Dora & Boot’s Re-Unite for a Portland adventure…..

To pick up where I left off before Boot’s arrival. I had 4 glorious solo days of home cooked meals, long walks, and getting my real world work completed. I have been working at an awesome coffee shop I love called, Coffee by Design. It’s like a huge coffee roaster’s factory that has converted parts of there big offices into communal work space with strong wifi. Everyone is friendly. So many people work from here and they have great coffee.

Okay, if you have been paying attention to characters in the blog, you may recall Derek who Terri and I met at the ice cream shop that doesn’t give the samples. First, I have learned why “No” samples are given.…. They are very concerned with the environment and determined they were throwing away 83,000 plastic spoons and have taken a big stand to NO samples. Anyways…..back to Derek. Terri and I loved him and she was mad I didn’t get his number to be my friend. She’s convinced he will be my gay BFF here in Portland and NYC. He splits his time between both city’s. In any case I did not, but the universe wanted us to connect. If you haven’t seen the movie, ‘Sounds of Freedom’, go see it! A must see heavy-disturbing film about a serious issue in America with sex trafficking children. It is based on a true story and the real people are in the end. It was powerful! As I walked out of this heavy movie on Tuesday night in a funky zone, I was pleasantly greeted by Derek standing by the popcorn counter. He screamed my name and I told him how much it was fate as Terri wanted us to connect. He is such an animated fun high energy guy……he was like, OMG- The Arizona sis! We exchanged #’s and chatted about how crazy it was that movies are $6 all day every Tuesday in Portland. I told him I’d be here next Tues night. Lol and we snapped a photo (see below). Making friends everywhere I go. Im truly loving my Portland life. I feel so happy by walking outside everyday….the church bells are ringing on the hour, sea gulls are singing, and this weather is beyond dreamy. I want time to slow down, as my month here is almost over. My morning and evening walk along the water with boats in the distance to the Eastern Promenade with sunshine or fog will never get old. I have watched many sunsets, swung on swings like a lil kid, and day dreamed while staring into the sea. It is a glorious setting.

My last Maine visitors arrived Thursday in time for dinner. My aunt & uncle(nick-named CUJ in past posts) were so kind enough to hand deliver and drive my precious cargo to me…..for new readers, my amazing mommy is Boot’s. Dora’s BFF. She got that name almost 6 years ago on a European trip we took together. CUJ is Boot’s brother. 😉And Marlene is my one and only favorite aunt.

We had dinner at a lovely seafood place, everyone had fish. We had great conversation and a lovely walk around all my favorite hotel lobby’s, the live music spots near the wharf, and made our plan for tomorrow. They are staying 20 min away. Goldilocks aka Boots and I got back home for our first night together. My mama is a particular lady, she knows what she likes, and needs things a certain way. Hmmmmm the apple might not have fallen very far, lol 😂. She hates my bed- its too soft, blankets are not situated right, terrible pillows, air is loud, chairs are soft or mushy, OMG! No she’s Not complaining just telling me her observations.🤣 We laugh a lot. This lady is freaking funny. Im tired at 11pm, shes wide awake….not sure whose the mom or the kid here?! We chuckle, as her feet are trapped under the blankets, she has SO many observations/comments. She needs all sheets and blankets undone from the bed. For Susan reading you know what I mean…..her roommate in NYC, although my moms snoring/noises are blocked with my Bose noise cancelling earbuds. Okay…..you get the picture. We have a lot of fun at home at night. Although I wish I had a heating pad for her achy bones. Living on the 3rd floor without an elevator, this tough strong 75 yr old lady is a trooper. She needs extra TLC when she arrives home. Her step count yesterday (our last day) was 10k =4 miles. Impressive!!! This hot mama with a bad back knows how to hang. Lol She might be sad to leave me, but she sure will enjoy the break from walking activity. I love you mommy! ❤️🧚🏻‍♀️💫Truly I won the jackpot with the worlds BEST parents!

We wake up early, our first full day together and a Friday. I blocked most of my work day, but still had some scheduled meetings. I went on my solo morning walk, while she got ready without me in her way, We met our friends(my aunt and CUJ) at a yummy breakfast spot. Everyone enjoyed it, I had a delish Irish coffee. Again, great conversations about politics, changes in our generations, technology, AI- good stuff. Now it was time for my wk, they ventured to the old port. We met at The Regency lobby and all headed out for the big activity of the day- our train ride along the water to learn the history of this wharf, railroad, water, boats, etc, they all got to experience my daily walk but on a train. It was beautiful scenery with a little drizzle. Coffee after along with a discussion about where will dinner be. We decided on the Porthole. A party place on the water, known for lobster and fresh caught fish. There was a wedding private party, , bachelor party groups…..this place was loud, noisy, and filled with the best people watching. We decided on my favorite ice cream place, Beals for dessert. OMG….do you remember my famous MAX. My mom told him he was in the blog, this kid who we LOVE, was so excited to take pics with me, I felt famous now too, as his girl friends he works with knew who I was. I was known as the banana cream pie girl…lol ha ha ha. I introduced him to everyone, he is meeting the entire family. We all laughed and thought it was yummy ice cream and fabulous company. Terri was bummed to miss seeing Max again too. My uncle always laughs at how much I talk to strangers, as I do this everywhere. Home early for bed time. Always a night filled with the giggles, obnoxious, crazy silly times.

Saturday morning we wake up early for the farmers market….I need my weekly fresh eggs & fruit. This small town coastal living is really growing on me. We ventured to 88 donuts, where our playmates met us to share these bitesize treasures. We walk to the ferry dock after stuffing our faces with goodness. Off for a day to Peaks Island. This time a gold cart tour is planned on the same Island Terri and I biked the parameter of this 4 miles/720 acres island. We learned the history of this place today that blew me away. The fun part to start this experience happened while waiting to board the ferry. I recognized a girl I have been following on insta for 6 months while planning for this adventure. Celine of MoveWild. She is a yoga instructor/exercise guru girl who has a huge Portland following. She’s been married 4 years and just celebrated her anniversary July 4th. She posts the coolest stuff about Maine and has a loving romantic relationship that she shares publicly. Well I saw her and her husband, and felt like I saw my pretend friends. LOL The beauty of reality/social media. Well I had to say hi and take a pic. I have since signed up for next weekend to finally experience a class and really hang out with them. Her classes are social gatherings. Okay back to the Peaks day. 😂

This tour was lead by a guy named, Jon who lived on the Island since the 1960’s raising his 2 kids with his wife. He knew all the facts- so many famous people had some history here…. Like, Betty Davis, Betty White, John Ford, Drew Barrymore and her entire family, Jon is a talker….he has a story about every house we pass by, he knows about the wars and gun barracks we pass, why the houses have names, the fires on the island, school systems, wedding history’s, real estate, you name it, he knew it. The tour was great, as it brought meaning to all my eyes had taken in with Terri Sue only 1 week ago. Jon asked to buckle in Boots, as she was dozing next to him….the wind and motions of the car were making her sleepy, he didn’t want her to fall out of the cart. Ha. We had all enjoyed lunch on the balcony restaurant over looking the water. It was a lovely day spent together exploring somewhere new for everyone. We boarded the ferry back….seeing the lighthouses again. They sure don’t get old. Such beauty on Casco Bay. Back to get in separate cars…we follow each-other to The Inn by the Sea. That 3K a night hotel at Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth. A few cocktails with 2 games of Rummikub and some beach time. Boots had a tearful good bye to family….ill see them in 10 days. They are my next destination. We say bye bye to my Aunt & Uncle. They head back to CT.

Dora & Boot’s head back to Portland for our dinner at Central Provisions…..this is the funky restaurant that Terri & I loved. Bizarre items, all delish. We started with the Peekeytoe Crab pancake, a beets creation, crispy yummy polenta, a suckling pig dish, a popover, tuna crudo, and a refreshing crushed ice cocktail. Eating like royalty here. We sat at the bar and met fun seat mates next to us, along with our bartender, August. No dessert tonight.

The night ended with a lovely walk home, although I thought my mama was gonna kill me. We got a bike guy with a seat in the back to ride us to the top of the Eastern Prom…..it was gorgeous out. I told her it was a quick walk home from there….well it was about a mile. She was not happy with me, but always a real trooper. This lady can DO IT!!! And another night of the joy that goes on after hiking the flights of stairs. I have scheduled us for massages in the morning as Boots deserves a rub down. She will sleep like a baby tonight whenever she finally gets home. (As of now she is delayed in Charlotte)

We awoke to Rose’s foods for the famous bagel/lox, got a wonderful massage and then headed to Eventide for the finale lobster roll. Yummy goodness to go out with a bang a last 88 donut- the boston cream…Then..we met a guy with a Bruce tattoo today and the timing was priceless. He truly shows signs constantly….this man (my daddy) was always a good communicator and still continues for all of us on our individual travels. Had to share what Terri saw today in Denver on a sign. 🧚🏻‍♀️💫

Im walking 6-7 miles a day and will be sure to do it everyday this week. I will be on a strict eating diet in CT. Thank goodness my family in CT are all healthy. I also have to finish my groceries this week, as its my last week in my extremely cozy Portland apartment. Lots of home cooking in my future. I dropped my mama off at the airport. We said our good bye’s. A bizarre feeling to say bye not knowing when I will see her next. Not sure we have ever had such a farewell. We both had tears, yet happy ones. It was like taking a kid to school….I left car on curb w/hazard lights and took her inside to get luggage checked for her and waited to ensure she had handicap service. We said our byes for now,

I went to get a pedicure, explore Freeport & Falmouth. Then had a mellow night at home. Tomorrow starts my last week in this glorious city. I have a few items on the calendar, but am looking forward to working, walking, reading, writing, and taking in all this fresh air in my new favorite state. I love Maine. Hoping you are all doing great

. As always……if you made it to the end of these long entry’s I love all comments, replies, texts, emails, and calls. Until next time……Sending my love!

Laurie Sue AKA Dora the Explorer xo 💕 😘 💫