The heat has broken. It is 78 degrees and it is reminding MJ and me of fall. Fall is my favorite time of year. Maine is in our sites…now. We have been planning for it since last September when we returned from Boothbay Harbor and our stay at the Ocean Point Inn. This year Ira Kaye and Ron and Paige are going to join us…it will be fun! We discovered Maine somewhat later in life…and became addicted to its quaint towns and lighthouses and the majesty of the Ocean. There is a peace and serenity that settles over Maine. Of course, there is…lobster. The golden opportunity to eat lobster every day…is to die for! LL Bean is there…in Freeport…and I love LL Bean clothes and gloves and houseshoes. The architecture is unique. The authenticity of the people is palpable and refreshing. Rather than sandy shores, I am captivated by the rocky shores of Maine.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was fascinating. Aaron walked all over the extremely rocky shoreline and the view was spectacular.

Autumn brings a sense of place that is prevailing. The autumn tells us that everything is going to be alright. Autumn says, ‘Calm down and slow your pace…a little…read…and think…and live your life well.’ We love our fall holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas…settle us…and calm us…and they let us know that our family is with us…our friends love us…we may have been sick…but we feel better now.

A colleague often said, ‘We struggle and strive…but never get out of this world alive.’ I have known many people that substituted their careers for their life. I had a friend who said that his retirement goal was to have enough income to be able to sit on his front porch. Another friend told me that she did not know what she was going to do with no job to go to each day. Life is more than work. Dedication is needed in all facets of our life…especially our family and our health and our spirituality. Maine reminds me of these important facets of the composition of…Jay…