweetie snoozes and I paint. It is pure heaven😊

  42. Deb says:

    It has always been a dream of ours to see New England in the Fall. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. It looks like such a fun wonderful place to visit. Happy Fall! Happy October!!

  43. Suzanne Miller says:

    Thank you for allowing us to get away with you. You plan the best trips! I love Autumn. Feeling blessed.

  44. Hilary M. says:

    Susan – You are a great travel guide, and have the eye of a true artist. Thanks for letting us come along!

  45. Karen says:

    That was a nice soothing read on a day like todau,thanks for that and your beautiful photos! And cross stitch kits, oh my! Those might get me back to stitching! I abandoned that craft when I got hooked on scrapbooking.can’t wait to see them!

  46. Gail Golden says:

    P.S. Poldark – yes! It didn’t disappoint. I love this series.

  47. ELyse Adams says:

    Hi Susan

    I am sitting in Starbucks reading this amazing post! Napa is beautiful this year but
    My heart is always in the small towns of Mass and Maine of my child hood summers,
    THank you for this delight ful and memorable road trip!
    Luv and blessings
    ELyse!!

  48. Baroe Prince says:

    My husband and I just came back from a week in Maine! God’s Country! Had lots of fresh lobster, visited antique shops, walked 3 miles a day, saw deer, slept like babies listening to the waves lapping on the shore, ate apples from the trees, etc. etc. We were near BarHarbor at Emery’s Cottages. Loved it! Also shopped at L.L. Bean Outlet . The leaves were just beginning to change. So lovely and peaceful there!

  49. Rachel says:

    I agree with the wise woman above, I adore all things Susan! I’ve decided recently we are going on a vacation to Maine next year, in early fall (shhh I haven’t told my husband yet, tee hee). What a beautiful land! How can you get better than fall leaves, crisp weather, the sea, wine, olives, cheese and lobster! And a fireplace! Be still my heart.

    Can someone who has never cross stitched do one of the kits? 😬

    • sbranch says:

      Yes they can, Rachel! They mark it right on the fabric for you! Stick the needle in, pull it out, make a little X, that’s cross-stitch. You will love Maine!

  50. Such a lovely adventure. I was refreshed just reading about it, so I can imagine how you felt living it.

    I do the same thing with the 1800’s thing. Always have to THINK.

    Those mugs are adorable!

    And I would really like a break from the constant drama and sorrow our country is going through right now.

    • sbranch says:

      Me too, where is Eisenhower when we need him? xoxo

      • Marilyn Bunte says:

        I heard someone today say the same thing, where is Eisenhower?
        M

        • sbranch says:

          It was such a nice plain time, and the middle class was king. xoxo

          • Vicki South of Arroyo says:

            What can we take from there, Susan? What comes to your mind? I want to hear. I’m so often very drawn to the 1950s; I like to read about it. I lived it, but some of it I can recall; some I can’t. I was slightly younger than you, but that’s the decade I was born in (and when my mom & dad bought their first house, which is the one I’m in right now).

            I often think of how to bring the best forward, from the decades past. Like, forget about some of the clothes from the 70s, but we had Sunday family night TV; don’t I remember Lassie after dinner in the late 50s? And Bonanza. And Walt Disney. And we’d dress up for Sunday school and church; dresses with petticoats and our little white gloves. Mother of course mostly cooked from scratch. Is this the sort of thing you think of when you talk about it being plain (plain as in good, simple, a feeling of prosperity and free of drama and violence in the media like newspapers and the nightly news).

            I remember JFK but I don’t remember Eisenhower. My parents grew up with Roosevelt; the lone 4 terms(?); they seemed to revere him. It was like Barbra Streisand in “The Way We Were”, ‘I can’t remember when he wasn’t President’ – for my folks, he was at the helm from their early childhoods to when they were in their 20s as young adults.

          • sbranch says:

            We are getting a huge dose of “Woke” right now . . . as one of our Girlfriends from Texas said, “Now we have to stay woke.” We were lulled to believe we were being taken care of, but we know now, that the only ones who can take care of us, is us. xoxo It’s not a bad thing, it’s a real thing. One day at a time. Love to you Vicki.

  51. Treah Pichette says:

    Oh my gosh, my husband & I were in that very area the week before! We must have passed each other on the highway :-). We were on the peninsula across from you & enjoyed a lot of the places you visited. Wasn’t it the best?!?

  52. Nikki says:

    You are exactly what we all needed on this sad, sad day. Whenever I feel down or suffocated with life, I turn to your books and blog. Thank you, dear Susan for being you! Xoxo

  53. Carol Ybarrondo says:

    Hi Susan,
    Thanks so much for the trip, really enjoy traveling with you and Joe. Love the pumpkins, antiques, photos, meeting your friends and the food, “yummmmm!”

  54. Marigold says:

    Such a lovely and uplifting post on a day when the heart is just so incredibly heavy and weary. Thank you, Susan. Amidst the ceaseless darkness and despair, the light of love shines through, enabling us to keep on hoping.

    • sbranch says:

      Weary, just the way I feel about it, and incredibly sad. Light of love is beautifully said, and what everyone dancing and playing at the concert was feeling. And he was only one bad guy. Wish we could have shook him down and taken all the metal off him before he got into that elevator. Never give up hope. Sick people are sick people. We are the hope of the world.

      • Marigold says:

        You’re right. One evil person does not have the power to extinguish the light of love.

        “When does a candle cast its glow?
        When does it light the way?
        Not when the dawn breaks in the east,
        Not when the sun shines at day.
        But when the darkest hour has come,
        When we can’t see the way we should go —
        That’s when the light shines brightest yet,
        That’s when the candle glows.”

        God bless us, one and all.

  55. Cathy Aquilina says:

    Thank you for sharing your trip to Maine with us. Just what I needed to read, especially today. Several years ago, my son attended a wedding of one of his friends in Maine, I don’t know exactly where the venue was, but the pictures from that wedding were breathtaking. Must really visit Maine!!

  56. LindaB says:

    What a wonderful post today !! I’m a huge fan of you and Sharon !! I knew where you were when you posted pictures of her screen doors on twitter, she had recently posted pictures of them on FB. I think I would have been speechless if I had been in the same room with you two !! Thank you for briefly taking me away from this sad sad day. My heart is broken….

  57. Cindy says:

    Oh just loved this post Susan, thank you. Been a few years since I was in your neck of the woods…but these photos brought it all back, all those comfy stores to browse around in. And ofcourse icing on the cake, Jack with the doll mustache..so cute.

  58. Mary says:

    My husband and I traveled from Eastern Shore of Maryland up to Maine two weeks ago for a two week stay in Camden, Maine. Saw the lines at Red’s Eats also and spent several hours at book store in Damariscota. We also went out to Pemaquid Point. Of course we didn’t miss LLBean and we went out to Recompense on Casco Bay to refresh our memories of camping with our children years ago! We spent most of our time and Camden and Lincolnville hiking and shopping and enjoying new friends we met along the way.wonde

  59. Karen H. says:

    Joy, joy, joy! Needed SB blog today, and such a lift to my spirit . Thank you!

  60. Bea Lamont says:

    Thank you for lifting my heart on this sad day. Love your posts.

  61. Sandra in Santa Barbara says:

    Susan, You are WORLD FAMOUS! We’ll post signs everywhere Jack sprays!

    Loved your incredible show/tell tour of New England via your lovely photos and words from your heart.

    Only time I attempted to cook lobster, it climbed out of the sink – I screamed and threw the plate I was holding in the air. Never more. Our spiny lobster season just opened.

    Putting up Halloween decorations, making dog cookies for trick or treating dogs – the best part is seeing them in costume and feeding them. 🙂

    Thanks for being such a positive influence in all our lives! xoxoxo

  62. Donna Weir says:

    Thank you, Susan dear, for this lovely and much needed respite from the world. Maine has been on my list for a long time. May not ever get there due to health issues, so thank you all the more for the vicarious trip. I’m so glad that I’m not the only one who wishes 18th century meant 1800’s! My brain always has to twist a bit also. I’m so thankful you are willing to share your wonderful adventures.

  63. Marilyn says:

    Thanks for the bookmark. It is now added to my free bookmark collections. I love collecting something that I use and enjoy and is free too. Also thanks for getting me into the Fall/Autumn mood. Running to find candles to light.

  64. Linda T. from Maine. says:

    A Big Hello From Linda T. in Maine. Susan; If I knew you were going by my neck of the woods I would have met you anywhere along your route. I live in Phippsburg, Maine where you go off to the right off route one in Bath, Maine. Bath Iron Works you had to see from the bridge you crossed it to get to where you were going. That’s where they built tons of Navy Ships. Famous. You need to shop down town Bath also. I am so, so sad I missed you. PLEASE come Back soon. I have lots of books for you to sign. You need to see The Popham Beach State Part and go all the way to the end of the road to go too The Fort, and Two Lighthouses all in the same parking lot. Walk the beach ect.All free. Could have a picnic there while looking out to sea. I watch the seals, lots there. Got tons of picks cause I live in that town. I am so heart- broke I missed my only chance to hug you and see you in person.You to Joe. Promise you will come back. You need to see so much more. You have not seen only a very small amount and I promise it is your kind of place all the way up the coast and in land also. Now I know where to find my Petey and his friends. I want one. Going up to get one ASAP. I could have been in Bath 15 mins. away just to see you. What can I say to get you back here. Reds is the best and you need to come to Anna’s Restaurant in the summer. Open all summer. Look on line next summer. Worth your whole trip. She is my neighbor. Best food. Yummy. I have been getting Willard letters way back since 1997 when I lives in Naples Maine at the Lake. I would never tell you to come back if but you need to see lots more all the way to Acadia National Part and west Quoddy Lighthouse, also Down town Bar Harbor. YOU will Love it. So much more pic you could show on your site to all theses Susan B friends. Love Ya…. Linda T.

  65. Carol on the farm in Iowa says:

    Oh how I would love to visit Maine. Even more now! Thanks for all the photos, sharing your trip.

  66. Noreen Krebs says:

    Thank God for Susan and Joe Branch and for all the sunshine you bring our way ! Blessings upon blessings and back to you! Thank you~

  67. Wren says:

    Loved your friend’s cabin! Is that a hooked rug over the fireplace? ❤❤❤ And the owl fire irons. I’m excited to hear of the forthcoming cross stitch kits but first I’ve got to finish the one I’ve been working on for the last 6 years! Maybe this will be motivation.

  68. Mary says:

    As others have said, thank you so much for giving us beauty on such a dark day.
    I have not had the pleasure of visiting New England in any season-yet. Your wonderful post gave me the next best thing. The photos- you have such a way of capturing the beauty of everyday life, be it country roads, quaint towns, stately old homes, roadside stands, heck just everything. Showing us little bits of heaven wherever you travel. I felt myself just sighing in delight and peace at each new photo.
    And then new cross stitch too-Woo Hoo. Picking out the floss for the kits sounds like fun. All those wonderful colors to choose from.
    Dear sweet Jack, oh those kitty paws.

  69. Cathy from Golden, CO says:

    I needed an autumn trip and the sounds of the sea – so soothing. THANKS for taking me along. You’re a good, good friend…

  70. Dixie says:

    This truly made me homesick for Maine! Had seen some of the southern coast twice but this time we drove mostly inland to Bar Harbour & drove the coast all the way south. I love the mid coast—especially Camden! Went sailing in a tall sail boat—poked in antique shops—shopped at LL Bean— & stood in the rain to eat at Red’s!! Even wore a “hoodie” some days in the middle of June when everyone back home in Memphis was burning up! Can’t wait to go back.

  71. Debby says:

    That was a fun trip Susan! Have you been watching Outlander??? So good. Will watch
    Poldark tonight as they come on at the same time here. Also did you know there was a new book about Bunny Mellon out? Can’t wait for your sewing kits! Debby

  72. Janice says:

    Hi,
    I love the trips we take on your blog, I feel like I am there with you. I also look forward to the drawings. Did I miss the results?

  73. Elaine from MN says:

    I certainly needed the peace, hope and beauty your post brought today and I know many others did, too.. Thank you sooo very much. I enjoyed it twice.

    While I have you…a question. My husband acted too slowly to order “The Little Things” mug for my 70th birthday and our 50th anniversary. I’ve been checking periodically and hoped to see you’re selling another batch. I realize it’s a collectible thus the limited run, but will there ever be a possibility to buy one from you in the future (I ask keeping my fingers crossed – yes, hard to type this way)?
    Oh, and Poldark hasn’t aired here yet, but I made sure it’s scheduled to be recorded. Thanks for the reminder.

  74. Carolyn from Pittsburgh says:

    Loved the trip to Maine. Just what I needed. On the way home yesterday from a weekend in Lancaster, PA we stopped to see the Flight 93 Memorial. It was more sadness than I could hold and then the news today about Vegas.
    You are so right about the wires. I try to ignore them. They bring us the sad news from the whole world and it is just too much. I guess we need to know but maybe not instantly and not 24 hours a day playing over and over.
    So now I’m going to watch Poldark and think about coast lines and the ocean.

  75. Pam Wilson says:

    Dear Susan,
    I loved every bit of your Maine visit and Fall travel memories! As soon as I saw the bridge I knew you were by Red’s Eats in Wiscasset. You and Joe will have to return next time you visit and do stop at Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro for slices of blueberry pie (or another of their many pies!) to go with your Red’s lobster rolls. A heavenly Maine meal! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with all of us out there in Girlfriend Land!

  76. Margaret Harke says:

    Love your blogs. I always grab a cup of tea or glass of wine and settle down to read about your adventures.
    Maine is a place I have always wanted to visit. It sits still on my bucket list and I am not getting any younger, now 75, so I am not sure if that dream will ever come true. Hope springs eternal! Thank you for taking me along on your trip. I could just taste that lobster salad!

  77. What a lovely trip! I recently spent two weeks in Quebec, in the country, and managed to sneak in a day trip to Vermont. The old villages with their stone churches and tall spires, and ancient graveyards, some containing my immigrant ancestors, are all so different from the west coast where I live and everything is relatively young. Thanks for the tour.

  78. Linda G. says:

    Love the Maine post! You talk about the hydrangea trees. Check these out: I think they are Pee Gee Hydrangeas….a hydrangea that can grow into a tree. I first saw them at the Roosevelt Presidential Museum at Hyde Park…just lovely…I am growing them at my little island house in the Northwest.

    I hope one of your embroidery kits will be of Mr. Jack……such a handsome boy!

  79. Susan Butler says:

    And now… I can say it’s Fall, because your little pumpkins are in place. They inspire me!

  80. I was watching CNN tonight feeling sad and picked up my iPad, clicked on your blog and was reminded of all the beauty in the world. Thank you.

  81. jeanie says:

    Maine is such a wonderful spot. It’s been years since I’ve been there and must return but meanwhile I do feel like I’ve been vicariously through your eyes. (Oh dear — those antique stores!)

    Like you, I’ve been buying pumpkins like a crazy girl and my sweet Lizzie, like your Jack is all roly-poly loving after our visit to the lake to close the summer house. Sigh. Always bittersweet. Thanks for giving me such a warm and lovely welcome read with your post!

  82. Kelly from Walnut Creek, Ca. says:

    Thank you Susan. This was such a breath of fresh air to read your lovely blog. Made me want to pack a suitcase and head to Maine. Thanks for the inspiration. Love to you & Joe.

  83. Wendy says:

    I loved the trip through Maine, thanks so much for sharing! The things you highlighted are exactly the things I look for when travelling to a new place, including beautiful houses with character, quaint little shops full of unique treasures and of course antiques! One of the joys of having friends that live in different locations is that you get to go visit them! 🥂 I was also nestled on my couch under a cozy throw watching the first episode of Poldark last night, I couldn’t wait for this season to start. I live in Alberta, Canada and it’s nice to know that there are kindred spirits out there who love the same things I do! Happy Fall! 🍂🍁

  84. Debbie R from Valencia, CA says:

    Oh what a beautiful post. A much needed escape for all. Thank you. And cross stitch kits? Fantastic news. Cant’t wait. I don’t crochet or knit but cross stitch I can do. 👏🏻😊

  85. linny says:

    Thank you Susan for the the beautiful pictures and words– reminded me of a trip I took my sister on to Vermont in October one year. What great memories. There is nothing like Fall and crisp air and the getting of pumpkins… fresh corn!!!!!!!! Man oh man! This was really balm to the soul today– very much needed. Linda lee

  86. Kathryn says:

    Oh wow, you’re friends with Sharon Lovejoy! It figures two talented ladies would be good friends! I really enjoy her work and follow her on Facebook. I saw her video post of her Maine cottage. So cute! Looks like you all had a terrific time! I’m so jealous.

  87. Kathy from california says:

    Oh I do love to travel with you Susan, even if it is vicariously! “New England” reminds me so much of old England. I know what you mean about the wires in photos. They spoiled a lot of photos I took in Cornwall this past May. However, I managed to “erace” them in some photos (as long as there weren’t too many) thanks to the “retouch” button on my photo thingy on the computer. It is pretty rudimentary, so unfortunately it doesn’t perform the same magic on the wrinkles in my neck that show up so well in photos 🙁
    BTW was that Sharon Lovejoy?

  88. Sandra in Santa Barbara says:

    PS Joe has great legs! Most men have skinny legs….He’s definitely a Man’s Man!
    😉

  89. Jan Johnson says:

    I LOVE your armchair travel guides. I have always wanted to go to Maine, and it looks just as charming as I have heard. Those houses – oy! I want to go to those antique stores! The view from that house was something to dream about in heaven. Thank you for the beautiful post on a sad day. No matter how bad things get, we must go forward and be strong and live every day.

  90. Jeannette from the Central Coast says:

    Well now…I’ll have to add Maine to my Bucket List! It is growing ever so long… hope I can make it in time. Loved coming along on your lovely trip as always. You make the BEST travelogues! Thank you for sharing another bit of real life with your girlfriends. By the way, we returned recently from our 37th anniversar getaway week by the sea in Cambria. Stopped at the Bayside Cafe in Morro Bay for lunch on the way home – fabulous! Thanks for the place with us.

  91. Patricia says:

    I live in Las Vegas. Today I learned what happened here last night. What a tragedy. Mass shooting from where my husband works Mandalay Bay! I suffer from severe depression . Needless today it didn’t help my lot. Then I saw you site.
    As in the past, reading your post, warmed my heart , brought back dreaming of New England in the fall,and clearing my mind, putting hope in place of despair !

    Thank you for being so kind and loving some of the same things as I.

    • sbranch says:

      I am so sorry Patricia. I’m glad to have you here, glad to be able to talk about all the goodness there is in the world. One sick person can wreak such havoc. But it should not be allowed to wipe out the kindness, bravery, and good deeds done by so many. Sending love. xoxo

      • Marilyn Young says:

        Well said Susan. Hope Patricia will see all the real beauty in the world. What happened is indeed sad, but we must turn our thoughts and attention to Fall and all the beauty you told us about. I love your blog and this post about Maine. I love everything you do and see except those wicked looking lobs and you can have all of mine! I have never even tried eating one, but don’t think I will at this point and time in my life. Keep filling our minds with beauty and peace!

  92. Nicoline says:

    Hello Susan,
    Thank you for taking us along on your lovely trip through Maine! It certainly looks gorgeous!
    Oh my, imagine having 10 rocking chairs, like your friends do! Did they come in all shapes and styles?
    The biggest surprise was seeing all Petey’s (and his Dutch creepy doll cousin)
    relations, haha, never seen so many together!! Were there any girl Petey’s?
    We are off to St Ives in Cornwall next week, so I’ll have a good look to see if I can see Demelza or Ross anywhere:)
    Lots of love from Holland
    Nicoline oxox

  93. Linda says:

    I think I’m in love with Maine. Thank you for another lovely post. Have you seen the YouTube of old time movie stars dancing to current music? It’s great that music and rhythm is ageless. Enjoy the wonderful .

  94. Linda says:

    oops, fall weather.

  95. Linda Hill says:

    Wonderful post—a much needed respite from all the tragedy in life…… loved the beautiful old homes—just the kind you always fantasize about.
    The mention of the slamming of the screen door takes me back to our cabin by a lake in the mountains and Mother yelling”Don’t slam the door!” I can smell the fir trees and the autumn leaves and wish I were there again if just for a moment. Thank you dear Susan for this breath of fresh air and giving us a glimpse of Maine. Linda from Idaho were it got down to 38 last night and snow in the mountains!!

  96. Linda June says:

    Thanks for taking me along on your Maine Adventure! I’ve been as far north as Massachusetts, but never to Maine. Hope you and Joe don’t mind when I tag along with you! Loved all Petey’s friends! I saw one the other day and wanted to buy it to sit beside all your books that I have purchased!

  97. Lisa Jorgensen says:

    Thank you for the beautiful photos of your trip to Maine.
    That store with the window full of Peteys!!!! How did you resist buying another one?
    I am a huge Poldark fan as well. We had the adorable red Pomeranian puppy last year who passed away after her spay surgery. Her name was Demelza after the Poldark character. I have a special place in my heart for the character and the name.
    Jack is so cute. There is nothing better or more relaxing than watching a sleeping kitty.
    Happy October.

    • sbranch says:

      Believe it or not, those Petey’s were so DEEP into the room, blocked by layers of other wonderful things, to get at them was almost impossible! We would have had to move everything, and then we realized, our own Petey has so much history and probably enjoys being the doll-king in our household, traveling with us and all. Ohhhh, Demelza, and a red Pomeranian too, I’m so sorry, that’s a heartbreaker. Never give up, there’s another Demelza out there with your name on it.😘

  98. Nancy B says:

    Hi, Susan. Loved reading this. We had a brief visit to Maine in October of 2012 while on a cruise. Stopped in Kinnebunkport where I lost my camera. 😥 A trip like yours would have been much more satisfying. I was amused at the reference to visiting their “camp”. That must be a New England term. I thought it looked like a cozy little waterfront cottage. What a dream! When I opened FB a little bit ago, I learned that a young girl who went to high school here with my granddaughters lost her life during that horrible event last night. So sad for all concerned. Thank you for your uplifting post today.

    Happy Fall!
    Nancy (from Bakersfield)

    • sbranch says:

      Yes, in Maine, those little (and big) un-insulated older places on the water are called camps.

      This horrible incident has touched us all in some way, I’m so sorry it came so close to home Nancy. 😥

  99. Ruth R. says:

    I loved experiencing your trip to Maine through this post. I love all the quaint little towns, they may be small, but they have big personalities. Those little pumpkins you used to decorate are just the cutest little things! Thank you for all the pictures of Jack, he is my favorite little buddy. No matter what angle you take a picture of him, he is still very handsome.

    • sbranch says:

      Yes, personalities alive and well in the wonderful ma-and-pa shops and restaurants, antique stores and galleries, all so individual, not a cookie cutter in the place! Sometimes Jack gives me “the look,” his green eyes narrow and he looks so evil 😾 ~ I try not to take his picture then. I should do a photo montage called “Jack on a bad day!”

  100. Linda Freymark says:

    Hi Susan and Joe, I have been all over the west, but never east of the Mississippi. So I really enjoy your pictures and travels! I get to enjoy it all without leaving my comfy home! America is sooo beautiful from shore to shore! Thank you for sharing! Hugs from you friend Linda in Idaho!

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