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Temperatures are rising, the snow has melted and we’re seeing a bit of green grass.
But the surest sign of spring at Casa River is this:
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Our first woodchuck sighting!
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We’ve had a momma raise her young under our barn for the past 6 years or so and always wonder if they’ll be back.
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Of course laying out some carrot slices helps.
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Welcome back spring!
😌
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It may be April, but in Maine that still means ice.
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These are photos of Sabattus Lake and the Cobbosseecontee Lakes…
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As you can see, some are still iced over.
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Spring may be here with daytime temps in the low 50’s….
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But with nights below 32, melting is a slow process.
🙂
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The only state that beats us is Alaska, but since I’m still experiencing the hot flashes from Hell? That’s fine by me.
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The photo in which Lord Dudley Mountcatten discovers the old woodchuck burrow.
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And naturally does a deep dive investigation.
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Me.
Because I realized I haven’t posted a selfie in a while and I have nothing better to share today.
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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.
❤️
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Our snow is gone and we’re beginning to see some green grass.
We’re also seeing a nightly herd of 10 who never get together for a group portrait.
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Young, old and the same harem master buck.
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They’re all kicking up their heels because spring is out there… somewhere.
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❤️
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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.
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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.
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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?
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The inconveniences tend to fade away.
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No need to turn on the television.
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Mother Nature puts on a much better show.
❤️
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I saw this on a passing vehicle the other day and I have to admit on first glance my mind went to a bad place…
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And while I’ve never even considered moving to New Mexico?
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A want ad like that could change my mind.
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For all the clueless seafood consumers out there. Always choose the pink scallops.
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And finally… is it me? Or is this hat mannequin I saw at a vintage clothing shop a little too happy?
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The husband and I were on our way home from a sad visit with his elderly uncle the other day when he surprised me with the offer to stop at one of my favorite watering holes.
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I say it was a surprise because while I love The Blind Pig and their creative pours, hubby isn’t a fan of their food and never wants to visit.
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Empty.. since it was the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the week, I dove right in.
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First up? A blackberry vanilla martini.
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The speed at which it disappeared literally raised my husband’s eyebrows.
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And while we weren’t there for a meal we did order a few nibbles. Barbecue wings for the husband, which he enjoyed despite his misgivings about the kitchen.
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And a massive plate of what turned out to be fabulously fresh and juicy chicken fingers for moi. I could only get halfway through the plate but they were so good they even made my other half agree he may have to reverse his ban on eating here.
Oh, cocktail #2?
A crisp and delightful pear mojito.
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Corn star.
Lawyers, guns and money.
Even the drink list will make you smile.
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While I could have happily sat there and drank all day, my final libation was a strawberry rhubarb margarita. Tasty, but honestly a bit too sweet for me.
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Pardon their typo at the end. With the quality of cocktails, I’m surprised the typist made it that far without errors.
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If you’re ever in Gardiner, Maine drop by.
You won’t be disappointed.
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River's world..... 