Another New England summer….

I had a request for a DTG update, so here it goes. I wasn’t sure if any followers cared to read about my 3rd summer escapades, since visiting many of the same places and posting photos often on insta. If anyone wants to be removed from these emails, simply reply “unsubscribe” (no hard feelings-promise). 🙂

A personal update, my work life is VERY busy. I have a very intense new job (so happy), lots of new information to learn (like a fire-hose), and I’m loving it! This 50 year old brain is truly being challenged, which I guess is good for the aging process. Lol, not so much for my Dora Days- ha ha. 

Well, not to go into to much detail, but to provide a quick recap and get caught up for those inquiring minds and my true fan club…..Portland, Maine is still my favorite place in the USA. Granted my career life stays secure, I plan to be there for 3 months next summer. I have created a life there with friends, and a real community where I live in a Melrose Place type of complex. This July was way to busy and flew by SO fast. The visitors were ever flowing, as who knew I was starting a new job on arrival Day 1. I had 11 days solo before Jackie & Whitney arrived for 5 days, Tracy(Ms. Fancy) visited for a long weekend, and my Dear friend Sari who I had not seen in years came too. It was a first Maine visit for many, that Dora was a total tour guide, in full effect-my favorite role. Talk about work hard-play hard. The 30 days flew by in a blink. 

The new places I got to enjoy this time in Maine was BoothBay Harbor. Tracy and I made our way for a weekend adventure day to taste the famous Red Eats Gigantic lobster roll in Wiscasset. We stood on the 2 hour line to drool over the yummiest lobster roll washed down with blueberry soda and a de-lish whoopie pie. After Whitney’s lobster crawl and video footage tastings, I’d say this one is the big daddy winner- numero Uno! After, we spent the day on a trolley tour of this quaint New England town on the water. 

Sari’s visit was packed with a Take 2 of Jackie & Whitney’s, as we saw all the iconic Portland landmarks. I visited my favorite, Peaks Island 3 times with all of my guests. An extra I got to explore was my favorite hike at the Cliffs Walk Trail in Harpswell. I did make many new friends in my complex, as Monica- my landlord and dear friend always plans happy hours in our lush green courtyard. I was so sad to depart.

Next up, family time in Connecticut! I spent 2 weeks with my favorite Aunt & Uncle and got to see many cousins. Those little cousins are the cutest. I got to see all 3 of them, and have some real quality time with the grown ups. We had many beach days, I got to spend a long weekend in Newport, RI on Jared’s boat, and see old friends too. I worked out of the Spaces Co-working building at the BlueBack Square location, which was so cool to really have a place to go to work. I felt like a real local in West Hartford. Many long walks in the early morning and weekends. The summers in New England bring back many childhood memories for me. It’s a nostalgic experience in my brain filled with warmth in my heart.  I said my good-byes, until November, as I plan to return for Thanksgiving and go home from here.

Next up, Woodstock, NY…..made it to serenity. The drive here was crazy- a serious over the river and through the woods route I took to avoid 5 pm traffic and arrive before dark. I talked to my dad on the drive to make sure my car didn’t brake down. I had limited phone service on the drive, and understood now why my CUJ looked at me in a strange way when i showed him the directions i was gonna take. Thankful to have angels watching me, always!

Crazy how 7 weeks have flown by already. I’m in the Catskills – Hudson Valley is truly a magical place. I understand why my mom spent her childhood in this area of the country. Im catching up on my sleep, resting, and moving at a much slower pace, finally. The people are calmer here, the sounds of nature are live in stereo. That buggy sound, like crickets, but so much better, deer running wild, squirrels, raccoons, and SO many wild flowers in bloom. I get so excited every time I pass a field of sunflowers. 🌻 I’m spending 2 weeks with my infamous Helene. She has the most beautiful spirit and a gorgeous yellow happy bright house to go with her ray of sunshine personality on a huge property less than a mile from the Village Green town square in Woodstock.

This place is the most liberal town with lots going on, always. We attended a fire works hippie volunteer festival, a democracy rocks music benefit, there are peaceful protesters every weekend marching with signs. I attend my Sunday drumming circle (2 now, with one more to come next week), which is now referred to as Drumming for Peace. Vince from AZ visited to attend the circle last weekend, as he was nearby. Helene and I spent yesterday in Rhinebeck shopping and eating. I love that town, it brings back great memories too. Woodley lived there and I had visited many times. I love driving over the Rhinecliff bridge over the Hudson River. Pure beauty! 

More farmers markets, trails for walking, lakes and streams in my future, as they are everywhere. It’s absolutely beautiful here. I feel like Im sleeping in a treehouse, as my bedroom has huge picture windows and I’m surrounded by lush natural landscape.  I’m here through the end of the month, before heading to the Big Apple. 🍎 8 sleeps left in the mountains.

As always, I love replies, comments, texts, emails, and calls. Missing each of you so much! Hope you’re enjoying your summer and if in AZ, not melting. Until the next update…..all my love!

Love Laurie Sue

AKA Dore the Explorer 💫🧚🏻‍♀️💕🎉😘