Christmas Season in Delaware

Wow, what a December!

Between performing at the Smyrna Opera House, preparing for singing church choir numbers, attending several county local holiday performances, watching Matt in the school band, work parties and checking my shopping list once or twice, I was very busy this year enjoying the seasonal celebrations. It all came to a complete stop on a Saturday, December 19 at 12:13am. in Clayton, Delaware.

The day before, everyone at work kept hearing reports of the approaching snowstorm. The changing number of inches made everyone excited. That evening I drove to Newark (pronounced NewArk) Delaware to attend a wonderful Relief Society presentation of "Women at the Well" to see my best girlfriend, Dawn, sing her very first solo. She is very much like a sister to me. It was 10 pm when I got home and waited until the first snow flurry arrived before going to bed. It began and when I awoke the next morning we had at least 6" of snow. Still snowing Saturday evening, our church Christmas party was cancelled. By the end of the storm on Sunday, early morning Smyrna/Clayton received 24" of snow. Church was cancelled and I couldn't get out my front door. I had to shove my broom stick out the 1" opening and managed to maneuver the screen door open.

My neighbors watched as they were shovelling and shouted "Hurray, Barb made it out!" My shovel was in the shed and the drift had the doors shut. The snow was just above my knees. One of neighbors managed to leave a shovel at the end of my walk. I grabbed it and furiously started to at least get a walking path started. I am so lucky that I have good men who watch out for me. They scraped my car and shoveled around it, and even snow blowed a path for me. I had minimal shovelling to do. As my toes started to tingle, they finished.

Mother Nature sure threw Delaware a curve ball. It was supposed to be the biggest shopping weekend of the year? Instead it gave me the opportunity to get much needed rest and enjoy the unfolding of a wonderful wintry scene that we don't usually get until Late Jan/Feb. The snow was both a blessing and a gift. It reminded me to stay focused on the importance of Christ's birth and Heavenly Father's love for each and every one of us.

By Monday, the main roads were clear and we were to report by 10am. However, the schools never opened and still remain closed until after the New Year. On the following Saturday, the ice and snow still piled up mostly melted as we received a day of rain.

This Christmas Eve, Jim opened his home to me and our friends Walter and Joanne Moore and with each other. Every year we gather and exchange gifts. It is traditional that Matt stay with his father on Christmas Eve, and he comes to my house the next day while Jim visits with his family.

Today, on this New Years Eve, Matt & I woke to a snow, sleet, rainy morning. By the afternoon, it turned to rain. Tonight Jim, Matt, & I will celebrate the New Year with a dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant in town. Jim's tradition is to spend the evening with his parents. Matt and I wait for the ball to drop in NY. We blow horns, noise makers, hug, and kiss and then make our way outside to beat the pots and pans and announce "Happy New Year!" to the neighborhood. Of course, we let our neighbors know that it is our tradition. They don't seem to mind! First Matt calls Jim. We also call my mother & sister in California.

This year I will send a text message Happy New Year to my co-worker Gerald Mood. Who, by the way is: young, wonderful, brilliant, fun, physically fit, supportive, and did I mention he was young. We work together and know some common friends because he was raised in Smyrna, too. We became such fast friends this year. He is like a brother to me. He has been such a light in my life and I am all the better for it.

I feel so blessed to have many friends that I consider my family. They surround me throughout the day bringing me laughter and love. We continue to connect by sharing our beliefs, faith, values, and life experiences with honor and respect.

May the new decade bring you more joy to your life, peace to your mind, and love to your spirit!

Another Geneological Bigelow connection!

If you go to my blog (http://barbinde.blogspot.com/) and click on February I talked about how I was being spiritually guided to follow the Lynds-Bigelow Line and the fire that burned down the town of Cloquet, Minnesota. The family escaped and moved to Los Angeles, CA.

Barbara Jane Bigelow (That's me)

Robert Ashley Bigelow m. Susan Addicott 1964
Robert Sickman Bigelow m. Muriel Ashley 1933

James Herbert Bigelow m. Bertha Sickman 1906

Bertha is in the middle!

James M. Bigelow m. Mary Ann LYNDS 1880.
Mary Ann's brother's (James Edward/JE or Ed)

who is Bertha's Uncle by marriage

Ed on the right (his son is Ed, Jr. in the middle)

If you click on the photo it will enlarge

Cloquet, MINN is on the bottom

I posted my family information on Ancestry.com hoping that I would find more Bigelow connections. This month, Carol Lynds (married to a Lynds) emailed me and sent me a letter that Bertha Sickman sent to Mary Ann Lynds brother. I have his photo at home, and have posted it on my blog from February. How exciting that not only do I have a new 1st cousin, but she lives in Los Angeles, California, where most of my Addicott family lives. The letter is between my grandfather's mother and her in-law's brother's (Edward Lynds) family. It is very telling of the times. What an amazing gift to feel what was on their minds in 1918.

Springfield, Massachusetts, October 14, 1918

Received the receipt and your check for $5.00-the overpayment of first remittance.

I was so glad to hear from you folks, especially to know that you expected to be in Davenport before going to California. I do so hope you have escaped the awful fire. I noticed by the paper that Cloquet was in the midst of it. I'll be anxious to hear if you folks have gone on to California.

The Hunns seemed to be getting too much of their own medicine and don't like it, so they don't want to play their own game anymore. It takes Uncle Sam to fix him! I'll be so glad when this war is over, but I do want the Hunns so beaten that there will never be another war.

This is Herbert's second winter away from home. It is certainly not very pleasant without him. The boys need their father so much while they are growing up and developing.

It is quite a surprise to me to learn that Ed Jr. and Rose have a baby girl. I am so glad they have a nice little family.

Were you notified of the death of your Uncle George Henry? His housekeeper wrote me about it. It occurred Sept. 30 burial Oct. 4. I did not receive the word until nearly noon of the day of his funeral - too late to attend, too late to send flowers over. She said the funeral would be private on account of the Influenza Epidemic. She did not say he died of it, so I think it must have been old age that carried him off.

My sister and her two children are coming to live with me this winter. Her husband being a physician, had to enlist, so that home is broken up too. The boys seem quite well, and are enjoying another vacation, schools closed on account of the epidemic.

Give our best love to Elizabeth (Ed's wife) hoping that you'll all enjoy your new home.

I am

Sincerely

Bertha

Matt's 7th Grade Winter Band Concert

After cub scout meetings, SOH practices and performances, and church choir adventures this month, Matt warmed our hearts with his amazing clarinet playing. He proudly performed in his 7th grade Winter Band Concert on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Smyrna High School Auditorium.

Smyrna Middle School's Music teacher Mrs. Jennifer L. McCutchan directed many favorite seasonal musical selections:

1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year


2. Hanukkah Dance


3. Deck the Halls for ChristmasThe Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)


4. Holiday Grand Finale (Based on Good King Wenceslas)

Jim and I haven't heard the band play since the 6th grade end of year concert. It's unbelievable how great they sound, considering they just started playing instruments in the 5th grade. I was impressed by the complexity of the music and how well they played together.

Many of the high school band members were there to show their support to both the 7th and 8th grade Bands. There were 51 musicians total including 12 clarinet players, and only one tuba for just the 7th grade.

After the performance, Jim treated us to dinner at one of his favorite Italian restaurants. We are so very proud of our son. Not only is he hoping to continue playing clarinet into high school for marching band, but he continues to learn the best Rock N Roll songs of our century - The Beatles - being his very favorite group of all!

A Service of Lessons & Carols

The morning after our Christmas show, I was dressed and ready for church by 9:20 am when a huge headache hit me between the eyes. I took some aspirin and laid down for a minute, then the phone rang, I answered it and it happened to be my Bishop from church. He asked if I was sick, and if my show went well. I realized that I had fallen asleep. I asked him what time it was. He replied, "It's 3pm." Wow, was I tired.

After waking up and have a small meal I remembered that a last year high school student - now in college - invited me to her choir concert at Wesley College at 6pm that evening. That night I noticed another student singing, as well as four other vocalists in the choir. I was so happy and honored to be watching them. When it ended I was able to visit with each of them and congratulate them on an amazing service. I am officially in the Christmas spirit!

The event was wonderful and well attended. Once I stepped into the College Chapel, the Prelude had just begun and someone was finding me a seat in the full pews. The organ played "Sleepers Awake! A voice astounds us by J.S. Bach. Once I was seated, a bell choir (Capitol Ringers) began playing Sing We Now of Christmas. The processional hymn of "Once in Royal David's City" begun with the congregation standing while singing the song followed by the Lord's Prayer, along with the Blessing of the service, leaders, performers, and attendees.

The Service went as follows:
Carol/Choirs; Lesson-College Staff member/student; and Hymn-All/congregation

Carol (Wesley College Choir)- Quem Vidistis, pastores? from Christmas Cantata (Sinfonia Sacra) Whom do you see? Shepards, tell us! Proclaim to us:who has appeared on earth? We saw the new born child and choirs of angels praising the Lord.

First Lesson: Genesis 3: 22-24
Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Carol: Chamber Choir - Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Second Lesson: Genesis 15:1-6
Hymn: Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming

Carol: O come, O Dayspring From High
Third Lesson: Isiah 9:6-7

Carol: Joy to the World
Fourth Lesson: Micha 5:2-5a
Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26-38
Carol: O magnum mysterium - From Christmas Cantata (Sinfonia Sacra)
O great mystery and wondrous sacrament that animals should see the new born Lord lying in their manager. Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sixth Lesson: Luke 2:1-7
Carol: Greensleeves (Capital Ringers)
Hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter (my favorite hymn)
Carol: Sans Day Carol (choir)

Seventh Lesson: Luke 2: 8-16
Carol: Ding! dong! merrily on high (choir)

Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11
Carol: Love came down at Christmas (choir)
Carol: Personnet Hodie (Chamber Choir)

Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-5, 9-18
Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful
Carol: Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Sinfonia Sacra) choir
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those of good will. O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves. Alleluia.

Hymn: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Dismissal

"Sounds of the Season" a holiday musical

On Friday Dec. 4, and Saturday Dec. 5 at 7:30pm, the Smyrna Opera House presented a holiday musical called "Sounds of the Seasons." It was written and directed by Jim McGuigan. The music was led by Kathy Castro. The show was filled with musical selections that are familiar and new, sacred and secular, with readings and comments interspersed giving the show a "story-like" effect.

It featured local musicians & singers - below:

Bob Castro, well known for his Robert Goulet-ish voice style and our show's Producer.

Barbara Bigelow, a sultry singer, choir director/cub scouts and music director of several high school musicals.

Kathy DeLong, a soprano who majored in music at Penn State and is a teacher/choir director. She was our 2nd place winner of Smyrna's Got Voice Competition.

DJ Evins (16 yrs) who won our Smyrna's Got Voice 3 month competition.

Katie Loftus (11 year old), who was our Tiny Tim in our production of "A Christmas Carol" and 4th place winner Smyrna's Got Voice Competition

Kathy Castro on Piano, also the music director, and the new Sunnyside Elementary School Principal & Bob's Wife.

Dr. Sandy Shalk, Dir of Smyrna School District curriculum and guitar extraordinaire.

Terry (can't remember last name) played all the woodwinds when appropriate (flute, sax, clarinet, etc.)

Scott McClymont on drums, and Smyrna's Asbury Methodist church youth pastor.

Alvin Pope on keyboard, Northern DE elementary music teacher and currently recording a music CD

(drum roll....please) Of course, the phenomenal and supportive Director, Jim McGuigan, who is not a stranger to theatre (performing or directing) is a 6th grade teacher at John Bassett Moore Intermediate School.

My big solo was "Santa Baby!" Armed with a boa, my director told me I can handle any performance with professionalism and star quality! I had a BLAST!

Wish you were all there with me!

Our 2009 Thanksgiving Adventure

Matt spent Thanksgiving with this the year. Instead of making a complete turkey dinner for two, I booked an overnight at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. With very inexpensive out-of-season rates, we took advantage it. The hotel a perfect place for Tri-State area families. Not only is it located on the boardwalk, but also on the bus/trolley route and one of highest buildings (expanded with condominiums). When you walk inside you instantly see the ice rink after you check-in at the lobby. Four floors of hotel rooms face inward towards the rink.

Just a few feet away is a heated swimming pool, exercise gym, video arcade, billiards, a trolley-shaped beverage/dessert kiosk, and dining restaurant. I booked the third floor room with a balcony facing the rink. For another $25, you can also get a room with both ocean and rink view. From Clayton, Delaware we drove to the location by 2 pm for our reserved Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. Afterwards, we were able to check-in, unpack, and then relax. Matt made his way to the Arcade, while I took off my shoes, grabbed a book and found an overstuffed reading chair on the balcony. From there I could see Matt playing the games. He eventually ran out of quarters, and then decided it was time to give the ice skating a try. Boy, did he have fun! After skating for two hours, he fell and sprained his wrist! No more skating. For the rest of the evening, we relaxed and talked. We love to share ideas and thoughts. He is growing so fast, and is forming many opinions. I'm so blessed to have an amazing, intellegent, and loving child who believes that all people should be treated equally and that the world should be at peace.

The next day we decided to head a little further south to Assateague National Seashore Island, known for its wild ponies. It was a cold, blustery day. We were happy to see the sun and smell the fresh ocean breeze after a string of grey, cloudy, rainy days. We were in luck and saw six (6) ponies; three upclose and three in the distance.

It was a lovely day. We will always remember this Thanksgiving as a special holiday adventure!

Have you heard any good clean jokes lately?

Imagine what you would have if the “Energizer bunny” and Gilligan had a child -add a touch of GOD’s grace and you get GORDON DOUGLAS. He has been a husband for over 25 years, a father of 19 kids, ( yes that is not a typo, 19 kids !), and he is the owner of a construction company, has been a pastor of a church, and, oh yeah, someone who lives and loves to laugh ! His comedy skills took him from the nightclubs in Philadelphia to Hollywood- only to end up in ministry ! But 10 years ago a wild thought came to him…. he didn’t have to give up comedy for the ministry… he can do both, usually at the same time !


His unique home offers hours of comedy material and inspiration for living life to the fullest. When he and Dawn were told they couldn’t have children, they were deeply moved by the biography of Keith Green, and they opened their hearts and home to 14 boys ( 3 at a time ) and several girls, and two of them were under house arrest ! Then, to show that He has a sense of humor, God blessed them with 5 children the doctors said were impossible. Who needs a comedy writer ?


What else do you need to know ? Besides his vast comedy background- Gordon was named Who’s Who in America’s Universities when he graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University in 1995. For the last 20 years Gordon has served as the head of the pastoral board of the Delaware County Pregnancy Center and regional coordinator of the National Day of Prayer. In his spare time he is still president of Therapeutic Construction and Design- making custom equipment for folks with disabilities and heads up OPERATION BELLYLAUGHS sending comedy DVD?s to the troops.


So since returning to the comedy world, at last count Gordon has been in 17 states and 3 countries performing for all kinds of groups, from corporations to community centers. He has the unique ability to connect with everyone from teenagers to senior citizens. His comedy program has been seen on both Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines. But his favorite events are for Church groups where there is a mixture of fun and faith using his gift of encouragement.

Raingutter Regatta!

Last month, my church's Cub Scout Pack 635 had their Raingutter Regatta. I love being a Den Leader. I work with a great Cub Master, Jon Kemp, who is very supportive and leads the Pack amazingly considering his busy work schedule and family responsibilities. My helper, Nancy Foxwell, is also willing to come and do whatever she is asked to do. Our Cub Scout boys range from ages 8 to 10 years old. They have lots of energy and love to learn.

When I'm with them, I love to see their wide eyes and smiles. It's my hour to play and get excited right along with them. The regatta is very similar to the Pinewood Derby except the boat is already carved and they float in water! This year we gave them straws to use to help direct their boats. They are not allowed to touch the boat with their hands. They can only use their breath to move the boat. Adults stand by to help direct the boats when they stick to the side of the gutter or tip over. It was so fun to watch them race and see the parents getting involved. If you can not view the video, it is because you are being blocked from it. Hope you can view these precious faces.

Matt turns 13 years old!

Last Friday evening, on September 18th, we celebrated Matt's 13th birthday! His Dad and I asked him what kind of celebration he wanted. He chose to have his birthday held at "Deliciosos" - a new rotisserie chicken place that was recently opened this past year. Jim and Matt goes to the restaurant once or twice a week. They've come to know the owner and his family at the establishment. They've really taken a liking to Matt. They are a family from Peru and Matt says it's the best chicken he's ever tasted. They have a special sauce that he loves. Al, the manager/owner, requested that Matt spend his birthday in the restaurant. When we arrived, we were treated to a lovely meal. Afterwards, Al surprised Matt by bringing him a mylar balloon and a perfect sized ice cream cake! Matt was so honored to have his family and his new found Peruvian friends around him on his special day. As for gifts, he just wanted money so he could buy a few video games or a new game system. He's grown so fast and his Dad and I are so proud of him and what a nice young man he's turned out to be! I can't believe he's already a teenager!

Remembering 9/11 in Our Town of Smyrna

On the evening, parishioners and area residents joined together on a rainy evening in the United Presbyterian Church in Smyrna. A retired NY City firefighter preached the homily and lead prayers for the workers, students, military personnel, Peace Corps, and victims of persecution in Muslim, Hindu, and Communist countries. Veterans were encouraged to wear medals earned in the service.

Earlier in the day, a wreath was placed at the base of the flagpole of the firestation by a 21-year veteran of the police force, worked at trafic control until the closing of the Holland Tunnel, and was present at Ground Zero. It was placed in memory of all who lost their lives at Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon, and Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. A 21-gun salute and "Taps" was offered by Clayton's VFW Post #8801.

Holding lighted candles in the church, we heard the ringing of a memorial bell for fallen firefighters and playing of bagpipes (Amazing Grace). The Smyrna Fire Dept. band played the National Anthem, and God Bless America.

A collection was taken for the local food pantry which is run by area churches to serve the local residents in times of need.

Matt's 1st day of School

This year Matt is in the 7th grade! Yes.....the 7th! Do you remember the 7th grade? I remember starting school the day after Labor Day in Junior High School in a new school, new teachers, and new friends. Matt is experiencing the same thing. He is no longer in his Dad's Intermediate School, but in his own Middle School. The school holds grades 7th to 9th. He doesn't know any of the teachers and has never switched classes other than three times. Also, there is no recess, instead he has Gym and Health Class. School also starts "at the crack of dawn" according to Matt at 7:30 AM! He has the opportunity to walk to school on my week or catch the bus during Dad's week! The school is only five years old, and is located right next to the High School.

Can you believe that just his school supplies ran nearly $100? Jim, being the teacher, knows where to get the best school supplies. Every year, he packs Matt's new book bag with all the needed supplies. I take him to school on the first day, because Jim teaches. Usually, the night before we get together and review how important school is and how exciting it will be for him. It is our family tradition.

This morning, I was brimming with anxiety and excitement for him. He, on the other hand, was ready to go with confidence! He kissed me goodbye, got out of the car, flung his backpack on, and grabbed his clarinet case and said, "See Ya, Mom." I made sure out I was out of eyesight and then I bursted into tears. This year was emotional for us because this summer he has grown tall with a deep voice. He is an amazing young man. We know that we only have a few precious years to help guide him before he is off to college. After dropping Matt off, I stopped by Jim's newly assigned classroom to not only wish him a good 1st day, but to share with him the morning routine and how calmer Matt was than I. Jim's class starts at 8:20 am. Of course, he was just as anxious to hear about his morning! I left for work and felt gratified that was definately a good day to be a parent!

His first class is Band, and his last class is MATH! We can't wait to meet his teachers on the 17th at Open House.

2009/10 SMS Bell Schedule

7:20 Student Entry
7:30 Homebase Begins/ Cafeteria Closes
7:35 Homebase Late Bell
7:40 Homebase Ends
7:44 – 8:34 Period 1
8:38 – 9:28 Period 2
9:32 – 10:22 Period 3
10:22 – 10:52 Period 4 (A Lunch)
10:56 – 11:46 Period 5/6
11:50 – 12:40 Period 7/8
12:44 – 1:34 Period 9
1:38 – 2:30 Period 10
2:30 Bus Dismissal (Front Exit)
2:35+/- Walker/Car Rider/Sports Dismissal (West Exit)

Maine Vacation - Last Day

I woke feeling refreshed from our coastal adventure the day before. I felt a little sad that this was our last day in Maine. I went out on the deck, enjoyed the view, smelled the pines, and took a big breathe of the clean air! We took the morning packing our suitcases, straightening up, and writing in the Giggleswick Guestbook.
Later in the day, we made our way to the Bigelow camp to say our goodbyes. Matt and I invited Robert Ladd to drive up with us to the Sugarloaf ski resort. We headed north along the Sandy River and enjoyed the views of farms, rocky rivers, tall evergreens, ski chalets during the drive. When we finally arrived the view was amazing. We could see an amazing view of Mount Bigelow! This year, Matt went snow skiing for the first time in Pennsylvania. He was amazed at the different ski trails and the pointed out which ones he'd like to try!

We all closed our eyes and imagined what the village and mountains must look like with skiers coming down the mountain and the lifts working. It was fun. As we dropped off Robert, Matt had one last time driving the 4-wheeler and said so long to his cousins. We were so glad that we had a couple of days renewing our connection with family.

Before dinner began, we carpooled into Farmington with the Merta family to the Homestead Bakery Restaurant. We were looking forward to a lovely and last evening together. I was especially excited to see my cousin Jerry play his banjo with some local musicians. We had such a great reunion. The meal was amazing, the conversation was meaningful, and the music was flowing. Jerry invited all the Addicotts to join him. By the end of the evening, almost all of us had the opportunity to sing together in front of the restaurant patrons. The patrons were amazed how well we sang together considering it was the first time in public! To me, it was natural, my family always gathered 'round the piano during family holidays and reunions throughout my life! My father played the trumpet, my mother the piano, her mother - the piano and my great-grandmother Welles - the piano. Naturally, I would love the piano and the magical way it can bring family together in song and joy. The last night with my family was like the ending to a great musical! You start the show with a big number, and end the show with a big number! That night was the biggest number of my vacation! I am so blessed to have such special souls in my family!

For those of you that received this email, go to my blog and view the videos captured during the evening at Barbinde.blogspot.com

**Not only did we sing but so did a wonderful trio called "The Irish Pub Singers." **

Day 4 of My Vacation in Maine - The Coast

Our day along the coast! Most of the day we spent in the car travelling along the turnpike, but also wound up and down the back New England roads. The first stop was We started the Portland Head Lighthouse! I'd been there once, but I wanted Matt to see one of the 50 beautiful places to visit in the United States according to Life Magazine. The lighthouse is actually located at Cape Elizabeth, ME near the grounds of Fort Williams, a World War II harbor defense facility. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, wasn't easy to find, but we loved the look of the city. At this lighthouse, you can not take a bad picture. The pictures above were taken by me!

We learned out two amazing facts in the museum that is located in the lightkeepers' house.

1. On April 24, 1945, the U.S.S. Eagle built by The Ford Motor Co. was fired upon in Portland by a German U-Boat. There were 13 only survivors of the 67 member crew.

2. On March 3, 1947. the U.S.S. Oakey L. Alexander from Wilmington, Delaware initially assigned to patrolling the Delaware Capes, ran aground at Cape Elizabeth, and all were saved including much of the cargo of coal.

We headed back north along the coast through small seaside towns until we reached Boothbay Harbor. It is a region where you can explore quiet coves, rocky shores, and meandering country roads. It is where I hold memories of my first exploration of Maine's rocky coast. Part of my trip to Maine, was to take him where I had taken his Dad on our honeymoon. He wanted to know exactly where his Dad stood, where we ate, and what we saw!

As we found the spot where his Dad loves talking about eating a 2 lb. lobster, we went into the restaurant. Matt decided on a shrimp basket. The waitress told me they only had three left! Was I lucky or what? You guessed it, I ordered one! The view - - incredible. We were on a seaside deck at 5 pm watching the cruise, fishing, and sailboats coming in from a day out to sea!

The dinner was delicious but the sun seemed to go down in no time at all. I really wanted to get to the Pemequid Point Lighthouse located in Christmas Cove! We drove and drove and finally got there, just as the sun had gone down. Matt excitedly got out of the car and walked down towards the rocky edge. I showed him where we could walk out on the rocks. We only had a matter of minutes! I shared my disappointment with him. I felt like I had let him down, but he didn't care. He loved the cool mist of the sea air, the lighthouse light swirling its beacon, and the shadows of the rocks. The fact that he was standing where we had been 12 years ago was enough for him. I told him that a new memory was created because I had never been to the lighthouse at night! He smiled and agreed that it was amazing nevertheless. He was glad we decided to stick to our plan and visit it anyway! Several couples were still sitting on the rocks near the splashing water as Matt helped me up the rocks. I took a picture of him and then he called his dad, stating "We got here and I'm stood right where you were!"

We got back in the car and drove home. It is very different driving on dark, curvy, hilly, forested roads at night. You never know what type of critters will see. You can't see the houses because there are no street lights. However, if you were born in Maine, like me, somehow you feel your internal compass guiding you back home to safety.

Day 3 of My Vacation in Maine

Matthew started off his morning, determined to go swimming with Wyatt even though his family had other plans. He walked over a mile up to Sky Farm in the morning heat followed by bothersome biting black flys. When he arrived, Aunt Fran phoned me that he had survived the walk and was gulping down a glass of water! He stayed and visited with the family. I remember visiting back and forth between my grandparents houses walking up and down the road all summer long. The hill has so many lovely homes that have different scenic views of the mountains and lake.

I went to the New Vineyard Library to email coworkers, friends and family. Even though I was on vacation, I needed to keep in contact with one of my coworkers that had been hurt in a motorcycle accident. I was thankful that Franklin County has several public venues to do so. Tracy was helping with story time and let me use her computer pass. Since the Merta's had plans that day, I picked up Matt and we spent the day at camp, swimming in Porter Pond again enjoying the fresh water during the heat of the day! Before we left, Matt had fun driving his cousins 4-wheeler. He'd always wanted to try it, but in Delaware there really isn't any open land to ride unless you have it!

In the evening, we returned to Sky Farm and the Addicott family for dinner. Again, more singing and great conversation! Again, Chloe had to ask Besse to stay out of the frog pond. Of course, she didn't - it was too cool. Every chance I had, I sat with Grandma and told her how much I loved her. I explained what an influence in my life she had been while I was growing up. My love of music and meeting new and interesting people was a big part of her life that she passed to me. As we gathered around a song of grace was sung and we moved to the dining room.



Viewing the splendid sunset and talking about our days activities, we devoured the porkchops, tortellini salad, and a nice big green salad. Watermelon for dessert is perfect for those hot summer days without air conditioning. As the evening wore down, we all sat in the living room reciting "In my Grandmother's attic I found...." memory game from A-Z. Towards the end, everyone including Grandma new each and every item!

Another Perfect Summer Day in Maine!

Day 2 of My Vacation in Maine

The start of our late morning, we drove up the hill to Sky Farm to say "Good Morning" to our family. Grandma was still sitting at the table looking at the gorgeous view of the mountains garbed in her robe. She was going to be pampered by a caregiver that was coming to spruce her up! I asked if her if she knew the location of the nearest LDS church. She lit up and said, I'm LDS ! We had a fun discussion comparing our Wards and conversion stories.
After our short visit we went down to the White Elephant Country Store to check email and have a hearty breakfast.

Next a trip to Super Walmart where we picked up burgers for the big cookout at Tracy's place, the Bigelow camp! By the time we reached camp it was nearly 93F and hot! Matt was feeling very anxious about seeing Maryann (11) because he didn't feel like they had anything in common. What would he say? As we pulled in, everyone was already in the water or on the dock! They greeted each other with these hope you like me; you kinda look familiar eyes. Maryann broke the silence "Hey Matt, I remember you with blonde hair!" Matt just smiled and cooly said, "Yeah, I've kinda grown out of that look." He walked down to the dock and sat on a chair. He wasn't interested in swimming but everyone else was. I comfortably walked into the pond. It was perfect! Robert (9) didn't say much and I asked him if he remembered Matt. He just shook his head. I was amazed at how fast and how grownup these kids looked. How could I have let six years pass without returning to the place that holds my heart? Such good and wonderful memories were now being created again!

The last time Matt was on the dock was when he first swam in a lake. He watched all his cousins jump in before he would. Matt is always very cautious. Finally, after the last person was in the water, he took off his black rocker t-shirt and jumped in. After that, there was no anxiety. He was comfortable teasing, splashing, and swimming with his cousins. He had fun finding his balance in a plastic kayak as he paddled near the shoreline. He didn't stray, but kept watching as his cousins were confident in the water.


I have so many memories of Porter Pond of water skiing, diving with Grammy, swimming lessons, beanhole suppers, the loons, dad skiing backwards, clamping the motorboat to the dock, sailboatting with Grampy Big, canoeing to the beaver cove, watching the water plane take off in the mornings, fishing for sunnies, and laying on the float in the sun. I can close my eyes wherever I am and hear the water glugging from the float, a boat rubbing up against the dock, the loons cooing in the evening, sounds of children laughing, and even the waves lapping against the rocky edges.

As the day progressed into dinner time, we all got out and dried off for dinner. Hal had come home from hauling logs on his big rig truck up and down the mountain roads. He started the grill and burgers and dogs ready for plates. In no time, we were sitting on the deck watching the sunset. Molly (19) joined us with her homemade casserole. As the sun set, we were swatting the mosquitoes and making our way indoors. Finally in the darkness, you could only see the camp lights along the lake.
You can hear the conversation of another camp from one mile across the lake as if it was in another room of the cottage. The heat of the day quickly diminished. We said our good nights and then drove back up to Herrick Mountain road.

Definately A Good Swimming Day!