Maine's Critters that Bug Me

Here in Maine we have four different seasons. One of my favorites is summertime. I do love our short season of warmth ! However, on my daily walks I DON'T like the pesky deer flies. Where you are, you may not have any idea of what a deer fly really is. Imagine a mini black fighter jet. This is what these look like. They buzz 'round and 'round your head until you're dizzy, then they dive bomb and land in your hair. You will inevitably try to think you are faster than they are and will slap yourself in the head trying to kill these creatures who will also inevitably bite you. One out of 10 times (if you're lucky) you will actually connect with one. The other 9 times, you will have simply hit yourself and the fly will continue to torment you.

And when I say they bite, I mean they bite. And it hurts so it's best to just keep swatting like a lunatic to keep them buzzing 'round instead of letting them land.....Come - walk with me. ;-)

Rainy Days and Mondays

Well, in this case, 'rainy days and Sundays really get me down'-as the song goes. But not always. Rain in Maine means more vibrant colors and well, grass. Lots of it. And that's ok too. I love walking barefoot in the grass. I remember visiting friends in Queens, New York and noting the signs around the apartment complexes to "not walk on the grass". My initial thought was, "what the...???" I guess you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl. (Isn't that a song, too?) Enjoy the rainy Sunday, if you're lucky enough to be having one. :)

More of Maine's Floral Wonders

Coming directly from my backyard, with Maine's short growing season it is important to "immortalize" the flora through photography before the bloom time fades. Interestingly, where the patio furniture now sits was a small ornamental pond just a short time ago. 

For a gorgeous close-up photo of wild Maine phlox, see Maine Pics.

Mainer-isms

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Mainers have their very own language. From "Ayuh" (that's ay-UH, but can only be intoned adequately with a sharp intake of air on the "UH" part), to "cah's" (cars) and "rivah" (river) amongst many others. Hanging out on a Maine waterfront dock is an experience to remember with choosing fresh lobster and listening to the locals.

Along with the special pronunciations (or hacking of the English language), Maine is also known for its quaint "Mainer-isms" (phrases), but with growing up in a house full of men, most of the Maine-speak I learned is not appropriate for general audiences so I'll refrain from posting them. Just know that in a Maine winter it truly is cold enough to freeze the ***** off a brass monkey. (Use your imagination).

I found this article in the Maine Observer that made me laugh. I find it amusing to see so many of the everyday phrases I grew up with depicted as part of the color of Maine. :-)

Spring in Maine

Spring has sprung in Maine and it's been a beauty - long and dry and warm. Ok, totally unheard of. Many years I have seen snow this late and though it makes one nearly crazy so late in the season, we know it comes with the territory. Putting in crops and gardens is a hold-your-breath process hoping for no frost until we get beyond the benchmark- Memorial Day.

Here's a picture of some of my lupine just starting to bloom. They are no where near where originally planted and not even close to the salmon or yellow hues that were planted in my garden. Lupine in Maine tend to revert back to their native color purple and yes, they do whatever they darn well please. True Mainers.

Take a look at Life of a Mainiac for more signs of spring from the home front.

Sounds of Maine

Maine's music has it's own haunting melody blending the sounds of nature with the harmony of gifted Maine musicians.

Cooking Maine Lobster

Ever cooked a lobster? Want to know how? Maine folks have their own way of doing things and cooking "lobstah" isn't any different. Check out Maine Eats.

My Maine Man

This is Lucky! And yes, he is my Maine man and ever-loyal companion. He loves to lounge around. He is so special to me that I've given him his own page in my blog. Like Lucky, it's a work in progress so please visit us often.

Lobster Tales of Maine.....

When I was a kid growing up here in Maine, lobster was a rarity for us. The reason being there were 9 in our family. We didn't live on the coast where lobster were plentiful so when we had it, it was for special occasions. What I remember about my first experiences with lobster were the succulent little legs. Yep, that's what the kids got when we had lobster. I was in my teens before I ever had any meat from the claws or body!

Today, I prefer the packaged meat to shelling my own lobster, but it's a fantastic tradition for many and a real treat for visitors. Learn how to shell and pick a lobster the Maine way here.