A few of my favorite things

 My favorite things on the Maine trip 

were a visit to the last active Shaker community in the US - 

Shaker Village at SabbathDay Lake

and the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden.

 

Both these sites made for a day of exquisite beauty and calmness.

I think I'll let the images speak mainly for themselves. 

I was surprised to hear that the community has consisted of 2 members for several years 

until this past April when a new member joined!

Previously a Catholic nun, she had become disenchanted with the 'patriarchy'

(seriously? you didn't recognize it before you went in?)

and she left the order and joined the community.

 

Hope for all their sake she does well. 

The Botanical Garden was spectacular.

St Louis has a world famous Botanical Garden 

but Maine's garden is just as beautifully planted,

more compact and therefore more accessible for those with mobility issues.

Lots os seating to rest, a fabulous gift shop -

'cause who doesn't love one of those? -

and a tram we took advantage of for the ride back

after spending time in the Meditation Garden.

There was a bonus by way of 5 woodland 'trolls'.

although we only saw 3.

SO much fun.

Fun to have them of different 'ages' -

and, of course, the 'baby' was in the Children's Garden,

along with other features that turned out to be my favorites.

This was like being at Giverny in France (which I have been)

without the crowds or expensive travel.

So charming.

And their gift shop featured the best T shirt motto EVER -

especially in these times. 

It was a spectacular day.