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Puffins are cute and comical seabirds which breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands along the Maine coast, nesting in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil. They are stocky black and white birds with distinctive, colorful orange beaks during their breeding season; they can grow to nearly a meter in height depending on the species. Their short wings are adapted for swimming with a flying technique under water. In the air, they beat their wings rapidly in swift flight. It is thought the name puffin comes from the word ‘puff,’ which refers to swollen. The puffin chick is most like its name because of its round, puffed look resulting from its dense cover of down feathers, which helps the chick retain body heat while the parent is off fishing. They look like little balls of puff with a beak and feet sticking out. Puffin chicks are usually fed by their parents, who mostly eat small fish such as herring, hake and capelin. The parents carry the fish in the bills, around 10 fish at a time, although the record is 62! They will either pass them to the chicks or drop them on the burrow floor, several times each day. The puffin diets can vary from colony to colony, depending on the fish available around the breeding islands. In winter they may also eat crustaceans. Puffins dive to catch fish, and most dives usually last 20 to 30 seconds.  While underwater, the puffin swims by using its wings to push itself along, almost as if it were flying, and uses its feet as a rudder.  In the air, a puffin can fly as fast as 48-55 mph. Their wings beat so rapidly that they blur, giving the bird the appearance of the black and white football. Puffins do not normally breed until they are 5 years old and use their pre-breeding years to learn about feeding places, choosing a mate and nest sites. They dig their 2-3 foot long burrows in earth or between rocks on steep sea cliffs, as protection from predators, using their bills to cut into soil and their feet to shovel away loose material.  At the back of the burrow, the parents build a soft nest of feathers and grass where they incubate the single egg the female lays each year. They mate for life, which can be 20 years or more, and use the same burrow each year. Both parents share the duties of incubating the egg and rearing the chick. There are five Atlantic Puffin colonies along the Maine coast. Three are frequently visited, two are sporadically visited. Only one allows visitors to land. Eastern Egg Rock is a  7-acre island six miles from New Harbor, owned by the state and managed by The Puffin Project. The island is less exposed to challenging seas and this can be a good choice for visitors prone to seasickness!   Remember to take a guess at the two places of A – Z my husband and I will be visiting this summer, after we get to Z.  A copy of my second book is the prize for the correct guess! 0 0

I hope I’m not going to bore you with yet another house, but Rhe’s interest in old buildings is also mine. This one is famous not only for its history, but because it was depicted in Andrew Wyeth’s iconic Christina’s World. Olson House is a 14-room colonial farmhouse in Cushing. It was built in the late 1700s by Captain Samuel Hathorn II and was substantially altered in 1871 by Captain Samuel Hathorn IV. These alterations included the addition of several bedrooms on the third floor and the construction of a steeply pitched roof. Christina Olson and Alvaro Olson, descendants of the Captains Hathorn, inherited the property in 1929 from their mother Kathe Hathorn. Christina and Alvaro Hathorn were depicted in numerous paintings and sketches by Wyeth from 1939 to 1968. Anna Christina Olson is thought to have suffered from polio, but based on her symptoms, was more likely afflicted with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic disorder characterized by a progressive wasting away of the muscles, paralysis, and loss of sensation beginning in late childhood or early adulthood. Wyeth was inspired to create the painting when he saw her crawling across a field while he was watching from a window in the house. After Christina’s death in 1968, the house was purchased by movie director Joseph E. Levine, an admirer of Wyeth’s work. Levine operated the house as a museum for two years starting in 1971 but local residents opposed this use. The house was then purchased by Apple CEO John Sculley, who put the house up for sale in 1989; he eventually donated the house to the Farnsworth Art Museum 1991. This museum has one of the nation’s largest collections of the paintings of the Wyeth family: N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. It maintains the houses as a facility open to the public. The house was designated as a National Historical Landmark in June 2011. I have myself visited the Farnsworth Museum, just to see the Wyeth family paintings, and the experience was unforgettable. An “F” for another day!   0 0

This one is for all you train aficionados out there! The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum is one tourist attraction that Rhe’s son Jack would love. And also Dr. Sheldon Cooper, from the Big Bang Theory. Located on Portland’s waterfront, the museum is dedicated to the preservation of Maine’s two-foot gauge railways for the education and enjoyment of the public. Funded in 1993, this organization contains a collection of rolling stock and artifacts from the two feet narrow gauge railways that ran in Maine in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The trains, called Maine Two-Footers, were originally designed and built to carry people and products through Maine’s mountainous interior. The five narrow gauge trains that once operated in Maine, ran in rural areas on lines that ran through woods and carried passengers, farming materials, lumber and some manufacturing goods The museum and railroad are housed in a 7,500-square-foot space in the Portland Company complex on Fore Street. In addition to exhibits, the organization operates a 1½ mile long railroad that runs along the waterfront of Casco Bay and parallels Portland’s Eastern Promenade. A variety of restored locomotives and coaches are used in running the train. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is moving ahead with plans to leave Portland’s waterfront. Most of the operations are scheduled to move to Gray in 2016, but rides may be offered in Portland until 2023. The new location in Gray is an easy ride from Portland but is more central to other population centers, such as the Sebago Lake region, Freeport and Lewiston-Auburn. The museum is open Saturdays through Thursdays from May to October (closed Fridays). 0 0

Maine occupies the northern part of the Appalachian Highlands region of the United States. Its physical features were determined by continental glaciers more than 10,000 years ago, which eroded and smoothed the hills and in places leveled the land. When the glaciers receded, they dammed rivers to created lakes, and left widespread debris in such forms as moraines, eskers, and drumlins. I thought I would briefly introduce you to the wide variety of gentle mountains in Maine, which range from the eastern White Mountains to the peaks of the Rangeley area to the remote Baxter State Park. Within these regions lie 14 of New England’s 4,000 foot peaks. Geographically, Maine itself is divided into three major regions: the Seaboard Lowland, Longfellow Mountains, and New England Upland. The scattered Longfellow Mountains, the state’s major range, are considered an extension of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. In 1959, they were named by the Maine Legislature for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, poet and native son. This range is composed of widely-separated, low, glacier-rounded mountains extending northeastward across much of the state. Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, rises to 5,267 feet above sea level. The other major summits are also fairly low, between 3,000 and 4,200 feet. The Longfellow Mountains contain the terminus of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 2,155 mile footpath that runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine. Maine is considered by many to have the most difficult, rugged, and beautiful part of the trail. New Hampshire’s Mount Washington was originally considered to be the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but Myron Avery, the first 2000 mile hiker of the trail, spearheaded the effort to carry the trail across Maine. His efforts included creating locations for camp sites, measuring the original 269 miles of trail, and recording data on the path. In 1937 the trail in Maine was connected to the trail south to Georgia by the Civilian Conservation Corps, thus accomplishing Avery’s goal. The Trail is a little different today than it was in 1937, although 180 miles of it were relocated in 1968 to enhance its appeal. The mountainous region of the Maine Appalachian Trail amazes everyone who walks its path. For anyone who’s into hiking, Maine is a great place to visit. Don’t forget to make your best guess (or several guesses) as to which two places of A-Z I’ll be visiting this summer; the winner(s) get a free book! 0 0

The United Society of Believers, commonly called Shakers, was founded in 1747 in Manchester, England. Because if their vigorous bodily agitation during worship, they were derisively called “Shaking Quakers,” later just Shakers. A young woman named Ann Lee joined the group and was imprisoned in 1770 for her religious beliefs. During her imprisonment she experienced a series of visions, and from then on was acknowledged at the Shaker leader, known as Mother Ann. In 1774 a revelation led her to take a select band to America. They landed in New York City and eventually migrated to a place outside Albany, beginning community life in 1776. The Shaker settlement at Sabbathday Lake, near New Gloucester, Maine, was founded in 1783 by a group of missionaries. The community grew to over two hundred members in less than a year, but even in the sect’s heyday, it was one of the smaller Shaker groups. Aurelia Gay Mace was the first leader of Sabbathday Lake Shaker community. It is now the last remaining Shaker group in the United States, and as of 2012, had only three members. By 1850, the Sabbathday Lake Community had grown to a size of 1,900 acres with 26 large buildings, including the meeting house; Brethren’s Shop which still holds a working blacksmith shop and woodworking operation; and a large Central Dwelling House built in 1883 or 1884. Other buildings with historical significance are the Shaker Library, the Cart and Carriage Shed, Ox Barn, The Girl’s Shop, Herb House, Brooder House, Wood House, a garage built in 1910 for the group’s first car, a Summer House and the Laundry building. The Shakers of the Sabbathday Lake Community were largely self-sufficient, selling goods from their mill and farm. In 1823 there were still about 150 members of the community The reason the numbers have dwindled over the year is that Shakers are celibate. Thus new members cannot be born into the group and must join from the outside. Membership to the community is still open, and occasionally “novices” will explore joining the society. Current members have taken steps to ensure that Sabbathday Lake Village will remain largely unchanged once the final members of the group die. The Museum at the settlement is the largest repository of Maine Shaker culture. Examples of furniture, oval boxes, woodenware, metal and tin wares, technology and tools, costume and textiles, visual arts, and herbal and medicinal products are among the 13,000 artifacts currently part of the Sabbathday Lake collection. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker village was declared a Nation Historic Landmark in 1974. It is open for tours from the end of May through mid-October.    0 0

The Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta was built between 1828 and 1838, as a  result of the Northeast Boundary Controversy (1820-1842), a border dispute with neighboring New Brunswick, Canada. The Arsenal is the most intact, early nineteenth century munitions depot in the United States, a complex of eight granite buildings on a commanding location on the east bank of the Kennebec River. It is significant as the best surviving example of an early nineteenth century military complex and was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2000. I can see Jack dancing around on its grounds while Rhe pokes her nose into every nook and cranny. The War of 1812 had demonstrated the need for the United States to better defend its coast against potential foreign attacks, so the federal government embarked on a large-scale development of coastal and border fortifications. Since Maine had had some of its communities occupied during the war and was engaged in the continuing border dispute with New Brunswick, this particular site was singled out for the building and garrisoning of an arsenal. Its situation on the east bank of the Kennebec River was chosen in part for its ready access by boat, and plans were first drafted in 1827. The commandant’s and officer quarters, barracks, stables, a carriage shop, and the main armory were built between 1828 and 1832, with most of the major structures constructed from granite. After 1832, the quarters were enlarged in Greek Revival styling, and the large and small magazines were built, along with a perimeter fence of granite and iron. When both Maine and New Brunswick organized militias to send to the disputed region in 1838, the situation reached a crisis level. The US government sent General Winfield Scott of the arsenal and he negotiated a stand-down with the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, John Harvey, who was a personal friend. The border was fixed at its present location by the 1842 Webster- Ashburton Treaty. The importance of the arsenal declined after this, and because of its comparatively remote location, it was deemed unsuitable for the large-scale production of weapons. It was closed in 1900 and turned over to the State of Maine as an expansion of the Maine State Hospital to house mental patients. All the wooden structures were torn down and the granite buildings were adapted for the hospital’s use. The Maine State Hospital, later renamed the Augusta Mental Health Institute, closed its doors in 2004, and the arsenal property was sold to a developer, with historic preservation restrictions.    The arsenal was slated for renovations shortly after that, but when no work was done, the property deteriorated and vandals broke windows and sprayed graffiti on the walls. The owner claimed that the poor economy hampered efforts to renovate and maintain the property, but the Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit in 2013, seeking return of the property to the State. At this point, a $12,000 roof was installed on the gatehouse, and electricity was restored to at least some of the site, enabling security cameras to function. By November 2013, five of the six buildings on the site had new roofs or were in the process of getting them. Windows were sealed or temporarily boarded up, along with other work. The owner intends to turn the gatehouse into offices for his firm and the barracks into two residential units and office space. Isn’t this a place to which Rhe would be drawn? 0 0

In keeping with Rhe’s interest in old houses and unusual architecture, today I am introducing you to the James G. Blaine house.                                                        Facade of Blaine House The Blaine House is the official residence of the Governor of Maine and his or her family, across the street from the Maine State House in Augusta. The house was built in 1833 by James Hall, a retired sea captain. James G. Blaine, at that time Speaker of the Maine House of Representative, purchased it in 1862 as a present for his wife, Harriet Stanwood, daughter of a prominent Augusta family. Although born in Pennsylvania, James G. Blaine was one of Maine’s most illustrious political leaders. He was Speaker of the House in the U.S. Congress, then a US Senator and, on two later occasions, served as our country’s Secretary of State. In 1884,he lost the presidency by less than 2000 votes, when he failed to carry the state of New York by that small margin. The house was built in the Federalist style, an American architectural genre that differs from the previously favored Georgian colonial style by having a smoother facade and plain surfaces with isolated in panels, tablets and friezes. Blaine substantially enlarged the building, constructing an addition at the rear that was a near replica of the original structure, and removing interior walls to create a large entertainment space. Unfortunately the house’s original motif was changed in 1872 to Victorian and Italianate, and again, in 1919, to a semi-Colonial structure under the direction of noted Maine architect, John Calvin Stevens. The grounds of the house were landscaped by the famous Olmstead firm. During World War I the house was used by Maine’s Committee for Public Safety. It was presented to the State by Blaine’s youngest daughter, Mrs. Harriet Blaine Beale, in memory of James Blaine’s grandson, Walker Blaine Beale, killed in action in World War I, and was established by the 1919 Legislature as the official residence of the Governor of Maine. Blaine House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964 for its association with James G. Blaine. 0 0

Good morning, everyone! This post is to remind you that LEGENDS OF WINDERMERE: SLEEPER IN THE WILDWOOD FUGUE by Charles E. Yallowiz is now live on Kindle and available for voracious reading. A short synopsis: The final champion stirs and reaches out to any who can hear her voice. Yet all who heed her call will disappear into the misty fugue. Awakening their new ally is only the beginning as Luke, Nyx, and their friends head south to the desert city of Bor’daruk. Hunting for another temple once used to seal Baron Kernaghan, they are unaware that the game of destiny has changed. Out for blood and pain, Stephen is determined to make Luke wish he’d never set out to become a hero. By the time the sun sets on Bor’daruk, minds will be shattered and the champions’ lives will be changed forever. Intrigued? Download it! About the author: Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he returns from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day not so long ago, he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After his wife decided she was tired of hearing the same stories repeatedly, she convinced him that it would make more sense to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house and under orders to shut up and get to work, Charles brings you Legends of Windermere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you, and his wife is happy he finally has someone else to play with. Today is Charles’ birthday! I don’t know about you, but birthdays in my family are always special days. Here are his contacts, so you can wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLES! Blog: Legends of Windemere Twitter: @cyallowitz Facebook: Charles Yallowitz Website: www.charleseyallowitz.com There are several previous volumes of the Legends of Windermere that I know you will also enjoy: BEGINNING OF A HERO PRODIGY OF RAINBOW TOWER ALLURE OF THE GYPSIES FAMILY OF THE TRI-RUNE THE COMPASS KEY CURSE OF THE DARK WIND One of the things I especially love about these books are their smashing covers, so please admire these: 0 0

An  ‘I’ was definitely hard to find and then I discovered the isacc H. Evans. Isaac H. Evans is another Maine Windjammer, currently serving the tourist trade, similar to the Grace Bailey. This two-masted schooner was built by George Vannaman in 1886 in Mauricetown, New Jersey and was first owned by a consortium. Vannaman Shipyard in Mauricetown, NJ, circa 1873 She eventually became the sole property of Harrison Sheppard. Originally named the Boyd N. Sheppard, she is the oldest of a small number of surviving oyster schooners. Sheppard worked the oyster beds of Delaware Bay, using her to ship his product to New York City. In 1909 she was sold to the three sons of Isaac H. Evans in 1919, who renamed her after their father . She continued to work in the oyster trade until 1946, when her masts were removed and a motor installed. Use of this type of ship in the oystering industry declined in the years after World War II, and many of the existing schooners were either scrapped or laid up and left to rot. Isaac H. Evans was purchased by a couple from Rockland, Maine, and brought from New Jersey to the old Percy and Small Shipyard, which is now part of the Bath Maritime Museum, in 1971. By 1973 she was completely rebuilt to her original sailing configuration and adapted for her new use in the existing Maine windjammer fleet. She was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Isaac H. Evans has a 99 foot long deck, is 20 feet wide at the beam, and draws only 6 feet when her centerboard is up, 13 when it is down. Her very shallow draft allows the boat to haunt the islands of the coast and visit its small harbors. She has two masts and a gaff rigged topsail, low sides and an elegant clipper bow. A trailing small power boat is used for auxiliary power to maneuver the vessel on and off the dock and when she is becalmed, similar to the Grace Bailey. The schooner’s framing is double-sawn oak and she has oak planking. Her complement of sails includes a mainsail, main topsail, foresail, staysail, and jib, and her hold has been fitted for passenger occupancy. Isaac H. Evans carries 22 vacationers on one to six-night sailing trips in Penobscot Bay with her sailing grounds ranging from Boothbay Harbor to Bar Harbor. Passengers help with the sails and other tasks, so they get the experience of a trip back in time.   0 0