Cooking in Canaan, Maine

I am taking a break from thinking about a fall ocean rental today to do some good labor, there are tons of beans and other garden treasures to pick and I am on chef duty tonight. The chance to pick things for the table tonight is a rare opportunity to cook from scratch a real delight. The eggs for breakfast came from the coop and the high bush blueberries will figure in some way. I have a touch of country boy in me as living in Cottekill, New York shows, but here on P&E’s 68 acres in Canaan Maine there is room to really plant and Ed’s green thumb gets a workout. A few glasses of vino while prepping is a chef’s reward.

Compassionate Health Care From Canaan Maine

The snow is blowing and our guests have left for their long trek back to Maine, It is mellow at the St. John house today. Penny is a practitioner nurse in Canaan, as close to a doctor as you can get, Ed has been a pharmacist for many years. Over many visits to their home I have seen lines of people stopping in for consultation for free. Both are very compassionate and caring people. They also happen to be my sister and brother in law but that isn’t the only reason their visit was special. With their years in health care they have a feel for people’s emotional health.

Though I am healing well after skin cancer surgery on my face they knew a visit and a chance to really talk with knowledgeable folks was needed. I tend to have a British stiffer upper lip façade with people. They saw through it and drove down a long way to hang out with us. It was very healing to be able to talk with them. It has been a very emotional time and at times debilitating experience. We had a great time relaxing, eating and enjoying quality time that overnight visits allow. They have lifted my spirits and for that I am grateful. Even better is knowing that those two care about each and every patient they encounter. Thanks guys for making a real long house call!

Canaan Compound

The Kennedy’s have their compound on Cape Cod and my in laws have theirs in Canaan Maine, 63 acres of country delight. After a few adventure trips it is great to be hanging out in such a wonder place. Better yet to have such wonderful people to do so with, communal dinners with 4 sisters as an anchor is lively and entertaining. Everyone here has their own talents such as healer, author, gardener and jeweler. A massage by Chuck’s magic fingers washed away pains acquired caving in Puerto Rico and pedaling around Europe. I probably relax better here than any place on Earth, for that I am truly grateful.