Ruby-Red Raspberries & Islands in the Sea

More photos...I love filling my mind and soul with this beauty, taking my sandals off and standing in the rippling water or sitting on a rock, seeing the hermit crabs, the scuttling crabs, razor clams and the starfish my nephew Kyle found--and promptly named Jefferson. Picking my way barefoot over the rocks and shells, the slimy seaweed. Watching dogs joyfully fetching sticks. Looking to the horizon, the big picture.

I just wish I could see this treasure trove every day. I've said that for years on vacation.

But you're seeing it now, H. always says.

Yes, I'm seeing it now. Today I took at least three separate trips down to the water, just to stand in it and observe.

Figgy and her cousin Kyle after dinner tonight.

Fertile site of our beach-combing.

H., right, with his brother John.

Taylor, Figgy and Kyle.

Dinner.

This mom and daughter were selling pints of raspberries for $3.50 each on High Street near the intersection of Peach Street in Belfast. I made a U-turn to go back and get some. Are they local? I asked. From the backyard, the mom said. We had them with Monroe Cheese Studio White Gold Whole Jersey Cow Milk Yogurt, which John brought [from the Co-op].

I've been wanting to blog about this candy--Robin's Needham, made in Biddeford, Maine [originally named after a Rev. Needham in the late 1800s, per npr.org]. I got it at a Dysart's gas station stop Monday. I knew Needhams contained potatoes, a big Maine crop. But the ingredients for this are coconut, vanilla, potatoes, salt, confectioners sugar, chocolate, butter...this one was moist and dreamy, in a nice glossy dark chocolate coat.

TCOY

1. Those trips down to the water, to submerge my feet and observe the sea life, water, sky and islands rising in the distance. To stand at the water's edge and contemplate.
2. A rich indulgence, but true treat: Let Them Eat Cake's brownie made with the blood orange olive oil from the olive oil store on Main Street in Belfast. Sold at oil store for $2.99. Wow. Unbelievably moist with fresh-picked orange notes. Want to try making at home.
3. Time spent with the kids.
4. Read, napped.
5. Ate some local greens.