My husband and I spend a week or more each year on the Maine coast. We usually stay not far from the Bush compound in beautiful Kennebunkport. (The pictures on that website do *not* do it justice)
Barbara and George H. W. Bush have been a BIG part of the Kennebunkport community for decades. Their photos are on the walls in most restaurants and shops in town.
George and Barbara would often throw out the first pitch at Hadlock Field... home of the Portland Sea Dogs (AA farm team of the Boston Red Sox).
In Portland (across from Hadlock Field), there is The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center.
We've seen Barbara out watering her flowers (wearing an old housecoat!) in front of the Bush compound. We've also seen George H. W. Bush *speeding like mad* out in the ocean waters off Kennebunkport in his speed boat -- always accompanied by sleek black Secret Service speed boats. Quite a sight to see!
You can tell when the Bushes are 'home' in Kennebunkport: The American, Maine and Texas flags are flying, and Secret Service vehicles (and boats) are on the property. There is a gate and guard shack quite a distance from the houses on the compound -- you can't get that close.
A 3,000 square foot "cottage" was recently built for Jeb at the Walker's Point compound, by the way.
I definitely didn't agree with Barbara Bush about everything, but overall she was a classy lady. I will say a prayer for her and for her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace...
I love Maine and have visited with FRiends twice. We went to the compound and you’re right. Pictures don’t do it justice! RIP, Bar!