Portland in September

There is nothing better to do than go out walking on a beautiful fall day in September in Maine. The air is crisp and people are out doing fun things....dining out of doors, taking the dogs for a stroll along the coastline, exploring new shops, having picnics, flying kites or relaxing and reading in the warmth of sunshine.

Darling and I set out for Portland and strolled the streets to watch the sailboats, see the cruise line come in and unboard hundreds of tourists, try a new burger at Five Guys, which is sooooo good. We gave this our "two thumbs up!"

Gorgeous Gelato Cafe

Italian Gelato....we tried Tiramisu and Cinnamon!

 We then stopped by Gorgeous Gelato for a tasty treat, and

 visited the "Bug" Lighthouse.

 What a wonderful way to spend Sunday afternoon.

A Maine House Mosaic

 

A Small History Lesson on Portland Breakwater "Bug" Lighthouse

The most elegant of all Maine's lighthouses, this lighthouse was modeled after an ancient Greek monument, built in the 4th century BC. The cast-iron, cylindrical light has Corinthian columns and charming Greek roof edge adornments called palmettes. It's dubbed "the bug" because of its small size. It sits in Bug Light Park, owned by the city of Portland. The lighthouse was first built in 1855, as a wooden structure, but the breakwater was extended and a new lighthouse was constructed at the end of it. The new lighthouse was made of curved cast-iron plates whose seams are disguised by six decorative Corinthian columns. Its design was inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, made well-known by engravings. The architect was Thomas U. Walter, most noted as the designer of the U.S. Capitol east and west wings and its current dome. Wooden sheds and a six-room house for the lighthouse-keeper were added incrementally as needed. In 1934 Spring Point Ledge Light was erected and the houses around Bug Light were demolished and the lighthouse keeper tended to both lighthouses. During World War II, the breakwater slowly receded, as the New England Shipbuilding Corporation built two shipyards next to the lighthouse. These shipyards produced Liberty Ships for the war effort. Because of the smaller breakwater, there was a lesser need for the lighthouse and subsequently was discontinued in 1943. The light was fully restored in 1989 and was reactivated in 2002. It appears as a private aid to navigation in the US Coast Guard Light List as South Portland Breakwater Light.

After an afternoon of new Maine explorations, we enjoyed an easy

Sunday night dinner. Perfect for watching the

Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football!

Corn and Squash Soup

12 bacon strips, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth

6 cups mashed cooked butternut squash

2 cans (8-3/4 ounces each) cream-style corn

2 cups half-and-half cream

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sour cream

In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. In the drippings, saute onion and celery until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the squash, corn, cream, parsley, salt, pepper and bacon. Cook and stir until heated through. Garnish with sour cream!

Toasted Turkey Sandwiches

6 thin slices cooked turkey

6 thin slices fully cooked ham

12 slices buttered French bread (1/2 inch thick)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup 2% milk

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup Miracle Whip

1/3 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce

Place 1 slice each of turkey and ham on 6 bread slices. Top with remaining bread. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk. Dip the sandwiches in egg mixture, turning to coat both sides.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Brown sandwiches on both sides. In a small bowl, combine Miracle Whip and cranberry sauce. Serve with sandwiches.

Aren't they cute? Looks like they are enjoying retirement!