We left home early hoping to spend a couple of hours at the beach thinking that this day would just be another day at the beach; however, I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival.

The pride I would soon experience in Perkins Cove was made possible by the President and his Secret Service entourage.  President George H.W. Bush 41 and his Secret Service protection team unleashed every nerve in my body on this day.  I’ve enjoyed a several Bush sightings in the past and we even exchanged words on three occasions.  This encounter was noticeably different. The President was fulfilling a promise that he made to all of us a few years ago. Bush 41 promised us that he did not intend to spend his final years drooling in the corner and he hasn’t. He has instead inspired many of the young and old throughout the years as a teacher of life protected by the hand of God.

It was a hot muggy day for mid-August and the early morning news was warning sun lovers that this might be the last day the temperature would reach 90 degrees in 2012.

Jo Ann and I decided to retreat north to Ogunquit, Maine for a few hours of peace and the fresh morning salty air.

President George H.W. Bush has a summer home not far from Ogunquit located in Kennebunkport.

We arrived at Oarweeds Restaurant on time since we call every Restaurant our on time restaurant simply because we have no special time for satisfying our lust for food. Our on time restaurants are named after the Chappaquiddick single car ferry. The ferry leaves when you arrive. You’re always on time.

As we sat down and began perusing our menu at the ten second mark the waitress asked if we were ready to order. Without delay I explained to her that when we are ready to order we will set our menus down. We were hoping to find peace and “live life the way it should be”, according to the Maine license plates.

While perusing the menu I heard the purring of two high speed boats and the sound of the Atlantic pounding against their bows. Without looking up I told my wife JoAnn, it’s him. She responded it’s who? The President I replied. She quickly reminded me that there were many boats coming in and out of Perkins Cove all day long. I smiled and looked out toward the two boats positively identifying them. The high speed boats were bumper to bumper expressing confidence in each other’s capability as they made the turn into the cove. There are only a few Barnacles on the Presidents boat, as they try to cling on but often fail.

After leaving Oarweeds we walked across the street to Barnacle Billy’s where the President visits about ten times each year. We noticed the President and a large group of young people sitting at the Presidents table outside on the deck. President Bush 41 loves to show off his grandchildren while introducing them to the life and country that believes all people should be free.

Bush 41 has a certain way of doing things that identifies him. After meeting with high level Russian leaders during his Presidency the President would walk from the meeting as though he was on his way to a gun fight at the O.K. Corral. His hands were holster high and ready for action.  He has the same swagger when playing golf or piloting his high speed boat. Golf is never played by the number of strokes, but, by the number of minutes to play nine holes.

We took a few pictures of the Presidents boat along with the boat that transported the Secret Service agents.  We allowed the President a peaceful meal with his grandchildren and focused on the boats and Secret Service.  Barnacle Billy’s crew brought food down to the Secret Service team. Like President Bush, Barnacle Billy is a gentleman and seems to place everyone above himself.

Throughout life Bush 41 has accepted tough assignments when other Presidents such as Nixon and Reagan called upon him to help he was always there. President George W. Bush 43 teamed President Clinton with his father, Papa Bush to assist in disaster relief areas, all around the world. They became close friends.

The Presidents generosity and trust in life turned out to be his worst enemies. The President was deceived by a few friends that he had
placed blind trust in.  He may have been a spending President; however, by today’s standards he would be considered a real piker.  He kept the country free and he did it because he trusted others but often forgot to verify their honor, “trust but verify." The mistakes that he made in life were easily over shadowed by his successes.

A religious man that practices what he preaches. I pray his final years will continue to involve victories on the high seas. President George H.W. “Papa Bush” a leader of Leaders.

A man with a handshake far superior to the lengthy contracts pumped out today.

God bless you Mr. President, you are a great role model to the young and old living in the country that we all love so much because of men like you.

The Presidents boat has three Mercury 300 engines pushing it. The Secret Service has two I believe.