What an incredible morning! I was a lucky passenger on a loon observation field excursion conducted by the
Biodiversity Research Institute. The mission of this wonderful organization is to "assess ecological health through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers." (visit their site by clicking on their name here and see all of the amazing work they do!)
My friend and fellow nature enthusiast, Nancy Craig, and I met up with the Executive Director and Senior Scientist, David Evers, Ph.D., Business Manager and Development Director (and boat captain), Lee Attix, and Consultant Paige Holmes. We had been invited to accompany them on their loon survey of a Maine lake about a half-hour north of my home. This lake, a busy vacation area, is home to at least five nesting pairs, and several "rogue" loons. On our excursion this morning we were able to see many of the loons with their chicks, and to also check three nest sites. Dave and Lee offered a wealth of fascinating information about these amazing birds. You can probably guess that I am very eager to work on a loon picture book!
Bottom photo, L to R: Paige, Nancy, Lee & Dave. Photo above has female feeding fish to chick!
Two young explorers arrived on their bicycles today for a visit to Frog Song Pond. Since I now have my very first copy of my new book, Mystery Vine, 
we took it along to the treehouse. Sam and Vick-- the first kids I have read this book to!--enjoyed the story and plan to make a bean teepee in their garden next year. 
The dog days of summer have arrived....and we are now very sorry that we complained about our too-cool Maine weather. Ugh. So being lazy on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon is the only option. Star (kitty...pictured here) chose the dock, as did a resident frog a bit later. The treehouse offered me a bit of a breeze. A very good day to read, indeed.
Just returned from a fabulous writers' retreat on a lake up near Lewiston, Maine. We managed to persuade the wonderful owners of Boat Building Vacation LLC, Nilaya and James Palmer, to branch out their business and host this event. The result was a heavenly 3-night stay with postcard-perfect weather and scrumptious gourmet food in a perfect environment to inspire creativity, complete with the call of loons.
All participants enjoyed productive work-- occasionally breaking for a refreshing swim, a bit of yoga, or a romp with the adorable puppy-in-residence, Sashi. We're hoping that Nilaya and James (PERFECT hosts!) will be willing to offer this again next year! Check out their site--and the incredibly beautiful boats you can learn to build with them, too. 
A star singer at Frog Song Pond! And here are a few other residents:
