Eating Out in Maine

Remember this scenario? Just about every parent has done this. Coerced our children into tasting a new to them food. "Come on, just one bite". "It's good for you, nutritious and delicious". "Don't you want to be a gourmand when you grow up?". "Close your eyes and just swallow the d--- thing". Yes, know you're not supposed to do that to your kids, but when you know something is so yummy and delicious you hate to think they're missing the taste and texture.....................of a fried clam!!!

We always stop here on the little causeway in Kennebunkport, Maine for fried clams. Not the juicy, slimy, dip in melted butter, open mouth and slurp down 'steamers'. The just out of the bay, quick deep fried, golden, crispy, little critters, dipped in spicy cocktail sauce, chewed a bit and swallowed with an "ah, these darned things are fabulous, pass them back over here please".

We try to get one of three outdoor rustic benches on the deck in back of the Clam Shack. We can watch the ducks swimming below, the swifts flying by, and the whale watching boats come and go.

Did you know that grandchildren are no different from your children. Sometimes they have to be coerced also. Jasmin has eaten most things we've offered on our travels. There was Seche (Cuttlefish) and Pissaladiere (like a pizza with 10 tons of sliced onions, anchovies and black olives) in France. In England she like everything, especially my second cousin's cheese scones, and at the local pub, the cheese baps (rolls) washed down with elderberry soda. In Spain she sat at a sidewalk cafe in Figueras and tucked into spicy tapas for lunch.........while we four adults tossed back a couple of bottles of the best chilled Spanish rose wine ever!

But............take a look at this face, it says it all!

As Granddad tucked into his delicious golden fried, crispy clams, Jasmin decided no way............and, sadly, she missed out on a tasty New England delicacy.

Needless to say, DH and I had no problem eating her share!

Maine was beautiful. We'll be back for fried clams, lobster and steamers some day soon I hope. (Perhaps she'll try them next time..................and love 'em hopefully).

Beach Roses at Cape Neddick

Nubble Light House, Cape Neddick, Maine ~ July 6, 2009

Beach roses smell as roses should! Light, delicate, true rose fragrance. The Ranger told us the roses were pruned back hard in early Spring. They have exploded into huge, healthy bushes, massed with blooms now that Summer warmth and sunshine have touched the New England coast.

A perfect day ~ cloudless sky, slight breeze, temperature around eighty degrees.


Stop and smell the roses, breathe in the salty air. Be thankful for the perfect day.

Beautiful Maine.