Historic Homes

We had a great time at the marathon Historic Homes division class and meeting in Portland yesterday.

Linda J, Dana, Erica, John and I went to Cinque Terra for dinner the night before and it was absolutely fantastic.

Breakfast at Pomegrante was remarkable for those that stayed there and then we had a two hour walking tour of the West End and then more class at Pom and were served an unbelievable lunch with the yummiest onion soup ever.

Bradley took this picture of Ava who was an absolute angel all day and didn't miss a moment of the tour or class. John, on the other hand....

One down....

Since my life seems to be "as soon as I get this behind me" I can check off a big one.

Maine Harvest Brunch with Chef Carmen was pretty darn amazing. The inn looked great, so many friends were there and so many helped, a really nice experience. Everyone was so kind about what we have done with Danforth.

The absolute best part of the day is that it was BEAUTIFUL weather, perfect and Ava was an absolute angel, dozing in the car for almost three hours in all. I went out to check every 20 minutes or so and she was amazing.

Check out these pictures that Dana Moos took: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dana_moos/sets/72157622661754046/

New Mantra

Back in Bar Harbor and my mantra is, Please Lord, get me through next weekend. Already exhausted for Danforth event NEXT Sunday, this can't be good.....

Here's menu though:

Passed
Maine lobster with key lime mayonnaise and avocado relish on tostones
Sweet plantain and peekytoe crabmeat piononos

Table
Plantain, yucca and sweet potato chips with smoked haddock dip
Apple and mamey fritters

Menu

First Plate
Maine cod eggs benedict with shredded yautia and green banana pancakes

Second Plate
Oyster, sausage and roasted tomato casserole with yuca and roasted garlic mofongo

Third plate
Pulled pork and braised pork belly with sweet plantain hash and fried quail egg

Dessert
Silver dollar pancakes with warm green papaya salad and vanilla bean whipped cream
Crispy churros with hot chocolate
Torrejas with fresh blueberries and requesón (homemade farmers cheese)

The grass is always greener....

I always think I can get more accomplished if I am in the place I am not. When I am in Bar Harbor, I think if I could just get to Portland I could get some things done and visa versa.

Did get a lot done working on job description for new marketing/public relations position and spent some time at all three inns, moving art around, finalizing next weekend's event, talking with chef about restaurant at The Danforth but... have things to do in Bar Harbor and I keep counting how many days before I can tackle those.

And, admittedly, there is no more wonderful house than the Bar Harbor one for when you want to be warm, and in the summer for when you want to be cool. SO! spoiled.

Ava and I have been walking around Portland, West End, so much today people probably think we are planning something but I miss the carriage roads and it is so nice to tire her out, especially here where she isn't as comfortable in her space here.

Biggest mistake of the day was having a pomegranate mimosa with lunch at Front Room, holy moly, ruined me for the afternoon. Went to visit Jimmy and John at Compositions and could hardly focus, ONE little mimosa. Never again.

Tomorrow Ava and I are going to Brunswick to FINALLY see the new home of Provisions. Can't wait - will also pick up some great wine.

The Gift that is the Carriage Roads

Doesn't that sound sappy?

It seems like every time we take a new route I have a new favorite but I don't think anything can be better than the ones today. We parked at the end of Stanley Brook Road, before it joins the Loop Road and did a private loop. We ran into two of the most beautiful carriages with the most gorgeous horses I have ever seen in my life. Obviously they were people that belonged there and are kind enough to let others use these beautiful roads. One part was along the stream that was so magical and peaceful and I LOVE these without bikes. I have nothing against bikes and can't wait to bike them myself, but it is so much less stressful with Ava if we don't have to worry about some bike screaming around every corner.

This is what life should be. (Thought since I started sappy, I should end that way.)

Methodology

Exercise - Water/Food - Sleep. Going to do it the old fashioned way. No matter how much I have to do, I am going to make those three things up top. Ava benefits from every one of them too. Already posted these pics on FB but like them. I was supposed to go to Oktoberfest in Southwest Harbor today and know I would have had a blast but got all messed up trying to deal with an extremely unethical broker who works for another company, shall remain nameless, and took up way too much time. (Need to keep telling myself that any effort we put toward dealing with toxic people only hurts us.) So... didn't get to SWH but Ev, Mom, Ava and I got out for a great walk around Day Mountain.

Break

Last year at this precise time, I was taking a break in Florida. Well, not really a break as we were furnishing and designing two condos but still, away. As much as I would love to do that someday again, I don't see it in the future.
October is nuts. We just finished up Innkeeping Bootcamp, Danforth is very busy with events and weddings, then Harvest on The Harbor and our Harvest Brunch then the Historic Homes specialists class and meeting in Portland..... and that is just Danforth.
I am so tired and really trying to figure out a way not to be. I will exercise, eat right, go to bed early, whatever it takes - so tired of being tired...

Photo

Photo mentioned in post below arrived, thanks Mom :-) Scroll way, way down to see it!

On the subject of Mom, she is now on Facebook and friended Dad and John, didn't even send me a friend request. David Sherman, too bad you aren't on FB, thinking you would have gotten on her list before me. :-)

Timing is everything....

Because of a rainy day, Gam and I took Ava and Mulligan on a walk around Witch Hole earlier than normal. So... Ava wanted her dinner earlier than normal so now, at 8:20, she is staring at me, growling, and barking for more food. Parenting.... :-)

There was the most gorgeous vista at Witch Hole, the water coming down with rain drops between the most beautiful foliage. We went back to Mom and Dad's to get Dad to come take some photos. (My camera dead and can't find the batteries charger...) I would include the pic, but Dad, who has worse ADD than me couldn't figure out how to email to me,, but he will.

Now finishing up outlines and agendas for Innkeeping Bootcamp that starts tomorrow at Danforth.

Press Release

I hadn't seen this press release and then tonight a Realtor that watches all high end stuff in the country tweeted this:
http://www.virtual-coach.com/forums/niche-marketing-examples/7866-swan-launches-historic-homes-group-fenceviewer.html

How cool is that???

YAY October...

The question is, does a great horoscope predict a great month or does reading a great horoscope, predicting a great month bring about a great month.
Either way, I'll take it!
John, Erica, Dana and I had lunch at Geddy's, among the cruise shipees, so that Dana and I could try to finish up the plans for Innkeeping Bootcamp. Really going to be fun, looking forward to it at The Danforth.
I feel that same end of summer exhaustion and I'm convinced that the only way to get over it is to sleep, eat right and exercise. Now to just do it! Ava's game.

Not the lone ranger....

Amazing! how many people I talked to today that said that yesterday was horrible. and not just a regular bad day, but horrible. I know that October is supposed to be better planet wise etc. - certainly hope so.
Mom, Ev, Av and I did a totally different walk today, starting out on Day Mountain Carriage Roads, over to Mr. Rockefeller's roads and then up the loop road for a while. Made Ava so happy.
Then she and I went down to the ocean to watch the Queen Victoria leave Bar Harbor but we waited and waited and it got too dark to see very well so came back up with neighbors.

Bad day...

Sometimes there are bad days, and this was sure one of them. My new associate lost her Dad which made me so sad for her and you always feel so helpless at a time like that, there is nothing you can say to help and you know it.
Everyone is tired and ugly and not being very nice to each other.
Today was a big one for unappreciativeness, I KNOW that isn't a word but heck.
I feel like my mantra is that your time isn't any more precious than mine but in the end I understand that everyone's most important time is their own. I get that.
If people weren't being mean, they didn't feel well which makes me feel bad.
And then on top of all that it was too busy to go out on Carriage Trails and that broke Ava's heart which breaks my heart. So.... I think I am just going to go to bed now so that tomorrow comes sooner and we'll see if it can't be better.
Oh, I just remembered, Queen Victoria in Port tomorrow,,, ugh.... maybe Thursday will be good :-)

StPsychic Investigators: Taken By Storm In the icy waters of the Atlantic off the coast of Maine, a lobster boat fails to return frarring John Bennett

Biography Channel - Look for recast

Psychic Investigators: Taken By Storm In the icy waters of the Atlantic off the coast of Maine, a lobster boat fails to return from a day of setting traps. With no Mayday, no word from the crew, the Coast Guard knows it has to act fact. Within hours they find two of the crew members on a rocky island ten miles out from port. They are alive but the captain is lost at sea. The news grips everyone along the coast, especially those who make their living from the sea. A local resident contacts his psychic sister in NYC. Using what she calls her sixth sense, Helen Churchwell Legotti says she knows where to find the captain and can pinpoint the spot on a map. It's a long shot for the Maine Marine Patrol and rescuers. But when one of its own is swallowed up by the sea, even a psychic's sixth sense seems worth a try.

West End of Portland

Ava and I have decided that we want a house in the West End, not a condo, a house. We just can't decide which one. She loves one on the corner of Vaughn and Carroll and I love Chadwick. We both know we want a fenced in yard that the big giant huge Western Prom squirrels hang out in and we both want a garage. She now likes city crows too.
(Oh, how ironic, a tv commercial just came on about how easy it is to housetrain a puppy if you have the right tools from PetSmart.... hmmm... )
Of course, houses almost never come on the market in this neighborhood, one that is interesting is now at $1,290,000. We like it.... but we both think it is a little big....

Harvest Brunch

Sunday...

SO glad to wake up in Bar Harbor. Good call by Ava to come back last night to get a great night's sleep. We even went back to sleep after our 6AM sentry review of the property, making sure no squirrels DARED get into our trees. We stayed in bed til 930! Wowza!

Long day of work, work, work... got a lot done on Harvest Brunch at the Danforth and other Portland things. Lots of Swan work done to be ready for big week. We'll be launching Historic Homes division soon and need to be all lined up, also starting a brokerage assistant/new broker program...

All built up to a nice walk around Bubble Pond - no Mulligan but Ava still went full blast while Mom, Ev and I tried to keep up. The carriage house map is really starting to fill in, well on our goal to covering them all before snow falls. Dinner at Mom's, yummy fajitas and then got Dad hooked up on Facebook (Don't worry, he isn't going to friend anyone :-) Then delivered Ev home where they conveniently had Hershey bars... :-) I know BAD KIM.

This is SO funny, and SO true

EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY
Day number 180
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Day number 181
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Day number 182
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 pm - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE

EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY
DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture...Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.
DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors,I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this On their bed.
DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was... Not working according to plan.
DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still LODGED between my teeth.
DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event, however, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and he speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my activities. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...
-Author Unknown

September....

is my favorite month but becoming my least healthy. You can tell when I don't write here for a while that I am absolutely exhausted.
Meetings this morning on our big Event at the end of October at the Danforth, becoming a HUGE thing, which I knew it would.
Our liquor license at Danforth appears that it will be dependent on having a restaurant, love it! but NOT RIGHT NOW....
Excited to get back to 3 milers tomorrow, maybe if my colleagues are into it we'll go further. Ava will be up for it I know.
Trying to focus on the positive stuff and make September a good month. Eliminate negative.

I usually don't forward these but...

Take my Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art..

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son

About a month later, just before Christmas,
There was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly... He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father
Opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence..
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'

But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the
Real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long time gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'


The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'

'What about the paintings?'

'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

Foodie Town

Portland gets even more attention as a great foodie destination. Check out today's New York Times story.
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/dining/index.html

Crazy Small World of Twitter

I had to go to Belfast this morning for a showing at our beautiful listing there, a true pleasure to show and a couple I really enjoyed to show it to. Then continued to Boothbay to do a status check on Smuggler's Cove. Absolutely spectacular day. Took a bunch of pictures and after I downloaded them I posted one on Twitter saying, "gorgeous day in East Boothbay".

A guy on Twitter said, "are you at Smuggler's now, we own the boatyard practically next door". So cool - he could have been from Austrailia the way Twitter is but next door. So anyway, we tweeted back and forth and he sent me this incredible aerial shot of Smuggler's - how cool? I just can't get over what a small world it is and then throw in Twitter and Facebook etc. and BAM. :-)

Choices

In an effort to cover every Carriage Road before the snow flies, there are so many choices. This afternoon, the crew (Ava, Mulligan, Gam, Ev and me) parked at Bubble Pond and went up to Eagle Lake. Got rained on but not before hearing about Ev's trip to Ogunquit yesterday to see Singing in the Rain at the Playhouse. She is becoming quite the muscial lover which fits her right in to the family.

Tomorrow starts a long week... Belfast and Boothbay Harbor tomorrow then back to Bar Harbor before finding time to go to Portland on Wednesday or before....

Jordan Pond Gatehouse

Thinking that we'll mix it up a little this afternoon and go out to the JPH parking lot and take the carriage road from the gatehouse there.

Mercury is in retrograde, or something screwy. :-)

What a crazy, hectic day... but the good thing is every single wacky thing seemed to work out for the best.

After a lot of deliberation, we extended two offers today to join The Swan Agency SIR, one brokerage and one administrative. Both were accepted and I could not be more pleased.

Brokers and clients had many challenges today but it seems like we jumped a bunch of hurdles and all ended up well. The market is really getting hot.

Deadlines kept us from going on our nightly carriage road walk but Ava and I went down to our beach to walk a little. She was still scared of the shore from Hurricane Bill experience.

When we got back, more wildlife chaos..For heaven's sake, I'm moving to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Called Mom and Dad because a little hummingbird was up in the skylight on the front porch, throwing himself at the glass. They said they would stop here after their walk with Mulligan but by the time they got here I was getting a little panicky because the little guy was wearing himself out. Finally Dad and I got a ladder up there and we got him with a fishnet for goldfish... I know...... oy.... when Dad went to let him go he was crying and I thought a goner but I guess he just had his little foot caught on a string and when Dad got him free he sailed up over the trees so another happy ending. But seriously, enough already....

I was heading to Portland this weekend but... for some reason, I'm worn out.

Two long walks this weekend on the agenda too.

Walking Photos

OK - Ev made up for no pics last night by sending extras today.

We did 3.2 miles around Eagle Lake, very pretty.

Ava is amazing, she goes full speed all the time and then sees a squirrel and goes crazy. Mulligan is so busy dragging Gam and Ev around, he doesn't even pay attention to her.

NOTE: No Picture

Because my niece forgot to send me the picture for tonight's post, though I reminded her over and over and the last thing she said to me was "I won't forget to send the pic", there is no photo for tonight's post. Evelyn obviously has much better things to do than send her aunt the picture that she promised to send.
So picture this: Witch Hole to Eagle Lake, beautiful night, perfect weather, happy dogs, great exercise. Just please picture it, since I don't have a photo, since my niece "forgot"..... :-)

CMA Nominations Tomorrow

So, the CMA nominations are tomorrow and I'm thinking.... NEXT YEAR there may well be a certain VIDEO mentioned.
So incredibly psyched about everything going on in the video world. Two music videos, one television series treatment and video consideration for real estate applications AND my horoscope has been saying that publishing is going to take off soon!
Fun to do stuff that is fun! with people that are FUN!

Then! on top of that, Mom, Ev, Av, Mulligan and I stayed on our fit committment and did almost three miles tonight - A LOT of up hills. Already have tomorrow night mapped out. Brought home some leftover grilled chicken from Mom's and made a yummy curry sauce for it. Perfect. And no carbs :-)

GET FIT

OK, since Ava and I have been walking so well for the last 10 days in Portland, we decided to recruit Gam, Ev and Mulligan and have Labor Day be the first serious day of Get Fit.

3.2 miles around Witch Hole. The dogs and I jogged a bit, maybe 1/10 of it max :-) so got done a few minutes ahead but Ev timed 1 hour 14 mintues. The dogs had some time that they had to stop to investigate, Ava LOST it over a black squirrel - yeah, not gray or red, black.

We'll see if we can keep this going - we have the Carriage Road maps to plan from.

Job Candidates

I am back in Bar Harbor - long, long week in Portland but it was great.
Going over applications and resumes for the first of the new positions at The Swan Agency SIR. I am SO impressed by the caliber of candidates. I want to hire them all and rule the world. :-) I know, I know, totally politically incorrect.
First we are going to fill the position that will handle the books for all of the different businesses so it has to be someone who is into real estate, food, art, music - maybe another Gemini? She/He will also do assistant work.

BLUE LIKE JAZZ

I just finished one of those books today that you are so glad you read, for a long time, and when someone asks you what books you've read recently, you end up mentioning this for like a year.

I strongly suggest you read it. I can't make you read it, just like I can't make you have faith in anything but a friend asked me to read it and I'm asking you the same. I think you'll be glad you did. I am.

BLUE LIKE JAZZ Nonreligous Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller.

http://www.bluelikejazz.com

Maineville

I think, God willing, things are really getting great in the music business. Aaron had one of his songs, Maineville songs, picked up for a CMT, Country Music Television, series. One step at a time, I am so excited and so proud :-)

Posting a great shot that Earl took of AB at concert.

First Weekend

How fun is this? We are going to take First Friday and expand it to First Weekend in Portland.

It will be a Danforth/Pomegranate package. Friday will be the art walk and we will team up with a local restaurant for guests to have dinner that night. We will get some discounts and special museum passes.

Then Saturday night will be a light dinner buffet and music at Danforth. Very, very psyched about this!

I Quit

OK, I am officially quitting my vacation. You may call me, as if you haven't; you may email me, as if you haven't; and you may ask me questions and make comments and make my phone ring, as if you haven't anyway :-)))))

(I am, as a gift to myself, going to change the ring on my Blackberry. I hate it.)

I mean this all very sincerely and I apologize for being selfish and thinking that, with everything going on, that this was any time to try to take a break.

Now, you don't have to apologize that you are interrupting my vaca - I quit it! Everything is full speed ahead. Let's make some things happen!

Trip Advisor and The Danforth

Danforth is getting some very nice reviews on Trip Advisor, which - kind of unfortunately - is absolute key these days to business. My favorite, favorite is from my friend Rob in Nashville who took the time to write one after staying with Blue County because he knows how important they are.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40827-d1176068-Reviews-The_Danforth-Portland_Maine.html

Bon App again

West End Inn didn't make the article unfortunately but it did make it onto Andrew Knowlton's blog with a great plug and a ver nice comment on Beth and her breakfasts.

http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/bafoodist

Read this great article just out on Portland - Bon Appetit

http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2009/10/americas_foodiest_small_town_2009_portland_maine?currentPage=2

Sunday....

Sitting on the beautiful covered porch at my Portland abode, working on details for a music video. So psyched about this and doing it in Maine - fun picture of Aaron Benward as inspiration for getting it going!

Soggy, soggy.....

Ava wanted up early even though the rain from Hurricane Danny had begun. She has no depth perception or something like that. She walks right through puddles, no hesitation, no breaking stride and seems to always go for the deepest part. She was up to her armpits in one today. I just try to get her to walk around but end of laughing and she looks up at me like "what are you laughing at Mom? we've got a walk to go on" Have I said lately how much I love my puppy?

Had two great showings at 161 Pine, the building that I have an apartment in right now. Love this place. Headed over to Danforth and then back here to work on projects.

Getting very excited about music video - can't say much yet except that we will hopefully film in Maine and it will be an Aaron Benward written and performed fantastic, fun, chart topping song! Researching new film studio here in Portland...

At same time working on our new Historic Homes of Maine division for Swan - going to be incredible.

Really want to go out tonight, love being in Portland but had lunch with Dennis and Keith at Dogfish, so had a good meal, and now just want to stay in and work on stuff. This weirdo weather has worn me out.

Back in Portland

Nice.... Erica and I are both in Portland to show property tomorrow. Erica is showing clients one of my Portland listings and then Keith follows up with another client for the same listing.

We took advantage of a gorgeous night and walked all around the West End with Ava, marveling at the architecture and getting excited about our new Historic Homes of Maine, niche marketing division of The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty. The number of properties on Greater Portland Landmarks is astonishing.

We walked by Pomegranate and couldn't believe that it is on the register with its own name that I had never heard. First thing! Learn the history of your own properties before everyone else's.

Later, after we had worn Ava out and Leslie's trainer had worn her out.... the three of us went to Front Room for a really exceptional dinner. Ava was quite tired so was very good waiting for us in the car. Only about 64 degrees out so she was most comfortable.

I love these days, late August and September. The best of the year! Need to eat out a lot as summer is too hot for Ava in the car and winter too cold but NOW, just right.

Lunch with a view....

Poor Av

Very hot and muggy in Portland today. Ava was desperate to get under bushes and snuggle down, very hard to get her to come out.

Hurricane Bill

What a crazy, chaotic day. Heard tons of sirens, ambulances etc. earlier going down Schooner Head Road. Tweeted that something is up. Then entrance to Acadia got closed because of dangerous waves. Mom and Ev were here at our house (ava's and mine) and Dad showed up because he couldn't get to Thunder Hole, He and Mom decided to go across the road from our house and called Ev and I to come down because it was so crazy. Hilda Roderick and Kathleen Kotas were there too. Here is a video I shot, ignore the audio, I hate my voice on tape. :-) Turns out people were swept into ocean near TH. Last I saw, several rescued, one little girl still missing. Very sad. Between the surf sounding like a freight train, the sirens and the life flight helicopter, it was very noisy for a while. (Can't get the video to upload right now so here are photos)

OK - back to real world

Our annual fundraiser for a charity is always a ton of work but so much fun when it gets pulled off.

After a fantastic concert on Thursday night, Aaron and Scott signed autographs and took pics in the lobby at Criterion which is always fun. They are great sports about it. Then we chilled out for a little while in my office then joined some friends at Rupununi's for a midnight dinner. That's become a ritual. Home at 1:00 AM, Erica stayed here and picked Scott up the next morning at 8AM to swim laps at the Bar Harbor Club.

Had another ritual, lunch the next day at Fish House, lobster for most of the guys. (We texted BC's former road manager at lunch saying where are you? wish you were here. He called immediately and was on a bus in Oklahoma with Emerson Drive and said he was just thinking that he had to call me because ED is at Winsor Fair on September 5 and he wanted me to come up. So ironic, as that is how I got to know the BC guys so well, Joey inviting me to a fair they were doing, small world)

We left for Portland around 3. Ava stayed with Mom, Evelyn and Dad. First time we were ever apart over night and it was not easy. But, there is no way she could have come. She would have hated it and I think she was good here. a little high maintenace I'm sure.... Once again, God Bless Mom.

After several stops, Aaron, Scott and I got to Portland around 7:30, shortly after Erica, Rob and Oscar got there. Leslie, Beth, Tom M and Maddie and Chris Bohler all came over and we had a really nice time. Then Aaron, Oscar, Rob, Erica, Chris and I went to Vignola's for the rest of the night. Laughed harder than I have laughed forever in the last few days. That is the most fun.

Erica had to leave early this morning but I had breakfast with the guys, Leslie made them Lobster Benedict, and we just hung out before they had to hit the road at 11:30. I had this very sad feeling come over me for a minute. Aaron and I feed off each other's energy so much and we wish we didn't live so far apart. It was SOOO cool when they sang Maineville songs at the concert. When things hit, it will be amazing. He is so talented.

I headed home to see Ava asap when they left and they headed to New Hampshire to do afternoon and evening sets at a state fair. (Aaron just called though a few minutes ago from there, seems it has been raining all day, they only got a quick set in and looks like they'll be rained out for the rest)

So I had my little break from work but back at it now. Headed to Nashville soon to work on projects, for sure.

Last BC Shots

Erica with the guys.

Serious competition in the Billiard Room.

Rob and Oscar drinking an incredible bottle of 1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia Cab that we had to let breathe for quite a while.

Aaron and my friend Chris Bohler who just finished the Ironman triathlon in Lake Placid.

Rob making a great shot.

More BC (can only put 5 pics in each post :-)

After concert dinner at Rup's. Paul Durost and Jeff Young, my big strong security team.

Trying to figure out if Oscar is being serious. One of the funniest guys I know, but I never know when he is joking.

Aaron writing the set list in the "green room", my office, while the warm up was playing at Criterion. Scott pre show snacking.

No idea what AB was telling me but I don't think I liked the sound of it. Nice face Kim.

Aaron and I went out the Ocean Drive to get a feel for a location for a music video for one of our Maineville songs that we LOVE that Aaron wrote called Lifeboat. Definite hit!

Fun shots from Blue County Weekend

Aaron, Scott, Oscar and Rob at leaving for New Hampshire.

Aaron "filming" Minnesota Reeves

Aaron, Rob and Scott listening to Leslie (maybe telling the about the lobster benedict coming for breakfast the next day?)

Rob, Scott, Aaron and Oscar down on the pier in Bar Harbor for our annual outside lunch with Erica and me.

Aaron and Scott while we were walking down to meet everyone for lunch and the fog was almost eerie, but beautiful.

Mars in Gemini

Today was supposed to be a particularly tough and challenging day according to Astrology Zone and I kept waiting for something to happen, and it did.

I left Bar Harbor in plenty of time to head to Bangor to pick up my friend Aaron Benward who was flying in a day early so that we could hang out before his Blue County concert at Criterion tomorrow night. Of course, since she will be spending a lot of time alone in the next few days, I brought Ava.

It was HORRIBLY hot out. Ava is so sweet and excited to go with Mom. Around Hulls Cove I smelled chicken so strongly. I soon discovered, not in a good way, that poor Av had gotten sick, not throwing up........, in the far back of the Range Rover and brought some up to me. Oh my GOD! And speaking of God... God bless John Bennett. I couldn't get him right away so called Mom (God Bless Mom too) and said, "Find John Bennett and send him here!!!" He came to Hulls Cove as fast as he could and got Ava. I had time to clean Ava, clean the car (God Bless Purell) and John took her home. I continued on to Bangor and even though Aaron was 20 minutes early, and I was 20 minutes late - we met right at baggage claim, he did have to yell to me but there he was. So handsome and so sweet and I am so glad he is here. Poor Ava was the bad part of the day, the rest was perfect.

Aaron and I had a fantastic dinner at Havana then picked up a copy of the Islander to see the article that they interviewed him for, very nice. Then we called it a night, he has been on Red Eyes almost constantly for the last few weeks, traveling constantly. I can't do three crazy nights in a row and the next two will be nuts. The most important thing in AB's life is his family and he could get some rest and I'm sure talk to Kenda and the kids. I told him tonight that he needs to write a song about fathers and sons, it could be amazing.

We are psyched for tomorrow night and then to go to Portland on Friday. Tired already but it will be over before we know it.

Hmmm...

I want to re invent myself but I don't know.... into what?

Looking to kick some squirrel @&#

Ava, looking for Dude.

Ava and the Karu boys

This is a shot of Ava, that Dana took, playing with the Karu boys - Duncan and Murphy.

I was so enchanted with Candace's fenced in play space that I hardly got to see the rest of one of the most beautiful homes on the Coast of Maine.

Next Week

Just working on next week schedule and wondering how I am going to make it through...

Why? oh Why? did I schedule being host to a George Ballantyne/Sotheby's talk in Northeast Harbor on Tuesday night and host to a wild and crazy Blue County concert at Criterion in Bar Harbor on Thursday night..? Just imagine the difference in wardrobe alone. :-)

OH and then, after the Thursday night performance, heading down to Portland with the guys for a night in the big city before they head to a New Hampshire state fair as headliners on Saturday. I need help...

This is after I run to Portland on Monday to set up new furnace installation and some press meetings at inns.

And after Aaron flies in from Nashville a day ahead of the band on Wednesday for some work on Maineville and some other possible business pursuits. and at least a great dinner at Havana.

All in the pursuit of keeping my mind occupied............ ;-)

PWM to BHB

Headed back to BH today, a few meetings first and then on the road. The Range Rover dealership has a new one in that they are enticing me to come see but I will resist,,, until Monday maybe :-)

It has been a whirlwind but got a lot done, think I own another inn though don't know if the deed is back. Dinner party last night at Danforth was fun for Brian and Beth's Aug 16th birthdays.

Ava and I no longer match in the hair department, will post pic later. Pretty happy with it. Ava had her first babysitter experience from 4-7:30 yesterday. It was pretty cool :-) They guarantee me she was an angel but I have my doubts. She went to play at the park and ran and ran and ran. She even went to visit her Uncle Jimmy a/k/a her boyfriend who gave her the most beautiful flowers to take home with her from Compositions. Wow!

In a holding pattern now as I wait for all my morning meeting people to finish serving breakfast in their respective inns....

New condo is fun to hang out but mostly the location is beyond perfect. 5:30 AM Ava and I walk all over the West End. So So beautiful here. What a fabulous neighborhood.

All for now, should be able to visit inns now, maybe even get some left overs :-)

LOL

That last post looks like Ava's first play date was with Al Franken.... lol

Ava's first play date

Av had her first playdate last night with Duncan and Murphy Karu and it was fabulous. Candace has the most amazing house I have ever seen on the ocean in Cape Elizabeth and there is a special fenced in area for the dogs. PERFECT. They ran and chased and Dunc and Murphy did to Ava what she always does to us, flattened out and barked and ran and ran and ran. She looked so big next to them. Very, very nice for her.

I should have then come back to condo that we slept our first night in because she would have been exhausted and went right to sleep. But, we went to dinner so she was able to sleep in the car and rest up.

Candace and Dana had never met before though they have been friends on Twitter. That was great fun for them to finally meet. We went to have dinner at Inn by the Sea and ended up in the bar with appetizers. Yum... I love it there. NO! I don't want to buy it... (okay, maybe a little)

Anyway, Candace went to the ladies room and came back and said, "that's Al Franken right there". Dana and Candace, no fear girls, went over to talk to him and his wife, who is a Maine girl, been married 32 years" Me? I didn't go. I stayed behind and talked to the very cute bartender. who by the way is from Maine too.

Now it is off to a very, very busy Portland day.

Portland Week

Headed off to Portland shortly. Lots on the agenda.

First, this evening Ava has a play date at my friend Candace's house with her two Yorkies, Murphy and Duncan. I am wondering if this is going to precipitate Ava wanting a dog of her own.... dinner afterward with Candace and Dana who is innsitting in Portland for a few days and working her culinary magic for guests at WEI.

Tomorrow I have meetings at Danforth and lots of work to do there. We are going to be talking with the Portland CVB about Harvest on the Harbor and how Danforth can participate with a Harvest Brunch. Want to bring my friend Carmen Gonzales, a celebrity chef from New York City up to the Portland scene, great opportunity for all. Carmen is close friends with Beth at WEI, which is how I know her. That foodie weekend will be right up all of their alleys. Tomorrow night having dinner with friends and pitching a really great idea that may have some serious wings :-)

May host a brunch on Wednesday or Thursday morning at Danforth. Waiting to hear from Leslie on some scheduling.

And MAYBE we'll go look at the latest property that I covet. Hmmm....

Oh yeah, tomorrow I am buying West End Inn...

Dog Friendly Restaurants

OK - I have a new mission in life... doing research on where Ava can come to lunch and dinner. She was very good having lunch with Aunt Dee and Uncle David at Panera Bread in Augusta with Ev and I last weekend. And she was an angel at Jordan Pond House with the girls last week. (She was puzzled by the lemon in the water I put down for her but... :-)

So far I know we can go to Flatbread when we are in Portland next week. This is going to be fun.

Final, final new website announcement

Email that made me laugh from a funny guy:

Kim,
Did you ever hire yourself that CFO?
I heard the job specs were: Seeking qualified CFO to oversee financial aspects of multiple upper end hospitality properties and related real estate based businesses. Applicants must mainatin stature of no less than 6’0” with athletic, muscly build. Broad shoulders are a plus. Should look good without a shirt. Successful candidates must have independent streak, but be willing to take orders without question. Applicants over the age of 30 need not apply. Must love dogs. A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field and some experience are preferred, but by no means are required.

Ava asking for a haircut....

West End Inn Portland

Well, another inn getting added to the portfolio. I have been leasing it and friend Beth has been running but situation presenting itself when I have to buy, well don't have to but....... Have some great ideas though. Redesigned it when we took over lease but since I'll own it on Friday, gotta take it a little further... :-)

My new favorite quote,,, (they change daily)

"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

From a friend...

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
.....Abraham Lincoln

Team Swan

Love this picture of my first time homebuyer seminar crew. We had a fun lunch and class at Great Harbor Condominiums in Southwest Harbor. It took Tonya and me both to take the picture and make sure everyone was smiling at once and leaning appropriately so that everyone showed. Rare in a group picture this big that everyone has a smile and can be seen. Love it!

Front: Linda Jonas, Gail Caruso, Cissy Leonardi, Carroll Fernald and Erica Bates. Middle: Linda Savage and Midge Smith Back: Bill McFarland, Bradley Staeger, Mary Purslow, Jim Goett, Ted Koehler and John Bennett.