West Paris July 1

Summer is here in all its glory: lots of sun and hot weather and at times spells of rain. One evening after thunder and lightening and rain, a beautiful bright rainbow rose from the ocean and ended among the trees on shore. Above this appeared a more subdued rainbow, pretty but not so colorful. They put on a good show for all of us at Ferry Beach. We were all in awe at the beauty observed from the porch of the main building, Quillin.

About 60 people were there for work week at the Unitarian Universalist Camp and Conference Center in Saco. I was a member of the sewing group making valances and curtains for the largest dormitory for it had been improved and painted, with new carpets in rooms and hallways. During the winter, new bunk beds had been built for all the rooms. Everything is new and clean and bright.

Each day we were up at 5:30 for a walk on the beach to see what the waves had washed up during the night. With breakfast at 7 all were ready for work - 8 to 12. Child care was available for the little ones. As there were many chores to do before the opening in a week, each chose his or her specialty. Carpentry, pressure washing of the buildings, painting porch floors and touch-up all around, gardeners for weeding and mulching of flower beds. Debris from the trees in the camping grove was gathered and the areas were raked. With so many busy hands all was accomplished and the grounds and buildings were ready for the summer guests.

The afternoons were for playing, swimming or sunning on the beach, walking, reading, or rocking and talking in the shade on the porch. All were busy. Quiet time was at 11 p.m.

Jude Lamb was one of the coordinators. Her six grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, each came for one or two nights - not all at once though!

One afternoon activity was making hoola hoops. Of course, we all had to learn the proper way to twirl them. I managed to keep mine from slipping to the ground. Quite an exercise. They are supposed to tighten the muscles around the abdomen and waist. Guess we should use them often!

The West Paris Universalist Church is closed for the summer but West Sumner Universalist Church will hold services starting July 11 at 11 a.m.

Muffin was cared for by good neighbors up the street. She was glad to see me and slept close all night.