Yesterday was two weeks since we arrived at our new home in Northeast Harbor, Maine. After a false start on a plane with one faulty engine, we arrived late in the afternoon on our 11th anniversary. Getting all our things up to our second-floor apartment was a challenge but once we had all our bags and boxes up and in, it felt really good to unpack and put things in their place. After a day of travel and unpacking, I was too tired to cook, and thankfully, the family I’m working for arranged for a dinner at the Nor’Easter as an anniversary present. What they *don’t* know, is Brian experienced food poisoning there last summer, so he had to climb quite a mental hurtle to not just stay home. This time, he avoided the clams and lobster and got a burger. I enjoyed my usual haddock tacos. Mark made a new friend with a kid from Florida and they got to ‘meet’ a live lobster from the tank near the kitchen entrance (duh duh DUH).
As with last summer, Chauncey has been waking up with the sun, which is *very* early this far north. Around 4:30 each morning, he comes and sneezes in my face to let me know it’s time for breakfast and his morning constitutional. We’ve gotten to enjoy several beautiful sunrises, lots of bird song, and empty streets. Chauncey loves other dogs and people but is very loud and enthusiastic in his greeting which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I altered our route from last summer to enjoy a pass by St. Ignatius Catholic Church (and JESUS!).
Brian found a Brazilian Jujitsu school just off the island and Mark has four classes under his belt with them. Watching him easily befriend his new classmates is a big source of joy and relief for me as I know he is going to miss his friends at SJS while we’re in Maine.
We’ve reintroduced ourselves to the Children’s Librarian, Lauren, and have spent several happy (quiet) hours reading Calvin and Hobbes, Tin Tin, and a book about DB Cooper. Mark and I were also happy to re-connect with Ms. Dina at Pine Tree Market, the town’s grocery which is just across the street from home.
A “new addition” to the family this summer is Zita, my sourdough starter, and I baked my first Maine Boule on Sunday and will be making flatbread pizzas tonight for dinner.
