New England Autumn

Jeff nosed the car off of Route 1 and down the winding road to Damariscotta, Maine, one of my favorite villages in New England. Across the river, the familiar white spire of the Presbyterian church greeted us. We were "home."

We drove around some of the streets we love and laughed when we saw these tiny pumpkins above the door of this home. Almost everywhere else the pumpkins are gigantic.

The little guys above the door.

You'll love the giant pumpkins lining Main St. in Damariscotta, Maine.

Tidewater Telecom's giant pumpkin phone.

Pumpkin worms are deadly in a lawn.

Outside the hospital, visitors are greeted with a giant pumpkin getting its yearly flu shot.

In search of the Great Pumpkin.

What a mug!

Can you see Little Red Riding Hood's cape hanging out of the wolf's mouth?

Pumpkin as canvas.

Outside the door of our bank, artist Debra After created a GIGANTIC pumpkin candy apple.

Fabulously carved octopus.

Giant pumpkin bat.

Love this! So simple and elegant (and playful).

Sproul's Furniture and Interiors on the other side of the bridge (see the Damariscotta River in background?) ALWAYS has wonderful pumpkins. This is a fun idea for kids.

Damariscotta River Pottery, a world famous studio, sets out its pumpkin table lamp.

This pumpkin is carving itself!

Outside the Skidompha Library.

The Damariscotta River, which separates Damariscotta from Newcastle, is a reversing river. When the tides change, the river runs backwards toward the Great Salt Bay. It is so much fun to watch it turn and rush backward. 

A view of the Damariscotta from Comfort Found, our vacation rental in downtown Damariscotta and above the Darling and Delisle Gallery-Shop.

Tah Dah! This is the amazing giant acorn pumpkin created by Chris Darling and her loyal troupe of friends. The top of the acorn is individual acorn caps NAILED into the pumpkin. Isn't this GREAT? Every day when I walk downstairs, this pumpkin makes me grin.

Here is our set-up before doing a television show. We had these props and ingredients all spread out and ready to mix for the show. This photo was taken at midnight.

I was in the other room and working on props, Jeff is in the...well, you can see where he is, mixing the bird booster ingredients. Waaaay past midnight now, and we have to be at the station EARLY.

Props in place, ingredients ready, just trying to get CALM.

"Good Day Maine" with Jennifer and Jon, who were great, well prepared, and informed hosts. They made it seem so easy. Click here for the video.

Maine Coast Books and Cafe honored me with this wonderful window display. Thank you, Maine Coast Books!

Jeff and I were hosted by The Olde Bristol Garden Club on Thursday. I gave a one hour presentation for them (and they are TRUE gardeners) and did a book signing. The good part was being able to meet everyone and to make new friends. Kim, we're going to have FUN next summer with Chris!

Thank you dear friends for all your letters, e-mails, and gifts. Chris Darling, the bird purse will accompany me EVERYWHERE. Margaret Eckman and Susan Skehan, I LOVE my antique garden book. It is a treasure and will be face-out on my book shelf. Mare Betterley. You are a joy and I love the gigantic basket. I will always think of you when I look at it.

To Jane Taylor, who helped out with finding props and digging sand, THANK YOU! Big hug.

Sending love and best wishes to all. Now we're off to the Boston Public Library for a children's bird program on Sunday the 14th. From there, we head to Odyssey Books, South Hadley, MA, Ohio, Kentucky....lots more to come. Looking forward to seeing old friends, Ned and Betsy Williams, Frank and Aline Cullen, Nancy Heraud, Debra of October Press, George Ella, and many more!

Sharon

 

I love you Damariscotta! The weathervane was made by David Severance for his future wife.