The Lyons' Den

10/19/2026

So True!!!

10/18/2026

At the Lyons’ Den… a dogsled
Maine’s snowy season is on its way!
Got a doggy or two or more?
Preferably large dogs with lots of fur and lots of energy?
If so, then you need a dogsled!

10/16/2026

At the Lyons’ Den…
This is a beautiful old child-sized push sleigh, so named because of the bar attached to the back for pushing the sleigh along. It's modeled after full-sized sleighs and shares many of their characteristics.

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

The final foliage report for the season indicates peak and past-peak conditions throughout most of Maine. As the weekend approaches, central and coastal areas are nearing peak color, with leaf drop now ranging from 70-100 percent.

"This is Maine's weekend!" With the holiday traffic behind us, it's the perfect time to take a leisurely scenic drive, hike, or bike ride and enjoy the colors with fewer crowds. Even past peak remains beautifully colorful and photo-worthy. As Vacationland prepares to put the trees to bed and we wrap up another fall foliage season, let's thank all of the leaf lovers and everyone who celebrates Maine in the fall.

10/14/2026

At the Lyons’ Den… Bed warmers and foot warmers.
Maine had a hot and humid summer, but we are now seeing crisp, cold nights which will shortly lead us to our first Fall freeze. Then comes the cold frigid nights of a Maine winter, when you may be in need of a bed or foot warmer.

10/12/2026

National Farmer's Day (also widely recognized as Thank a Farmer Day) is celebrated annually on October 12 to honor the hardworking growers, ranchers, and families who provide our food, fiber, and fuel.

About National Farmer's Day
• Date: October 12 (timed to coincide near the end of the traditional harvest season).
• History: Formerly known as "Old Farmer's Day," community celebrations and events honoring agricultural stewards date back to the 1800s.
• Purpose: To recognize the vital economic and foundational role farmers play in supplying our communities while working long hours through changing seasons.

Did You Know.....that according to scientists, almost 40% of the Earth's land is used for agricultural purposes?

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors to the North!

10/11/2026

At the Lyons’ Den… Antique Hearth Fire Starters

An antique hearth fire starter, historically known as a Smudge Pot or Cape Cod Lighter, is a vintage tool designed to safely and cleanly ignite wood fires in a wood stove or fireplace using liquid fuel (oil or kerosene) and a natural stone or soapstone wand instead of using paper or kindling.

First popularized in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries (sometimes utilizing whale oil), the device allows users to start a fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit quickly and cleanly. When not in use, the metal wand sits back in the covered container, and the whole set rests safely on the hearth.

How It Works
Soak: The porous, unglazed stone at the end of the metal wand rests inside a lidded container (often shaped like a small pitcher or cauldron) filled with lamp oil or kerosene.
Ignite: You lift the saturated wand, light it with a match, and place it beneath the logs on your fireplace grate.
Burn: The burning fuel on the stone provides enough sustained heat (typically 10 to 15 minutes) to ignite the logs directly.
S***f Out Wand: Once the fire is at a steady burn, remove the stone wand and return to the oil-filled container and replace cover, this will smother any flames left on the wand.
(**DANGER: Never Ever Use Gasoline in a Smudge Pot)