Hurricane Sandy: An Experience in Absentia

Maddie and Ollie, some many years from now, you may ask your mom and dad, "Why don't we remember Hurrican Sandy? We lived in New Jersey in the fall of 2012!" And we will have to remind you... we spent the entire storm and the weeks that followed it in Maine, untouched by even a whisper of the hardships that had smashed all semblance of normal life in NJ. Yes, like all of the east coast, we had very heavy winds and rain on Monday night and Tuesday, but around us here, there was virtually no damage at all, and no power outage. So we carried on as usual after that, while nearly 100% of northern New Jersey was out of power, and trees had smashed people's houses, and school was cancelled for over a week - even Halloween was cancelled! We are still here in Maine, more than a week later, and our house in NJ is still without power. We won't be headed home until we get power back. It is unfathomable, the devestation that so many are experiencing: lost lives, lost homes, lost businesses. We have lost nothing but a lot of frozen meats and Maine shrimp... not a lot to complain about, that's for sure. And through all of this crazy time, you have been surrounded by all four of your loving grandparents; just today Grandma Carole and Granddad Maurice flew home to England after a wonderful 2 1/2 week visit. Their last night was spent with Daddy in our cold, darkened house on Alexandra Road -- just a taste of what the entire week has been like for the rest of New Jersey. We had a wonderful birthday celebration for you on Saturday, Ollie (your favorite present was your "big boy" camera!), and right now you are sleeping upstairs, your very last night as a five-year-old. I hope that if life continues to blanket you with blessings rather than hardships, you grow up with a heart that is caring, mindful, and generous in every way, and that you help others when you are able.

Ollie's First Day of School!!!

Ollie, 28 minutes ago, you stepped onto a schoolbus for the very first time, and stepped right out of little-boyhood into big-boyhood, with your typical enthusiasm and joy. As this day got closer, you got more and more excited. We've been busy gathering the supplies on your back-to-school list from the school, which include baby wipes (??), 6 glue sticks, and a margarine container, among other assorted items.  Daddy worked from home today so we could all walk to the bus stop on the corner together, and so he could see his little boy off on his BIG DAY!!

Maddie is at preschool today, but she'll be home in time to meet you at the bus stop after school. As soon as we could see the bus coming up the street, you started shouting excitedly, "Here it comes!!" and as you walked towards the door,

you remembered to wave but you were completely focused on the bus. I don't think you would have looked back, but we shouted, "Turn around for a photo, Ollie!!" and you graciously obliged. The busdriver, Ms. Peggy, called out, "Hello, Oliver!" as soon as the door opened for him, and she looks very friendly, indeed. We saw you waving and smiling from your seat inside the bus, and we waved as the bus pulled away, taking you off to start SUCH a big adventure. 

Daddy held my hand and I had to wipe away a few tears, seeing my little boy taking such a big step. Ollie, you will love it, because you are so full of curiosity, enthusiasm, humor, and gentleness. We're so proud that you're our boy.

Happy Camper

Ollie is having a fantastic week at Blueberry Cove... on the last two mornings when I dropped him off, he quickly found his new friend, Joey, and I watched (with heart swelling) as they wandered off together, hand in hand. He came home last night with his spare clothes bunched up in his backpack, soaking wet and filthy with mud - so I figured it must have been a good day. Today it's a big camp trip to Drift Inn Beach all morning, what fun!

Our Garden Fairy

Sweet Maddie is so excited about her new fairy costume! She hasn't had a lot of dress-up clothes yet, so when I saw this today, I couldn't resist. We've had days and days of only sunshine here in Maine, and finally today we had a big huge rainstorm, with a bit of thunder and lightening as well (the kids loved it!). When it cleared out this evening, the light was fantastic, so we couldn't resist having a little walk to the harbor to enjoy it. Maddie obliged her silly mom by posing endlessly for photos. In this first shot, I think I asked her to smile really big, and this was the result!

I decided she must be calling out to all the other garden fairies to join in her revelry. Then she ran around in the grass a lot, possibly attempting to take flight. Prettiest garden fairy ever. xoxo

Nothing Better

Whether it's Tenants Harbor or Hayfield, I think there's almost nothing nicer in the world than taking an evening stroll with Andy and the kids. We're having glorious weather here this year, every day feels like heaven. All you can do is smile.

Soulshine Boy

It's not every day that you get an email that makes you smile inside and out. I'm posting this so that Oliver can look back in 20 years and have special insight into the kind of little boy he was. A very, very special boy indeed!!!! Last summer he was a camper at Soulshine Farm in Randolph, NJ for two short sessions, one in June and one in August. It's such a great place - each day is divided into three sections: arts, farm/garden, and yoga!! Ollie apparently made a big impression on them!!! Here's the email I received this morning:

**********
Hello Gillian and Oliver.... Hope your trip to the UK was delightful. I wanted you to know that Oliver, you were the topic of conversation today at camp...the conversation went like this. “Hey Miss Julie can you check when that boy named Oliver is coming? I hope he comes when I’m here, I wanted to show him my hat.” Another camper chimes in...“Yeah, I loved having Oliver here.” And a staff member...“I agree, it is not the same without Oliver.” No pressure, but we miss him! We’ve had a terrific start to camp and are enjoying the children so much....but it feels like someone is missing. All sessions are now full - but for Oliver, I will add an opening to any week he’d like to attend based on camper enthusiasm for his charming manner. You’ve raised one memorable child that others like to be around. Again, no pressure, just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about you. Smiles, Julie, campers and crew
PS I also have some scholarships left, so if it would be helpful for Oliver to come as our guest, he is welcome.
************
On trying days, Oliver, I will return to this and smile, again and again!! We love you!!! (Here's a photo of Ollie taken just a few days ago here in Maine, wearing his Soulshine Farm tshirt with pride!!)

Gardens, Shmardens

The Garden Tour this year was really, really nice, but the best part was just being out with Mom and Dad, Ian, Aidan, Eli, and Hillary!!! We even had a nice visit with Marianne and Arthur. Andy stayed home with the kids and they all had a lovely time at Drift Inn Beach. Fantastic day!