2021 Calendar Letter

At this writing in mid June, everyone is home. One big happy family. Fortunately, our monstrosity of a house has finally been grown into. Megan and Ben arrived home to Maine from Brooklyn just before things really hit the fan. They quarantined in the barn bunkhouse for two weeks and are now free to roam the property. Unfortunately, the wedding they planned for September got sideswiped by the virus. A quickly scrambled justice of the Peace ceremony (sans family) in Brooklyn took place with little fanfare. They piled a few belongings and their new cat Mosha into a U-Haul and boomed it for Maine. The film and theatre industry ceased to be, so there was no work. With New York City in the rearview mirror, for now, we welcomed them. There will be a celebration sometime down the road when life is less uncertain.

Morgan and Andrei moved back in phases from Portland. Andrei’s job at CIEE was terminated, along with 600+ others world wide. The business of bringing students to the United States from foreign countries for work and travel is almost nonexistent. The “work and travel” program shut down. Morgan left VIA advertising agency in Portland and set about new projects of her own. She and her business partner Peejo Sehr cofounded “BeMobius“, a virtual health and wholeness consultancy. Morgan continues her work as an artist along with devoting great time to gardening here on the ranch. She and Andrei have worked diligently to revive old gardens which are producing abundant fresh veggies and flowers. Photo by: Canon

All our youthfuls are contributing boundlessly to firewood preparation, roofing, organizing and just plain general enthusiasm. We are blessed for the reunification of our extended family. And we have just learned that Ben has good news regarding a film project left dangling in the City. Additionally, we have all undertaken a ”Have a Heart” red squirrel and porcupine relocation program making regular trips to more remote settings.

We have been pretty fortunate here in Maine, especially here in the region. At this time there have been no reported local virus cases that I know of. People are still being cautious and some businesses are beginning to open carefully. Some businesses will not open, which is very sad and certainly unforeseen. The losses of the early season have made it impossible to move forward on a limited basis. It just isn’t feasible. The number of jobs lost in the hospitality trade throughout the state is staggering. I hope folks are able to survive the changes.

On a brighter note, it’s a lovely Spring day today. Clear blue sky with partial bridge completion on Southport’s Thompson bridge. Big cranes have placed new spans awaiting finish. I think Robinson’s Wharf is opening and it looks like the lobstering boats may be beginning to stir. It’s been a real rough winter for that industry too, what with China and Europe markets shut and restaurants closed. We could buy lobster on the dock, off the boat, for $5. Not sure how long that will last, but what a joy to have an occasional lobster meal without a huge bill, and give money directly to the folks who haul the traps. I hope things will improve there too. I suspect so, in time.

John Druce turned 98 recently and lots of friends drove up his driveway to offer birthday greetings and big support. It was a real fun time for everyone. People hanging out car windows, horns blowing, streamers, balloons, family and friends! It was perfect. John was thrilled and kept saying, “Where are all these people coming from?” He was all dressed up and spiffy in a handsome leather jacket and a Marine Corp cap. His looping in and out driveway was clogged with traffic and at one moment completely gridlocked. No one had seen this much activity on Grandview Road since Spruce Point Inn offered free donuts.

Susan continues to work as a private care-giver and long time family friend. She has been a dedicated helper and manager for 24 hour care. But it’s been a challenging year, not only for Susan’s charge but for many elders in the region. Longtime friends Lola O’Byrne and Ann Cochrane passed this Spring. I guess it happens when 45 years of local friendships begin to mature. Great people here we will miss.

I’m chugging along. Not much new to report in photo world except that technology continues to intervene. The changes have been huge and very intimidating for me of old school preferences. I still enjoy making photographs, don’t get me wrong, but there are so many images being created now in so many ways. Pretty soon you will be able to make photographs with a fork, plastic or metal, and the image will be projected on a plate next to a lump of mashed potatoes. I hope not to be involved in that process.

As our beloved John Prine once sang, “In spite of ourselves, honey, we’re the big door prize”. Good luck and best wishes for all you Maine lovers. Carry on.

“The Mitchell group”

As always, a portion of the proceeds from calendar sales will be set aside for “Teens to Trails” so young people can enjoy Maine. Yay!

Order this year's calendar here.