Thursday, November 14, 2013

Back from the seaside


We were in Ocean Park, Maine for a week at the end of October and I thought it was about time I posted some photos.  This is the beautiful Billow House where we stay in the Spring and Fall. I had accidentally hit some button on my camera and this setting came across on some of the photos.  I kind of like the antique look -- no idea how I did it though!!


We are literally on the beach when we stay here (just like our cottage in the summer).  We were here for hurricane Sandy last year.  Now you can see why our children were a little nervous for us!
But we were fine and weren't worried as we kept a close eye on things and thankfully we didn't see it nearly as bad as those poor folks in New Jersey and New York!


I love being near the water even though I don't actually swim and have a fear of water when I'm in it!


We love it here in the summer, but it really is a different world when we come in October.  We have the beach all to ourselves, except maybe some dog walkers now and then.  We actually prefer the Fall to be honest as everywhere is so quiet. You lucky people who live at the sea will understand what I mean.





I couldn't resist taking this photo.  This house is being raised to have a basement installed.


This was our first day there in a little place called Biddeford Pool
I love the Fall colours.









On the Tuesday we went to visit our beautiful Boston temple. The grounds are so well manicured and this plant (which I love) is called angel trumpets. Isn't it beautiful?




 Here is my BLT panini (bacon, lettuce and tomato)


Which we ate here at a picnic table while we watched the waves.


I have decided that this "little" house will do for me quite nicely thank you. Don't you think it's the perfect beach house?!


But as the little one below is on the market for $1.5 million, I can only guess what "my" beach house would sell for!!! Oh well, I can dream I guess!


My sweetie with his camera


Look what we found all the way across the Atlantic!


Right in someone's front garden!


We always hit Freeport for some shopping at our favourite store






They even had their Christmas displays up before we left.


Our little reading nook at the Billowhouse








Our summer cottage at 1 Casco Ave


We have booked a long weekend over Valentine's day at the Billowhouse next year. First time we will experience the beach in winter.  I'm going to try my hand at snow shoeing!
We love this place and feel very blessed to have found it. It takes us 7 1/2 hours to drive there and we are envious of all you folks in the UK who live close to the water (let's face it, everyone lives close to the water at home!) However, we also know we live in a very beautiful place ourselves.  We wouldn't trade it for the world. If we can't have England, then New England will suffice!

9 comments:

  1. Looks like a beautiful place and as though you had a wonderful time Julie. I love the giant boot at LLBean - do you think they sell many of those - just kidding!! Your photos do look great, no idea what that setting could have been! It is so annyoing when things like that happen and you like the effect, but can't do it again. Oh well, perhaps you will figure it out. xx

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  2. Hi Amy, LL Bean do actually sell those boots (in normal sizes of course). We both have a pair!

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  3. Julie, you know how much I loved those photos! It looks a perfect place for a little R&R and I would love to go there one day. We prefer to go 'off peak' when its less likely to be busy. Isnt it wonderful just strolling along deserted beaches, beachcombing and listening to the waves crashing to shore.I bet Valentine's will be really romantic there.Lucky you XX

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    1. I would love to meet up with you in Ocean Park Anne. I know you'd love it because I know you love New England! We are looking forward to February. Hope all is well at your house. Julie X

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  4. I'm visiting from Rhonda's blog.

    Those buildings looks lovely and I also like beaches in winter and grey weather. Love the big big windows in that store, and..... Christmas displays in October? Yikes!

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    1. Thanks for dropping by. Christmas displays in October? I guess I'd better not mention that we trimmed our tree on Sunday!!! We love Christmas and like to stretch out the season. Christmas music has been playing at our house for a few weeks. Come back and visit again and there will be photos of our tree in November!

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  5. Hi there, just popping in from Down to Earth Blog in Australia..............your photos of Maine are simply stunning and I do like the setting on your camera as well (whatever that is if you discover what you did accidentally). Congrats on your wedding anniversary, a fantastic effort and all those wonderful children....beautiful wedding photos as well. Enjoy a Safe and Happy Christmas. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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    1. Thanks for visiting Kathy. I hadn't read Rhonda's blog post yet for today so didn't know she linked me in her weekend reading spot. How neat! You are one of the lucky ones who live on the coast. We really feel Ocean Park is a little gem and we love it there. Thank you for your wedding anniversary wishes - we love being together and feel very blessed. I had a nosy around your blog and I love your family baking sessions! How did the soap turn out? I would love to give that a go sometime. I hope you'll check back again. I made bread today and will post about it later. I love to bake bread!

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