Our big February blizzard started on Saturday afternoon, the 11th, went through the night and until of the afternoon of the 12th. Mary Ellen was working on a painting job at Seanook which she had to pursue each day in order to get the requisite number of coats dry before the next guests. So before 9:00 am on Sunday she put on her gaiters, hooded coat, and gloves, and headed out with shovel in hand to dig her way across the street. Right away she was confronted with a large drift on the steps of the shop. Then it was a matter of shoveling enough to decrease the snow depth from hip depth to knee high in order to wade through it, all the while fighting 45 mph gale-driven snow. It took her about 15 minutes to get across the street. When she arrived at Seanook, the drift against the door was as high as the handle. For the duration of the morning there were no views, just a complete white-out as if plastered to every window.
Two hours later the storm was starting to ebb. When he went out with the snowblower, Ron found the path completely blown in again, and the snow was again nearly up to the handle of the entry to Seanook.
By 3:00 pm the sun was out. Our total snow accumulation was at least 31 inches as measured at the golf course. It was an exciting storm!
We had the next day for a bit of catch-up before receiving another 4 – 5 inches that night, hence the latter photos of the snow glued to trees.
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A 45 degree grey day of steady 35mph winds out of the southwest with whitecaps and the few remaining boats bouncing on the bay, was followed by a perfect 63 degree sunny day with only light winds. We take each as it comes and enjoy each in
From beneath the lower deck.
its own spirit. So for the first we marvelled from the inside, snug by the fire; for the second we revelled outside in its balmy attitude. The moon also lined up correctly so we were able to take in the float and ramp, just the two of us, with minimal effort, and then proceeded repairing the dock and shoring up under the lower deck. What a great day! It was followed
As the sun slips behind the ridge
by an equally gorgeous sunset portending rain for tomorrow’s dawn.
Our spring was exhilarating with birds chirping, colorful mini leaves bursting against bright blue sky, sunshine surrounding, and flits of fog flowing to and fro. All the while the greening earth continues to require plenty of editing on Mary Ellen’s part! But it is beautiful and we appreciate every minute of it. Here are some of the highlights.
This beautiful September weather we are having portends great Fall color next month. To the north of here it has already started and is gradually moving down the state. It should arrive here in earnest by the second week of October and
Jones’ Island in fog
basically last all month barring a ferocious wind storm. These photos are from October 20 last year.
We still have open at Seanook four nights coming up this season, October 20 – 23, 2013. The best restaurants will be open. Ports of Italy will serve through November 3. That time of year you will be able to drive right onto the dock to park for McSeagull’s. The pace is a bit slower and the attention a little warmer.
Candy and David took us out for a sail on Enddeavor. We went straight out the bay towards Squirrel Island. Soon after we saw this cloud formation, we were showered with hail. We came about and went back, sailing before the wind all the way in.
On our return we were nestled into the cockpit enjoying Candy's hot buttered rum when we looked up to see this.
Enkianthus by our woodshed, a plant for all seasons.
Our rowboat moored in the cove, evening.
A morning of high winds and fog. We awoke to Endeavor on the rocks by Mike Main's. This photo taken while waiting for a downed tree and power line to be cleaned up.
These Rosanne geraniums bloomed all season; now acquiring some winter protection.
Remnants of Fall color from the parking area at Paradise Cottage.
Favorite Summer and Fall photos from Paradise Point Road
Seanook in Fall Glory!
Our Summer and Fall seasons on Paradise Point Road have been glorious all around. Unfortunately, you have to click “READ MORE” again and again to get the link to work. https://photos.app.goo.gl/NmRx57eSJHHWYxiN8 For those of you who were here, we hope you will enjoy re-living some of what you experienced; for others, please enjoy the photos and we hope you can come soon.
Many plants thrive when cooler temperatures arrive. Interesting and beautiful things were happening in the gardens all the way until frost and after, as the monkshood and montauk daisies seemed to be unaffected by freezing temperatures. Much of the Fall has been
Streambed garden with phlox, clethra and cleome
Our last Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon bloom
The path to Paradise Cottage with sedum, cleome, impatiens,and anenome in bloom
Morning glory on the trellis. Just a few blossoms opened for us; this is the truest blue flower in our garden
Anenome shapes
Anenome and bumble bee
In this photo are clethra, cleome, persicaria, impatiens, lamium,fern and rhubarb
The lobelia was new this Fall; still in search of blue blooms.
Monkshood, montauk daisies, cimicifuga on November 1 in the Studio garden. By now the firewood is covered to keep it dry.
The fall gardens along the path to Paradise Cottage were sumptuous! Anenome, phlox, clethra, sedum, impatiens
marvelous for us too; it has been long and mild – with no bugs into the evening.
Leaves and blossoms are much anticipated and celebrated here as spring takes a long metamorphosis. Our garden delivered. The display began in the Studio garden in May. In June rhododendron at Paradise Cottage were spectacular. The Hawthorn tree covered itself bountifully. Armeria, or sea thrift, decorated the path to the Studio from Paradise Cottage along with sandwort and a few johnny-jump-ups. The walk to the cove was embellished by Iris, daisies and lupine in addition to centaurea.
Bountiful blooms on the Hawthorne tree with rhododendron behind
For those of you who want to plan your visit around bloom times, here is a smattering of what was flowering in Mary Ellen’s Garden in June in chronological order from the beginning of the month to the end.
Streambed garden on a misty morning 6/1/17
Red rhododendron and fern 6/4/17
Pink rhododendrons frame the path 6/4/17
Rhododendrons and Hawthorne tree blooming by Paradise Cottage 6/12/17
Clematis on the light pole with pink rhododendron behind 6/13/17
Rhododendrons at their peak 6/13/17
Rhodendrons and Hawthorne tree blooming by Paradise Cottage with sunset 6/12
Pink rhododendron 6/13/17
Red rhododendron close-up 6/13/17
White foxtail lily detail 6/18/17
Siberian iris in the Studio Garden 6/18/17
Siberian iris with raindrops 6/18/17
Single blue iris up close 6/18/17
Roadside garden by Seanook 6/18/17
Blue-eyed grass, actually in the iris family 6/18/17
Clematis 6/18
Columbine 6/18/17
Red, white and blue - Red rhododendron with white dogwood and blue iris 6/18/17
Maroon iris and dark red pelargonium 6/26/17
Dwarf hemlock sporting new growth 6/26/17
Mountain Laurel 6/29/17
Single peony 6/29/17
Dogwood branch 6/29/17
Herbs for burgers; lemin thyme,dill, spanish oregano,taragon,sage 6/29/17
On this bright sunshiny day please join me for a walk around inside Seanook, and looking out! <a href=”https://photos.app.goo.gl/3FVAvzc6QMu8qPB13“>Click here to watch!</a>
Our “New-to-us” motor boat took us for a Fall Foliage tour up the Sheepscot
All morning the fog had been offering hope that it might lift, but as we departed the security of the dock, it socked in
Coming out of the ocean fog into Townsend’s Gut
closer, and in a blink Perch Island appeared 200 yards ahead of us. Then with renewed attention to wind direction we headed out of Linekin Bay. As we rounded Spruce Point and crossed the mouth of Boothbay Harbor, the white shroud lifted. We steered into Townsend’s Gut where the last of the mist vaporized into fingers of sunlight piercing between the trees above steep shoreline.
The blue Sheepscot beyond the swing bridge of Townsend Gut
We proceeded under the swing bridge and up the bright blue waters toward the Sheepscot. What a wonderland of water ledges and trees! It was an unusually low tide, but we navigated a very narrow spot with seaweed showing all around to get out into the river. Then back to Robinson’s Wharf for an early supper; we were all famished!
The view from our table at Robinsons’
The view from our table at Robinson’s was not lacking!
After a satisfying round of steamed mussels & clams, lobster stew, shrimp alfredo, and sweet potato fries we veered homeward. The full moon greeted us as we exited the Gut. What a perfect afternoon boat ride!
Paradise Cottage, on Paradise Point Road in East Boothbay, has 4 weeks open (July 20 – Aug 16) at the height of summer! Contemplate relaxing water views, nestle into the woods and gardens from the sitting/dining area on the porch, or borrow our kayaks to paddle at the head of Linekin Bay. Quiet and sequestered, yet only 3 miles from Boothbay Harbor. Floor to ceiling windows bring the outside in, or enjoy private outside living. Spring is also an exciting time to visit Mary Ellen’s gardens. The month of April 10 – May 24, 2019 is available at Paradise Cottage for $1400/month. Or two people can come for 3 nights in April ($410), or a week in May ($990). It is such fun to watch little things poke through the ground and then expand. All the while birds are announcing their joyous return as they migrate back, and leaves are emerging from seemingly lifeless branches. Open your window at night for fresh salt air and wake up to bird twittering and the soothing swishing of little waves at high tide. Go for a hike in a Boothbay Region Land Trust preserve, get out on the ocean with a boat excursion, take in any sort of show at the Opera House of Boothbay Harbor, or dine on gourmet seafood at one of our fabulous area restaurants. Spend a day at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, or on Monhegan Island. We personally do all our own booking! Call for more information!Call now
September is our favorite month! Of course, we say that about every month, but September, regardless, ranks right at the top. The air is crisp, clear and cool which makes the colors vibrant and the water sparkle. It is not too cool to still enjoy summer activities, and around here there are fewer people to deal with when you are doing so. Although the fish hawks and
A lobster boat in the cove
hermit thrush have already left, other wildlife seem to be more in evidence. I saw turkeys yesterday, a deer, an eagle, a loon, and a flock of mergansers.
Besides that, the tide was high enough for two lobster boats to chug right close by Seanook and into our cove to leave or pick up traps at the shore.
Spring leaves add color on the hillsides around the bay
In a matter of a week we switched from nighttimes in the single digits and windy days in the 20’s to early morning lows in the 30’s and daytimes above 50 degrees! Our neighbor has already taken down his sap buckets on the maple trees, a
Linekin Bay Sunset and reflection.
sure sign of Spring. We are busy finishing up winter projects, doing outside painting, cleaning up in the gardens, and dreaming of the flowers to come.
There is one boat on the bay now, and the wonderful sunsets persist.
Fog. We woke up to a white world, socked in; we could see nothing. Occasionally a yellow hint
Bayville emerging from the fog
to the light gave evidence that the sun was trying to burn through. When it finally had the upper hand, the drama of the fog’s last try was breathtaking. The time difference between this first photo and the last is 4 minutes; its all done in a flash.
The majesty and calm of sunset envelopes your evening at Seanook
You can sit by the fire and read in the afterglow. Or better yet, relax in the sunroom as colors evolve down the whole
Sundown at Seanook
length of Linekin Bay. This is one of our favorite things to do, especially in winter when it can take more than an hour for the bright hues to completely fade. Before we know it we are sitting there in the dark as lights twinkle from Cabbage Island and from across the bay, and perhaps Venus and the moon from above, and blend with the flickering glow from our fireplace into perfect calm.
Views of Spring at Our Place, Paradise Point Road 2017
In spite of the rain we are enjoying an awesome Spring right here on Paradise Point Road, because of glorious days sprinkled between. Even the cloudy days have been warm enough to work outside, actually perfect for planting. Please enjoy the link to more https://goo.gl/znfHFk
A garden would not be “normal” without a lot of redoing. Much digging up and replanting went on in the Studio garden all summer, yet there were plenty of highlights — and more to be done!
In search of the elusive blue flower, but this Blue Satin Rose of Sharon is more purple than blue.
Nicely fragrant lilies added another dimension to the impact of the echinacea
This is no ordinary orange daylily, combined here with Southern Charm mullen
Early harbingers of Fall: crocosmia Lucifer and goldenrod
Pale yellow, such a delicate color! Daylilies and sweet fern.
Seanook from the air on a Fall morning by Jack Keegan
Come to relax in the calming environment, or visit and participate in the activities of bustling Boothbay Harbor just three miles away.
Our location at the head of Linekin Bay offers you the best of both worlds. Sequestered at the edge of woods and water, you can enjoy rest from your normal everyday sounds and sights while taking in the view of sparkling water and nature teaming around you, yet be close to gourmet restaurants, the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, State of Maine Aquarium, events at the Opera House, boat excursions, and varied shops.
Hiking abounds in the area on Boothbay Region Land Trust trails, or follow our directions to treck from here to Boothbay Harbor over the water and through the woods. Borrow one or more of our kayaks or a rowboat to paddle on the bay. Fish off our dock (Seanook only) or swim in our warmer-than normal cove waters, beach comb, or just sit and enjoy the changes of tide, wind and weather occurring around you.
Mary Ellen’s gardens offer more opportunities for relaxation and contemplation with multiple seating choices sprinkled throughout. Or come visit Paradise Studio to view her landscapes and seascapes in oil.
Both our cottages have full kitchens, two baths with showers, floor to ceiling windows, washer and dryer, and expansive decks for outside living. Breath easy; everything you need is here.
Seanook from the air on a Fall morning by Jack KeeganRead more
Winter did not arrive here in earnest until mid December. Then we had two major snowstorms in one week. It took us a day
Paradise Cottage after the second December storm
to dig out from each.
Ice from the first Polar Vortex fills the head of Linekin Bay
The descent of the Polar Vortex, though not as deep or lengthy as in other places did result in a good coating of ice on Linekin Bay. This was followed by a heavy, wet snow with no wind as it fell. The result was magical.
Looking across the front of Seanook toward the bay.
Rain on the window of Seanook’s sunroom
At the end of the storm we had a brief period of rain.
The sun pokes through the clouds and shines on the water
The sun shone through as the clouds began to dissipate.
