I love Maine summers for many reasons, the arrival of the Baltimore orioles perched on the feeder eating grape jelly and oranges. I love how the common finch transforms to the bright yellow of summer. Gardening; getting ready for yet another challenging season; inventorying what has survived the winter cold. Digging and planting and replanting when the weather won’t cooperate. Stuffing your window boxes with all the vibrant colors you have longed to see all winter.

When all is tended, heading off to the beach to bask in the sun, reading a book or just people watching. It takes courage to make that first dip in the ocean, knowing its going to be freezing, hopefully adjusting to cold long enough to catch a wave on your boogey board. Returning back home after hitting the local farm stand offering fresh lettuce, peas and strawberries and as summer wanes fresh corn and blueberries.

Summer wouldn’t be summer if I didn’t have my annual Clam Festival Parade Party, when friends come to share in the festivities and catch up with each other. Lying in a hammock reading a book with the sounds of summer all around you; the guy next door is mowing his lawn, or the little kids playing with water balloons, or the constant roar of traffic whizzing by on the highway. Lastly, enjoy the quiet of evening with friends on the deck, eating dinner and sipping wine, ah yes this is what summer in Maine is all about.