Fabulous Fourth!

It's official, the Fourth of 2010 in Portland, ME was one for the record books!

The weather was incredible ALL weekend long and the fireworks, sponsored by private business, were terrific, but the icing on the cake was the Portland Symphony Orchestra, playing as the fireworks burst in the air.

The day was spent on a small island off the coast, BBQing with friends and family from places both near and far. This BBQ has morphed and shifted as the years have gone by, the kids have grown. Now with college somethings and 20somethings, there's volleyball, there's a two seater kayak, there's a marvelous wooden boat... a bar set up under a canvas tarp. Burgers, veggie burgers, loads of salads; this BBQ is ready for meat eaters, vegetarians and even vegans! We went on a wonderful ride around Casco Bay being led by our host. He's a great tour guide, sharing all of the history of the place, history of decades ago, even a century ago, but also history of his youth. This guided tour was taken by us Baby Boomers. the 20somethings lingered back, why? Well, by the time we got back Flip Cup was well under way! Needless to say, I had to quickly join a team and give it a try! Very fun! Even our host and hostess gave it a go, much to their Gen Yers' surprise. 

The afternoon rolled along with games and conversation, catching up on the last year's happenings. By dusk we were "down front" sitting on another friends' deck, Bose playing the live Portland Symphony Orchestra's concert for the Fourth, watching the fireworks' display out over the City of Portland's Casco Bay, eating strawberry rhubarb pie from Two Fat Cats, having a glass of wine...I tell you, it doesn't get much better!

A late ferry ride back into town, touching base with our Millennials via text, now at the bars. You know what's great? These young adults plan ahead: take taxis into town, taxis home, no drinking and driving here. There's even a business that's popped up where you make a call, two people come to meet you at the bar, one drives your car home and the other drives you home. Homerunners.  Very enterprising and smart!

~Beppie