Road Trip to Maine

Before I left on my trip, my aunt Mabel made me a nice French toast breakfast as per tradition. I filled up on French toast and then left with my two kitties in tow for another 10 hours of driving. I didn't take the most direct route, but picked a route that would avoid many of the tolls.

Here is a map of my route- instead of explaining it all.

I tried to put both cats in the cat carrier, but that did not work. They were in too close of quarters and we getting on each other's nerves, hissing at each other and such. So out came Callisto and she had to sit next to me on the passenger seat in a spot I cleared for her on a blanket. She was good for the majority of the trip and just slept there next to me. I had a litter box in the back, set up for her and Tabby to use. I would clean it every hour or so, when I'd stop at rest areas. I had to get my carrier from someone on FreeCycle since I threw my dingy old one away, last time I moved and I didn't want the expense of buying a new one or two. So, I just ended up with the one and that was fine, since Callisto is so well behaved, she's like a dog at times. I really only need two carriers for moving, otherwise one is fine for troops to the vet and such. The cats were not a blender for the most part.

The long drive made my legs sore and at the end I was pooped. It was my longest drive to date, it was ok. I wouldn't do it if I had a choice, but I can of every need to again. This is a trip of many firsts. First all day drive, coastal drive, New England States drive, and many more. God is challenging me in new ways and I am loving the new experiences this trip is and will bring me. I can't wait to become more acquainted with the local flavor of the place and get away from the chains and metropolises I am used to living in the Baltimore, DC metro area.

Left at 9:30 am and arrived at 8 pm. My dad followed shortly behind on his own. So, success, I found my own way to Maine 10 hours later. Less about the trip this time, but more to come about my first days at the house.

Found a Place to Live and Took a Tour of my new Employment Place

Part One: Finding a Place to Live

This past week I took Wednesday night through Saturday to make a road trip up to Maine to see the sites and potentially look for rentals. I was not optimistic that I'd get to see any places since no one had gotten back to me with confirmation that I could look at their place or even if it was still available. I thought if nothing else I check out the gardens and the towns to get a lay of the land.

However, on Thursday morning I got two good pieces of information. One of the homeowners got back to me and let me know that I could see her place, which was an apt. above the garage. Then I got an email with the contact information for another family that had a summer cottage on a private drive behind their house on Southport Island nearby the town I will work in.  I called them and they said I could come by and look at that space.

I went and saw the cottage first. It was a bit pricy at the top of my budget range and none of the utilities or net were included. Although, directv was included. It was also limited to April-Oct. rental as in mid-October the water gets shut off for the season to prevent the pipes from freezing over. I was hoping to stay a bit longer than that, but eventually would convince myself that factor was ok, because tourist season would be over by then and lots of places in town would be closed for the year. However, it did have a decent amount of space and a nice waterfront view of the bay. There were also big picture windows that let in a lot of light. The decor was ok, but I knew I could work my magic on the space with my own finishing touches. The place is 90% furnished, which is good, because that would mean less furniture for me to have to move up there. I could have my cats there and my dog could come visit, too.  I told the couple that I would get back to them later on in the weekend with my decision.

I then went to see the cozy above garage studio. It was more in my price range and all utilities and wifi were included. It also would allow me to have my cats and my dog could visit as well. It was also completely furnished. It did not have an oven, just a microwave, stove top and toaster oven. The space was a little small and although it was in a detatched garage, it was not nearly as private. It did have a closet which the other space does not have, but I did have a hard time trying to decide where I might put a litter box and guests for that matter as the futon doubled as a sofa and a bed.

I thought I knew what I wanted at first, always thinking of saving money, but then I had to be real with myself. I was going on a 6 month or so adventure, I should enjoy it to its fullest. I wanted more room for myself, the pets and guests. I wanted space for a container garden. I wanted the view from those picture windows and chances to bird while drinking morning coffee. I wanted an oven so I could continue to cook, as lately my interest in such has been growing. I also knew that I'd probably be spending less months at more money and it would probably even out as far rents, or even if I spent more on rent/utilities, it wouldn't be much more and it would be worth the extra expense. So, I decided to go all in for the cottage.

So, I called the family back on Friday evening to let them know I wanted to rent the cottage. They are friends with my new supervisor and she lives nearby too. As a matter of fact her kids and the family I am renting from, their kids might spend their summer playing in my backyard. I love kids, especially seeing kids playing outdoors!

The cottage has three rooms, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/dining/living room. It's hard to imagine, but I will post a few pictures, with more to come later. Some of the spaces are small, but still bigger than the above garage place I looked at earlier. The views are great and there's a yard. I am also going to swap the sofa for my futon so that I have extra sleeping space for guests. I will post more pictures of the place once I get it updated. I love decorating. Most of my decor is modern, however I also like cottage decor. So, I am going to try to freshen it up with a cozy beach cottage theme. I have some shells, handmade pottery, rustic picture frames with nature photography and other stuff that I might spread around the space.


Part Two: A Tour of the New Work Place.

I met up with new coworker, Erika, in the morning and she gave a tour of the gardens. I would go into a long detail about my tour, but I will refer to the website and such to keep it brief.

Here's a link to the map of the gardens: Whole Gardens
Central Gardens

I will say I love that their is a theme within the children's gardens where local Maine children's authors are featured throughout the garden in statues, garden beds and play areas. There is a bear to commemorate the bear in "Blueberries for Sal". Just to say "Blueberries for Sal" is one of my favorite children's book. It is certainly inspired my love for outdoor exploration and the hope of a Maine adventure some day. I have been to Maine three times for vacations, now begins my long adventure- "My Blueberries for Sal" adventure.

Here are some of the other awesome spaces I visited:
The visitor center and education center
Kitchen Gardens Cafe
Gardens Gift Shop

Here are some of the cool garden events and news you should know about:
We're the No. 1 Gardens in the US - According to Trip Advisor
Children and Family Programs
Adult Programs

Facebook

Photos

PICTURES OF THE HOUSE (PRELIM)

PICTURES OF GARDENS (PRELIM)