I've often heard children say, "There's nothing to do today". I beg to differ. I'd like to inspire you to do something. Anything. Read. Bake. Hike. Fish. Plant. Sail. Climb. Play. Reach. Move. Laugh. Dream; and take time to sit with me on The Old Granite Step.

Monday, September 22, 2014

The Beauty of Fall


 

I'm pleased to say that this photo was a finalist in the Regional Water Authority Annual Photo Contest several years ago.  The woodland floor is particularly beautiful in the Fall.  Take a walk and enjoy!

Happy Fall!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Head to Unity, Maine for the Common Ground Fair!


For thirty-seven years this weekend has been a favorite in the small town of Unity, Maine.  People travel from all over the country to attend the Common Ground Fair; an agricultural showcase presented by MOFGA, The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association.  Unity, home of Unity College, plays host to this fun and educational fair that allows all of us to show our local farmers how much they are appreciated!

September 19, 20 and 21 will bring over 60,000 to this small hilltop town for the 38th annual event.  Not to be missed, the fair showcases agricultural traditions of Maine.  You won't find a Ferris wheel or Scrambler here!  There are no midway games to play.  There is however, good wholesome fun stressing a more sustainable way of life.  Enjoy great food, wonderful local musicians and the companionship of people dedicated to supporting their local farmers.  Click here to download a list of this year's vendors.


We headed straight to the Pie Cone booth; an attendee favorite!
What other flavor would you choose in Maine except blueberry?

Sheepdog demonstrations are just one of the popular events at the fair.

For a list of other activities and events, click here.

The farmers market has so much to offer!

Whether it's at the Common Ground Fair Farmer's Market or your local market, you're supporting local agriculture with every purchase.
Bees play a very important role in successful farming.  Honey abounds on this display.
 
This fruitful bounty offers something for everyone!

The fiber tent is an attraction not to be missed.
I have a feeling these spinners are practicing their craft all week; not just on Wednesdays!



Beautifully dyed fleece waiting to be spun.

Patience with the wheel pays off.

This sign says it all.  Good karma ; pass it on!

A flower garden on the fairgrounds.

The peace and beauty of this operation is powerful.
These horses were born to work on the farm.  In many cases, farmers rely on them every day.
You'll find many informative demonstrations at the Common Ground Fair.  Click here for a list of Agricultural demonstrations. 
The Maine Stoneworkers Guild plays an important role in the fair.  Be sure to visit the fabulous stone sundial they created on the Common.

So much nicer than a noisy midway ride!  A terrific way to end the day.

If you attend the Common Ground Fair this year, have fun!  
If you can't make it, check with one of your local agricultural organizations to see if there's a similar fair in your area.





Wednesday, September 10, 2014

The Late Summer Garden

As fall approaches on tiptoes, we appreciate the blooms left in the garden.  Where has the summer gone?

The quintessential garden gate.

With a seat that you or I may may fall through, this chair has become a perfect home to these playful flowers.

What's a garden without a wheelbarrow full of stones?

Pure color.

The sunflowers are beginning to droop slightly.....

....while hollyhocks still reach for the sky.

We will ignore the negative wind chills on the rain gauge for now.



A wonderful combination of color.



Birds and squirrels alike appreciate the dried sunflowers.



Weary hands lay down a simple garden tool. 
The sunflowers are at ease as they rest on the fence.

The garden is home to everyone!  The spiderweb is a masterpiece of creativity.





The garden is home to items that we re-purpose for their new location.

The tiny heirloom tomatoes won't give up easily.





Laundry is fresher when the solar dryer is used!

Old insulators adorn the clothesline.

The watering cans stand guard.....until next summer.

Honeybees find nourishment in the garden.



These blooms wave gently like sea anemones on the garden floor.





The cat scowls as we wake him from his nap.

But he agrees to let us share his peaceful space.

Everything has a purpose here.



The silvery wings of the dragonfly illuminate the garden.

The verbena reaches for the final rays of the afternoon.

This watering can finds solace in the shade.





A stone marks a special place.


“I trust your Garden was willing to die ... I do not think that mine was—it perished with beautiful reluctance, like an evening star—"

Emily Dickinson, 1880