July 23-30                            Southwest Harbor, Maine

David’s back problems have continued throughout the summer.  He contacted a physical therapist in SW Harbor and now is scheduled for therapy several times a week.  The clinic, a lovely facility, is located about five minutes from our marina and David immediately liked the therapist.  He seemed to have a good understanding of the problems and was insistent David do exercises on days when not scheduled for therapy.  He is hopeful this will improve his balance and mobility.

Wednesday night was a “date night.”  Time to leave the boat and enjoy time in a special place.  We chose the restaurant at Jordan’s Pond where we had been earlier in the summer but at that time, the renowned view of the mountains and the gorgeous deep-water pond had been obscured by fog. This night was clear and cool.  We were seated outdoors just as the sun was beginning to go behind the mountains, providing a soft luminous glow to the beautiful scene.

The restaurant is very large but we enjoyed an intimate space on the terrace which was surrounded by gorgeous flowers.  The lavender delphiniums were especially outstanding.  Maine’s cool temperatures and moisture are the perfect atmosphere for outdoor plants.  They grow larger and maintain a freshness and “perkiness” that is lacking in my plants in Fort Worth.

In addition to their delicious popovers and strawberry jam, house specialties, we enjoyed entrees of steak and lobster and pumpkin-seed crusted sea scallops with bacon-wilted kale and couscous (orzo would have been better but couscous seems to be an “in” food item.)  We lingered for quite a while enjoying the fading twilight as shadows fell on the pond and the mountains.

Miller came by on Thursday to say goodbye before departing for home in Rhode Island.  He had worked consistently all week to complete the polishing of the hull and repairing and painting a damaged area below the bow pulpit.  The weather was sunny and cool so he was able to do everything as planned before leaving.  Miller loves to sing as he works (a little off-key) in an accent that probably comes from his native Dominica.  He entertains everyone on the dock.  Once again, he brought flowers to me.  The man is a true charmer!  He will be gone for three weeks on a journey with Aga and Junior to Poland to visit his wife’s parents.

We have been salivating over a 70’ Marlow yacht with an enclosed pilothouse and a navy-blue hull which arrived this week.  The internet revealed that it sells for about $2,500,00.  We will continue to dream! On a dock visit to friends, Jill and Jerry, we met Patti, one of the owners of this splendid boat, and her pet Electus parrot.  This amazing bird is 26 years old, tamed to relate well to people, talks and will kiss on request.  Jill, an avid animal person was ecstatic to hold him and shower him with love.  Sebastian, the parrot, in grief for his deceased wife had plucked most of the feathers on his neck area.  He was a delight!

Happily ensconced in our marina slip, we watch boats coming and going, the ospreys nesting on the marker atop the breakwater, and the flooding and ebbing tides.  I am enjoying the mystery novels of Barbara Ross, who uses the Maine coast as the locale for her stories.  She is a very good writer whose books are suspenseful, realistic and informative.  She always includes food descriptions and has a recipe section after the conclusion.  Some recipes have been keepers.  Great summer reading!