Oxford, Maine, Lake Thompson

We are now at Trout's beautiful house, on Lake Thompson, and I have been up since 6::30, a darkened lake, then Vic and Ellery got up, and Els and I looked at pictures of our grandchildren on the computer, which she seemed to love. She has really warmed up to Evie and I, seems happy to sit on our lap and be with us. We had a great breakfast of bagels, cream cheese,lox, and capers. We then went for an hour walk, through the woods, looking at all the lovely homes along the lake, many more than what one would think just looking at the lake from Trout's house. We walked out to two islands, Black and Mc Guire,both which you get to by a cause way. We ended up talking with the owner of the final property on McGuire, who owns this entire peninsula, a lovely sight. It's a great place to walk, with the four dogs racing ahead, exploring the woods and property, as we walked and talked. Ellery went with us, not a peep, enjoyed the walk, never cried nor seemed unhappy. I am sitting in a rocker, looking out at the lake, as everyone else is in the kitchen getting lunch and dinner ready. Christine is reducing the cherry/vinegar sauce for the duck, ricing potatoes, as Vickie puts the corn chowder on the stove top. It's become a bit overcast, though Trout and I hope to kayak after our lunch. Ben just returned from shopping, and he is helping out as well, getting ready for our five course extraganza of a dinner, caviar/lobster stuffed eggs, salad with walnuts, etc, then duck breasts appetizer, maincourse of Icelandic racks of lamb, finished off with dessert. It sounds amazing, and I am sure it well be. I have forgot to mention the four dogs, three labs and a spaniel which is Christine and Ben's. They are just like big children, lounging on the couches, digging their heads into you lap to be petted, and paid attention to. They sleep in the Trouts bedroom, and are well behaved, not hyper at all, just when you get up to take them out side. Then, there's commotion, as they jump to attention, rush to the door, and wag their tails, ready to go out. Yesterday, as I was sitting drinking a beer, one of them walked by my table, and with their tail, knocked over my beer. They are sleek, thin, and great dogs but you need a large house to accomodate them.  Great dogs.