As I recall... Elias, Monica and I were first on deck Sunday. My plan was to get a brew on... Elias and Monica made it happen. Quite an adventure really. I asked Elias if he new of a coffeemaker, and he disappeared around the corner only to appear seconds later with a coffee brewer in hand. Monica joined the team as we sourced some ground coffee, filters, cream and even sugar with vanilla beans in it!!! I guess I might have been a bit loud and overzealous in the effort, as we quickly had a kitchen full to check out the commotion on this gorgeous fall morning.

Than set to the creation of his "Ingredients X-2" recipe for pancakes. Could have fed an army (actually he may have). They have an amazing kitchen stove in their home which seems to suit the space so well... it was a real focal point for our visit as we broke bread, swapped stories and shared a glass while gathered in its presence. Bellies were full as we set out for our first visit of the day.

Any who have followed along know that I've long had great interest in the American Civil War. Selfishly... I've often slipped into our visits south stops at Civil War battle sites such as Gettysburg, Shiloh, Richmond and Appomattox. This morning, I had planned to head for the tiny cemetery at the end of the road to see whether I could isolate a grave or two of civil war veterans that had died in battle. As it unfolded, everyone was up for the excursion so we all wandered the short trek down the road to a well kept graveyard with a wide range of local names dating back to the early 1800's.

It turned out that there were numerous headstones that fit the date and age profiles. As well, veterans of all wars were identified with small American flags placed beside their markers. I had a great team, as our group spanned the sites and reviewed the names, dates and many details we could gather from the engraving. One name, Philander Proctor, stood out for me. Proctor's headstone noted he died at Fredericksburg so this was a sure bet. I was interested in what might get turned up in regards to an internet search on the name.

We finished out the walk by heading down an abandoned lane that lead to a brook and pool of water. It was once a main thoroughfare hosting a bridge across the river. However, the bridge was now long since gone leaving an elevated road on either side of the watershed where one could imagine a once busy byway. On our return Than recommended a book he thought both Peter and I both might enjoy... American Nations by Colin Woodward. Maybe a great Christmas read!!! A search online after return found a picture of Philander's headstone, where he was born and lived during the two census takings that occured during his life, as well as a note that indicated he was wounded the summer before his death, probably at Second Manasses. Just in five minutes of surfing!!!

We regrouped to prep for an afternoon hike/picnic at the Beech Hill Preserve, part of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust. With two car loads, we took the 1/2 hour drive to the site, near Rockland, Me. The 2 km return trail winds past cultivated blueberry fields to a summit capped with an historic stone building. At the top, we enjoyed the view of the bay and outer islands as well as the interpretive signage that surrounds the look off. Best of all, however, was the excellent lunch that had been prepared for sharing in the lee of the building. Complete with red and white checkered table cloth, we hunkered down in the October sun to enjoy meats, cheese (oh that fancy Cotswold), bread, funky cookies and drink. Something for everyone!!!

We returned home, with an extra stop at Hannafords in Rockland, to enjoy the rest of the afternoon light chasing soccer balls, chickens, and names in old Mt A yearbooks. Stephenie settled into the preparation of Chicken Mole, while several jockeyed around the radio for the Saints vs. Pats at Foxboro. Actually, the radio was shut down near game's end writing off the Pats... however (See Pats/Saints)!!!

Supper was just scrumptious!!! To look at this page one might think we ate all day. As was the case the evening before, we continued late into the night with a wide ranging discussion, solving many of the world's most pronounced difficulties. Even plucked a couple of guitar strings. Way too much fun!!! Great day had by all and I was "beat" when I finally turned in. The plan was an early start Monday morning and maybe a stop in Bangor before the long drive home.