Before starting my column I want to thank Saco police officers Matthew Corbin and Alexis Ivy for responding to my alarm system so quickly and professionally. That loud, piercing noise went off in the middle of the night when I was sound asleep, and I flew out of bed. It had been a busy day of cleaning, shredding papers and getting rid of years of saved articles. I was tired and in a deep sleep. However, for some reason, the alarm just went off.

It is alive and speaks to us ”“ midsummer in Maine. Summer is not so much a season as it is a melody. July is here, offering us an escape to nature in the great outdoors. An escape to a green farm where flavor and variety arrive with the mid-summer harvest. With seasonal fruits and vegetables, cooking becomes simpler this month. It is a time of delicious meals, especially when the farmers’ market is jam-packed with fresh, just-picked produce. There are many combinations of flavors, textures and colorful freshness ”“ the bounty of the garden. Food lovers have a feast full of unexpected flavor. Using the freshest foods possible, at the peak of their flavor, is a luxury. Superb ingredients call for simple recipes. In recent years, we focus on health as well as taste.

Every-one is interested in being happier, healthier and fitter. There is a never-ending quest for optimum health. As a nation we want to learn more about our health. We have become extremely interested in the benefit of diet and nutrition. We are looking to improve our health and enhance our overall well-being. When we are fit we have a better chance for a higher quality of life, and perhaps a longer one too.

Enjoy all the sensations of summer because the season is short. Here in Maine, we enjoy the explosion of sunlight in the rising summer sun and peacefulness in the setting of the moon.

There is no better way than summer to experience farm life. On Sunday, July 26, 85 farms across the state welcome families to come see demonstrations and tour the farms. At these farms children participate in playful activities designed to encourage a budding awareness of the natural world. Adults can relax, unwind and recuperate from the stresses of life for a day. Visit www.getrealmaine.com for a list of participating farms.

Harris Farm, a diversified farm in Dayton, will be celebrating Maine Open Farm Sunday with a lunch featuring food straight from the farm. They also offer a hay ride farm tour that day. For more information about this event email [email protected] or call 710-1540.

During the summer, I also enjoy going to the Saco Farmers’ Market on Spring Street and the Saco River Market at 110 Main St. on Saco Island because of the fresh, healthy foods and the many other wonderful products, ideas and presentations they offer. For more information about the Saco River Market visit www.sacorivermarket.com.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].