BRAVO!

Sarah's solo recital at UMaine yesterday was simply awesome. She performed ten songs and she did a truly outstanding job with the opera-like music. Sarah's voice has always been great, but the work she has done over the last couple of years was really on display last night. She sang in English, Italian, German, and French - and it was beautiful. There was a big crowd of family and friends who couldn't wait to congratulate her at the reception following the show:

M-S suggested that we try The Fiddlehead in Bangor to have a celebration dinner.

The food and service were both outstanding. If you are planning to be in downtown Bangor, give it a try - but you'll need a reservation as its not very big. Sarah's recital and the meal with family provided a very nice way to wrap up spring break.

~MET

Taking Care of the Homestead

M-S and I are spending much of today taking care of the house - inside and out. We went into Augusta to pick up some materials for M-S to continue her work on the transformation of the boys' bedroom. She loves to redo the rooms of the house, and she is making this room into a piano/TV/guest room with new paint, a tiled floor, and a trundle day bed. It will be a project stretched over a few weeks as we rip up carpet, etc.

I'm doing some work outside including the ceremonial "first mow" and cutting back some brush. The black flies are UNBELIEVABLE...but it is a very nice day. Back to work.

~MET

Suppah' with Tut

On very much of a whim we asked Tut out for supper tonight. Ma is in DC getting treatments and tests, so we thought Dad might like to join us. I really just decided what to have this morning, but it was soooooo good.

We had roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with horseradish and gravy, and beans & carrots from the Mayo farm (M-S's parents). It was all delicious. M-S has been working very hard today redecorating the boys' room into a music/library/TV room. This "comfort food" meal was just what we all needed.

~MET

Back From the Woods

This was the lean-to I stayed in last night on the Swift River:

It was a good time, but I came home early because the road to the trail head of Tumbledown is still closed. I did get some fishing in, and enjoyed the river views:

I love being in the woods.

~MET

Monthly Meal ~ A Taste of India

Another outstanding monthly meal - and this time we were honored to have my Aunt Ann and Uncle Roger at our table. We feasted on some very spicy and interesting Indian fare.

We had three different curries, some veggie finger foods, rice, mango chutney, chicken, and Indian bread.

M-S also made a great apple/rhubarb dessert that has a hint of Indian spices. As usual, I am stuffed - but very happy.

~MET

Nothing Says Spring in Maine Like...

...snow on the daffodils. The sad part is that a really can't wait to go camping in the rainy, snowy, and cold mountains tomorrow.
~MET

Ragged Mountain

"I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude."
~HDT

An absolutely gorgeous morning on Ragged Mountain. Its a great long hike and the weather could not have been more perfect.

It was a good warm-up for camping and climbing Tumbledown the Monday of vacation. And - with school and THREE afternoon meetings tomorrow, this morning put my head right.

~MET

Fishin' the Sheep

One of the best things about living in beautiful North Whitefield is all the water within just a few minutes. Today I hiked down the Narrow Gauge Railroad trail (which is walking distance from our house) to fish the Sheepscot River. I only caught a couple of chubs, but the views were just gorgeous. I also saw some of the work of a busy beaver:

He's trying to down some huge trees.

It was a great walk on a very nice day. I'm relaxing now and watching the Nationals try to hold on to a lead against the Mets on my computer, and watching Tiger on TV. I love spring.

~MET

Fantastic Easter Afternoon

Today M-S and I went to visit with Linda and Mark on Wilson Pond. It was a tremendous day on the water, and they surprised us by making a very traditional Easter meal complete with ham and all the fixings:
I also got some fishing in.

And M-S played the piano that Linda & Mark recently added to their home.

They have a really beautiful spot - and today's weather made it an extra special place to be.

The meal was awesome and the company could not have been better. AND the major league baseball season begins tonight! Its not the Nats, but baseball is here.

~MET

Hail to Thee My Alma Mater

I went with a group of our juniors today to UMF for a tour of the campus. One of our English teachers (Michelle Garner) has worked very hard with our guidance department to procure a grant that allows several college visits for WHS students during the year to get them looking at schools and thinking about life after Winslow. Today we had students at CMCC, Bowdoin, and the university that I attended. The tour was great except that MOST of the buildings we visited today were not even in existence in the spring of 1985 when I graduated. I did have several flashbacks as I walked around campus today...and most of them brought a smile to my face. Its hard to believe that its been 25 years. I've always been very proud of my university and I think the kids had a good time today. I was hoping that the visit would make me feel young again, but unfortunately it had the opposite effect. Still...I have always felt a certain "hitch in my giddy-up" as I stroll around the sacred grounds of THE FARM.
~MET