Portland, Maine is a magical city by the sea full of old buildings that take you back in time; but also full of bars, restaurants and shops that remind you what time you are in. Sometimes called the "Forest City" it is surrounded by nature on every side; whether by woodlands or ocean.
I spent half of my trip to Maine in the Portland area. Between going to see my brother Josh in Damariscotta my father and brother Jimmy in Thomaston and my aunt in Unity; I slept on my mothers pull-out couch in her tiny living room and went out with her almost every day around the town or out on road trips.
Before changing buses to go see my father in Thomaston; I met my mother for lunch at Thompson's Point. This little slice of land near the Portland Transportation Center is fast becoming a destination; with restaurants, bars events a skating rink a Cryptozoology Museum and a Children's Museum that will be built soon.
After we ate we went down to the water and sat for a while. We talked to a man who worked there about the place and he told us about all the new and exciting things that were happening on the point. He let me walk through his sprinkler.
I went with my aunt to the Eastern Promenade between the Bridgton and Unity trips I took with my mom. We took a picnic and chatted and looked at the boats.
When I got back from Unity I went to to Deering Oaks Park to meet a friend for coffee; she showed me around Portland to show me how things had changed and filled me in on how the Hospital was going.
The next day I went for another ride with my mom around Cape Elizabeth. We stopped somewhere we had not been before Robinson Woods Trail We parked at the shelter and looked at the Ocean first, then went into the woods a ways to check out the gnarled old trees.
My mother and I spent a lot of time walking around together; the hospital could not take the donations of blankets she had worked so hard on so we dropped them off at the Ronald McDonald house instead. During different days of the week we went to Reny's, the goodwill and other second-hand stores to look for clothes.
One evening was spent strolling the Old Port; a gorgeous part of town full of old building, cobblestone streets and restaurants looking over the water.
Wharf Street takes one back in time; I can almost imagine sailors fighting pirates on these old streets.
We had a meat and cheese board and drinks and Nova Res Bier Cafe
It had a nice atmosphere; and I had the delicious " Holy Mountain Unburied" Saisan
I wanted to take my mother to "The Treehouse " for Dinner on my last night. My mom did not want to wait so we went to eat next door; but I got one picture.
I am glad we ended up at the Elsmere; we sat outside and the night felt good; here was our view.
We walked around the North Deering neighborhood afterwards. Nearby was a little wood, and we enjoyed the sunset from it's treetops.
I also had a lot of down time with my mom. We watched mysteries and spy shows, ate treats and discussed politics; I miss having her around. I look forward to her and Josh visiting in a few months for Thanksgiving. My mother’s cat, Maggie, I will not see for a little while longer; alas.