My wife’s and my equinox began on our trek to Maine and regrettably ends this week. Admittedly, the timeline of our equinox is longer than the seasonal miracle but still seems short.

How often have we selfishly wished that time stopped so we could permanently withhold the shutter release on our good time and ignore the passing of an equinox?

We had the sublime pleasure of spending this summer in Maine. For my wife, it was re-visiting a cherished place and time from childhood. For me, a Minnesota transplant, it was returning to a gorgeous halcyon. I was not expecting a pristine place in complete isolation from “the troubles” in the nation’s capital, near where we live, nor everywhere else in the world.

Maine has been a welcoming and generous host. Its natural beauty is well known but to live in it for a brief two months has been an exciting privilege. You “Mainers” are as thoughtful, considerate, and funny as when we first met at my wedding in Portland 55 years ago. Witnessing the exciting changes here has been another big draw. Everyone appreciates a good meal, and I am living proof of this delightfully abusive sport. Cultural events, new industries and technologies, and the liveliness of locals rejoicing from breaking out of winter’s hibernation have been rejuvenating.

As far as we’re concerned, Thomas Wolfe was wrong – you can go home again. I would add that it is better than when you left.

See you next year!

Richard Gilmore
Bethesda, Md.

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