The thing about summer in Maine is this. Everyone you know will come visit you at some point during these incredibly short three months. (Is it even three?) And who can blame them? The rest of the year is COLD and Snowy. We wear layers and bid each other “drive safe!” as we step outside, hoping we don’t slip on a hidden patch of ice. That kind of weather is for the diehards, the foolish. You know, us.

But the kind of weather we’ve had for the past week or so? A- mazing. And just in time for the next installment of summer visitors. First there was Jess, down for a quick visit from Toronto. We ran away from all responsibility and headed to the beach. Some goooooooood people watchin’ there, including a KidMan* who recommended that next time we come, we simply “don’t pay five bucks. Just throw two dollars at the guy and walk away.” That’s good advice, thanks KidMan.

And then Cassie came to visit this weekend and I haven’t seen her since my wedding. As if! There’s no excuse for that, I love her and I wish she would move to Maine.

Anyway, this is all just to say that that’s what I’ve been up to and I apologize for not writing. I’ll be back on the bloggin’ wagon tomorrow. With pictures and everything.

*You know the kind. Looks like he’s about 14, right down to the puffy, baby fat body, but in fact is married and has a child and was probably about 21.

Not a bad place to spend the morning, that’s for sure. While Neil played tennis with Dan, Dashiell and I walked down to the East End Beach and then along the water to the boat landing. As I walked out on the dock, I suddenly realized just how fortunate we are to live here by the ocean. I think I took it for granted growing up. When you’re a bored teenager who dreams only of leaving town, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. I’m proud to report that at the tender age of 30, I now see the forest! Hallelujah!

All things considered, my life is fairly stress-free, but looking out on the water (near the proposed site of my Sconery— that story another time) I find that any stress disappears and is replaced by utter calm. I didn’t even remember that I hadn’t slept well last night or any of the nights in the previous six months (thank you, Dash). To forget this is a pretty powerful thing.

This ocean has been a constant in my life. I realized that even if we were to move from Portland, we could only move to another coastal community. It wouldn’t seem right otherwise.

I mean, a girl has to have some standards, right?