MEMORIES AND TRADITIONS
After so many years (30+ for the Chief Penguin and me), Maine is a fixed point on our summer calendar and that of our son and family. This past week, T and J and the girls, E and F, were here for their annual visit. It’s a time to add to our collective memory bank and to honor our Maine traditions.
E and F arrived late in the day on Sunday, but in time to brave the cove water for a swim. E has become a good swimmer and relished being the first one into the water each day. F takes longer to get in and sometimes needs a bit of coaxing, but she is determined and likes to challenge herself. Once in, she quickly dunks under and, like her sister, is capable of swimming over to a float.
They were in the water every day despite cool gray skies. Their last effort was collecting cove water in an empty salsa jar to take home.
The girls and I made blueberry pancakes one morning (they are becoming good pancake flippers), and we re-visited the Boothbay Railway Village, always a treat. Tim made us wonderful spaghetti and clams one night (thanks to Scully’s delicate Damariscotta River clams), and we dined at Cozy’s Dockside twice, ending each meal with ice cream and sprinkles.
In addition, there were multiple trips to Sherman’s for new books, a round of mini golf at the Dolphin course (their dad came in first, but Grandma was on a roll and acquitted herself well), and finally, a visit to the botanical gardens.
The little house and the water pumps are required stops, but the lure of the fairy village is greater with the opportunity (satisfied) to each make a fairy house. In between all the activities, there were periods of quiet reading and many noisy games of Sorry, most of which I lost!
It was a fun week. As F said, it went too fast, but we created a new cache of Maine memories to see us through until next summer.
CASUAL FARE
Cozy’s Dockside
Located on Cozy Harbor’s edge, Cozy’s is perfect for families and anyone in the mood for casual dining. With picnic tables overlooking the dock as well as attractive inside seating, Cozy’s menu runs the gamut from hot dogs and burgers to a daily chowder, fried haddock, hearty salads, and several sandwiches including, of course, a lobster roll. The Chief Penguin and I have dined here numerous times this season, and the food is consistently very good.
On one visit, we sampled the excellent fried calamari appetizer with banana peppers. We quickly devoured it. A favorite of ours is the romaine salad which includes a generous handful of capers and thin sheets of Parmesan. It can be topped with grilled chicken or shrimp grilled, blackened, or fried. Also popular are the haddock tacos and for our granddaughters the selection of ice cream flavors and toppings. It’s always a treat to eat here!
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
