When you think of Maine in January, you might get images of lobsterman with frosty beards hauling in traps, vacationers skiing down powdery mountains, or views of an icy coastline.
And some of that has definitely been the case as we start 2024. But Maine has also experienced torrential rains and wind, over nearly two feet of snow on the coast (more inland), historic flooding, and a handful of lovely, sunny days. It’s been a busy start to the year, to say the least.
Historic Storms
Back-to-back rain storms pummeled the coast during the first two weeks, creating extensive damage to homes, businesses, and historic buildings.
One of the historic structures that suffered significant damage was our local Pemaquid Point Bell House. Part of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park, it’s nearly 200 years old and is featured on the Maine state quarter.
A massive wave overtook the building, ripping apart the brick work of the centuries-old building.
(Image courtesy of Pinterest)
The town plans to repair the damage, but it will take time and prayers that another storm doesn’t wipe it away completely.
This scene played out all along the coastline, wreaking havoc and leaving many of us to wonder if this kind of weather would become part of the new normal for the area.
Our Blessings
At our place, the past couple of weeks have been largely a matter of debris cleanup and snow shoveling, though the latter only lasted for a day. Lots of branches and dead wood strewn about, but nothing remarkable. We count our blessings that we were among the lucky ones.
Today is sunny and this week will be on the colder side of things, more like January. And despite the crazy weather, I’m still happy to live here, finding joy in our Maine winters. (Though I realize my attitude would probably be different if my house had flooded or washed out to sea.)
“Creature” Comforts
(Image courtesy of All About Birds)
Last week I got to watch a barred owl fly into our field and land on a fence post, just about 50 yards from me. It was amazing and I’m so sorry I didn’t have my camera, but he looked just the fella shown above.
Observing the wild life around us gives me such joy. I even had a young bobcat visit my kitchen herb garden last fall. I was able to snap this picture out of a window before he (or she) trotted off into the woods.
Joys & Chores
January also keeps me inside cooking, decorating, and organizing. There’s always something to do!
Today, I’ll walk the dogs on our trails, get a fire going (this is a daily winter chore), do laundry, and prep food for the week. I’ll also scout for new recipes – something I do frequently on cold winter days.
Tomorrow, provided we don’t get a ton of snow, I’ll stack firewood. Yes, it’s a thing, and no, it’s not my favorite activity, but it needs to be done (and I do love a good fire).
Hubby did all the cutting and the big stacking, as seen above. His round wood piles (known as Holz Hauzen) are works of art. My job is to create stacks closer to the house so it’s easier to bring wood in for burning.
And folks, that is Maine in January…at least at our house. Our activities follow the weather. When it’s lousy outside, we focus on the inside. And when it’s nice outside, we take advantage of that gift.
If we’re lucky, the next snow will stick around long enough to do some snowshoeing and the rain will hold off till spring.
If you’re considering a visit to Maine in January, check out Visit Maine for a list of fun things to do and wonderful places to stay.