My cup is over-flowing….This is July!

Wild how time flies when you’re having fun! This is an understatement, as the title shares – my life is overflowing with ever lasting positive goodness. I will try once again to keep this post at a reasonable length as to allow you to enjoy the read. Maybe grab a cocktail or cup of tea- packing in an entire month is a lil hard to shorten.

First, thank YOU to the 15+ comments, the text messages, and phone calls from June’s post. The interaction, feedback, and love is why I enjoy sharing with the DTG fan club- so thank YOU!!! You know me, I LOVE to stay connected especially when 2000+ miles away.

Maine has come alive for me in more ways imaginable. I’ve been to 2 Shabbat dinners at the local Portland Chabad to fill up my spiritual cup. The food is good, the travelers I meet at the late night Shabbat dinner events are always filled with sincere richness with interesting humans. The Rabbi’s wife even called to invite me the second time – they are beyond generous and welcoming. Meaningful evenings filled with stories.

I’ve also become an official groupie for my 70’s/80’s cover band Vinyl Tap, never missing a live show with all the neighbors. I spent a full sunny beach day at my favorite Cape Elizabeth Inn solo finally finished my first summer book. Rewarded myself with a new Memoir. Celebrated July 4th with fireworks over the water with my neighbor Kristan, we ate at Food Trucks and sat amongst the 1000+ people crowding the grassy hill to watch this spectacular show.

Happy 50th Birthday to my baby sister- I had fun counting down her 10 days with photos from our childhood. I love how even with being 2000+ miles miles from home the beauty of technology I still feel SO connected to my AZ family and friends. I’ve decided I can certainly spend half of my time on the East coast without missing Arizona. The life I have created here fills my cup in such a different kind of way. Not that one is better, it’s just different- and I LOVE IT!! In awe each day how comfortable it feels here. Life is dreamy! The weather is interesting, had a few humid days, some rain, and some chill in the air too – hands down better than the 100+ heat in the desert for this girl. The views of the water makes everything better.

I made my way to Chebeague Island, on the bucket list for me in Maine to concur this summer. Wild I still have so much to see on summer season #4. I took a ferry solo, and spent the day at the famous Inn. Funny story- I had researched a lil wrong and upon arrival learned that the dock I was dropped off at was the opposite side of the Island. Thankfully these remote islands are filled with the safest kindest most beautiful souls. I sort of hitch-hiked and was picked up by Kim, a nice lady on her golf cart and driven to the Inn. She was so nice and friendly and provided me with some history of the Island on our drive. Having spent her childhood summers here with her grandparents, she now has a summer home here on the Island. She yearly lives in the Boston area. I LOVE talking to strangers. 🙂

I spend a good amount of time with my neighbors, and Monica in the garden and around town. This housing situation was the BEST thing that ever happened for me. We had a movie night under the stars with a projector and screen- they selected To Kill a Mocking Bird. An oldie and a classic- it was okay. I enjoy all my time with the neighbors. Monica and I have been the Vinyl Tap groupie’s and we have gotten many others, including Kelly to join. Kelly and I have gotten to know each other on walks. She is a another neighbor the same age as me. More young people this year than before. All is for the good. We ventured to a new wine bar/funky place called Franciska’s– which we loved!

I’ve walked my regular path and also added Mackworth Island to the mix. Another great trail with beautiful scenery and water views. Quiet and just outside of the city.

Andrew is still in the mix….he has become a permanent part of Maine for me. Laurie Sue has an official “playmate”🥰 . He is wonderful, a true partner in crime, I feel very lucky. He would say WE are both lucky. It honestly feels like living out a New England fairy tale/novel. I’ll spare the details. It’s good!

We went away to another bucket list Maine location I wanted to visit. I booked the ferry to Monhegan Island, 12 miles off the coast of Maine. The artist colony/hiking extravaganza. Year round population on the Island is 65 people. A tiny community. We hiked the many trails to see many cliffs and beautiful water views. We picked wild blueberries and raspberries to eat on the trail. Only in Maine! I was attacked by flies, so grossed out- we made our way back after taking in the beauty of nature. We had packed sandwiches, and parked ourselves at the only brewery on island, had our home made lunch with their drinks. Taking in the day with fresh air and spectacular views. We stayed over in Booth Bay Harbor at a quaint B & B. Had a yummy nice Italian restaurant dinner.

I of course made many friends here at the Inn while talking to the other guests at Breakfast. 3 couples, from VT, IL, and NC. Andrew talks too once I start. He is SO surprised by my gift of being an extrovert. As my dad always called me, baby blabber. Its a thing! I’m the opposite of this guy. It was such a yummy breakfast cooked by Stephanie the Inn Keeper. She was incredible. As were my new found friends. On the way home we stopped at The Maine Botanical Gardens for a few hours. What a dreamy day!

I had a Saturday open with no plans and Audrey/Boots/My mommy was visiting family in Connecticut. They had all decided to go to Newport, RI to stay over at my cousins. I decided to surprise my mother and seriously made her day. I was a total surprise to everyone and had a fantastic day spent with everyone on my cousin Jared’s boat, time at his Country Club/Hotel, and quality family time for 4 hours. It was worth the 6 hours in the car for sure. Family time is the best, especially with cousins/Aunt/Uncle too.

Mrs. Fancy arrived for a week. Tracy Cohen came to spend 1 week with me in her favorite slice of heaven- Portland. We are 2 peas in a pod, even though night and day different too. We jive so well together. She works remote too, so walks in the AM before wk, dinners out with more walks. We ate like royalty and enjoyed our many adventures. One being a Biddeford tour of the Fire Station to meet Chief Andrew, and experience the swanky hotel The Lincoln. Andrew told her the many stories of what each truck can do, she asked so many questions. It was a very fun field trip.

While Tracy was here I had the greatest pleasure of meeting up with an adoptee that will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was a special needs case when I was working at PairTree. I had a very meaningful lunch with the adoptive couple and their sweet 3 yr old daughter now. 💗 A Full cup moment!

Tracy and I ate at some of the well known restaurants for dinner in Portland. Enjoyed the new restaurant – The Ladyfish, Scales, and our the classic- Central Provisions. Thankfully, we walked 10 miles, just around town exploring. Of course we visited the farmers market- It’s blue berry season in Maine! Being with Mrs. Fancy – we eat like Royalty!👑

We ventured to Bar Harbor for a 24 hour stay. Having been here 2 times before, I knew what I wanted to do. We had the best hiking experiences in Acadia National Park along with some shopping. We completed the Jordan Pond Trail and the Gorham Mountain Trail, which offers the most spectacular views of Sand Beach. It was such a great trip/escape filled with lots of adventures. We laughed so hard and really enjoyed our 24 hours in Bar Harbor/Acadia! Another special spot! A must visit!

In trying to end this very long post, I will sum it up a bit with leaving out some details. Tracy left, I had a few days of solo time- which I appreciate. Time to catch up and do me. Andrew and I have seen may sunsets, cooked many dinners together- went to another soccer game, had a peaks Island bike ride day, went on more adventures all over Maine. We visited the Forrest Gump lighthouse, explored Tenant’s Harbor, Rockland, and the most iconic walk on a breakwater- 1 mile long to a lighthouse with serious history over water. What a site to see. The adventures of Dora & Maps continue. I post on Instagram under DaddysTravelGirl if interested in seeing more, only doing “story’s” so they expire after 24 hours.

Stay tuned for August- we ventured to a far away land…..Rustic -Remote- Rural Maine!! Wait for it….. IYKYK 🙂

With Gratitude- Missing you all!

Laurie 💗