Countdown to 2010

Here we are, the last days of December and 2010.....in full holiday swing, festivities a bound, I am trying to grasp that it is almost 2011. It has been a wonderful time with family and friends here in Michigan for the holidays. I don't get to visit but once a year so making the voyage for a couple weeks, thinking I will have time to see everyone is a huge fantasy. Who I do get to see and what we share together is fabulous but the time slips away and before I know it, I am heading to the airport.

I am thinking of what 2011 holds. It will be twenty years that I have lived in Maine and the end of 2011 will be the ten year anniversary of purchasing Fire Fly Farm. Incredible.

I also am thinking of what resolutions to be made for the New Year. I find resolution creating fun, the beginning of a new year, what transformation, opportunity and new adventure it may hold. I feel 2011 is going to be a magical, exciting new year, I can feel it.....
I wish everyone a wonderful end to their December, time to rest and safe travels if traveling. Here is to the countdown to 2010!
Cheers!

Winter Eclipse

I would love to hear how many folks out there were able to view the solstice eve’s eclipse. I tried. I set my alarm for 1am to catch the beginning. I am in Michigan for the holly~daze with family so I quietly bundled up, but Momma with her bionic ears met me at the door, she knew what I was up to....I went out to the crisp night, in the crunchy snow and watched thin clouds pass over a brilliant full moon that the eclipse hadn’t yet started to touch. I stayed out bathing in the full moonlight until the cold made me think I could give it a bit of time as I warm up. I set my alarm again for 2am, in case I fell asleep. I was watching the most amazing full moon eclipse, the darkness was floating over the full moon that was blazing, as I watched, my whole family arrived to join me, my sister, Maks and Vladimir arrived from Germany, my brother was suddenly beside us days early, my cousin Kolene and her family and my folks all stood beside me as we gaped at the eclipse swallowing the full moon. Then, my alarm went off, as I groped for the alarm in my disorientation, I couldn’t believe that I was INSIDE and had yet to go out and view the eclipse that my dream so vividly lead me to believe I HAD seen. I bundled up once again. Sadly, the skies were completely shroud in clouds that were so thick, only a blur of light was visable where the moon had shown full less than an hour before.

I have had the amazing fortune to see a full moon eclipse I believe 1993. I was floating down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon with three other adventures.....we were camping out, I think it was the first week of December, snow was falling on the canyon wall, I slept out with just my sleeping bag. The four of us canyon floaters were sitting at the campfire, howling at the full moon and suddenly, a dark shadow crept over the fullness of the moon. Being on the river for a month, we had no idea.....it was a full eclipse that made this trip of a life time all the more magical.
Happy Winter Solstice!!

Winter's Great Embrace

Winter is here in Maine. The ground is covered with several inches of snow, the temperatures are plummeting to the single digits for the next few days, holiday carols are at full tilt and the Salvation Army bell ringers outside the shops. Me, I have been in denial of where we are on the seasonal calendar. I can't quite understand why since I enjoy the holiday spirit. I haven't yet adjusted into winter mode altho I am excited to bust out my cross country skies tomorrow. Time is just traveling too fast, I haven't had time to psychologically catch up. Embrace it I must or it too will fly wistfully past.

Appleton Creamery had their annual two day Holiday Market that I was grateful to again be invited to vend. This year it was at the Sweetgrass winery and distillery. They have a beautiful copper distiller that produces their brandy, rum and award winning gin. They have very special wines also. It was a fabulous time.

Last evening I was invited to join my dear farmer friend Matt Gerald at Nostrano in Bar Harbor. It was an Italian feast of localvore delight. All I can say is it was one of the best meals I have ever experienced. Matt's friends made it all the more special. Nine of us sitting around our private table, sharing wine, stories, laughter and amazing food.....nothing is more perfect than this. I have been wanting to attend this special supper club since I first heard about it two years ago. We booked this date several months ago. Of course, it was the date of the first major storm we have had this season. I called in the morning....no snow date, it is still as scheduled. So I headed off, giving myself plenty of time in my new/used all wheel drive van. My all wheel drive somehow mysteriously disabled (my "message center" alerted me of this just a couple miles down the road) and my ABS light came on. Then, my wiper fluid ran out. It was a white knuckle 2 1/2 hour drive that I was in desperate need of a shoulder massage but I made it to Matt's in time. As I drove up his drive, I saw another vehicle. It was Isabella and Danielle. I thought they may need a ride....stuck? No, there was a large tree down in the driveway. Matt arrived with his chainsaw and we hauled the tree out of the way so we could all get to our much awaited dining experience. Yes, just another day in Maine.
I stayed over on the coast (not about to drive again until the roads had cleared) and had time to stroll thru Matt's heated greenhouses this morning, grazing on all the fresh greens and edible flowers in his greenhouse as I listened to the lovely music he has playing for his plants. Maybe that is why they taste so extraordinary. Matt had an inversion table and shoulder stand device also in the greenhouse. I did both and I have never felt lighter. As I hung completely upside down by just my ankles I felt something snap in my abdomen. It was strange but whatever it was enabled me to feel like I was standing taller when back on my feet. I now LOVE the inversion table.

I made it back home in time to bid another dear friend Bon Voyage as they leave for St. Croix for a four month work assignment. They are saving a stand by ticket for me to come visit them. How lucky is that?! I think March may be the perfect time to take advantage of such a gift of tropical paradise.....

Winter farmer's markets are going full tilt. I will be in Belfast this Friday 9am~1pm at the Aubuchon Hardware Greenhouse. Not only will I have my baked goodies there, I will be doing a hula hoop workshop. Come on down and decorate your hoop and hoop for health. An absolute blast....
Saturday's winter market is in Orono, 9am~12 in the municipal parking lot behind Pat's Pizza.
I hope to see you there and you will be surprised at all you can still find at the farmer's market all winter long.
May your holiday preparations be joyful~
Cheers!