Upta Camp

If you're from Maine, you'll know this is a Bob Marley reference (as in the comedian, not the musician). I visited a friend and former teaching colleague yesterday at his camp on Thompson Lake. It was a beautiful day, a bit on the chilly side actually; the water was warmer than the air. Paris didn't seem to mind. She got plenty of swimming in and even a boat ride. Owning a camp in Maine is the way to go.


Chewing on a stick looking out at the water.


Looking regal on the boat.

Lemonade Stand!

Yesterday the boys, their mom, and I set out for the end of the road to sell lemonade and chocolate chip cookies. This turned out to be a great way for them to make some money to buy a new toy. We're pretty sure they drank more lemonade than they sold, but nonetheless it was a success.


"It's a great day for lemonade!"


Learning the art of selling.

The Urban Landscape

So I'm back in Maine! Transitioning once again, so the blog takes a back seat for a bit. Holy humidity is all I have to say. I never understood the difference between dry heat and humid heat so much as I do now. Despite the heat, Maine is a pretty cool place to spend the summer/early fall. I've been spending some time in Portland, wandering, drinking smoothies, and snapping a few shots. This permanent vacation thing is actually a little hard to get used to, but I'm getting there. :)


Outside one of the area's most popular restaurants before rush hour.


Ah, The Movies... a gone but not forgotten landmark with uncomfortable chairs, unreliable sound, but some of the best films around.


Random self-portrait in a boutique window. (One of the few boutiques that hasn't succumbed to the ailing economy.)

Pool Day!

What started out as a day with no real plans quickly filled up with fun stuff. I walked up to the Saco Sidewalk Arts Festival, wisely leaving my purse at home. I had considered setting up a booth there and trying to sell some images, but the scene was pretty saturated with photographers so I was glad I didn't. I did get some interesting ideas for things you can do with your photos, though, in terms of products to sell. Someday, perhaps.

It turned out to be a gorgeous day and so I decided to sit out for a bit at my parents' pool. At first it was just me and the dogs, but then everyone showed up, including my sister and nephews. Little E headed straight for the pool, insisting that he didn't need a vest. Well, we managed to get one on him and off he went. He loooves the water! Soon he was kicking and swimming around all by himself. Amazing. His older brother was less interested in swimming and more interested in engineering the kiddie pool. It's incredible how different their personalities are.


Leaping into Grammy's arms. "Big work" as he calls it.


Blowing bubbles, Grammy's smart technique for not breathing in underwater.


Everything needs to be just right...

Old Orchard Beach

I live about 6 miles from the beach and have spent many summers working at hotels there, practicing my Québecois. Today I took a nice bike ride there and back, taking advantage of what looks like will be the only clear day of the week. It was pretty quiet and seemed like there were more Americans than Quebecers. If I could go back in time I would love to see what this place was like when my grandmother was young and The Pier was "the" place to be for entertainment.

Splurge!

I love the weekend! And I love the summer even more. Although there is one more full day of school left for teachers on Monday, I'm beginning to wrap my mind around the idea that I have no idea when I will actually "work" again. Pretty crazy.

So today, after the requisite picking up around the house, I decided to treat myself to a pedicure. Later on, my fancy feet took me up the street to the Vietnamese restaurant in my 'hood. Good stuff. I was sad to see, however, that they still haven't cleaned their fish tank. That brown color in the background? That's the water. That can't be good. Much like the recent Obama vs. house fly controversy, I'm sure PETA would be all over this.

Summertime

Today was a gorgeous day in Maine! Quite a nice change from the recent cold and damp days we've had. Paris got to go swimming twice at my mom's pool. Gabe, my parents' dog, has yet to make the leap into the pool, but he has nearly fallen in a couple times.