This area of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is known as Two Lights. As early as 1828 two stone towers were in operation, roughly 300 yards apart. In 1874 the two stone towers were replaced with 65 foot cast iron towers, fitted with second-order fresnel lenses. In 1924 the government decided to convert all twin-light stations two single towers, so Two Lights western tower was decommissioned.Cape Elizabeth's tower shines a 4 million candlepower flashing white light visible for 27 miles. Located in Two Lights State Park, the keeper's house is now a private residence in an excusive neighborhood. The remains of the western tower are down the street in someone else's front yard.

The views along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, are beautiful and every turn brought a different view of the rocky coastline and waves. There were some lovely sea roses in bloom and purple thistles, adding to the beauty. Going after Labor Day when most of the tourists were gone was an added plus; the walkway was rather empty of foot-traffic.

Monhegan Island is an island about ten miles off the coastline of Maine. We traveled by boat from Boothbay Harbor. There are no cars or paved roads on an island, but it is home to a number of people who appreciate its isolation, the beauty of its wilderness areas, its quiet relaxed atmosphere, and its unhurried pace. Hiking around the island was one of our most enjoyable activities on the trip.

The boats at Boothbay Harbor.

One of my hobbies is crocheting baby blankets. I was taught how to crochet many years ago --- 1971 --- by a friend who lived in the apartment next door. She doesn't know how much she has added to my life. It is a relaxing hobby for me. Though I did not crochet much while my kids were growing up (!), I now almost always have a project underway. Thanks, Regina, for teaching me how!!

Botanical Gardens

If you haven't seen the scarecrows at Huntsville Botanical Gardens, you have missed a treat! Here are just a few photos.

TEA Program

I am ready to begin teaching the IT classes for the UAHuntsville TEA program. Meeting the participants at Friday night's barbeque supper was great. Everyone seems enthusiastic and ready to learn. I'm sure the designated teachers will learn as much or more than the visiting group.

I've developed my skills in creating spreadsheets and presentations, and look forward to sharing what I have learned.

I know it will be a lot different from teaching sixth grade science and math!

Fall, 2008

Life is good after retirement.

There are abundant opportunities to serve others.

And there are surprising opportunities to do things you have never done before.

Trip to Maine

My husband and I took a trip to Maine in September, 2008. This is the Farnsworth House in Rockland, Maine. The history of the Farnsworth family is very interesting. Lucy Farnsworth preserved her family home in mint condition for 97 years. And she held on tightly to the family fortune. At one point she sued the heirs of her brother's wife to recover the family jewels; and she won.

In her will she bequeathed $1.3 million to found the William A. Farnsworth Library and Art Museum in honor of her father. The Homestead is now part of the museum complex.

Ogunquit’s Marginal Way is a walk that winds along the rocky shore, is neatly paved, and the treacherous cliffs are, in places, safely fenced. There are 30 memorial benches on which to rest and a fake lighthouse at the halfway point. The path leads from the downtown shopping area to the once-quaint fishing village in Perkins Cove, now an outdoor mall of jewelry, clothing and candle boutiques. I'm told that a lot of white-haired ladies in boldly-printed sweatshirts do make the hike, so many, in fact, that in summer the scenic walk is wall-to-wall tourists with their arms full of purchases. But there weren't so many of them on our trip. The air along the Atlantic was crisp, and the view out to the sea was beautiful. The trail is just a mile and a quarter long, and well worth the walk.