I have lived in Maine a long time, and have even been on a tour of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, located in Portland, Maine. Last summer, my husband and I were at the house, taking shots of the front gate, and the brick exteriors. I wandered down a brick path, as I snapped photos, headed toward the carriage house, to the back of the property. Just as I got near the back door, I caught sight of a garden, almost hidden, around the corner. Why hadn't I seen this before?

I had to investigate, and what a nice surprise. As you can see, the garden is all about paths and cozy benches, just right for relaxing. As a person who loves all things brick, especially this soft rose colored kind, this place came as a special treat. Just look at the way the brick walls make the green stand out. It is just beautiful.

If you visit Portland, don't miss this. The garden would be a great place to spend a few quiet moments. It is easy to find, just up the hill from the Old Port, an easy walk, even. For more information check here- Wadsworth-Longfellow House.

My husband tells me that oatmeal cookies are good for him. He says that they have so many healthy ingredients in them, they must be!

"health food" oatmeal cookies

1&1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 c up sugar or sugar substitute
1 cup canola oil
2 eggs or 1/2 egg substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla
1&3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup bran or wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1&1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 salt (opt)
2&1/2 cups whole oatmeal
1&1/3 cup raisins and/or nuts

Heat oven to 375 degrees, F. Beat the sugars and oil until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour, bran, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, mix well. Stir in oats and add ins. (I sometimes use those dried cranberries and orange zest), mix well. Drop by large tablespoons on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes, but watch them until you get used to baking them. The centers are soft when they come out of the oven.
I usually make 1/2 of the recipe at a time, that makes 16 very large cookies.