The husband and I headed up to the State House last week to see our governor proclaim an official day of remembrance for Vietnam Veterans.
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It was a beautiful spring day with temperatures in the high 40’s.
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The ceremony took place on the third floor, known as the Hall of Flags.
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Basically because that’s where they keep them in four giant cases in the corners of the room.
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Governor Janet Mills gave a lovely speech ending with the all important thank you… and welcome home.
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After the ceremony? The husband wanted a word and waited patiently.
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I missed that photo as I was blocked by other veterans. And since they served their country? I figured I shouldn’t push them out of the way just for blog fodder.
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It was a nice day, and healing for those who needed it.
If you see a Vietnam Vet?
Welcome them home. And say thank you. It’s never too late.
Next to one of my husband’s favorite summertime flea markets there was an old farmhouse.
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Which was turned into a family restaurant…
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Which went downhill over the years and became a rough and tumble biker bar called the Montsweag Roadhouse.
Now? It’s undergone another transformation and has become the Montsweag Farmhouse restaurant.
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Its a nice place to stop for a drink when you’re cruising up (or down as the case may be) Route 1.
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We’ve had quite a few meals here but never know what to expect. Sometimes it’s good, other times not. On this particular day I started with an interesting cocktail.
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The apple barn spritz.
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For lunch? An anemic Caesar salad for me and a horrible bowl of French Onion soup the husband ending up sending back.
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He switched to the mussels which he didn’t really enjoy either.
Bean sprouts on mussels? Just.. no.
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I moved on to a very tart cranberry margarita…
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And the vegetable risotto with sautéed garlic greens which was divine.
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Rich, creamy and very flavorful.
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The husband ended with a really nice blueberry crumble for dessert… and the fact that I tried to cut through the ramekin thinking it was a crust speaks to how potent my drinks were.
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In case you’re wondering where the word Montsweag originated.
It’s Maine. We have lots of Native American names.
Though I’m not a big tv person, I do love a good original series and am currently watching a slew of them on HBO, Starz and Showtime at night.
But when my husband is knee deep in old westerns and my eyes are starting to cross from reading too much during the day… I pull out my screen magnifier and stream Apple TV on my phone. ( because our internet service is too slow to stream from the tv without that annoying buffering )
I’m thrilled that Ted Lasso is back!
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But oy! Completely heartbroken this will be the final season.
I’ve seen The Morning Show (loved it) and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey ( liked it) , and just started Shrinking (which is touching and a hoot at the same time).
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So if there any Apple TV people out there, what other shows do you recommend?
The day after my husband’s birthday, when his dental pain and swelling was greatly reduced, we celebrated his birthday at a lovely waterfront restaurant on the mid coast.
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Did we enjoy a nice table with a water view?
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No. We sat at the bar because my husband loves nothing more than striking up a conversation with random people he neither knows nor will ever see again.
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It wouldn’t have been my choice, but it is closer to the alcohol so I don’t complain too loudly.
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First cocktail? Summer Thyme… which is still a long way off in Maine, but delightfully crisp all the same.
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Husbands appetizer? Butternut squash soup.
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I went with the herbed truffle fries with Parmesan thinking it would be a small nibble and not the massive plate I was served. Needless to say three quarters of it went home with me. Second cocktail was a lovely Basil Limeade.
By this time the restaurant was packed and the kitchen was slammed. Waiting for our entrees meant cocktail number three. I chose the white sangria but was disappointed with the mixed on the spot over fruited glass of wine. Sangria must be mixed and let to sit so it absorbs all the flavors. Boo to number three.
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My chosen meal was the duck sausage with mushroom, homemade ziti and Marsala crème sauce. It was fabulous. As was the pear martini.
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Husband went with the shrimp scampi which was also wonderful with freshly made pasta and a rich garlicky sauce.
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In case you’re wondering, the name of the restaurant is the Water Street Kitchen and Bar and it’s located in what is commonly known as the prettiest village in Maine… Wiscasset.
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We’ve been coming here for years, though it’s previous incarnation was Le Garage. Because back in the early 1900’s? It really was an automotive repair shop, hence the original sliding doors.
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As seen from the water side.
If you’re in the area, drop by. But make a reservation if you want a table, it’s a popular place.
There may be drawbacks to living in the country…slow internet speed, long rides to the grocery stores and lack of pizza delivery… but when you wake up to mornings like this?