It’s Memorial Weekend! Join me at home and around “town” to finally welcome summer to the Maine coast after a very long winter.
Memorial Weekend
Nature coming back to life…
It is Memorial Weekend!
On one hand, I can’t believe it is here already.
After all, we have barely had spring. Our temps have been cool and the trees are still not quite fully leafed out.
On the other hand, it seems like Memorial Day has been a long time coming.
We endured a particularly rough winter this year.
Not the snow kind of rough. I would have loved that.
It was the winds, flooding, and destruction kind of rough.
Areas of our property have still not recovered from the storms in January and March. And truthfully, I don’t know if they ever will.
Here on the beautiful coast of Maine, we are definitely facing a new reality. It seems the future has arrived sooner than expected. And I, for one, was not prepared.
But, as spring moves into summer, it is gratifying to see Mother Nature start to heal — or at least have green fill in and cover her scars.
Our community coming back to life…
Another reason I am ready for this Memorial Day holiday and the unofficial start to summer is that, just like nature, our small community starts to come alive and grow this time of year.
This is a popular vacation destination, with both summer homes and weekly rentals.
Winters are quiet, but this weekend shops, restaurants, and galleries start to open up again.
Summer friends are returning.
There is more energy in town. One might even say a little bit of hustle and bustle.
Today, join me at home and around “town” as we welcome summer with fresh decor and (still) beautiful views!
Summer Inside
I have just started updating our home with fresh decor for summer.
Lighter, brighter, and more relaxed.
Really, I am mostly just recycling things I have used previous summers.
But when I bring them out each May, it is like greeting a summer friend.
Saying hello again to summer friends around the home:
Summer in the Guest Cottage
Getting the guest cottage ready is one of the surest signs that summer is here!
This week I spent some extra time cleaning out the fridge and cabinets. Hmm… There was some really old stuff in there…
I have my first guests coming this weekend, and I am ready!
Summer Outside
There is still plenty of work to be done outside.
But I planted the pots on the front steps, got the hammock out, and set up the porch furniture.
It feels good!
Starting to pull things together outside for summer:
Summer Around Town
Our little village will look much different this summer, but we will all make the best of it.
If you remember, we had a fire last October that burned our general store, a restaurant, and part of the ferry terminal. The terminal has been rebuilt already, but the general store is now just a gaping hole surrounded by wire fencing.
There will be a couple food trucks, and a make-shift store, though, and the village coffee shop, watering hole, and gallery will be open as usual.
Additionally, our local beach and lighthouse suffered damage from the storms. Roads have been repaired and barriers put in place.
There is still much beauty to be enjoyed!
This Week Into Next
My new shades
Last weekend I hung new TwoPages Curtains window shades in the Captains Bedroom (aka the Head Banger bedroom…).
You might remember the beautiful drapes I got from them for the living room. I shared them in my post Coordinating Window Treatments in an Open Floor Plan Space.
Despite their name, TwoPages Curtains doesn’t just do curtains! They also have a wide range of roman, bamboo, roller, and cellular shades.
I chose the Cordless Natural Paper Bamboo Woven Shade in Blue (of course) with a privacy lining.
These shades, an eco-friendly mix of ramie, bamboo, and paper, pack a big design punch, adding another layer of texture, color, and subtle pattern to the space.
They also create privacy at night and make the room a little darker in the morning for my guests.
The whole room feels more finished now!
The Two Pages Curtains website has an easy measurement calculator so you can get a perfect custom fit. The shades arrived in just several weeks, and I was able to hang them on my own with no problems!
If you are in the market for curtains or shades, I definitely recommend you check out the TwoPages Curtains website!
In Zoe’s Kitchen
This week Zoë is sharing why she loves cooking videos, with recipes for Nutritional Yeast Salad Dressing and Breakfast Tacos with Chard Scallion Salsa.
I know “nutritional yeast” doesn’t sound super tasty, but this dressing is a winner. Trust me.
That’s it, friends!
Don’t forget to take time out of your busy weekend to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Always grateful,
I love all your summer updates! The flags in the guest cottage are so cheery! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Julia! I actually added the flags during the winter, but only just pulled the rest of the cottage together. Visiting guests are the best impetus!
Our summers are spent in a cottage on a lake in NH but I am so familiar with that part of Maine. My husband’s grandparents spent retirement in Cushing on the St. George’s river and the family now shares the home. Have a peaceful summer and let’s hope there are no more storms like we have had.
Hi Chris — Cushing is a lovely area! It really was such a hard winter, and I am so happy to see life return!
Love your home Molly. Beautiful post. Thank you for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thanks for reading, Suzie, and for taking the time to reach out. I hope you have a wonderful week!
Hopefully, the devastation will. remain in the past and summer will arrive with some beautiful blooms
Hi Natalie — Things are already starting to fill in and look so much better!
Your blog is so lovely. it keeps me wishing to keep trying to get that cozy and calming feeling in my own home.
Thank you, Carol! You can do it! Just follow some of my tips and fill your home with things that you love!
What fun to see and feel your town come into its own for the summer season. It’s such a shame about ongoing damage from harsh winter storms and of course last year’s fire. You’re wasting no time getting your summer season kicked off with your first of many house guests. Summer’s such a magical time … let’s go! xo
Hi Juliet — It is fun to live in a vacation spot. I look forward to the visitors, open shops and restaurants, and of course all the green after a long dark, bare, and quiet winter. (Which does have its own quiet beauty, but then I am ready to move on…) Have a great week!
I am ashamed to say I just caught up with your last 3 posts. So many lovely ‘summer’ changes and love your ‘snug’ so cozy and a nice spot to unwind, nap and even hide if needed. Love the flag idea in the guesthouse certainly fits in with your theme. Enjoy the weekend and your 1st. Guests of the season. Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful one at least through Sunday.
No need to feel bad. I am grateful that you read my posts, no matter when! I am so enjoying the new gallery wall in the “snug”. And yes, the flags do make the guest cottage feel so festive! We did have two gorgeous days, so I was okay with a dreary Monday. Have a wonderful week!
Happy summer, Molly. It’s gorgeous here, and I am so glad the humidity has left us. I hope to see you this summer, crushing on those new shades and little red lobster on the bed.
Hi Ann! We did have two glorious days over the weekend! (Don’t remember the humidity, ha! Try living in D.C. if you want to experience humidity. Nothing else will ever compare…) I will definitely be down to see you and take a spin in your new wheels!
Sadly saw “the gaping hole” last week. (Boo boo.) At least the terminal building was rebuilt quite quickly. A good omen for the other structures.
Mother Nature had a busy winter all over New England. Now on to a fun summer!
Yes, I am definitely ready for a fun summer! The ferry terminal was such a quick rebuild, but it was mostly just the second floor. The general store is a much bigger project, and probably not helped by Linda’s passing. Plus the waterfront construction in PC is a huge mess! It won’t be the village’s best summer, but hopefully better times are ahead!
I know you’re sweet village took a beating this past year, but it looks like everyone has done their best to get this up and running for the tourist season. I hope it’s not long before the General Store is back. Love the new shades in the head banger room, and how nice to see C and M lounging on the porch. Enjoy your time with the first of many guest I’m sure you’ll be hosting. Another good virtual visit to Maine coming to life after winter!
Hi Julie! Yes, it feels so good to see things coming back to life here. I am ready for summer!
I just loved seeing how things are progressing for the summer! I just love your mantel with the fish net and the sailing ship picture! Everything does look perfect for summer and guests arriving! I also loved seeing the downtown. The “hole” where the general store used to be is sad but I’m glad they have a place on the pier to sit and food trucks at the ready. I also love to see all of the Open signs! Can’t wait to see you later this week! Enjoy the weekend and your guests!
Amy
PS I will get to the other blog posts I have missed – just been in the garden!!!!
Hi Amy! Yes, it is nice to see things coming back to life, even though it will be different this summer. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday!
I am so glad to hear summer is arriving in Maine. I love how you so accurately described Mother Nature’s healing. May you and all Mainers have a peaceful and lovely summer.
Tish
p.s. Everything looks great and welcoming at both the guest cottage and the main house!
Hi Tish! Thank you! I am definitely ready for summer! Bring it on!
I love seeing how the house and village are “opening up” for a fun summer ahead. And I LOVE the new bed frame in the guest cottage!
Thanks, honey! It is nice to have things opening up again, even if much of it looks very different. Can’t wait for you to come this summer!