From the moment we first made the trip to the mobile home at
Wells Beach, the kids as well as Andy and I, just could not get enough of
Maine. Not even the freezing cold water deterred the kids, of course, they were
young. Picking Mussels off the rocks and crab catching was just the start of
their summer fun. The mobile home park offered a lot of activities for the
whole family from swimming, sports and a great recreational hall.
A ride up the coast to Old Orchard Beach was a day of exploration
for the kids, walking the beach and searching for treasure. All the while, mom
was soaking up the sun and relaxing the
afternoon away.
When we bought the first beach house, the kids were older
and the boys took up scuba diving and Andrea was the bathing beauty type. The boys would take off to the cove and catch
Lobsters for Andy and I to prepare. Our
family summers in Maine were beautiful, we would have great clam bakes on the
deck of the beach house. The boys would invite their buddies up for the
weekend, some time up to 8 teenage boys would be running around the place. I can't recall the number of bushels of
clams, mussels and sweet corn devoured on those weekends.
The neighbors were not always happy to see the boys arrive
and set up camp in the lot beside the house. Andy had to field a few complaints
due to the boys being loud late into the night,
yet fun for all during those
wonderful summer days.
By the time, the chalet was built, the kids were all grown
and it was more of a time for Andy and I to enjoy our time in Maine. I remember one week that my son, Brian and
his buddies went up to paint the chalet.
Andy and I went up a few weeks later and boys being boys, we found evidence of
girls being there as well. The pantyhose and Bra were great clues. The “boys”
knew nothing about these items or how the beer bottle caps and labels got stuck
to the front of the built in bar.
The last time, Andy Jr. was at the chalet was on his
honeymoon. His two Chows and of course, his bride had a great time. Then Brian
with his wife and kids, Kim and Brian Jr. made visit on their own.
When I there alone in the summer, I took a part time job at
Old Orchard Beach, where my friend owned a bathing suit and Beach Shop. That
was fun for two years. Finally our lives got more involved in Florida and we
were just not traveling to Maine as much so in 1990, the chalet was sold.
I miss it now but oh what great memories of our family
summers in beautiful Maine.
Quick New England Stuffed Mussels or Clams
Steam claims or mussels in water and white
wine with garlic, just till they open
Sprinkle season bread
crumbs with grated cheese over each one. Drizzle melted butter and put under
broiler, just till cheese melts
Enjoy with fresh
squeezed lemon. What a way to end a fun
filled Beach Day..
In Loving Memory of Ellen Valinski our Ms. Honey
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