12,700 Steps

It's been a good long while since we've done a walking tour of anywhere, except the 7 steps from our offices at home to the bathroom or kitchen.  It was good to get almost 13,000 of them today!

Did you know that Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up just a block away from where we are staying?  I did not.  

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a historic house and museum in Portland, Maine, United States. It is located at 489 Congress Street and is operated by the Maine Historical Society. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, and administratively added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.  he house has both historical and literary importance, as it is both the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula and the childhood home of famous American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882).

-- Wikipedia

The Song of Hiawatha (the epic poem) is one of his literary masterpieces.   And which, is really, really, really long.  I had no idea.  Epic poem with 23 parts?  It's basically a novella.  Which I didn't read and stopped on the first part.  And apparently the Longfellow House in Minneapolis, just a short distance from our house is a replica of where he lived in Cambridge, MA.

Might be an interesting tour if we have time.

All that in just the first block away from our rental.

Then we wandered down to where Eventide Oyster Co. is (more on that later) and down by the Old Port.  Kind of like you'd imagine - kinda smelly, seagulls everywhere (and they were HUGE), but a good wander for the day.

Oh, and I got this fabulous bag at Sea Bags - they make them out of sailboat sales - this one was made from a vintage sale.  It was ridiculously expensive, and it only dawned on my 45 minutes after I bought it that it has a big "C" on it.  ❤

When we stopped at Eventide on our way down, the wait was 1.5 to 2 hours.  We were like hmmmm, maybe tomorrow?   But then on the way back, we stopped again and put our names in...the wait had increased to 2.5 to 3 hours.  😲  We had time to go back to our place and relax a bit.  Next post - all things oyster...

Buzzed?

Started the day by heading over to Coffee by Design for a cup.   Cute little coffee shop, but only had two young women working there.  The barista was frantically making coffee while another woman helped customers and prepped for her.   They were so nice, and working so hard, I didn't have the heart to mentioned anything when they poured not one, but two full shots of espresso into Chris's cold press.  I just smiled and thanked them profusely, wondering if that much caffeine in one drink was legal...

The Other Portland - Day 1

First full day in Maine - nice and slow and relaxing.

Our AirBNB is really cute, right in the heart of Portland and close to everything (well, everything is close to everything here).   It's a little loud outside, and there seems to be no way to turn the heat up, so Chris is in his chilly element.  Now's about the time I am wishing for that first hot flash to kick in...

We have these wicked stairs to get up to the apartment - they are actually quite cool, and thank god we are only up on the second landing, not all the way to the top.  At least the luggage only has to go up once and down once.  This is more stairs than I've had in 2 years.

Lobsta. Lots and lots a lobsta.

Here we are.  First flight since Covid.  It's the same and different.  Same dipshits from before are still dipshits just won't wear masks right.  If there is an incident on this flight, you'll see me on the news.  I have one very fragile nerve left.  

Headed to Maine for our 25th next week, and going to soak up lobster and oysters and MOJO in Portland, then head to Bar Harbor for Acadia and whales watching.  

Low Key Birthday...

Yesterday was a low key day, got the blog done, went to lunch, hung out with Katie.

We had sushi and chocolate cake for my birthday dinner and I couldn't have been happier.  It's a gift to spend your birthday with people you love that love you back.

After 3 hours a sleep, and a wake up alarm at 2:30am, we are now home after a very early, non-eventful flight. 

I'll be back in New York City...just maybe during the week this time.  :)

XOXO - P&C

Times Square and The High Line!

Times Square - it is something to behold.  No flash on those pics below - just how bright it is from gigantic screens and adds and hubbub.  I can't imagine what it would be like on New Year's Eve.  Crazed. 

We then hit the High Line, the elevated walkway that was built on an old elevated railroad bed.  It's such a wonder in the city - greenery, walking space, the ability to rise above the streets and walk, really, wherever you need to go.  It was so peaceful at night - not crowded at all, a beautiful clear night, and continued catching up with friends.

Addendum...The one thing we didn't do was go to the World Trade Center Memorial or go up in the new One World Observatory...but there it was...as we drove out of the city.

Walking Tour - Central Park and Beyond!

We walked TEN MILES on Sunday! 

After a bit of a cluster with the train, then driving into the city (Patrick gets the award for Most Brave), we all headed in for a day in Central Park and seeing a few sights. 

Katie and Patrick and the girls were troopers!!   We spent the majority of our time in Central Park, just walking around and taking pictures of their family and of the park.  It wasn't too busy, and it's amazing - there is this oasis of nature in the middle of a huge crazy city.  You almost can't hear the city when you are in the park.   The girls ran around on the big rocks, and it was sunny and delightful.  There was also this group performing near the fountain - they were amazing!  I can see why people spend time here.