What do Colby College, Linda Bean, and a Tishman have in Common? Saving Port Clyde, Maine

Photo by Salt Water New England 

In the New York Times:

Colby College, about 90 minutes away in Waterville, and a construction magnate with a hefty foundation have joined forces in an unusual environmental initiative aimed at reviving Port Clyde and then some... Colby’s plans would expand Port Clyde from a town almost exclusively dependent on tourism, fishing and the arts to an academic and research center aimed at helping to find remedies for natural disasters and climate change nationwide. The initiative, if successful, would change not only the economics of Port Clyde but also its cultural and physical fabric. 

- A Town With Wyeth Ties Plans a Comeback From Disaster <https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/business/colby-college-port-clyde-maine-waterfront.html> 

Our 2012 Photos of Port Clyde, Maine, Before the Devasting Fire of Almost Three Years Ago:

 

Cold and Rainy Today...

Photo: Muffy Aldrich

•  Sorcha Yoke Fair Isle Women's Sweater - Baize Green (https://bosie.co/products/sorcha-yoke-fair-isle-womens-sweater-baize-green)

Best Summer Annuals for Container Planting?

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

I have received several inquiries about favorite/best annuals for containers, so I thought I would put it out for the community.  

While I always have pink or white Geraniums in various pots scattered about,  in the photo above is a Scaevola in pink which is incredibly hardy and long lasting, though I also have it in the blue in other planters.  Supertunia, which is a new one for me.   And a Pure White Butterfly, a simple Daisy.

What are your favorites?

A Reader Question: Thoughts on Rolex watches?

A reader question:

Dear Editor,

What is the thought on Rolex watches?  I have never been interested in one, but my wife has proposed purchasing one for a big milestone. I think many models are gaudy and the culture around the brand has become a little over the top. However, the Explorer I is a beautiful watch and seems the be the most simple, iconic and affordable choice.

A Reader Question: Substitutes for plastic around the house?

A reader question:

Dear Editor,

As your readers already know, the New England thing before preppy ethos is built on the foundation of natural fibers and wares, things that will last, growing older with you and becoming both more comfortable and somehow a bit more noble, composting along with you when you are gone.  This ethos extends to the love of the land and sea, even to our homes and cars.  

Over the last few generations, the introduction of plastics, and thus microplastics and nanoplastics, into our land, our sea, and the bodies of all creatures, has been immense. While some amount of plastic is inescapable, the plastics most likely to enter our bodies can, in good part, be replaced with non-plastic, traditional materials that work as well or better.  

The kitchen is an obvious starting point, and I will spare all the recitation of kitchen replacements, but brooms and brushes, even toothbrushes, made from palmyra, tampico, horse hair, boar bristle, and so on are available.  The various cloths we use are available in cotton, linen, bamboo, and the like make it possible for us to skip the polyester.  Beeswax impregnated cloth can keep our produce, bread, leftovers, and more better than plastic cling wrap.  Products like Blueland replace laundry soap and dishwasher pellets that are not only packaged in plastic but use plastics in the products themselves as surfactants.  Even something like salt often comes from the ocean and brings microplastics with it, some salts more than others.  Rather than enumerating my own list, I would love to hear others' solutions and sources.  

Peace, Vecchio Vespa

Cars of Summer...

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

 

Today, L.L. Bean Boat and Tote in Seaboard Blue

Photo: Muffy Aldrich

• Nautical Sailor Knot Bracelet <https://mysticknotwork.com/products/striped-sailor-bracelet-custom-colors-choose-your-own>

A Question from a Southern Reader who Needs a Good Custom Camp Moccasin

But first, my rebuttal - I have nothing but the warmest regards for our friends from the South.

Hello Muffy, out of desperation I am sending this email. I have noticed that you are rather negative regarding people in the South and our authenticity of living culturally Preppy. If you will lower yourself to express your opinion to this Son of the South it would be much appreciated. 

I am in a bad spot. I desperately need a good camp moccasin. I tried Rancourt. Visually it was a great looking shoe, however it was a two month wait for product. Once received to moccasins had manufacturing flaws that made them uncomfortable and unwearable. It has now been 60 days and Rancourt has never returned my money. They are apparently popular for such behavior. I have not tried Quoddy but in talking to them over the phone they were very negative. I will need a custom made shoe. I was a runner and tennis player for many years and my feet are wide across the top and narrow at the heel. 

Also, though not a camp moccasin,  the company Paraboot, specifically the Barth, looks like a nice product. Do you know anything about them? I hear there are a lot of fake Paraboot products on the internet. Paraboot is taciturn regarding communication via email. 

Respectfully, 

Patsy's Earrings: Another day, another decision...

Photo by Muffy Aldrich

• Yankee Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver <https://patsykane.com/products/yankee-pearl-earrings>

• The Ketcham Oyster Shell Earrings <https://patsykane.com/products/the-ketcham-oyster-shell-earrings-gold-dipped>

• All Earrings <https://patsykane.com/collections/earrings>