A Stop in Ogunquit

Kamis, 03 September 2009



This is the second post from my vacation to Maine. One of our first stops was to the pretty town of Ogunquit.



The weather was almost perfect. It was a bit warm for my taste but who really cared, the sun was out and we were by the ocean. There was a lot of activity at Perkins Cove.



Here's the entrance to one of my favorite shops in Ogunquit, Calluna.




Isn't this doorway pretty? I love how the flowers frame it.



I loved these coasters but they were a little pricey. I'll have to remember them with a photo.



An aged sign, so charming! I would like this for my back door.



With such nice weather, everyone wanted to dine outside at the water's edge.




An ivy covered shop.



My favorite shop used to be the Blue Willow. They had a great restaurant on their porch with a fabulous view of the ocean. Sadly, they closed the restaurant. The shop is still nice.




I thought these bathing beauties were adorable. I thought about buying one as a souvenir but I didn't.



I just had to photograph these beauties on the beach.



After all that shopping, we needed a rest. We were sweltering in the hot sun so we took a break and went to Jackies Too for lunch. The patio was covered but open on the side and so we ate lunch with Mr Seagull staring us down.




As you can see, we were very close to the ocean.



The view was unbelievable.




I don't need a mansion. I could summer in a little cottage like this one.



The last shop we visited before leaving Ogunquit. Nice items, quite interesting.




My sister loved this sink. Of course, she did. She's an artist and the lobsters were handpainted. So unique and perfect for an oceanside town like Ogunquit.

English Meadows Inn

Senin, 31 Agustus 2009



I'm back from vacation and well rested thanks to my stay at the English Meadows Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. Today's post is all about the Inn. I'll share photos from my vacation with stops in Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells later this week.



The inn is a cheery yellow home with a beautiful garden. Our innkeeper, Bruce was the perfect host. He spent time with us going over maps and discussing things to do.



Gorgeous flowers add a touch of color to the guest entrance.



A bench where the weary traveler can rest.



Tigger, the resident cat, is the sweetest! He's living the good life at 21 years old.




Comfortable seating near the reception area.




I love this dragonfly lamp! My room was right off this lovely area.



A collection of Asian items. Aren't they fascinating?




This is my room, the Surrey. I chose it for the blue and white theme. And I do love toile!




I wrote in my comments that this was the most comfortable bed I ever slept in and that's the truth. I think there was a feather bed under the sheets. I had the most restful sleep in a long time. Maybe it was the cool Maine air.



Here's my bathroom. So charming. I loved the patterns in the wallpaper.



My white iron bed. I could have slept all day in that bed but I was motivated to get up for breakfast knowing the gourmet feast awaiting me each morning.



Sherry in the decanter if you wanted to imbibe.




A cozy chair for reading.




A chair for company and a marble table.




My sister's room was adorable too. Hers was called the Bingley and it was decorated in shades of pink.



Her bathroom was a bit bigger as was her room.



As I mentioned the breakfasts were grand. This is grand marnier french toast and artisan sausage links from the area.



Mom's apple cake. Yum!



Apples with granola and devonshire cream. Another morning we had poached pears in an orange sauce.




Here's a four cheese crustless quiche which remained piping hot all through breakfast. We shared a table with two delightful women, Florence and Sheila. They were enroute to Bar Harbor. We enjoyed their company and exchanged email addresses.

Another morning we conversed with a couple from Connecticut.



One day we had afternoon tea at the Inn. Such pretty china!




The presentation was fantastic.



We had an organic lemon curd made by Bruce, a seedless raspberry jam from a local farm, and devoshire cream for our scones.



We had scones and sweet treats. Luckily, I only had to share with my sister. At the next table a grandmother and grandaughter from Saco, Maine were enjoying an afternoon together before the grandaughter went back to school and the sixth grade.




The scones were warm and delicious. I can't exactly remember the flavors but I think one had apricots and pecans in it.



The sideboard housed a collection of teapots and there were many more in the china cabinet.




A relaxing spot to read a book or enjoy the sunshine.




The gardens were so well cared for.



Cheery flowers add a pop of color.



This chair was mine each morning before breakfast. This is where I had my first cup of coffee. Hot drinks were available each morning before breakfast. I enjoyed my cup of coffee with the same couple each morning. They were from Virginia and they were traveling with their service dog Coji. Coji always tried to take a sip of my coffee but don't worry he never succeeded. He was trained to serve for four diabilities. The wife was legally blind and deaf and had balance issues. Coji was a wonder.

After reading this rather lengthy post, you can see why I would love to make a return trip to the English Meadows Inn. My sister would agree, our stay was perfect. I wonder if they have availability in the Fall?

Gone to Maine !!

Selasa, 25 Agustus 2009



I'm off to Maine with my sister for a little R&R. I can't wait. As I left work this evening a wave of happiness came over me. Knowing that I do not have to think about work until Monday is quite the vacation in itself!



Time to stop and smell the beach roses!



And let the ocean and blue sky mesmerize me.




Or have a spot of tea or a cool drink on the porch.



No worries about the kitties. They're in the good hands of my friend Don AKA The Cat Whisperer. Hopefully someone can pry his camera away from him!



Will the kits be speaking to me when I return? Molly will. I've left her
with Don before, but Oscar, well we shall see.
 

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