The modern lobster traps are made of metal. They are used today because the are more durable. Metal traps are better at handling salt water erosion, they are lighter, and can be stacked more easily. These are two examples of lobster trap trees made with metal traps.
The above tree was I believe outside a seafood shop in Kennebunkport.
I believe the above tree is in the Cape Porpoise area of Kennebunkport outside a family house. Could the owner be a lobster fisherman? Have a super Saturday!
Different locations bring their own culture and traditions into how they celebrate Christmas. Maine incorporates its fishing industry into its holiday displays. Lobster trap Christmas trees are part of displays in different towns.
The ones I am focusing on this post are the ones made of the old style wooden lobster traps. They are stacked up like a tree. Then decorated with buoys, lights, and or greenery. Personally I love the ones that combine the greenery with red buoys. The ones above and below use a lobster image as a tree topper.
It sounds like the lobster trap tree tradition was initiated in Gloucester, Massachusetts first in 2001 and the idea spread to other towns in New England. Many times these trees are community organised with local lobstermen lending the traps for the displays.
This last tree is my favourite because of the views around it. This one is at the Beachmere Inn. It is topped with a starfish. The Beachmere has a great restaurant with views of this tree and the ocean. You can eat lunch or dinner and enjoy this view when sitting near the windows.
What do you think of this tradition? I hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year.
According to one definition, shenanigans can be a high-spirited or mischievous activity. Here the elf is pushing Bumble in a pint sized shopping cart.
What shenanigans are you up to? With all the Covid, flu, and other viruses being passed around, I hope all are healthy. Have a fabulous Friday!
Planning some Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the future? Here are two more.
Having the Yeti/ Abominable Snowman along with Rudolph can make the set up more interesting. For this one I made pirate patches for their eyes and covered the elves head with cloth to make it look like a pirate. The treasure chest I believe I got at Hobby Lobby and the gold coins (Chocolate) are sold at many places before the holidays.
I had this larger tub already to hold washcloths in my bathroom. It was a good size for an elf. This one is larger than soap size. These bathtubs are popular in soap size, so even a good size for some smaller elves or other characters. Merry Christmas!
Some signs of autumn include the changing colours of the leaves, cooler temperatures, and birds flying south for the winter. In Saugerties, N.Y. another sign of autumn includes the Rimington’s new Minions Hay Bale display presented during the start of the Garlic Festival.
This year I finally got to meet the couple behind this display. This is my fourth year documenting it. The Rimingtons told me this is their sixth year putting it up. This year’s theme is hip hop music. This year they incorporated some artwork in the form of banners as well as a few skeletons. RIMS Driving School is their business.
As I was talking to the Rimingtons, people were showing their appreciation by yelling thank you for the display from their passing cars.
This display is across from Dunkin Donuts as you are heading into the village from the Thruway exit. It is on 127 Ulster Avenue. I recommend pulling into the shopping area across the street and parking. You can view it from that side of the street or cross over. Ulster Avenue in Saugerties is a very busy road and there is no parking street side in that area.
If you are leaf peeping in the Catskills and in the area of Saugerties head into town. Besides this display there are a variety of businesses in the village to stop for a bite, go antiquing, or walk to the Lighthouse from the parking area on Lighthouse Drive.
What a fun way to celebrate the start of autumn and Halloween. Thank you to the Rimington Family!
To all those celebrating in the U.S., Happy Independence Day! In my area people have been celebrating since July 1st with nightly fireworks. No, they were not celebrating Canada Day. Enjoy your day!
Run, run as fast as you can… you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man.
from The Gingerbread Man
I found a cute product in a local shop after Thanksgiving. I always like to find unique objects. This is a Gingerbread Mug Topper. It is made by Rustic Bakery in Petaluma, California. (I do not get paid for this blog post).
What makes these stand out is they are made to hang on paper cups or thin mugs. I found a thicker mug will not take the arm. Above it goes down part of the way on the cup.
On the picture above I used a paper cup. It seemed to work well on the paper cup. The arm goes further down the cup to hold it in place.
I don’t consider gingerbread men to be just a Christmas thing. I associate it with winter. I think it goes well with hot chocolate. Are you a fan of the Gingerbread Man?
I hope everyone is fairing well with the recent cold weather and in some cases blizzard conditions experienced in the US and Canada. I hope all those without electricity or heat get it restored soon.
I decided to try to make some fun images. The above is one of them. I will make two separate posts tonight. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! Happy New Year!
I love old doors with character. This one definitely is interesting. I saw this one in Rhinebeck, NY. They must not use this entrance to the house as the wreath covers both halves of the door.
Get out and enjoy the decorations in your area this time of year. To me the most interesting ones involve the old and the new. Do you agree?
What is a delicious dessert that comes from Sri Lanka that is gluten-free and dairy-free? It’s Mung Kavum.
What is Mung Kavum? It is a dessert usually made around the Sinhala Tamil New Year and other special occasions. Sinhala Tamil New Year is in April, but the owner’s of Red Pepper Diner shared it with me after the American New Year.
What are the ingredients? Some of the ingredients include: Mung Bean flour, rice flour, sugar, coconut milk and spices. It is deep fried. It is slightly sweet, but not overly sweet. It is very delicious. How it is made may vary between recipes and restaurants of course.
Where can you get this? One location is Red Pepper Diner on Route 9D in Wappingers very close to Beacon. It is worth a visit if you are travelling on I-84 near Beacon or visiting Beacon for the many shops and galleries or for DIA Beacon.
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