NICE!!!

"NICE" is the best word I can think of to describe the experience.

Although it has been a very busy week in the Lewis household, we found time to take a convertible ride to the relatively new Penobscot Narrows Observatory up near Bucksport. This 442-foot tower boasts of being the tallest of its kind in the world, and the only observatory bridge in the Western Hemisphere. I have no formal training in the field, but I would say this thing is an engineering masterpiece!
I think you can click on these pictures and they will enlarge for your viewing pleasure.











I must say, the 'pucker factor' is quite high when you first step out of the elevator. There is only about 3 feet to the glass that separates you from a 42-story drop, and it "takes wind right out of ya." But after a few minutes of bravery and adjustment, the queezie feelings disappeared and the view was pure delight.

It was a clear day and visibility was good. It seemed strange to see the hunting osprey soaring over the river - several hundred feet below you, and Cadillac Monutain looking like you could reach out and touch it. One can literally see for miles up here!


One of the neat things about this state-of-the-art structures is that its located a few hundred yards from the old Fort Knox. One gets a strange sense about history as the "old" and "new" are both beheld in one glance.

Anyway, its a good stop on your adventures up the coast of Maine ... well worth the time and cost.

MI-5 from "g"

"g" asks us to blog about something "I used to (think, feel, believe, know, etc.)...., but now I ...."

I used to think intelligent people are open-minded and non-judgmental, but now I no longer think that's true. Living has taught me that regardless of what people say about not being judgmental, they really are. I think its just human nature. Everyone makes 'judgments' based upon their values and preferences, and education or intellectual power does little (if anything) to change that. Political correctness is just an American fad.

Lobster Festival 2009

Yea ... skies were blue and the sun hot for the parade. But what a wonderful day!

We had lots of fun participating in this years Lobster Festival parade. I hear attendance and $$$ was down again this year, but you would never guess that by the crowds lining streets for the parade. We tossed a record amount of candy, and could have used another 100 pounds more.

Dwane did a great job putting us in a sweet spot for decorating and waiting for the other 99 floats to fall in line - once the parade began. It was a long and exhausting day. But how do you put a price on something like that ? The kids had a "ball", Harmony Church had a visible presence, and we made a significant contribution to building community spirit. That's priceless!

Good Times in St. George!

It was a "good time" with families at St. George Days. Many volunteers from Harmony Church came out to experience the blessing of giving and helping parents have fun with children. The bounce houses were 'mobbed' with excited kids.

The games were a hit too!














Parents were thrilled to have more fun stuff for the youngsters, while they got to enjoy the company of friends and other community activities. "Hats off" to the Fire Department for all they do! They "pull out all the stops" to make this a very special occasion.

Can't get enough!

I can't get enough of Maine's natural beauty. I am enjoying the Maine summer more and more. Now that a record-setting winter is over and we are finally getting a break from record rainfall, I want to spend more and more time outdoors.

There is still a sense of child-like wonder about places and scenes I have not yet experienced. Celebrating (sorta) the second anniversary of our move to Maine, I realize there are many nooks and crannies yet to explore. And every new discovery takes my breath away with its grandeur. I see the creative hand of God everywhere!

Being a long way from what I will always think of as home (South Florida), there are still days that I miss my childhood moorings. But most of the time I thank God for "sending me out on a voyage." I have been allowed to see so many places, and have opportunity to make so many good friends all along the way. GOD IS GOOD, AND I AM BLESSED!

'g's Five

The idea is to name the book which is your life. Give your book (your life) a title. Or, if your life were a book what would the title be? Next come the chapters. Some of these chapters will be uglier, funnier, better or worse than others. For each of the time frames listed, try to name that chapter in your life. You don't have to, but if you wanted to expand on the reasoning behind your titles, that would be great. Also, if you have a chapter in your life that isn't represented here, please feel free to add it. I was just trying to keep to the MI-5 format.

Your Book Title - "A Ride with Mr.Toad"








Chapter Titles -

Birth to 5 Years - Small-town Community
I grew up in a small coastal town of South Florida where it seems my family knew everybody. I know we didn't, because many were "snowbirds" coming from all over the Northeast during winter months. But there was such a strong sense of community and belonging there. It was somewhat like South Thomaston seems to be for her natives.

Elementary Years - The Best Ever
For those who grew up in our town, the place was paradise. We often rode our bikes to the beach at the crack of dawn only to return at dusk ... AND NOBODY WORRIED ABOUT OUR SAFETY! I spent most of my early life with the taste of sea salt on my lips and grinning from ear-to-ear.

High School Years - "Anybody Got a Light"
High School was a 'blur' - if you know what I mean. I have many times regretted some of the choices I made back then. Only now am I beginning to put all that into perspective. I recently discovered classmates.com and started learning what has become of some of my schoolmates. I would just say, in many cases "it ain't too pretty".

College Age - A Miracle Has Occurred
I went to 'tech school' to begin a career in the fire service, then started college to increase professional opportunities. Somewhere along the line I grew complacent about education and gave it up. Then at 38 I sensed a calling to change my vocation and start on a new adventure. I went back to school 'full-time' with a wife and 3 kids in tow ("thanks again" Jos), only to discover what "remedial" classes are all about. My first semester didn't even count toward a degree ... I needed the classes just to pass entry exams. But I stuck it out, studied hard, prayed A LOT and "miraculously" graduated from an 'accredited' college.

Present Age - Still On The Ride
Momentum is good and I am right where I want to be! My kids are now grown up and out on their own. I have freedom to pursue the opportunities afforded me at this stage of life. I continue leading and influencing others in a way that is (I believe) very positive. And when I see all of us changing and growing in life ... it feels great!

Cool Bike

This has GOT to be the most innovative bike I have ever seen. Almost the entire structure of the bike (at least the frame) is made to look like bone. In fact, it was called, "The Bone Bike". I saw it at the Peterson's Automotive Museum and took several pictures of it - from all angles. Its one of those works of art that requires a long study to appreciate the planning, costs, and labor required to build it. And I'm sure I don't know the half of it. The build was not only done well, but the creativity was masterful! BTW; Its powered by a 4 cyclinder Ford engine.