Hello, classmates! I’m feeling really cheerful because it’s a beautiful early morning here in Maine — and mornings have always been my favorite time of day (gives me some precious “me time”)! So, here we go —
I’m going to start with myself — if that’s OK! This past spring a blue car pulled up to my kitchen door and two gals got out. One immediately said, “Sudy, Sue Bell.” Took me a minute — until I looked at her and registered what she had said — then I grinned and replied, “Of course! Sue Bell!” (She hasn’t changed since our days on campus!) Anyway, that was the start of a fun visit, which started outside and then moved to the kitchen table for a cup of tea. I giggled when I realized that there were three “Susans” sitting around the table — Susan Bell, Susan Crowley Manter ’72, and myself (yup — my real name is Susan). A few days later, Sue stopped by again. She had been out fiddleheading and was dropping some off for us. We have plans to get together again (which will happen!) — it’s just that this summer threw us an unexpected curveball. All’s good.
I love my cast iron skillets! I have six hanging in my kitchen, and probably use them five or six times a week! Our classmate, Michael Zubik, upon retiring from the police force, restores and resells cast iron pans through his home business Passadumkeag Iron. And, not just a few pans! Mike currently has hundreds of pans in his basement begging for attention! He starts this process by first scraping off the junk -— then soaking each pan in a lye bath to remove the rest. Next, he steeps them in a vinegar solution to remove any rust — and finally seasons the pan in the oven. Voila! That’s what I call a lot of work! So — if you need a cast iron skillet or need one refurbished — you know where to go!
Recently, Mady J. Allen had to make the difficult decision to place her Mount Desert Island home, which has been in the family for five generations, on the market. Sitting on the ocean and looking at the mountains of Acadia National Park, it is known to have the best view on the island. But to Mady it’s not about the views — it’s about the rich family history. Her great-grandfather sailed to the island from Bordeaux, France, around 1860. He built a log cabin (where the house sits today) and ran a successful dairy farm. Mady’s parents replaced the log home with the house that sits there now — her mother designed it and her father built it! Sixteen years ago, Mady left her teaching job in New Hampshire to take ownership and return home. A lot of beautiful memories, Mady! Just as a footnote, Mady, if you are reading this: a year ago we bought this old 1790 farmhouse. The previous owners had left us several pictures of the original homestead — it has helped me feel a connection. We both have new memories to build!
All for now — and as usual — we would love to hear from you (even a one liner!).