Celebrate, Movies, People, Winter

Flow: Pancakes, Pizza, Beer, and a Movie

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In Maine, January was a dry month with little snow, but February has been quite a different matter, with a flurry of storms every few days. It certainly looks like winter at our home by the edge of the woods.

This weekend, in between snowstorms, our daughter Shannon and her husband Mike came for a visit to celebrate his birthday.

We are big believers in celebrating, and the whole of Saturday was mapped out for Mike’s birthday.

It started with a pancake breakfast. I know this is bragging, but Clif’s pancakes are the best in central Maine. So light and fluffy and delicious. The veggie sausage patties and home fries weren’t too bad either.

After a leisurely breakfast and lots of time spent talking—no, we didn’t solve the world’s problems, but we certainly tried—we headed into Augusta to Cushnoc Brewing Co. for pizza.

We started out with snacks.

Then we moved on to pizza.

What to do afterwards? Why, onward to Absolem  Cider Company, which is right here in little Winthrop, Maine (population 6,000), about three miles from where we live. We still can’t believe such a terrific place is so close to us.

To get to the old barn with its tasting room, there is a pathway lined with lights and snowy picnic tables, and it felt like a magical winter scene in the still, cold night.

Inside, the barn was dark and cozy, filled with folks drinking beer, cider, wine, and cocktails as they listened to Maine musician Kevin Leary. In a clear voice, he sang covers of Neil Young and other musicians.

Mike and Clif each ordered  a special beer called Mott the Lesser, a Russian Imperial Stout brewed by Tributary Brewing. It is the most remarkable beer I have ever tasted, with strong notes of coffee and caramel. I can only conclude there was alchemy in the brewing process.

We left after the music was done and headed back home, where there were presents and an interested dog. We had cake, of course, but I forgot to take a picture of it.

As we Mainers would say, it was a finest kind day, with one event just flowing into the other.

Happy Birthday, Mike!

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Watching

And speaking of flow…there is a wonderful animated movie from Latvia, Belgium, and France called Flow. It’s won a Golden Globe and is one of my favorite movies of the  year.  The story revolves around five animals in a world without people and thus has no human dialogue. But there are plenty of animal and nature sounds. Into this world, which looks post-apocalyptic with remains of human civilization, comes a horrific flood.

The main character, a black cat, bands together with a dog, a lemur, a capybara, and a secretarybird to survive the flood. There are scenes both terrifying and humorous as the animals cope with the ever-rising water that forces them out of their homes. The very last image, following a rescue, is as precise and moving as the ending line of a haiku.

If Flow comes to a theater near you, don’t hesitate to see it. And if it does not—Flow is, after all an indie film made for a few million dollars—do watch this beautiful, moving film when it is available through a streaming service.

 

 

89 thoughts on “Flow: Pancakes, Pizza, Beer, and a Movie”

      1. I have been having problems, too. Sometimes takes me two tries before the comment goes through. I have gotten into the habit of copying my comment so that I can just paste if I have to give it a second try. A pain, but it it works.

      2. I’m leaving this link here for both you and Laurie to see it. WordPress is aware of the issue, and trying to sort it out. Laurie – I sent them the link to your blog as one that is having trouble, along with a list of others. The GitHub page will post updates. I must say, it’s been fun getting an ‘inside look’ at the process, and all the back-and-forthing I’ve done with them in the past three days has softened my view on the occasional glitches that arise!

  7. What a delightful post, Laurie! You even make winter seem appealing! (We turned on AC Saturday, and today I have a fire in the fireplace!) I will look for “Flow.” Have you seen “Wild Robot”? It’s also amazing. I’m glad I don’t vote for Oscars because I’d be torn between Wallace and Gromit and Wild Robot!

  8. What a wonderful way to celebrate Mike’s birthday, Laurie. It sounds like the perfect blend of good food, great company, and memorable experiences. Clif’s pancakes must be legendary if they’re considered the best in central Maine. ❤ Thanks for sharing the recommendation for Flow.

  9. A belated but warm birthday wish all the way from the Southern Highlands just south of Sydney, Australia! Do love the look of your pizza – real and appetizing and obviously not from a ‘chain’ store . . . More so, thank you for the trailer of ‘Flow’ – as I am Estonian-born ’tis interesting to see another Balt, from Latvia just south of the border, amongst those responsible! Am certainly going to try and see this 🙂 !!!

  10. Pancakes and pizza? And warm ambiance? It sounds wonderful. I might even have given that beer a try. I’ve been trying to remember where I heard about Flow. Someone I read must have mentioned it; I’ll keep an eye out for it.

  14. I cannot comment on your site, so am using the Reader. This sounds like a wonderful celebration – and I am very pleased to have seen the trailer for “Flow”.

  18. Breakfast looks delicious! It sounds like a wonderful day. As a former brewer of beer, cider, and mead, I can tell you that there is alchemy in the process. 🙂 Your snow is beautiful. I think there might be more headed your way soon. It’s stopping by here first (although it won’t last long here because it’s going to turn to rain).

    1. Breakfast was indeed delicious. Yes, alchemy in the process. That beer was utterly amazing. More snow is heading our way, and a big one is forecasted for Sunday. Stay tuned.

  20. I agree, this post leaves the reader feeling warm inside. Everything looks scrumptious. As magical as the snow-covered picnic tables look (and the beauty of a mercifully STILL night), I’m glad you weren’t tempted to sit at one of them! 😊

  21. What a finest of birthday celebrations Laurie and the snowy landscape looks so inviting ☃️ Belated happy birthday wishes to Mike and lots of love to you all 💖💫 xxx

  23. Happy belated birthday to Mike — it sounds like everyone had a wonderful day indeed! Your place in the woods with all that snow looks like a Christmas card, Laurie!

  25. So wonderful, Laurie. The snow is magical and the food and drinks and golden light gave your post a cozy feel. As the country goes to pot, I’m glad you didn’t let “you know who” steal the joy of Mike’s Birthday. You all deserved the day or love.

      1. Awful, Laurie. I know. We just cancelled our summer hiking plans because the rapist put an end to all seasonal workers in our National Parks. I know it’s not as dire as people losing their jobs (and lives) but it’s another act of unnecessary cruelty.

  27. Dear Laurie,

    It looks wonderfully wintry at your home, Mike’s birthday sounds like a lot of fun (happy belated wishes to him), and the trailer for Flow already brought tears to my eyes. I want to see the film but probably need to watch it at home; otherwise, my weeping would bother the other moviegoers.

    Tanja

  31. I’m so happy you are here sharing stories about your life once again. Your celebrations are always top shelf with family, good food, and atmosphere to boot. I love the snowy lit path, the cup of brew, and without too much effort I can hear the music covers. Xo

  32. That sounds a great way to mark a birthday! The snow is so pretty and you have some amazing places to eat and drink. I love reading about your life on the edge of the woods.

      1. There seem to ba an increasing number here too with the days of ‘something on toast’ or soup as the staple offerings long gone. There is still soup but usually something interesting with nice bread and garnishes.

  34. So much good food! We baked pizza at home last night, may daughter and I. Today she asked for pancakes, so I made some. In Sweden we make them very thin.

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