Last day of our road trip to Maine
As I mentioned on Friday's blog, Hannah, Barbara, and I had a wonderful and relaxing time, spending a few days at Skylands. We practiced yoga and had massages. We wanted to go on beautiful hikes, but the weather didn't cooperate, and I felt that the heavily misted mornings would make trekking dangerous. So instead, we walked all around the pristine forests of Skylands. We went for a lovely adventure on my boat and ate delicious meals. We entertained four couples one evening and we also had a birthday party for Peggy, the keeper of the house. We went shopping in nearby towns and even visited the Home Depot in Ellsworth to buy a few more plants. It's always fun visiting the local shopkeepers and we even spent some time with the gregarious and talkative Raymond Strout, of Ahlblad's Frame Shop. Raymond has framed many maps for Skylands. We met him at the Mount Desert Historical Society where he has mounted the current exhibit there. Please enjoy these photos.
Happy Birthday Martha! I hope you have had a wonderful, special birthday. Your cakes looked scrumptious. I will have a birthday in 2 wks., not really looking forward to it, but I guess getting a yr older beats the alternative, yes? Oh well, Best Wishes to you for many more b'days. Oh yeah, I couldn't get logged on to twitter, that's why I responded on your blog
Posted by: Frances Jackson | August 3rd, 2009 at 1:00 am
Hi Martha, I love this blog but I will comment about it later. I just wanted to wish you the best of birthdays and many, many more to come. Hope you have a great day. Hug all of your babies for me. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 am
It is wonderful that you got away with these friends, you look sunny and a little exhausted!
What an incredible kitchen and wall of china...
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | August 3rd, 2009 at 2:29 am
What a fantastic blog today - I loved it. Seeing inside your house at Skylands was wonderful. I love your pantry.
Looks like everyone had a great time.
Pru
Posted by: Pru | August 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 am
Just want to say Happy Birthday to you Martha! I hope you will enjoy your day. You bring us a lot of sunshine so I hope the sun will shine for you today. My two darling dogs Freya and Freddy "voffs" their birthday greatings to you as well. Bye! Love, Elaine, Freya and Freddy from Stockholm, Sweden
Posted by: Elaine Breske Hirscher | August 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 am
Hi Martha, just wishing you Happy Birthday,
May God continue to bless you!
Sincerely, Ruth
Posted by: Ruth Daniels | August 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 am
I love that you have your foot up on the furniture!!!
Posted by: Leah Kadwell | August 3rd, 2009 at 5:54 am
Smiles and chuckles coming your way.
Today there's a special rhyme to say,
Case you've forgotten,it's your birthday.
Let's tear you away from the berry patch.
Mix you a large fruit cocktail batch.
Sing you a song from dear old *Satch.
The wee people are watching over you.
Trust the shamrock whatever you do.
The darkest hour will come shining thru.
You're not ready for this charming little tweet
Next time you're strolling down the street.
Somewhere,someone's the coffee,you're the sweet.
Any smiles yet? Franny will give a puggy grin.
Sure,you're not afraid to stick out your chin.
Losing doesn't count,with you we can only win.
The Bloggies,bless them,do know so very well.
We do say,what some would never tell.
You start,end our day and keep our spirits swell
So,hope you have a good one,dont you give a fig.
Remember not to zag when really you should zig.
A tip o'the hat,a toast to your health,you dig?
0___________0
*What a Wonderful World w/Kenny G.
Posted by: celia stock | August 3rd, 2009 at 6:32 am
Martha,
Happy Birthday, Hope you have a great day.
Berndette
Posted by: Bernadette | August 3rd, 2009 at 6:43 am
Have you ever been to the Jack London state park near Glen Ellen, California? Skylands views and construction remind me a bit of the house that Charmian London built after his death. There is also the Beauty Ranch in another part of the park that they lived in as well as entertained guests. It would make a wonderful feature for your magazine!
Posted by: Charlotte K | August 3rd, 2009 at 7:32 am
Happy Birthday Martha, have a lovely day!
Posted by: Lisa M | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 am
Happy Birthday Martha, Wishing you one of the Best Birthdays you could have and much Happiness,Love and continued Success. It is also a pleasure to share A Birthday with you. We both were born the same day, same year and State. Happy Birthday.
Posted by: Alberta Herman | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 am
Happy Birthday Martha! This picture is beautiful of you.
Posted by: Melisa Coyle | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:20 am
Happy Birthday! How fun. I just wished a good friend of mine in Scotland, Happy Birthday and popped over here to see your pics and voila, it is your special day too! Hippo Birdie Two Ewes and all that:))) Hope you have a fabulous year!
Cheers from Nova Scotia:)
Posted by: Shelagh | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
oops also wanted to mention.
...a whole cup of coffee in a bag???? yikes
...always wanted to visit the wall of china:) ...loved the picture looking out the window, beautiful. You have a real knack with photography.
...Skylands looks lovely
Posted by: Shelagh | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 am
Happy Birthday, Martha!!! Hope you have a fabulous day. 10,000 blessings to you..Marie
Posted by: Marie | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Happy birthday, Martha!!
LOVED THE ROAD TRIP…lots of fun!
In photo #13, do you have any interesting stories about the walking sticks … maybe who made them?
In photo #6, Hannah’s foot below her bent knee looks a little confusing to me…LOL Hannah seems to have a great sense of humor and hopefully won’t mind me pointing this out.
I hope you are planning a road trip for the fall months because this road trip was so interesting!
Thank you,
Gloria
p.s. “Lady Christine” yacht’s helicopter had a crash landing this weekend in MDI. Lord Irvine Laidlaw, owner of the yacht, was the pilot.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/114122.html
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport | August 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
Happy Birthday Martha! Enjoy your day! Cheers from Canada!
Posted by: Tracey | August 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Happy Birthday Martha! Hope you day is a great one!!!
Carey Moore
Atlanta, GA
Posted by: Carey Moore | August 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Happy Birthday Martha! And many more!
Posted by: Paul Jerabek | August 3rd, 2009 at 9:51 am
Happy Birthday Martha,
You continue to serve as inspiration for us all. The world is a prettier more mannerly and civilized place because of you!
Posted by: Vicky MacDonald | August 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
Mornin' Martha, Hope you're having the "sweetest" hangover with that cup of coffee!
I see where the road tripin' came to a restful conclusion...feet on the ottoman...aahh!
Know how you love framed maps...Here! Here! To Raymond Stout of Ahlblads Frame shop and the Mount Desert Historical society!
Oh...and HAPPY BIRDIE! With lots of love on your big day!
Posted by: tinay | August 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
.
Hey, what's that shoe doing on in the house!!
HeY hEY & HA ha...ppy hapPY BirTHdaY!!!
With Love! A and the W's
.
Posted by: andreajetspencer.blogspot.com | August 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Hi Martha,
Happy Birthday to my favorite lady! It looks like you’ve been having fun already with both a lunch and a dinner in your honor and I have to say, those 2 cakes you photographed for Twitpic sure look scrumptious! Keep having fun! I would call your radio show today but I only signed up for the trial offer which ran out yesterday. (I listened to part of your show last Monday though.) Anyway, I’m still trying to decide if I want to subscribe which is a difficult choice because I rarely listen to the radio.
Oh how I love Skylands! One of my favorite issues of your magazine is the September 2000 issue with the “Great Wall of China” on the cover. I keep that out of the bookcase just so I can get to it easier. And the bedrooms are so gorgeous with their great view of the outside. What a work of art that particular home of yours is! I envy anyone who gets to see it up close and personal.
Have a super day Martha. I’ll be thinking about you. Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
Dear M
Wishing you all the best on your birthday!
May your heart and your days be in God's inimitable hands of love.
With kindest regards and love,
Dorothy & Carolyn
P.S. Your Skylands "hideaway" is indeed a very pleasant place to rest and do creative work.
Posted by: Dr. Dorothy Kardas | August 3rd, 2009 at 11:25 am
Happy Birthday, Martha.
I'm always spilling something in my purse, bag or in the car--invite me along on the next road trip and I can take care of clean-ups for you and the girls.
Thanks for all the Maine info--Hubby and I are redoing our annual fall trip to include Hallowell, Maine this year then we'll take Rte 17 toward Rockland & Rte 90 to Camden. We usually stay there and take day trips from that point--Monhegan Island, Mount Desert Island especially. We can hit all our old favorite spots when we come back down Rte 1.
We start off coming from WNY on Rte 5 & 20. Dr Brent suggested stopping for lunch at the Black Cat Cafe in Sharon Springs on our way.
Love getting new ideas for our annual fall vacation.
Enjoy your day--heck enjoy the rest of the month.
Cathy
Posted by: Cathybytheriver | August 3rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday today! Hope all your wishes and expectations find a way to make your world a happy place.
I've been collecting your magazines, tv shows, garden ideas, housekeeping tips, just everything Martha, for years now. I'm also from NJ.
Your magazine is so perfect, as in everything you do. The small things, like rounded edge cutting, fonts, information, amazing photos.
I've only found 1 error. In your Homekeeping Handbook on page 169, you've(or your editor) has forgotten to include the "sugar spoon". I only noticed this, as I collect just sugar spoons. Maybe as I'm so "sweet"? Or, maybe it's my sweet tooth. Whatever, I still love all your products and the quality which is always present.
I love your signature blue/green color. It's just a shade of luxury as all you represent.
Enjoy your special day and wishing everything wonderful for you today and everyday.
Posted by: Sandra Bridgeman | August 3rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Happy Birthday Martha~ hope you have a great day and spend it with the people that you love. Wish I could send you a piece of your birthday cake I made you (well last year) I made it into your likeness from a picture.
http://realnobodyslikeus.typepad.com/real_nobodys_like_us/2008/08/happy-birthday-martha.html
http://yfrog.com/0pxnvj
Posted by: Claudine | August 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I wanted to wish you a Happy and Healthy Birthday and Many More! Also, Skylands is beautiful, I so enjoyed the pictures of this great escape, that you have made and deserve! Rest up and have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Susan | August 3rd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
The old fridge kills me! I have a general motors stove! It looks just like the one in the old Bewitched show.I like the looks of yours better. I was never into the brown, golds and oranges of the 60's amd 70's
happy birthday!
Posted by: Cheryl | August 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Feliz Cumpleaños Martha!
Posted by: Nuria | August 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Happy Birthday, Martha! Hope you have a great day!
Posted by: Candace Wilson | August 3rd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Happy Birthday, Martha! Hope you have a wonderful day doing the things that please you most. I have been enjoying your pictures & posts about your travels in Maine. Hope that I can visit some of those places someday. Cheers!
Posted by: Marie | August 3rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Happy birthday, Martha!
Love the pics on your blog today, especially when you share the ones of your homes. You looked very relaxed in your great hall chair! Thanks so much for sharing.
Brian
Posted by: Brian | August 3rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Loved reading about the trip- hope you have more planned soon so we can follow....
I agree with Marie. What is going on with Hannah's foot in image #6? Does she have a missing prosthetic that we dont know about? Her left foot has disappeared...
Well, at least she's crafty and can probably make a new one out of popscicle sticks and a glue gun.
oh, and Happy Birthday to Martha!
Peace and Love.
Lily
Posted by: Lily Von Schtuup | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
A very happy birthday to you. I have been a loyal subscriber to your magazines for years and have been inspired and learned so much from them.
Thank you very much for your blog and sharing such wonderful details of your life and homes with us. I love looking a pictures of Skylands. What a magnificent estate.
Posted by: Susan Chase | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Sounds like a wonderful time to me even if you did not get to go and do as much hiking as you wanted to do. I hope your birthday today was celebrate and enjoyed : )
Posted by: Nancy Winters | August 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Happy Birthday and many happy returns.
Love today's blog--the historical touches--the pencil sharpener, the sink, even the firehoses--such a great way to showcase the home's gracious legacy.
(Also great to see details that aren't all cleaned up for magazine photo-shoots!)
Wishing you a productive and fun-filled year ahead.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | August 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
A very Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, Ms Martha, albeit a little off the mark but nonetheless heartfelt. Was you sending you a Tweet when I found out that it is your very special birthday. I send a very special blessing to you to keep up all the good Work you do leading by exam.
Posted by: Sherry Deanna Wright | August 4th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Happy birthday Martha!
Posted by: Maxine | August 4th, 2009 at 12:54 am
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!! With fondest regards, Sherry Deanna Deanna Patricia Regina Wright - the Girl with too many names !!!
Posted by: Sherry Deanna Wright | August 4th, 2009 at 1:03 am
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!- from Sherry Deanna Patricia Regina Wright-the Girl with too many names. Song to your Birthday but does not translate well with out the melody of voice. When I come to NYC to retrieve all the items in storage in Yonkers by your next birhday maybe I could sing it to you in person. God Bless you, and I know you are blessed and I do like people on Earth who are blessed by our Creator. - where is spell check when I limited need it?
Posted by: Sherry Deanna Wright | August 4th, 2009 at 1:15 am
DEAR MARTHA WHAT A FAB BIRTHDAY YOUR A LEO SAME AS MY MOTHER WAS I ENJOY EVERY THING YOU EVER DONE FROM A TO Z AND LOVE YOUR LIFE HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY WAS A SMASH I KNOW IT LOOK GREAT EVERY THING THE FOOD ,PEOPLE DECOR, WODERFUL YOUR FAN JOSIE FINA
Posted by: JOSEPHINE FINA | August 4th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Sorry its a day late but hope your birthday was all you imagined. A big Happy Birthday and hugs and kisses...you look good for any age...
Love peggy and cheryl
Posted by: peggy amaturo and cheryl curtis | August 4th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
.
Oh! Very funny! I have the same sink and exact same pencil sharpener on the wall beside it!
FOOT
The missing foot is actually flat on the floor with the other one curled upright on top of it!
.
Posted by: andreajetspencer.blogspot.com | August 4th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hi Martha, From what I've read on Twitter, It sounds and looks like you had a fantastic birthday. How wonderful. I tried to call you on Sirius 112 and I did get through and then your answering person said I had to hang up because my phone was causing an echo.I tried again to no avail-darn. I was listening online because the the Sirius techs couldn't connect my replacement radio. Very frustrating. I did enjoy listening to all of the great people who called in to wish you a Happy Birthday. Getting back to the blog about your Skylands visit, I absolutely love all of the photos of your beautiful home. You, Hannah, Barbara, Franny and Sharkey must have had a nice restful time there. Happy Birthday to Peggy, also. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 4th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Martha,
I have absolutely loved reading about your adventures in Maine. My family has owned a "camp" up on the Northwest side of the island on Clarks Cove for as long as we can trace back. Learning about all your finds in the area (Raymound Strout, The Coffee Shop) has really been neat as now my mother and I have plenty to visit next week while we are up. (We live down in Fairfield CT). If you are ever looking for a good place to launch your boat or simply take in some gorgeous scenery, Clarks Cove is wonderful.
I am also so intrigued reading about your "pre-hiking room". Being an avid hiker in Acadia, I can only imagine what a vast amount of information and maps you have available.
Not sure if you would ever do an "open house" at Skylands to show off all your hard work, but if so please let me know!
From one Maine lover to another, thanks again for all your tidbits!
Best,
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Ryan | August 5th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Better late than never - Happy Birthday, Martha, and best wishes for many more! Thanks for sharing your pics of Maine - it's just beautiful! Hope you had a wonderful stay (I'm sure you did!). My sister and I have birthdays just after yours and we spent a recent day in Maine celebrating, we share your love of Maine!
Posted by: Linda | August 6th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
We just spend 2 weeks on Deer Isle in Maine, we head there every other year and this year before we left we saw your artical on the Jordon Pond hike so of course our family had to try it! We had a great time but I swear its longer than 3 miles? I guess we must just missed you in Ellsworth, but we will be back again soon. We live in Minnesota but can't resist Maine as you know well.
Maybe see you on the trail someday,
Tammy
Posted by: Tamara Born | August 10th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Oh how I miss living in New England! Maine is beautiful! We are now in Texas, and would love to be there this fall!
Posted by: Terri M | August 11th, 2009 at 1:52 pm