Although it had only been a year, it seemed like longer since I had felt the warm sun.  After much coaxing from the children, a trip to Portland had yeilded an extended adventure to Wells beach.  Cradled in my arms, my two youngest children snuggle and finally let their bodies rest.  The waves also seem to be quieting down, preparing for the dusk to follow.

Philip comes running over, net in one hand, bucket in the other.  He is anxious to show us a few of the treasures from the ocean.  "Oh, a crab," two year old Caroline squeels.  She sets it on the sand and watches as it makes it way back to the water.  The day has been spent.  We are all deliciously tired.  Gulls chant in the distance bidding us and the day goodbye.

"What did you like best about today?"  I ask the children, wondering if it was the icy cold waters or the relentless quest for sea glass and hermit crabs.  Glassy pink hues from the water submit to endless sky.  Three sets of eyes squint at me as they ponder my question.

"Nothing."  They answer.  But I know better.  One day they will remember all of these lazy summer days here in Maine.  And the tradition will continue.  They will take their children to the same Maine beach and enjoy the quiet, long days with just the water and the skies and their families and nothing to do...