Lake Living vol. 14, no. 1

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spring 2011 • vol. 14, no.1

A Tableau of Tables PLUS:

resurgent barns prepping for summer beauty lighten up

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editor’s note

Resurrection. Whether the word has spiritual meaning for you or not, spring is the season of rebirth. The soil thaws and then begins to soak up the warmth of the sun, sap starts to course through the trees and one morning you notice the lakes have emerged from their womb of ice. I know it’s well and truly spring when Mrs. Phoebe begins building her nest in the same bad spot she built it last year. I could probably discourage this choice, but somehow it feels like I would be messing with the natural order of things. Everything in nature, including her, is busy with new life and does not need my interference.

Besides, my nest is badly in need of restoration after a winter of wood fires and closed windows, so there’s no need for me to be getting all up in Mrs. Phoebe’s business.

This issue of Lake Living is about resurrecting, restoring and revitalizing—from resurrecting a tree into a table or an abandoned barn into a new home to restoring a community landmark or our very own home and garden. It’s even about revitalizing the home we refer to as “me.”

Spring is an appropriately named season. Like winter run-off coursing down a mountainside or a woodcock’s courtship dance, spring is nature’s ecstatic release from winter’s constraint.

It’s a seed emerging from the soil as a plant. And it’s our sweet opportunity to rejuvenate and renew.

—Laurie LaMountain Editor & Publisher Laurie LaMountain Contributing Writers Leigh Macmillen Hayes, Jen Deraspe, Kevin Pennell Contributing Photographers John Snyder, Christine Erikson, Eve Abreu, Don Johnson, J. Scott Campbell, Linda Goldrup, Bev Hendricks, Jen Deraspe, Bridgton Historical Society Graphic Designer Dianne Lewis Proofreader/Copy Editor Leigh Macmillen Hayes Lake Living is published quarterly by Almanac Graphics, Inc., 625 Rocky Knoll Rd, Denmark, ME 04022 207-452-8005. www.lakelivingmaine. com e-mail: lakeliving@fairpoint.net ©2011. All rights reserved. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from the publisher. Annual subscriptions are available by sending check or money order for $20 to the above address.

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spring 2011 • vol. 14, no. 1

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14

8 a tableau of tables

by leigh macmillen hayes

12 resurgent barns

by laurie lamountain

14 saving a spirit landmark

by leigh macmillen hayes

16 affordable home updates

26

by laurie lamountain

14 prepping for

summer beauty

by leigh macmillen hayes

22 lighten up

by laurie lamountain

24 living simply

by jen deraspe

26 time for our spring detox

by kevin pennell

cover photo by john snyder for nurture through nature

lakelivingmaine.com 5

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lakelivingmaine.com 7

A Tableau of Tables by leigh macmillen hayes

“When we shape the top I have no idea where we are going,” says George Erikson of Bridgton. “It just happens. You make a cut and that suggests another cut, which suggests a curve, which suggests another curve, which suggests a hole. The whole thing is like jazz.”

G

eorge and his wife Christine are currently collaborating on creating tables from tree slabs and thick boards.

They and other local artisans know that hidden inside a tree trunk is a table waiting to be revealed and enjoyed.

With patience and talent, they cut and carve and manipulate and sand and polish the wood until voilà, a table is born.

A few years ago a neighbor gave the Eriksons most of a butternut tree, aka white walnut, which was endowed with a burl—a type of fast-growing, abnormal nodule found on some trees. Burl wood grows because the tree has experienced some sort of environmental stress or damage. Artists love them since they yield a peculiar and highly-figured wood with misshapen grain. For the Eriksons this burl was the impetus of the design. “So much time goes into that thing [the burl],” says Christine as she talks about peeling away decades of growth. “Bugs get trapped underneath.

It’s like surgery. You can see how they form. There’s rot and you finally get rid of the bad wood, then find another pocket of rot. Then there’d be a worm in there, and you

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think you’ve got it all and find another place to clean out.”

Christine’s slender fingers tenderly caress the curves of the finished table while they describe the time spent shaping, sanding and oiling this work of art. The alliance between this couple is obvious and easy as they finish each other’s thoughts. The legs, made of birch and mortised into the bottom of the sculptured table, had been shaped before they were glued into place. Christine says, “We thought tapered legs would be a nice contrast with the top, which is very organic. Once we got them in there . . .” “This doesn’t work,” finishes George. So they sculpted the legs.

“It takes forever,” says Christine. “It really just takes days and days.” “Weeks and weeks,” adds George. “With all our time together it took close to three months.” Their tools of the trade are a chain saw, right angle grinder and a drill with bits and sanding drums plus a variety of hand tools including gouges and an enormous amount of sand paper. Steel wool even comes into play as Christine uses it to apply Tried and True Danish Oil. FMI: www.eriksonfineart.com or 207.647.0903.

“The table was an evolution of a design that started as a practical need to make something you can move around.

The benches at my workshop are very heavy.”

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eorge also has collaborated on a table with local building contractor, Henry Banks of Denmark. In this case, Henry says, “The table was an evolution of a design that started as a practical need to make something you can move around. The benches at my workshop are very heavy.” At a job site he’s been known to create a workbench from a flimsy piece of plywood screwed to an upside down garbage can.

Their idea of a portable table to lay a saw and other tools of the trade on and then pack up for the next job turned into a stylish yet simple piece. Using a two-foot wide planer, they cut a two-inch slab of pine for the table surface. The legs, which pop out making it moveable, are hemlock. Both pieces of wood came from trees on Henry’s land. With steel sockets, the legs are rugged and can easily be bolted into the underside of the table. They are aesthetically appealing as they taper slightly toward the floor.

Henry and George envision selling these to other contractors as worktables that could be interlocked to create different configurations such as one long table or a T-shape.

But, George says, “In a different direction, this table is functional and elegant in a simple sort of way,” and made from a higher quality wood such as maple, walnut or cherry, it could be used as a kitchen work table or with shorter legs as a desk or kitchen table.” FMI: www.eriksonfineart.com or 207.452.2045.

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sing wood salvaged from a job because “I could tell it was very different from the rest; it weighed twice as much as the rest of the pieces in that particular order,” Don Johnson of Intervale, New Hampshire, created what he fondly refers to as a gazelle table. “That’s what I call it because it kind of reminded me of a gazelle. The legs are kind of stringy and delicate . . . If you put it on a slope, it will walk. I found this out when I put it on the ramp of my trailer. The legs act almost like a slinky effect.”

The wood is African Ribbon Stripe Mahogany. The table’s basic boat-shaped design was a result of Don mimicking the arch and curves of the ribbon stripe along the outside edges of the wood. “Basically,” he says, “I let the material design.

I just manipulate it.”

The leftover pieces determined the shape of the legs.

They are tapered from top to bottom with an inside curve and splayed so they are further apart at the base than at the top. Giving the feet a little wider stance made it more stable. The legs are mortised to the underside and glued in place. Ebonized walnut plugs further secure them and add to the design feature as the plugs rise a bit from the top surface. “This was a situation where I didn’t know what legs I was going to use, but I knew what I wanted to do with the top. I just ended up cutting the top out and then I looked at the waste and said ‘This would make a terrific leg.” He chuckles as he pauses, then adds, “Instead of throwing it away or using it to keep warm.” FMI: www. dajfinewoodworking.com.

“That’s what I call it because it kind of reminded me of a gazelle. The legs are kind of stringy and delicate . . . If you put it on a slope, it will walk. I found this out when I put it on the ramp of my trailer.” lakelivingmaine.com 9

“The feeling of sand, touching small pebbles and experiencing the quietness and peacefulness of the seashore” all influenced this simple piece of functional art.

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hinking outside the box and experimenting with various kinds of wood, styles and ideas is Eve Abreu’s strength.

“I call myself a wood artisan. By that I mean, my work isn’t constrained by straight lines and I tend to keep or accent the live edges in the wood that I use. I often just let the wood take me wherever it seems to draw me.”

One of Eve’s designs is a Zen table that was the result of a trip to the ocean. “The feeling of sand, touching small pebbles and experiencing the quietness and peacefulness of the seashore” all influenced this simple piece of functional art. This particular table is made of pine that Eve hand carved. The tree’s rings produce a beautiful contrast, rippling from dark to light, emphasizing the growth of the tree and the look of the sand as the tide goes back out. Small pebbles were epoxied to the center of the surface and the table top was painted with several shades of translucent milk paint, then sealed with three coats of poly and buffed with a high quality furniture wax.

Peeled maple saplings that Eve has collected over time form the legs. Saplings are also used to brace the table apron and legs. She’s attached this whole affair with table top mounting clamps. FMI: www.mainerustic.com. woodworker of traditional New England furniture of his own designs is Greg Marston from South Bridgton. One of Greg’s creations is a hand-carved Queen Anne period piecrust tilt top table with pierced ball and claw-style feet.

Greg prefers to work with local wood and create vernacular furniture. Instead of using the typical mahogany or walnut for this tea table he’s used maple from a Fryeburg tree.

“The client showed me a picture of a Duncan Phyfe table he wanted me to make for his wife.” Knowing the family well, Greg had an idea for something that might work better in their home and was given the go-ahead to create this table “very much in the tradition of an 18th century table, but the form is whimsical.” The table top is carved from a piece of solid wood in the dish top style typical of formal furniture. “I left the edge high and carved around it and scraped until it was dished out.” He undercut the vines around the table’s edge so that it looks like they were glued on. Greg says, “I wanted to achieve a sense of separation between these two [the

A

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table top and the vines], instead of looking like it came out of one piece of wood because I wanted to deceive the viewer.”

The pedestal was hand carved to look like a tree trunk and in keeping with the fanciful mood of the piece, a small lady bug climbs up it. It’s his attention to intricate details that makes this piece remarkable. Instead of the traditional ball and claw feet, which is aggressive in theory, Greg carved vines around a rock, delicate and petite. All of this was achieved with basic hand tools including a manual hand router, bench chisels, a gouge and burnisher. Tinted with artists colors, the pedestal and legs are a burnt amber while the top is a combination of yellows and browns to make the vine pattern stand out. FMI: 207.647.8378.

Fine woodworkers and carvers never know what they are going to uncover, but it’s obvious in talking with them that that’s half the fun. These are not production line types of furniture; they are conversation pieces meant to be a focal point in any room. Of course, all that personal care and attention means these custom-made tables are a bit more expensive than what you find at furniture stores. But if you have the money and taste for handcrafted furniture, it’s worth purchasing a one-of-kind-work of art. R

“I wanted to achieve a sense of separation between these two—the table top and the vines— instead of looking like it came out of one piece of wood because I wanted to deceive the viewer.”

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lakelivingmaine.com 11

Resurgent Barns by laurie lamountain

J

. Scott Campbell was bitten by the building bug when he was growing up in PA. He belonged to the legion of kids, like myself, who were brought up in fixer-uppers: old houses with “potential” that were inexpensive to purchase because they were in various states of disrepair. The fact that the houses needed saving surely had some sway in the purchasing decision because it seemed each time a house was completely restored, it would go back on the market and a move would be made to yet another fixer-upper. It’s one of those elements of child development that probably doesn’t get a lot of play in child psychology books but has a profound effect nevertheless. In Scott’s case, it set the stage for a vocation of building. He worked his way through college as a carpenter’s assistant and now owns and operates Maine Mountain Post & Beam based in Brownfield, Maine.

Though he offers clients complete reassembled antique frames as well as new frames cut from new timbers, Scott

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Twenty to thirty percent of the barns left standing have either been moved from their original location or are framed with timbers salvaged from other barns. especially loves salvaging timbers from old “parts barns” and re-cutting and assembling them as a “new” antique frame. He points out that what he’s doing is what joiners have done for over 300 years—adapted reuse. In fact, twenty to thirty percent of the barns left standing have either been moved from their original location or are framed with timbers salvaged from other barns.

Farming methods in this country changed significantly after World War II, rendering

most of the barns built before then outmoded. As a result they’ve suffered fifty to sixty years of neglect and it’s testament to how well they were built that so many of them are still standing, however, heavy snow years like this past winter really take their toll. In salvaging material that would otherwise be wasted, Scott brings renewed appreciation to the workmanship in these beautiful old barns.

“No one treasures old barns like Scott, and no ones restores them with as much love and enthusiasm as he does,” says owner Carol Noonan of his work on the Quisisana Barn at Stone Mountain Arts Center. Four years ago he dismantled the 200-year-old barn on Stone Mountain property in Brownfield to make room for the new arts center.

Dismantling a frame is no small task.

The exterior walls, siding, roofing, windows and doors are removed to expose the frame, which is then meticulously documented with photos and detailed drawings. Each piece of the frame is tagged and then dismantled in

reverse order of its assembly. Pegs are driven out and beams are carefully pulled apart to preserve the original joinery. Scott notes that in order to take a barn frame apart safely, you need to understand how it goes together.

“It’s really not a high-tech thing. If you tinker with them and take them apart, you can figure out how to put them together again.”

The timbers from the old barn in Brownfield were cleaned, repaired, stacked and covered until this past May, when they were raised to frame the new lobby and ticket office for SMAC. One side of the frame was in particularly bad shape, obliging Scott to use parts from other barns to repair the damage, but you would never know it. As “the barn doctor,” he will often give clients a threepart scenario: what needs to be done now, what will require fairly immediate attention, and the 200-year-fix. The Quisisana Barn is an example of the latter.

“Working with antique frames, you’re working with other people’s work. And almost every one of those timbers could tell a story,” says Scott. Another frame that he’s currently cutting for reassembly in Martha’s Vineyard is comprised of antique timbers from four or five barns. “That timber is from a barn in Harrison” he says as he points to a 40’ long beam in his shop. “And that one is from a barn in Cornish” he says of the one next to it. I ask him how he can remember that and he responds that he really doesn’t know . . . he just does.

A fact that makes his ability to identify where they came from even more impressive is that he purposely chooses timbers with like patina, vintage and species for his reassembled frames. Since they are from New England barn frames, the beams are mostly pine, spruce and hemlock and the braces are usually oak. New England framers typically employed an English tying joint in their barn frames, and when he’s cutting and reassembling a house frame from antique timbers, Scott will use the same joinery to make the frame as seamless as possible. “I don’t try to reinvent the wheel and I try to use a lot of the existing joinery,” notes Scott.

The Cape frame he’s cutting that will make its eventual way to Martha’s Vineyard by ferry is no exception. It is a fourbent frame that measures 29’x36’ with an 18’x24’ attached ell. Scott’s design employs

“Working with antique frames, you’re working with other people’s work. And almost every one of those timbers could tell a story,” says Scott.

a major rafter with common purlins and continuous plates and ties. It’s an uncomplicated design that suits the New England landscape. Clients who opt for an antique frame over a new one will often incorporate traditional elements, such as plastering and wainscoting, in the design of their homes.

When asked about the cost effectiveness of dismantling several old barns in Maine in order to re-cut and assemble them into a house frame that will be shipped to Massachusetts, Scott responds that it’s basically the same as cutting a new frame. He adds that it takes more time to cut an antique frame because the traditional joinery is scribe, as opposed to square, rule. Handhewn timbers don’t have the clean cuts and angles that new timbers do, so the joinery is a more painstaking process. On the other hand, antique timbers don’t cost anywhere near as much as new timbers.

Another time-consuming aspect of working with antique timbers is dealing with bugs and rot. All of the timbers are treated with a borate-based insecticide to rid them of powder post beetles, but carpenter ants and rot can render timbers completely unusable. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know the full extent of damage until a frame is disassembled.

Finally, there’s the fact that a salvaged frame has to be transported twice—from its old location when dismantled to its new setting when raised. The field beside Scott’s house is covered with a network of timbers from three complete frames and parts from at least ten others. His father jokes that Scott is “farming barns.” Of course, given the genetic ties, there’s surely a point of pride and maybe even a bit of envy attached to his ribbing.

As far as Scott is concerned, it doesn’t matter how much more time is invested in resurrecting these old skeletons because he’s clearly not doing it for the money alone.

“I’ve always been enamored by old houses and particularly timber frames. I get such great satisfaction in saving a building. It’s a passion.” R J. Scott Campbell, owner of Maine Mountain Post & Beam, can be reached by phone at 207.935.7234. For a full portfolio of current and previous work visit the Web site at www.mainemtpostbeam.com lakelivingmaine.com 13

bridgton historical society

Saving a Spirited Landmark by leigh macmillen hayes

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he inevitable question is . . . Why? Why take on the huge expense of renovating an old building which is in desperate need of love and repair? I ask Richard “Stevie” Stevens this question as we stand shivering inside the first Northern Cumberland Memorial Hospital building at Six Main Hill in Bridgton. He’s recently purchased the building. Part of the reason why he did this rests in the fact that he is rehabilitating a place where he once rehabilitated. And the other part: “I really believe in the building,” says Stevie. “I want to see it back to where it was and really complete the upper village,” referring to the western side of Stevens Brook and extending up Main Hill.

According to the Bridgton Historical Society’s History of Bridgton, Maine, 1768 to 1994, the first house to be built on this site was moved to a nearby street in 1870.

The current building was erected in 1874 and occupied by the William Fenderson Perry family. In 1941, the Northern Cumberland Memorial Hospital opened in the converted three-story Victorian mansion.

The emergency room was in the attached barn. On a tour of this vintage building, Stevie points out that the staircase was altered to accommodate the hospital gurneys and surgery took place in the space just below the Widow’s Walk. After the hospital moved to a new facility in 1964, the building was used for professional offices, Landmark Human Resources and most recently as an antique shop.

Today the structure stands empty on the corner of Main Hill and Highland Road.

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The sun streams in through large windows, showing off evidence of its former grandeur.

Chandeliers from an earlier day hang from the ceilings in many of the rooms. Crown molding and high ceilings give the rooms a sense of space. A wide hallway leads to the staircase at the back of the house. The facade includes two bay windows arranged symmetrically. A porch wraps around one corner of the house. In 1975 this Italianate/ Second Empire style building was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings.

When Stevie looks at this tired old building he sees its character, history, beauty and the opportunities it presents for him and the town of Bridgton. Restoring this historic structure might possibly spur economic development and community revitalization.

Stevie foresees the impressive two-story 1,400 square foot barn as becoming a pub and/or function room. For the other parts

of the building, he envisions either office or retail space and/or an upscale restaurant.

He’d like to keep the first floor relatively intact, but welcomes other people’s input about what could occupy the space. “It could become something to be proud of,” says Stevie. “It gives me a lot of energy.”

The thought of energy raises another question. Is it really empty? Or is it haunted?

After all, it is an old building with lots of history and it’s only natural to wonder if it’s haunted. People lived here. People were born and died here. As it turns out, the answer is maybe. This past November, Stevie let Linda Goldrup and her team from Lakeside Paranormal spend a few hours investigating the site.

The Lakeside Paranormals are a professional Bridgton-based group of ghost hunters who work with video cameras, digital recorders and electromagnetic meters that record what paranormal investigators call “electronic voice phenomena.” Ghostly images, mysterious energy, physical encounters and strange faces are part of their findings. The thought of looking and listening for something otherworldly sends chills up and down my spine. But . . . this group is driven by factual and scientific proof of the unexplained and try to debunk all that they see and hear.

Did they see anything at Six Main Hill?

The simple answer is yes. Though the temperature was too cold for their thermal detectors to denote cold spots indicating physical evidence of paranormal activity (on a hot day, sometimes the spirits or energy generate a sudden cold spot), they did shoot video.

“We’re still reviewing some of the evidence,” says Linda, who admits she’s always had a creepy feeling about this place. “It’s kind of a tedious procedure, but in this video, which was set up in the darkness on a tripod, you can see us going up over the stairs in the hospital and as we go up you can see a group of orbs come down the stairs and dart off to one side and when we come downstairs you can see the orbs again go upstairs.”

Okay, so what else did they find? Dividing into two teams to investigate separate floors simultaneously, they took random still shots and upon examination of their photographs have discovered orbs in various locations of the house. “Were your camera lenses clean?” I ask. But it’s obvious from the photographs she shows me that the orbs are not consistently in the same place.

Linda did mention that in what they believe were patient rooms, they could see the

apparent image of a man and boy reflected in a window. In another photograph there is a reflection of a woman in period style clothing. Who are they? Is it real? Part of doing paranormal research is not only feeling a vibe about a place, but also being a sceptic and questioning what is seen and heard. While in the Widow’s Walk, Linda says that as she and two of the team members stood there they heard a loud knock on the wall. “That’s what happens. Sometimes it’s subtle,” she explains. “Sometimes you don’t expect it.

And sometimes you don’t hear it until you go through your recordings.” The plan is for Linda and a photographer to return to the building this spring when the temperature is warmer to use the thermal detectors, voice recorders and to take more photographs before reaching a decisive conclusion.

In the meantime, are ghosts good for business? Stevie Stevens can only hope so.

And a final answer to the question why?

Because he believes in the community-wide impact of this historic preservation. It’s not just about an old building, and it’s not simply about preserving the past. It’s about building for the future and benefitting the whole community. R

They took random still shots and upon examination of their photographs have discovered orbs in various locations of the house. “Were your camera lenses clean?” I ask. But it’s obvious from the photographs she shows me that the orbs are not consistently in the same place.

dld graphic design with grace and humor.

207.452.2591

denmark, me

lakelivingmaine.com 15

Affordable Home Updates by laurie lamountain

Before you do any major kitchen or bath remodeling, Dan Edwards, a Hancock Lumber Project Pro and Showroom Leader at the Bridgton location, suggests visiting one of their showrooms to take a look at the different products on display. Hancock Lumber has at least one professional kitchen and bath specialist on staff at all their major lumberyards.

Using 20-20 design software, they can work with you to create design renderings so you can accurately envision what your new kitchen or bath will look like. For extensive remodeling projects, they will go to your home, make recommendations, take measurements and handle all the ordering.

Call a few days ahead to set up an appointment with a design specialist who will be happy to guide you through the showrooms and start you on the way to your new kitchen or bath: 1-800-471-4400.

I

t happens almost every year. During the dog days of winter, when spring is so-close-and-yet-so-far-away, I fall out of love with my house. I begin to cast a critical eye on things that previously went unnoticed. The kitchen cabinets start to look shabby and the wooden floors reveal the wear and tear caused by the two large, four-legged creatures who live with us.

Plus, after spending so much of the last several months indoors, there’s the stupefying sameness of it all.

My immediate response is to put the house on the market and look for a piece of land on which to build the house of my dreams, but in the end I decide to take a less dramatic, and far less costly, approach.

Spring cleaning is helpful and with a wood stove essential, but it doesn’t fix the physical flaws or ease the boredom.

Unfortunately, it’s also tax time and any spare money I may have is already spoken for. Fortunately, I’ve found there are dozens of ways to spruce things up and change the look of my house without spending a lot of time or money. Here, to share with you, are some simple suggestions I’ve discovered to update and improve the look of my home, starting with the most important and most used room in the house.

Kitchen Remodeling: Improving the Design and Function The kitchen is where you’ll get the

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most bang for your buck. Renovating and modernizing your kitchen will not only increase its function and convenience, it will increase the overall value of your home.

Here are some relatively inexpensive, do-ityourself ways to give your kitchen a facelift.

Hardware Replacing or adding hardware to kitchen cabinets and drawers is the quickest and easiest way to upgrade your cabinets.

Switching out the manufacturer’s hardware with hinges and handles that reflect your own style is a subtle but effective way to change the look of your kitchen. Choose one style to keep the look consistent and think outside the box. One Maine-based company that carries an extensive line of hardware is Kitchen Encounters in Augusta, Maine (http://www.kitchenencountersinc.com/Hardware/).

Cabinets Refacing kitchen cabinets is the next most economical way to upgrade your cabinets. Refacing comes in many forms.

Replacing doors with laminates, wooden or glass inserts costs less than replacing the cabinet completely. Other ways to reface include removing some doors to get the look of open shelves, or simply painting to give them a completely different look.

Another easy way to update open cabinetry is by painting the insides a contrasting color, which creates an unexpected detail each time you reach for a glass.

Faucet Install an elegant, water-efficient faucet at the kitchen sink. The right faucet

will improve and update the overall appearance of any kitchen.

Lighting Replace existing light fixtures with upgraded models. Older light fixtures tend to attract kitchen grease, discolor over time and simply become outdated.

Replacing light fixtures is a good return on investment since newer models are often more energy efficient. Installing dimmer switches saves even more energy and creates ambiance.

Tiling Stained and discolored grout can really drag a kitchen down. Give tile work a facelift by regrouting it. Or, if you really want to change things up, consider a different solid surface entirely.

Switchplates Replace old switchplates with new ones that are the same color as the walls or that complement accent colors in wall paper.

Wooden Floors Sand wooden floors using a drum sander, edger and scraper to remove old finish. Many hardware stores and home centers rent by the day or half day.

Stain and/or apply a waterproof sealant to protect the wood.

Add greenery Create an indoor kitchen along a sunny windowsill. There’s nothing like it to bring the outdoors in when you need it most.

Bathroom Facelift

Paint, paper or panel Changing colors, patterns or adding wooden tones to walls can significantly transform the look of a bathroom. Lighter colors will make it appear larger and warmer earth tones will create a calm environment.

Linens Make use of the decorative power of your towels, bath mat and shower curtain to subtly change the look of your bathroom.

Choose colors that work with what you’ve chosen for the walls.

Hardware While often overlooked, new towel bars, tissue paper holders and other fixtures can really upgrade a bathroom, especially if what you’re replacing is of lesser quality. Check out restoration and antique hardware sources for unique hardware and accessories that are often of much better quality than new. Portland Architectural Salvage (www.portlandsalvage.com), just off Marginal Way in Portland, stocks a wide variety of period bathroom accessories.

Toilet Seat If you’re willing to pay the extra price, most hardware stores can special order custom-color toilet seats.

Cabinets Updating medicine and wall

cabinets is an affordable yet effective way to create a new look. Consider something custom from a local woodworker so that you can get the materials, size and dimensions that suit your overall decor.

Faucets New faucets can dramatically improve the look of a bathroom, as well as conserve water.

Light fixtures New energy efficient light fixtures can upgrade the look of your bathroom and save you money.

Living Space Updates Furniture Probably the fastest and easiest way to give a room a new look is by rearranging the furniture. Before you begin, it is a good idea to plan the room out in order to avoid having to move larger pieces several times.

Slipcovers A simple way to add texture and color and change a big item like a sofa or armchair is with slipcovers. Check with the sofa manufacturer to see if slipcovers for the specific piece are available. If slipcovers are not on hand for that item, try a basic adjustable option that suits the sofa measurements. A mass-produced slipcover won’t be as fitted, but will still provide a fresh surface to work with. Add color to a space by changing the covers on throw pillows and cushions. Patterned fabric provides visual interest when arranged on a neutral sofa or chair.

Lighting Even minor adjustments in a space’s lighting can have a big impact.

Bring the feel of natural light inside with full-spectrum lightbulbs. These bulbs mimic sunlight, which can enhance the colors in a room and are easy on the eyes for reading. Or try the warm, golden glow of a reproduction antique lightbulb. These bulbs are ideal for antique light fixtures like chandeliers and sconces. Rejuvenation Lighting (www.rejuvenation.com) is a higher-end manufacturer of classic light fixtures and restoration hardware that may be more expensive than a box store, but you’re better off with one quality table lamp than a lot of less expensive ones.

Carpets Having carpets professionally cleaned can instantly update a home and make it look and smell cleaner.

Now that spring is here, I’ll soon be spending a lot more time outdoors and I know I’ll fall back in love with my house as I open it up to the warmer weather. In the meantime, I’ll do what I can to hasten the process by giving it a little TLC. R

lakelivingmaine.com 17

Ah, springtime—I can smell it in the air! This is Maine, however. Just when we think it’s safe to don our gardening gloves the weather throws us a curve ball—it rains, the temperature takes a nose dive and then it snows.

by Leigh Macmillen Hayes

Our on-again, off-again season only makes us

all the more eager to get out in the garden and get growing. I know that my neighbor and I begin to chomp at the bit to get outside and work. And each year we have new questions. “What can I do to give my garden a ‘leg up’ in early spring—what should I do once I see the dirt (and not snow) to fortify and ready it?” she asks. “And if I don’t trim Don’t rake everything everything down to the ground clean at the first sign of in the fall, is my garden a lost the snow melting. Plants cause?” My own questions like to be snuggled in and include the following: Should protected, especially since I water the gardens every day? spring temperatures tend And what should I plant here in the first place? to be capricious.

For the following tips on prepping our gardens and landscape for the summer season I’ve turned to three local professionals: Lucia Terry of Perennial Point of View, Beverly Hendricks of DeerWood Farm and Gardens and Sam Bennett of Bennett Landscape Studio.

Wake the Garden Slowly Nature isn’t in too much of a hurry and you shouldn’t be either. Don’t rake everything clean at the first sign

18 lakelivingmaine.com

of the snow melting. Plants like to be snuggled in and protected, especially since spring temperatures tend to be capricious.

Dry Soil Wait until the ground is dry and warm to plant or divide.

Wet soil isn’t good because it becomes compacted. Beverly suggests, “Add stepping stones to your garden so you aren’t stepping on the earth and further compacting it.”

Soil Testing If you are remodeling your landscape, planting a lawn for the first time or thinking that last year the garden didn’t look as vigorous as it should have, contact the Cooperative Extension for a soil test: Cumberland County: 207.780.4205 or http://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/; Oxford County: 207.743.6329 or http://extension.umaine.edu/oxford/.

Top Dressing Don’t disturb the soil. Instead, top dress with compost to solve problems. Top dressing replaces what nature would add to the landscape. This allows plants to grow strong and happy as they naturally should. “There are more types and brands and recipes of compost available every year, both bagged and bulk, to choose from . . . Use whatever tickles your fancy,” says Lucia. Beverly cautions, “Don’t use raw manure in the spring.

It burns the roots and leaves.” You can add dry compost to plants at any time of the year due to the sandy, rocky soil in our region.

“Compost about 1 inch deep or 9 cubic feet for 100 square feet.

That’s 20 pounds of dehydrated manure or 10 pounds of chicken

manure, aged but not dry horse manure or cow manure,” says Bev. Work the compost lightly around each perennial. This will improve the overall condition of your soil and provide a gentle slow-release fertilizer.

Dividing Perennials Spring is the best time to lift, divide and replant most perennials, except for the early blooming plants, e.g. epimediums, violas, hellebores or anything that already has buds. The divided plants will have the entire growing season to readapt. If, however, you take good care to provide water and shade, Lucia says, “Many perennials can be moved almost any time. Sometimes, hard as it is, you just have to cut the plant back when you divide it . . . it will recover much more happily.”

Native Plants Use plants native to the watershed, which are naturally adapted to Maine’s climate, soils and environmental conditions. If it rains for a month, or is too dry, they will survive.

“For large or problematic spaces, try native ferns, native grasses and low bush blueberry, which are truly low maintenance,” suggests Lucia. “These plants also minimize your lawn, making your mowing time shorter,” says Sam. “You’ll have more time to enjoy what you have.”

Think Ahead Look forward for plants to fill in. When you see a plant in the container, remember that it isn’t near its maturity.

“Read the tag,” encourages Sam. “Remember, it may take 20 to 30 years to reach its mature size.” Inventory your stock. Beverly says, “Don’t yank anything until you know what it is.” Use what you

Use Native Plants have to your advantage. Try to create a four-season composition where plants embrace the changing seasons. You may need to move perennials around to manage them so that there isn’t crowding.

Pruning Some spring shrubs, like forsythia, are best to prune right after they bloom. Prune out any diseased or damaged wood.

Don’t be afraid to limb an overgrown shrub as if it was a small tree, creating a tree-formed shrub. Always use clean, sharp tools to prune.

Watering Using the right plants in the right places, you shouldn’t need to water perennial gardens. If you do need to water, do so once every two or three weeks. Allow the water to percolate deeply into the ground, thus drawing the roots of the plants down to where there is more nourishment. Remember that annuals may need to be watered, but it’s better to buy compost and feed the soil than spend money on water.

Drainage Because we live in the lakes region, we all need to understand the special responsibility we have to protect our rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Lucia reminds us that “the landscaping we do and how we manage it plays a huge role in this.” Sam adds that “the movement of surface water is very important.” Any garden or planting, sited and constructed properly, will function as a rain garden, and will direct and collect runoff to where vegetation can filter it before it can flow to the waterbody. Beverly says, “Consider installing diversion bars on driveways and pathways as a further form of erosion control.”

Spring is the best time to lift, divide and replant most perennials, except for the early blooming plants.

Mulch Beverly offers this information: “Mulch cuts down the

Dividing Perennials

watering and weeding, reduces soil compaction and stabilizes the soil temperature. It also reduces fungal diseases, because they are spread by water splashing on the soil and then splashing on the undersides of the leaves. Options for mulch include aged sawlakelivingmaine.com 19

Use Local Materials

Understand Context

dust, mowed leaves, which are fabulous because they encourage worms, dry grass clippings—make sure they contain no herbicides, bark mulch or stones. For acidic plants, pine needles make the perfect mulch.” Lucia advises against the overuse of bark mulch, “which when applied over and over and doesn’t break down, Think of foundation results in a deep woody crust plantings as a framework that impedes proper growth of for your home­—spend plants, especially perennials.”

Save the wood chips or coarse a little on design and shredded bark that take too long think about what you to decompose, thus robbing the like or don’t like about soil of nitrogen and leaving the other properties in your plants hungry, for the garden neighborhood,” suggests pathway or a place where you Sam. don’t want plants to grow.

back. I tend to let the gardens die back and leave the seedheads to attract birds.” If we use sustainable gardening practices, then maybe, just maybe we’ll have more time to slow down, smell the flowers and sip a glass of lemonade as we wander through our yards this summer. R

Use Local Materials Remember that a lot of hardscape materials that work best can be found right here in Maine. “Consider using hardscape materials that closely match what’s near your home,” says Sam, “and it will seamlessly fit into the landscape.” If your hardscape is designed and built right it will last forever.

Understand Context Do something that works with your property rather than something that sticks out. “Think of foundation plantings as a framework for your home­— spend a little on design and think about what you like or don’t like about other properties in your neighborhood,” suggests Sam. Live in the Landscape “Think about how you can live more in the landscape . . . be more intentionally in it and part of it,” says Lucia. You might create a special container or a corner of the garden that becomes a part of what you focus on and smile at in the morning. This should be a place that makes you pause and say “Ah,” a place that you experience, rather than reminding yourself that you need to water it when you arrive home after work.

It’s tips like these that will help us think about the natural setting we live in and make some sound choices. As for not cutting the gardens back in the fall . . . it’s okay. Beverly says, “I don’t cut

20 lakelivingmaine.com

Lucia Terry of Perennial Point of View in Bridgton The business began in 1979 and

today three generations of Terry women help folks create “a balance between people and the natural world. Through our thoughtful approach, original design concepts and ecological awareness and practices, we bring our perennial point of view to the work we do.” Lucia says, “No project is too large or too small for us.” www.perennialpointofview.com.

Beverly and Brian Hendricks of DeerWood Farm and Gardens in North Waterford Years ago Beverly worked for PPV and found that their sus-

tainable and earth-friendly practices appealed to her, but she really wanted to work at home. She started a day lily business that evolved into a farm and garden business and now includes landscaping, with hardscapes and waterscapes, and original sculptures by Brian.

“We try to use indigenous plants and promote sustainable, organic gardening. My goal is to educate people on that whole level,” says Beverly. www.deerwoodgarden.com.

Sam Bennett of Bennett Landscape Studio in Auburn Sam is

a landscape designer who works one-on-one with homeowners, architects and builders to design yards, pull the right team together, oversee and manage the project and make sure that everything is done to meet the specifications. His goal is to create a landscape that folks can either implement on their own or with the help of contractors. “I strive to educate homeowners about natural settings, habitat value and native species.” says Sam. www.bennettlandscapestudio.com.

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lakelivingmaine.com 21

A

Lighten Up

fter a winter of warming foods many garden offerings and too such as stews and oven-roastlate for all of last year’s bounty. If ed offerings, spring brings the you prefer to eat according to the by laurie lamountain prospect of lighter, brighter fare to seasons, it’s necessary to get crethe table. It’s one of the best aspects ative. It may be a primal response of living with four distinct seasons. to the seasonal shift, but the bitWho wants to eat the same type of ter cleansing taste of herbs like food year round, even if the ingredicilantro, arugula and dandelion ents are available? It doesn’t seem seem especially inviting in spring. natural to sit down to a Caprese salad in January or a boeuf Adding spring herbs and greens to salads, quiches and soups bourguignon in June. that you’ve made with items pulled from the freezer is a But spring is the transitional season . . . too early for great way to ease you through the pre-garden months.

roasted asparagus soup with spring herb gremolata Gremolata (a classic Italian garnish made from lemon peel, parsley, and garlic) gets a new twist here with the addition of tarragon.

maine shrimp dumplings The shrimp season in Maine runs from the beginning of December until the end of winter. Because it is so short-lived, I’ve learned to buy often and buy more than I currently need so that I have a ready reserve of 1/2 pound containers of this most delectable shrimp meat in the freezer. Once they are gone, I’m done eating shrimp until the season starts again in December.

1/2 pound raw Maine shrimp, peeled 1/2 cup cilantro leaves 1/4 cup roughly chopped scallions 1 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 Tbsp. Mirin or Ume plum vinegar 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger 1/2 cup soy sauce 12-14 dumpling skins

juice of one lime

1. Combine sesame oil, vinegar, ginger and soy sauce in a bowl.

2. Pulse half the shrimp, half the cilantro, 22 lakelivingmaine.com

and all the scallions with 1 or 2 tablespoons of the sauce in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Roughly chop the remaining shrimp and cilantro, add them to the bowl and stir to combine.

3. Place a dumpling skin on a work surface and wet edges with water. Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center. Gather the edges up toward the center, leaving a bit of filling exposed at the top. Repeat with the remaining wrappers, keeping both the wrappers and the dumplings covered with a damp towel while you work.

4. In a steamer base, bring an inch of water to boil and reduce to a simmer. Put as many dumplings as you can fit without touching into the steamer and place them over the steamer base and cover. Steam until the wrappers are tender and the filling cooked, 4 to 6 minutes. While the dumplings are steaming, add the lime juice to the remaining soy mixture for the dipping sauce. Serve immediately.

5

4

1/4 6 2 4 1 1

pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces (14 to 15 cups) cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 4 large) cup olive oil cups (or more) chicken broth Tbsp. minced fresh Italian parsley tsp. finely grated lemon zest Tbsp. minced fresh tarragon small garlic clove, minced salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine asparagus, leeks, and oil in very large bowl; toss to blend. Divide between 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until asparagus pieces are soft and leeks are golden, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes; cool on sheets.

2. Spoon 1/3 of vegetables into blender; add 2 cups broth. Blend until smooth.

Transfer to large pot. Repeat 2 more times, using half of remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth for each batch. Warm soup over medium heat, thinning with more broth by 1/2 cupfuls, if desired.

Season with salt and pepper.

DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead.

Cool slightly. Cover; chill. Rewarm before continuing.

3. Mix parsley, lemon zest, tarragon, and garlic in small bowl for gremolata.

Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with gremolata and serve. Serves 8.

quiche with spring morels We are fortunate to have at least two types of wild mushrooms that grow on our property—morels and chanterelles.

Luck, however, is fickle and it requires a vigilant eye to catch these shy delicacies before they’re gone. Morels make a brief appearance during those few days following the cold, rainy days of late spring, before the weather gets too warm for them. They are especially nice in quiche since their earthy flavor seems to infuse the custard filling.

avogolemono

(Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) The first time I had this soup was at a Greek Diner in Florida on an April visit to my mother. It was one of those eating experiences when you remember where you were sitting, the quality of the day, and especially the meal. I will forever associate this soup with a sunny April day.

2 6 1 1 1 1/2 1 2 1/4

2

boneless chicken breasts cups chicken broth small carrot, peeled small onion, peeled and halved bay leaf tsp. salt cup long grain rice eggs cup fresh lemon juice sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Tbsp. finely chopped flat parsley

1. Bring chicken broth, carrot, onion, bay leaf and salt to a simmer. Add chicken breasts, cover and poach over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove chicken breasts and let cool slightly before pulling apart with forks. Set aside. Strain broth and return to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Add chicken back to soup for another 5 minutes.

2. Whisk eggs until frothy, then whisk in lemon juice. Add a cup of the hot soup, very slowly, continuing to whisk the mixture as you pour. Repeat with a second cup. Remove soup from the heat and add the egg mixture to it. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with parsley and serve. Serves 4-6.

1 5

8 4 2

1

cup flour Tbsp. cold, unsalted butter sea salt ice water ounces fresh morels fresh eggs, beaten cups half and half or 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk cup Gruyère cheese, cut in 1/2- inch cubes fines herbes salt and pepper to taste

1. Prepare crust by sifting flour and salt in a bowl. Cut butter in with a pastry blender until it is well and evenly distributed. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time, fluffing with a fork between additions, until the dough begins to stay together (3-5 tablespoons). Roll out dough and line a deep pie dish. Bake in a 425˚ oven for 5 minutes.

2. While the crust is in the oven, clean, trim and halve the morels. Place them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until they’ve released most of their moisture; about 8 minutes.

3. Combine beaten eggs, milk and/or

cream, fines herbes, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

4. Scatter cubed Gruyère over the bottom of the cooled pie crust, top with cooked mushrooms, and pour egg mixture over all.

5. Bake in a 425˚ oven for 10 minutes.

Lower heat to 350˚ and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let rest for several minutes before serving. Serves 6 hungry people.

haddock with chopped chives en papillote This dish is so simple and yet so delicious. The flavors depend on the fish and the chives being as fresh as possible.

Serve it with boiled new potatoes and steamed asparagus or peas.

1

pound haddock or other white fleshy fish handful of freshly cut chives, chopped extra virgin olive oil coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Have fish at or near room temperature. Cut fillet in half width-wise. Cut four pieces of aluminum foil in squares of about 12”x12.” Brush all but the outer two inches of the dull side of two squares with olive oil.

2. Place the fillets on each square and sprinkle with several grains of coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped chives over the fish. Drizzle with olive oil and place remaining aluminum foil squares on top. Seal the edges by folding them over a couple of times and leaving a standing seam. The fish should be in a pocket surrounded by air.

3. Place the foiled packets in the oven and cook for no longer than 15 minutes.

Carefully open the packets, releasing the trapped steam with a knife, and slide the fish onto a warmed plate. Serves 2. lakelivingmaine.com 23

Living Simply by jen deraspe

A spring-fed mountain brook forms the northern boundary. I followed its pools, waterfalls, and fern-covered boulders up to the back pin, into what felt like the depths of this mountain.

Shadowed by 200 hundred-year-old hemlock and white pine trees, I was completely taken in.

24 lakelivingmaine.com

john snyder

I

live in a cabin tucked in the woods on the side of Pleasant Mountain.

I wanted to experience living differently, closer to the land, more gritty, and more real by making choices each step of the way that felt congruent with what I value; using less, being more self-reliant, keeping it simple, going local and making green choices to meet my needs. This breach with conventional life represented an adventure into the unknown for me.

I had a dream of living at one with the land and creating a space for others to experience the same.

Most days I rise before the sun and prepare the firebox in the kitchen cookstove, raking what is left of the coals from the evening fire’s embers. Opening the dampers, I prepare for the new day’s fire. The coffee pot is filled and strategically placed on the stove—a massive, black enamel cook stove made by the Amish that warms the whole cabin, cooks the soup, bakes the bread and heats the water for showers and dishes.

Once the fire is securely lit, I pull up the rocking chair and settle in very close to the slowly rising heat. My cat, Molly, joins me on my lap, purring. It’s all quite comfortable, between Molly’s soothing vibration, the crackling fire and the water in the coffee pot beginning to steam.

The 33 acres I live on spoke to me the day I first walked the boundary lines ten years ago. A spring-fed mountain brook forms the northern boundary. I followed its pools, waterfalls, and fern-covered boulders up to the back pin, into what felt like the depths of this mountain. Shadowed by 200 hundred-year-old hemlock and white pine trees, I was completely taken in.

From the brook’s bottom, I scaled up the ravine, following the old red boundary blazes on the trees heading south. At the

peak, there were granite outcrops covered in lichen and blueberry bushes, with mountain oaks and white pines dotting the terrain. I felt flush with excitement at the long views of the White Mountains.

When tears filled my eyes at the sight of the natural gems I found on this piece of the Earth, I knew this was the place for me to settle.

To choose a site for my cabin I walked the land and studied its light, its terrain, its tree growth. I ambled along the hints of an old logging road that brought me to the center of the property. There I discovered an opening that felt different. I immediately sensed a welcome feeling in this spot, with its natural openings and expanse.

With the mountain as my host, I wanted to impart the least impact while creating a home here. I wanted to blend into what was here naturally. To do this, I carved a small niche in the forest, expanding the natural opening a bit. I love trees and find comfort in acknowledging the many ways the sacrificial few have contributed to my life in the woods. A wall of old white pine and hemlock trees was spared to serve as a majestic, natural barrier, keeping the northeast winds at bay.

I consulted my compass, added 17 degrees declination, faced the sun, and staked out a footprint for my new home, facing true south. Orienting the long side of the cabin and most of its windows to the south would give the most sunlight and moonlight. Honoring those elements would provide warmth, light and companionship during the cold and darker times of the year.

Locating the cabin in the middle of the property was a deliberate means to be enveloped by woods and wildlife. To bring electricity in from the nearest pole was estimated to be the same cost as using solar power. For $10,000, I could have five CMP poles and a monthly bill for coal and natural gas-powered electricity or sixteen golf cart batteries, an inverter and four solar panels for green power. Any doubt I had about being on my own for generating electricity evaporated.

I felt strongly about going off-grid. I wanted to try life differently, being independent, to see if I could live with less impact and consumption. Going off-grid felt right, like a vote in the direction of renewable energy. I wanted to see if I could

why build a green home?

Lower Operating Costs Your green home will have lower energy bills as a result of energy efficiency measures.

Upgraded insulation alone pays for itself in three years.

A Healthier Home With improved indoor air quality, less off-gases from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and prevention of water intrusion which can create mold, your family should be healthier.

Reduced Maintenance & Replacement Costs Increased useful life of products and materials will result in cost savings and will reduce the amount of time spent working on your home.

Intelligent Design A space-efficient design utilizing every square foot of living space insures there is no wasted space, and less square footage means lower building costs.

The cost savings of an efficiently designed home can offset any increased costs incurred by investing in a higher performance home.

Potential Financial Incentives There are several federal and state tax credits or rebates for building or remodeling your home with Energy Star qualified products, some as much as 30%.

pay more attention to all the conveniences electricity affords and that I had taken for granted all these years. I wanted to find the ease in testing for myself what I really needed and wanted in this life, to get down to the marrow.

It was also a conscious choice to live without back-up heat sourced from oil or gas. I did not want to be dependent upon this cultural system of our times if I could help it. This choice put me in a quasi-hybrid pioneer space relying on wood stoves (and my back) for warming comfort during the winter months.

This lifestyle feels like going back in time; I do most of my cooking and all of my heating with a wood stove. Yet, I have all the modern conveniences that technology provides through photovoltaics with energy-efficient appliances and laptops.

From the beginning, I knew having no back-up heat would mean staying put in winter, as neither the plumbing nor Molly would allow me to leave for any length of time. I welcomed the lifestyle; staying home, following the inclinations of the natural world, aligning with rest, going

inward, unplugging, seeing what is here in the slower, shorter days and longer nights.

And when spring comes and gradually penetrates the dark and cold, I begin to change as well. As the wood stove fires begin to diminish in frequency, I feel a slow fire rising in me. Like the sap rising through the sugar maple’s veins, my sweet blood begins to move toward the March sun, ready and renewed to fully engage and plug back into whatever the next season will bring. R Jen Deraspe is founder and co-owner of Nature Through Nature, Maine’s first Green-Certified Retreat Center offering holistic and self-designed retreats, expansive workshops, sacred spaces, meditation, yoga, coaching and eco-getaways. For details and reservations visit www.ntnretreats.com or call 207.452.2929.

Higher Performing & Durable Home You will benefit immensely from a better built and higher performing home; third-party verification of house air leaks will insure that any deficiencies discovered can be addressed and repaired during construction, saving an untold amount of wasted energy.

Higher Value & Resale Advantages Your green home will be worth more than a comparable standard home.

Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable Measures Build green because it’s the right thing to do.

Can one family building a green home solve global warming or bring a complete halt to diminishing resources? No. Can one family building a green home contribute to the solution and be part of a movement that will be the new standard? YES! Through the use of sustainable practices, recycled and renewable products, and more energy efficient systems, we can reduce the impact on our environment and precious resources.

What kind of world do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren?

Main Eco Homes, Justin@mainecohomes.com lakelivingmaine.com 25

Time for Our Spring Detox by kevin pennell Burdock (Arctium lappa) roots are often a prime ingredient in detoxifying formuals for their alerative, diuretic and nutritive qualities. They are often the first plants to appear in the spring.

I

n many respects, spring is the season of new beginnings. The earth awakens from a long slumber and new life blooms. We find ourselves with seed catalogues, pencil and paper in hand to plan for our gardens. Like the world of plants, the vital life force surges through us, moving us out of winter’s hibernation to a state of renewed vitality. The time has arrived to shake off any excessiveness or sluggishness developed during winter with a spring detoxification. This is the key to spring: cleansing and detoxing our bodies. “Detox” is a method to eliminate unwanted material or substances from the body. Our bodies should be detoxified twice a year, in spring and fall. A spring detox helps the body eliminate unwanted and unnecessary fats and other materials no longer needed to keep us warm and energized for cold winter months. Through teas and nutrition, one can accomplish detoxification.

According to the Chinese, spring is associated w it h t h e wo o d element. The wood element is also related to specific organs: the liver and gallbladder. Since the liver can become congested in the winter, it needs cleansing in the spring.

A healthy liver should grow strong, yet remain flexible, flowing and rooted, just like a young tree (wood element). A healthy liver assures a smooth and even flow of internal energy and blood. Western anatomy and physiology views the liver as an organ with several functions including the detoxification and filtration of blood, storage of vitamins and minerals, activation of vitamin D and the metabolization of carbohydrates, lipids and protein among some other functions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that the liver’s main function is to regulate the smooth flow and proper direction of Qi (Chi), or energy flow, throughout the body. Furthermore, TCM says the liver also stores blood and regulates the amount of blood circu-

26 lakelivingmaine.com

lated by the heart. From an herbal standpoint, both Chinese and Western herbalists view spring as a time for cleansing, detoxification of the blood and liver, and to emphasize more productive lifestyles.

Those who seem to feel worse in the spring usually have congested livers. A congested liver results in anger, frustration, irritability, stiff neck and shoulders, hypertension, PMS, depression, mood swings, and irregular menstruation. Some additional symptoms like a red face and eyes, propensity to outbursts of anger, dizziness, dry mouth, splitting headaches or migraines, insomnia, thirst and constipation at this time of year, mean excessive heat is present in the liver.

It’s all about balance through encouraging the natural rhythm of our system to detoxify in the spring. This may be accomplished through teas and supplements, but the foods we eat are also great resources. Now is the time to eat white meats and fish. Try eating legumes, a large variety of cooked vegetables, some fresh fruit and whole grains too. Green or dandelion tea can replace coffee for energy, and chamomile tea will help you to unwind. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens, like collards, kale, mustard and chard. They cleanse the blood and liver. Toss in some other greens naturally growing at this time such as watercress, lamb’s quarters,

“We are true omnivores. We can pretty much eat anything as long as we maintain balance in our diets through enjoying a variety of foods and avoid excess.”

The Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) like the Burdock, is an alterative and diuretic. It also aids the digestive process through the liver and gallbladder; a very important element for detoxification.

chickweed, nettle, purslane and dandelion.

Added lemon juice tastes good, assimilates nutrients from the greens, and according to Chinese Medicine clears liver heat.

Avoiding the following foods will help ease this excessive heat in the liver: Any extended consumption of caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, fried, fatty and greasy foods, dairy, nuts and nut butters, red meat, turkey, avocados, chips, cheese, and spicy foods. This sounds like a lot, but as I often say to clients, “We are true omnivores. We can pretty much eat anything as long as we maintain balance in our diets through enjoying a variety of foods and avoid excess.”

Detoxification focuses on the liver be-

cause one of its primary functions is to filter toxins from the body. Our bodily systems function much better when the liver is balanced and when our digestive system is neither too acidic nor too alkaline. Again, it’s all about balance and spring is the time to bring our bodies back into balance.

If you have questions or concerns about your specific nutritional needs or detoxification consult an herbalist or your doctor to help identify the most beneficial method for you, since you may respond differently to certain herbs and foods. A Spring Detoxification can be a wonderful experience and method to promote Wholistic Living. R Kevin Pennell, an author from Bethel, Maine wrote Two Feathers-Spiritual Seed Planter and writes for other periodicals and media. He is a Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Herbalist, an Usui and Karuna® Reiki Master/Teacher, a Certified Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and Intuitive Medium. He conducts Reiki and other workshops that assist spiritual and personal development.

Kevin is the principle of and practices with other professional practitioners at East West Healing Arts & Apothecary in Bridgton, Maine www.eastwesthealingarts.org

o o o

your maine tea o o o Warm up with the best of Common Folk Farm herb teas Available in-store and on-line through L.L.Bean or at

www.commonfolkfarmherbs.com

o o o

ethan mcnerney

Flights From Land and Water

CHARTER SERVICE

SEAPLANE RATING

SCENIC FLIGHTS

Are you a business executive who values • Private and commercial seaplane • See the Lakes Region and White your time? Let us pick you up after work ratings in our PA-12 Super Cruisers Mountains like you’ve never seen on Friday and deliver you to your dock • Fly with straight or amphibious floats them before! in a fraction of the time it would take • FAA examiner on site • Scenic flights available year round you to drive. Amphibious charter from www.naplesseaplane.com • It’s the trip of a lifetime. “The best May 1st to November 1st. thing we did all vacation!” www.naplesseaplanecharter.com www.westernmaineaviation.com

at Eastern Slopes Regional Airport, Fryeburg, ME 04037 and 5ME Brandy Pond Seaplane Base, 58 Seaplane Cove, Naples, Maine 04055

207-935-4711

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ANDY BUCK

Building Custom House and Barn Frames Since 1987 Providing High Quality Timberframes for General Contractors and for the Owner/Builder

Moose Creek Home Center 2319 Auburn Rd Turner, ME 04282 866-831-6616 • 207-224-7497 www.mymoosecreekloghome.com

Locally Owned & Operated Manufacturer of Quality Homes.

“Custom Doesn’t Have to Cost More.”

Life Member of the Timber Framers Guild

97 Kimball Corner Road Naples, Maine 04055 (207) 787-2248 CustomTimberFramer.com lakelivingmaine.com 29

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Specialty Care Clinics

...Close to Home Specialty Care...

In the Lakes Region of Maine

Isn’t it nice not to travel so far for your care?

Oncology & Hematology Cardiology Pacemaker & Defibrillator Checks Diabetes Infectious Disease Orthopedics Sports Medicine 32 lakelivingmaine.com

Pain Management Wound Center Nephrology Urology Pulmonology Endocrinology Ear, Nose, and Throat

“Bridgton Hospital cancer care - it’s world class treatment close to home. Not having to travel for my care has eased the financial and stress burden for me. A small hospital with ‘big’ hospital care.” scott thomas lovell, maine

If you’d like more information about any of our clinics, please call 207-647-6120.

Quality Care...Isn’t it convenient to have it Close to Home?

Bridgton Hospital Specialty Clinics 10 Hospital Drive Bridgton, ME 04009

10 Hospital Drive, Bridgton • www.bridgtonhospital.org