green before it was cool...

These days just about everybody makes this claim. But Birchwood Motel has long walked the walk. That is until construction around the main house caused a three-year hiatus from our 40+ year history of hanging clean laundry out to dry. But our solar drying days will soon return. Christian Andrus, of Pine Ridge Carpentry, suggested a few years ago our place needed a pergola. Eric, of Birchwood Motel, suggested we combine that idea with the return of the clothesline. Take a peek at the first stage of what will soon be the fanciest clothesline in town, if not the world!

Next year, should we grow grapes on the arbor or hops...I vote for hops!

Why all the effort? Sun-dried linens smell great (begone chemical softeners and dryer sheets!) and the UV rays lend additional bleaching/sanitizing power and all without financial and environmental costs.

Gratitude to Iris E., Creative Endeavors in a Busy Life, for inspiring us to put this plan into action. Please check back in soon. We'll be posting a shot of the line in action and update you on how our new laundry formula from craftingmamalibrarian is working.

Just a wanderin'

A trip up Beach Road/Rt. 173 is just about a perfect drive in almost any season. This beautiful back country road winds through historic Liberty Village. Stop for a tshirt from Liberty Graphics -- an ecologically and socially responsible business since the 1970s. I nabbed an organic cotton tshirt printed with water-based soy ink for a mere $5 from the seconds bin. Not much more will get you a first-run shirt, priced at an affordable $15. The store's charming interior is reason enough to visit. The high quality Maine-made products are reason enough to shop.

sweet liberty

Great buys can also be had across the street at Liberty Tool/Grandma's attic. Our big scores — wooden clogs, costume jewelry and an old tinted Ball jar for seaglass. Overheard on this recent visit, a tweenage boy declaring to his friend "Dude, I told you this was THE COOLEST store, Dude!"

Head out of town toward Rt. 3, bang a left, and drive on to John's Ice Cream (see previous post). Look for his flag a bit past Lake. St. George (water is COLD but its a pretty spot to sit and eat ice cream). Our fave summer flavors are anything with seasonal berries, Lemon Custard and Peach.

Drive along the opposite side of the lake to hit the Appleton Ridge. This is inland Maine at its most lovely – blueberry barrens, rolling hills, the occasional pond or lake. Drive this especially in the fall for completely spectacular views. Too bad for me the camera battery died. So much to capture on such a beautiful day. Oh well.

Since the day was hot, we walked in to a secluded local swimming hole, picking and eating blueberries along the way. Full of John's and blueberries its a wonder we could still float. Cattails, evergreens and calling birds were our only other companions. Just lovely.

wild Maine blueberries

105 towards Hope returned us home to Camden. We couldn't pass up the Hope General Store and its unbelievable selection of beer (over 100 varieties), like the locally brewed Sheepscot Ale. And just across the way you'll spot Pine Ridge Carpentry – the fellas responsible for Birchwood Motel's gorgeous new main house facade.

home sweet home – thanks, Pine Ridge Carpentry!