On to Maine 9/22 - 9/28

9/27/2017

Joel:

The last few days in Michigan were great! Well, except for the heat and humidity combination. We helped out with an event in Ortonville and it was above 90 degrees with lots of humidity! I was dripping with sweat just standing in the sun. Others weren't, so I'm thinking I haven't totally adjusted to the climate! The event was called "Septemberfest" and it was in downtown Ortonville, which is very small. The dog rescue had a booth set up and they were selling jewelry, pillows, stickers, candles, and other things that people could buy and support the rescue. They even had some of the puppies at the event.

On Sunday, we went to the local Petco where the rescue sets up shop every week and does adoptions. This is when I hooked up my phone to the internet and watched the Patriots vs. Texans game. I watched it for the entire event and even on the way home because the game still wasn't over. It was a nail-biter and super uncomfortable to watch, but it had a great ending. Pats win at the last second! Woohoo!

After the Pecto event, we went to Mr. B's for a volunteer appreciation dinner. I had some rum and cokes and watched the Sunday night games at the bar while the volunteers did their mingling and visiting.

W: This was a really special night for me - well, a really special visit overall. I was one of the founders of this group (Canine Companions Rescue Center) in 2004 (in the photo below are several of the other original members) and spending time with the people who have helped build it over the past 13 years, as well as newer volunteers I hadn't personally met before, was a real treat. I was amazed at the people we have brought together to do this good thing - at how much they genuinely like each other and take care of each other while helping the dogs.

J: While in Michigan, I had access to a Steinway grand piano. Since it's Fall, I decided to learn Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin. I haven't figured out how to put the video on here yet, but as soon as I do I'll put it up!

W: One of my only regrets from this visit was that I didn't get a photo of me and Joel with Erica and Courtney (or Court-in-eee, sung in a singsong voice, as done by Lindsay's twin girls). Erica is the Operations Manager of the rescue, and Courtney is her right hand lady. They are both such wonderful people, and a lot of fun! They are the ones we hung out with at the pub and I think I will miss them most of all.

J: It was an early morning on Monday because we had a long drive ahead of us. It was about a 13 hour drive from Michigan to Maine, and we did 'er in one day! Again, no huge traffic problems accept there was a little hold up in Canada, and another wait to get back into the States. I told Wendy, "Well I guess we're not wanted in Canada or the U.S., otherwise they'd have taken us away right on the spot." Not that I've done anything to be wanted by any government... Anywho, we got to Maine late at night and booked our usual hotel in the area for the next ten days. After booking the hotel, we went into town to get gelato at Gelato Fiasco (they are open really late) with our friends Mark and Rob. Gelato Fiasco is known for creating it's own unique flavors based on what's going on in the town. Still waiting for the Lobster flavor..... not.

By the way, we spent more in tolls going across New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine than we did in gas for the day. Welcome to New England, that'll be $100!

Our first day in Maine was great. I was up early and running along my favorite path that follows the Androscoggin river. It was especially nice because the mornings here are very misty and cool! It's like running in a cool sauna! Woohoo!

We also had our first Lobster roll of the trip! Yum. Just because I'm a freak, I took pictures of beer and chips with the Patriots logo on them.

W: While Joel appreciates a great number of things about being in New England, I'm pretty much all about the food and our friends. It is always my goal here to eat lobster every day. On day one, we went to Libby's market and got lobster rolls (along with the local potato chip and a whoopie pie - the Mainiacs here will understand). My taste buds are in heaven!

J: Later in the day we visited Mark and Rob at their new house which is awesome! They just put in a pool so of course I had to go swimming. Yes, in September. Actually, they have a heater, so the pool was 81 degrees. Seriously though, the days have been *HOT* so far and the pool felt nice. Also went for a swim when it got dark, because it's a totally different experience with the rainbow lights, you see.

Mark asked me to bring my rodeo rope on the trip, and I was nice and agreed, even though I haven't been practicing! I did my routine for them and Wendy and I even gave them a short lesson on how to twirl the rope in a circle.

Now, everything above was done after a few margaritas, so imagine that. Although, maybe it was just me... it always hits me harder than others.

W: Mark is my friend from high school, so around 35 years now. He and Joel became friends during our previous visits so we always have a lot of fun with him and Rob when we're in town. Although - Mark is a lot like my grandmother, but instead of "eat! eat!" it's "drink! drink!" lol. I've got to admit he makes a good margarita. :-)

W: One of our most perfect days so far was partially spend in Harpswell, visiting the ocean and eating wonderful food. We sat outside Estes Lobster House, eating our haddock tacos, steamers, and lobster stew, watching the tide come in while enjoying a light breeze, full sun, and 75 degrees. It was pretty much perfect.