decisions

Sunset over the rocky ledge of Pemaquid Point lighthouse in Bristol, Maine


Climbing across large rocks and poking in tidal pools along the beach in Maine, collecting flat stones and large pieces of driftwood which have been worn smooth from years of being swept by crashing waves, Jo and I spent a relaxing weekend getting away from the insanity of our lives. Hers, being a university administrator during the start of the fall semester, and mine, trying to hold down a full-time job, a concurrent large project in Philadelphia, and trying to decide between two job offers.

Fortune was in our favor as we stumbled upon a cozy little bed & breakfast in Walpole which had a room available because of a last-minute cancellation. Not having planned the trip far enough in advance, we spottiness hopped in my trusty RAV-4 and drove north with no destination in mind, aside from a general agreement that we wanted to visit Maine. With the cooperation of the sun and the rain clouds, we managed to explore pockets of the state which weren't overflowing with long weekend tourists and managed to consume satisfying amounts of fresh lobsters and littleneck clams. Drenched in a bowl of hot butter and served with chowder and corn, each meal was messy, yet a veritable seafood feast.

As I type this entry, I've just finished reducing some wild blueberries on the stove with granulated sugar and Grand Marinier, which makes a decadent topping to drizzle on top of a bowl of cold vanilla ice cream. The berries were purchased at a roadside stand on the drive back and weren't sweet enough to have been finished off in handfuls in the car, so I saved them to fashion into tonight's dessert. Armed with spoonfuls of delectable sweetness, I'm ready to contemplate my future.