Putting a new dock in the water on the coast of Maine.

We happened to be out for a walk with the camera when the tractor approached the boat launch with the dock!  Do we ever really think about the effort that goes into things like this?  Or do we take for granted the hard work and time involved in keeping the waterfront maintained?  In a working harbor, shore related activities happen all the time.  This activity is necessary for the infrastructure of the harbor and certainly fun to watch!

Against a crisp blue sky, the dock is backed down to the water.

It's unhooked from the trailer and "pushed" into the harbor.

Now that the dock is floating on it's own......

.....the tractor pulls away from the launch.

Awaiting the ride to it's new destination.

The worker jumps onto the dock and prepares for transit.

Two workers climb into the boat that will deliver the new dock.

The boat is brought around.

It's positioned for movement of the dock.

Almost ready to begin the journey.

The trek is underway.

The harbor is calm; a perfect day for this adventure.

They easily maneuver around the boats and other docks in the harbor.

A lobster boat passes behind them.

The jaunt continues and they are past the moored boats.

Getting close to the harbors entrance.

Where are they headed?  We can't be sure.  A neighboring island perhaps!

Picking blueberries with Uncle Bill in 1967.

Honestly, this is one of my fondest childhood memories.  It was a hot summer day in Maine and the blueberries were ready to be picked.  When I pass a blueberry field now, I simply remember this day and smile.

Make your own portable Backgammon board for the beach!

Can you remember the last time you played a game?

Easy Applesauce Cake from an old Rumford cook book.

On the same day that I picked up the Art of British Cooking, I found The Rumford Complete Cook Book.  First published in 1908, this small and handy tutorial was published by the Department of Home Economics of the Rumford Company in Rumford, Rhode Island.  If it sounds familiar to you it should; you've probably used Rumford Baking Powder at one point or another.  The company is no longer in Rhode Island, but Rumford Baking Powder is now distributed by Clabber Girl.

Full of good old fashioned recipes, the Rumford Complete Cook Book states that "The use of Rumford Baking Powder stands for wholesome food at a reasonable cost." 

I chose this recipe because at one point, the owner of the book wrote "no good" in the margins.  I am pleased to say that I disagree!  I served this recipe for brunch yesterday and everyone agreed that it was delicious!

 

 Begin by creaming 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar.  I used the KitchenAid for this.

Sift 2 cups of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of Rumford Baking Powder (yes, you can substitute another brand). 

If you have a sifter like this, now is the time to use it!  If not, sift thoroughly using a fork.  Add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar, then add 1 cup of applesauce.  Mix thoroughly.

I decided to use this wonderful and rather small pan that I picked up at an antique shop recently.  This does not make a large cake.  It could also be used for apple muffins.

Butter and flour your pan.

Add batter and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. 

I used a small glass for the daisy water.

I served this with quiche and fresh raspberries; the perfect brunch!


Note:  The recipe says to add 1 cup of chopped, seeded raisins if you'd like.

A quiet morning on the harbor in Maine.

The harbor is a different place early in the morning.  It's a working harbor and fishing boats are coming and going.  It was particularly calm on this day; although you'll notice the flag is caught in a slight breeze. 

The sun was not up completely yet.

A splendid morning for a quiet kayak.

Flowers had been set out for yet another busy lunch and dinner round.

The shore gardens thrive! 

Tourists asleep in their cottages.

In a few hours, the parking lot will be full.

The excited children will show up for sailing camp.

If these tables could talk....

The nature of the business.

It doesn't get much more peaceful than this.

Ready for the daily routine.

A ride out to the island perhaps?

This building has been many things over the years and is for lease once again.

The call of the Phoebe is background chatter.

Lots of wild flowers in bloom!

We make the short journey back to town.  A picture perfect day in Maine.