IN MAINE.... WE EAT....

The last few blogs were written by our traveling assistant. We hired a person to write for us and we are paying them with food in Maine. Now we have left Maine so they are no longer willing to work and are on strike. I will work to make this a first person blog.
We arrived in Maine after visiting Cassie's fantastic friends in Boston, Tasha and RJ. It was great talking of wedding plans (not ours, but theirs), also talking about sports with RJ. "Don't be too furious RJ after all it is just sport, but continue to stay passionate". Best of wishes to you two for the upcoming year.
In Maine, I was introduced to some of the Benson Clan (Russ, Cheryl, Kate, Molly, Michael, the baby on the way with no name yet given but the gambling pool is up for anyone wishing to place bets on a name, Hambone (the angry dog) Annie (the quiet dog) ) Thank you for the Southern Maine Hospitality.... NOW we begin with food. Michael and Cheryl prepared a fabulous meal Grilled chicken with fantastic pasta salad and a regular veggie salad. I was able to sample the World renowned Shipwreck or Sailing ship or OOOOHHH Yeah SHIPYARD, Shipyard micro beer. Summer Ale...tastes so good when it touches your lips. The Stafford Clan came along and enjoyed the festivities as well. The Clans stayed up into the night telling stories of Benson's Past and the Stafford future's. Aaahhh the stories these clans can tell. We made it to the late hour of 9:15 before Ken (Cassie's pop's) was falling asleep at the table and my father was talking to him while he was sleeping without even knowing.
We awoke the next day bright eyed and cheery. We at a lil fantastic cereal and fresh bagel with fruit breakfast. From there the Number 1 (Kate B), The funny guy (Michael; gotta love this guy), the new guy (Tito) and the motivator (Cassie) hit the water running in some fantastic kayaks. We had to tighten up the PFD on Kate first then we were ready to go. We paddled in the Maine marsh area with fantastic clear water. Talking about the history of Goose Rock with Michael and his Abenacki (sp) stories of great Indian tradition and folklore. Thank you for the fabulous conversation and history of Goose Rock. Kate and Cassie I don't know what you all talked about because you were far behind but thanks for the picture taking. We paddled out of the tidal area to the open ocean where the trip was abruptly changed because Kate Capsized (flipped) her kayak in the ocean. A wave broadsided her and that was it. (no water skirts for us we were too cool). So she walked her kayak to the beach where we met up and helped her empty the water. From their we played STINKY FISH. Oh what a game.
Later we arrived on the beach and were sandblasted off of it because of the wind. So the beach day was limited. The children all ate lunch that day and talked. Then all the parents came and ate lunch together.
That afternoon Kate took Cassie and I to Kennebunkport to see the Bush Estate. Rather nice on its own island. Too bad I could not stay to chat but they threw me out away from the gate quite quickly MAYBE Next time. We walked around town. Ate some Fried Scallops and Fried Clams. YUUMMMMY.
That night we all sat around the dinner table eating steamed clams, maine lobster With lots O BUTTER MMMM GOOD. Chips and beverages were flowing. Great conversations. GOOD TIMES.
The next day there was no planning. We waited like a resting cat waiting for an opportunity to pounce on an unsuspected mouse. So I pounced on paddling the kayaks from the ocean back to the house with Uncle Russ and Ken Benson. The ocean was calm and beautiful. From their I ran 6 miles to visit where my parents had been camping. It was nice.
We returned to the Benson establishment and my mother made a quality lunch of homemade beef stew. Another yummy meal. From their we went to the beach and the Stafford Clan proceeded to play sling golf vs. the Benson clan. (it is some horseshoe like game) We won many of the matches until the last game where my father became captn. Limp wrist all of a sudden and our win streak was over. Either way it was fun. Fun winning and fun losing. From their we went to eat at Federal Jacks in Kennebunkport. Fantastic micro beer known as the Shipyard brewery above. Great sunset at dinner. Good stories and great family time. From their we went to the dairy to partake in a little Ice Cream. This was actually the third night of ice cream but I forgot the mention the the two night before. The ice cream was great. Flavors like Mint Oreo, Freedom of Esspresso, Cherry Moose tracks, Chocolate xxxtreme, plus more.
Our trip sadly ended by saying goodbye to the Benson clan and the Stafford Clan. We returned to Connecticut with a tour of Portsmouth New Hampshire by accident. Quite fun and historic. After many direction changes we made it back to the interstate and back on our way. Quite the detour. Our trip back to Connecticut ended with Lola running free from the back yard and chasing two baby deer and not returning for like 4 hours. A little nerve racking but that cute lil dog came back home all on her own. Thank goodness. NEXT up is 5 days in Connecticut with the immediate family. More to come soon. Pictures will be added soon!