Nature notes on Penobscot Bay

we’ve seen so many seals
harbor seals, more than gray

dozens of sunning seals
today I’m beginning to spot them unprompted
against the rocks
a lazy pace
or is that leisurely

nearly full moon
through a scrim

a bald eagle in flight
and a seal swimming
the next morning

a porpoise
after passing seals

weigh, haul away
where did those porpoises go?

an osprey flew over the water
before breakfast

this could be addictive

Balkan voices

Eastern European music features low bass notes prominently. I listened to this group with envy. They were doing an all-Ukraine program.

The Maine Balkan Choir international music and dance ensemble performs at the annual Common Ground Fair during hour-long breaks in the big contradance tent. The choir rehearses in three subgroups across the state and then comes together for events like this.

Their closest location to me is Ellsworth, two -and-a-half hours away.

It’s an all-you-can-eat lobster bake, that is, boil

It’s what many people expect when they come to Maine, but rarely like this.

the lobster feast, of course
I had two and a hot dog
and a watermelon slice
skipped the kabobs and corn-on-cob

the cream-colored tamale
quite tasty, delightful

the obscene excess of two lobsters
without formalities
just rip and crack
imbibe

memories of Chaz telling of arranging such feasts
who as a biker in Maine
ripped the tails off
and tossed the rest

my, how I still miss him