WHEN IS A RESERVATION NOT A RESERVATION?

When is a reservation not worth the paper it's printed on? When is a reservation just a way for one airline to have your money, interest free, and not deliver. Book on AIR TRAN and let the troubles begin.

A year ago I made the decision not to spend Christmas 2009 in Maine. I wanted something completely different, break the mold, welcome the new. Los Angeles was the most obvious choice as my closest friend lives there and we usually spend some "holiday" time together.

Searching for competitively priced airline travel tickets began in early July, 2009. AIR TRAN consistently offered the best pricing. Portland to Baltimore, Baltimore to Los Angeles. Outbound and inbound time schedules worked for me. Although I had never flown AIR TRAN, they advertised winning some air travel award. "Can't be all bad," I thought! (Oh, yes it can!)

My reservation, with confirmed seat assignments (costing me extra,) was made and paid for on July 29,2009.

Plans for "Christmas in LA " were underway. A weeks worth of holiday festivities planned. Presents were purchased, packed and shipped early as not to get lost in the holiday mailing madness. Everything was received at appointed LA destination before Thanksgiving. All I had to do was work until the 19th, pack my bags and be gone.

The first glimpse of a problem presented itself when I attempted to print boarding passes on the evening of December 19. The AIR TRAN site informed me that the flight had been cancelled and directed me to call 800airtran (800.247.8726.) Following their directions I did just that. The menu options NEVER GAVE ME THE CHOICE to speak to a live person, and after much listening to their check-in and baggage information, THE CALL WAS DROPPED! This happened three times, totally sixteen minutes of listening to the same tape. After multiple attempts to get the information "they" directed me to get from their 800 line, I learned that my departing flight from Portland was on time. Since it left at 6:15 am, I needed to grab whatever sleep I could because the 3:30 am alarm buzzer would come early.

At 4:30 am on December 20, 2009 I stood at the AIR TRAN counter. My bag was weighed and checked and the Boarding Pass for Seat 16F, PWM to BWI, was in my hand. The Boarding Pass for Seat 15F, BWI to LAX, was not forthcoming. "We can only get you to Baltimore." Three hours later I left the Portland Jetport with confirmed seats on flights scheduled for Dec. 21.2009.

Same drill next morning. Standing before the AIR TRAN counter crew at 4:30 am, I'm notified that Flight 430, Portland to Baltimore is running two hours late because the crew was late getting in. I asked, "How am I going to make my Baltimore to LAX flight, #60, which departs Baltimore at 9:20am?" I'm told they won't hold the plane because it's already over-sold and that they can't get me to LA until December 25, 2009. To put it mildly, I'm in shock. My entire Christmas has been shipped to Los Angeles. I wasn't the only "Reserved" AIR TRAN passenger in shock. A college student was told they couldn't get him to his destination until Dec. 23. Another gentleman was told ,"Nothing for two days!" My guess is that the percentage of displaced AIR TRAN passangers is significantly high. FAA, where are you?

To add insult to injury, AIR TRAN refuses to return my money, which they've now had the use of, interest free, for five months. I'm told to collect from the travel insurance. To date, they have ignored my request to FAX me the necessary documentation I need to make the insurance claim. Any communication with AIR TRAN CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN TOTALLY UNSUCCESSFUL. During a phone call at 7:25am on December 24, 2009 a supervisor named Janice told me to call AIR TRAN PUBLIC RELATIONS. That number is 866.247.2428.

Whoever you are, the person who paid more money for Seat 15F, AIRTRAN flight #60, BWI to LAX on December 20, 2009, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas. I've learned the hard way that with AIR TRAN, a reservation isn't really a reservation. I believe the AIR TRAN practice is frought with negligence.

Portland's Most Recognized Tree

Some would say it's not a tree at all. It doesn't have roots that tap the ground. It doesn't have boughs that sway in our strong Northeast'r winds. It doesn't have leaves that greet each new May and depart with the chills of autumn. It's but strings of lights that announce the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years.

Erected on the roof of the B&M Baked Bean factory, lights strung to resemble a stylized tree with a glowing star atop, remind all those traveling Route 295 North that the holiday season has arrived. One can hear many voices exclaiming, "The bean factory tree is lit!" And so the holidays have"officially" begun in this seaside city on Casco Bay.

I can't find any official record of exactly when the tree was erected, but it's been glowing since I arrived in Portland twenty-seven years ago. If a reader knows, please share your information.

As the pace of celebration accelerates, let the bean factory tree bring a glow to your life. Enjoy it from one of Portland's viewing sites, or slow down and "honk" good cheer as you travel north on 295. Our most recognized tree is worthy of acknowledgement and the employees of B&M, baking our Saturday night beans, will like hearing from you.

HONK FOR THE BEAN TREE!

GIFTING: BEYOND ORDINARY

Not found at mall stores, off-price shopping centers, boutiques, sophisticated cyber-space sites or on Main Street, USA, my celebrated gifts for 2009 were found at gallery openings, museum visits or chance encounters at artisan gatherings.

Deck the halls with hand blown ornaments and objects of art from Ben Coombs, internationally acclaimed glass blower whose hot-shop just happens to be located in Portland, Maine. Ben has introduced an affordable collection or colorful, swirling glass Christmas tree balls, tear-drops, candy canes, petite buoys and other assorted shapes that will add dazzle to the simplest of trees. Once the season is over, display a few in light infused areas. Rainbows of color may stream across a room when least expected! Ben's ornaments and fine art glass pieces can be found at Portland Glassblowing Studio, 24 Romasco Lane,(in the back of the old Nissean Bakery building) Portland, Maine. 207.409.4527. In 2010, ornaments and such will be available at http://www.cascobayglass.com/ Become a collector!

From glass to woven sweet grass, an Indian summer visit to the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine introduced me to the finely woven baskets by members of Maine's Wabanaki tribe. The freshly harvested sweet grass, from which the baskets are woven, emitted the perfumed scent of a sweet, Maine, August day. Selecting the very affordable candy basket for $30 to the intricately created acorn basket for $130, the signed baskets of all shapes and sizes, indigenous to the Native American culture, are treasures. The weavers who create product for the shop also have their work on exhibit in the galleries. Gift a candy basket holding a package of tea from the Native American Tea Company. There's a soothing idea sure to please...and a percent of after tax profits from the tea supports scholarships at Sitting Bull College in South Dakota. See more at http://www.abbemuseum.org/.

Now for the quirky and really original! I found Aimsel's album cover, spiral bound books last season but was shopped out. Re-found them this year and was ready to purchase. Every one has a favorite group that recalls very special moments. Re-live them again, and keep sacred notes or drawings in these journal/sketch books. My memory will be dancing with images of graduate school days at Emerson College in Boston. FAME, the movie and hit sound track, was fresh on the big screen and so Emersonian. Have a special request, contact Aimsel at aimselponti@yahoo.com. Be in the moment with the best of the past! "I want to live forever....!" Or if you recognize the line, "We forgot about the flowers," this is your gift of choice. Nothing but fun and creative endeavors...almost guaranteed.

FINALLY! Just found these high-tops with custom knit sweaters! PRETTY SNEAKY! Seriously. Katie Worthing creates customized hand knit "sweaters...booties" for high-top sneakers. Now is this cool or what?I can see them walking down Melrose Avenue in West LA! Or how about Winter Carnival in Quebec City. There's no stopping the cozy, hip beat of these PRETTY SNEAKY sneakers! In the chill of winter, keep your toes toasty. http://prettysneaky.etsy.com/ or prettysneaky@hotmail.com

If you're still stuck for "What to Give," give some thanks for all the wonder that abounds.

Happy Holidays to all. I'm LA bound for a breath of Pacific air and Palm Desert light.

BEING THANKFUL

Symbols of preparation appeared weeks ago. End caps in grocery stores are stocked with baking ingredients, condiments, beverages, and other signs that the holiday associated with plentiful crops is upon us. THANKSGIVING.

For one day each year, the United States stops to "Give Thanks"... and over indulge. "Eat like there's no tomorrow!" Simply stated, this is not my favorite holiday.

But I do have plenty to be thankful for so rather then "giving thanks," I'm going to celebrate "Being Thankful." If I practice living (and receiving) a thankful life each day, I'm not giving my thanks away. In "Living Thankfully," I celebrate:

*EACH MORNING

GOOD HEALTH & HARVEST

FAMILY, FRIENDS & PETS

Top of Cadillac Mountain

Daisy & CeCe

WRITING & WORK THAT NURTURES AND SUSTAINS.

Two years ago when I began writing The Maine Morning Report and sending it to friends, their response was, "You need to BLOG!" The term was new and the concept completely foreign.With encouragement and guidance, http://mainemorningreport.blogspot.com/ was born. Readers of the blog sustain me and I'm delighted that you enjoy my jottings of simple daily adventures. Writing feeds my soul. In addition to the writing, I'm work for a company that I've had a customer relationship with for years. Being on the other side of the desk provides me with the opportunity to meet other devotees from around the world. What joy I receive from sharing the Brooks Brothers' tradition with generations past, present and future.

All of this adds up to bountiful daily thanks. So, as the seasonal message of fabricated needs assaults our waking hours, try practicing "being thankful." With a reverence to the past, an optimistic eye to the future, yet being firmly planted in today, one can experience LIVING THANKFULLY.

*

PUMPKINS

It was twenty some years ago that I first spotted the field filled with large orange orbs. A pumpkin patch on a slightly, slanted slope along Route 89 near Waitsfield, Vermont. The sight brought a smile to my face. I giggled. Since that time, pumpkins have been my "happy" vegetable and I await pumpkin season with great eagerness. It heralds the arrival of Indian Summer, the gentle change of season.

For many years I've been selecting pumpkins and squash of varied varieties from Intervale Farm in New Gloucester, Maine. My son and I would make the trek each September in search of the biggest and ugliest pumpkins.Seeking the imperfect, we would take them home and carve according to the features created by nature. One year we had a double faced pumpkin that became the comedy/tragedy drama faces. Another one was more square than round and became a carved house. My son is off to college now so I make the journey alone seeking the harvest vegetables for my early fall recipes and decorations. Little pumpkins are left for neighbors. Squash becomes bread to be served at Thanksgiving. Pumpkin seeds are toasted and enjoyed as a snack. From seed to seed, pumpkins provide lots of pleasure.

This year I encountered a new pumpkin celebration. In Monument Square, Portland, Maine, Camp Sunshine held a fundraiser that involved purchasing and carving a pumpkin for five dollars. The fun and final product was worth much more then that meager contribution. Judging from the vast sea of glowing faces filling the scaffolding and lining the street, Camp Sunshine's event appealed to the young at heart of many.

Happy Halloween and may a pumpkin put a smile on your face and a glow in your heart.

EXPLORING MAINE, 2009: MY PICK

ROCKLAND:

For the past fifteen years Rockland has quietly become the "it" town of the mid-coast area. Once considered the ugly-step-sister to Camden, this harbor town with a thriving working waterfront, county seat, bustling Main Street, artist and gallery mecca and the crown jewel, THE FARNSWORTH MUSEUM is the "must visit" town of the season. Make that any season. Presently, The Farnsworth, http://www.farnsworthmuseum.com/ is running three extraordinary exhibits:

JAMIE WYETH: SEVEN DEADLY SINS (Through August 30)

The interpretation of GREED, PRIDE, ENVY, ANGER, SLOTH, GLUTTONY and LUST through the study of scavenging seagulls and their "nasty" habits brings new vision to this age-old tale first penned by St. Thomas Aquinas. Intense, violent, filled with life's realities... the studies are brilliantly disarming.

ROBERT INDIANA AND THE STAR OF HOPE (Through October 25)

EAT, the electric sign that was last displayed during the 1964 World's Fair, takes center stage atop the museum's Main Street building. Also about town and on the Farnsworth grounds are other highly recognizable Indiana sculptures.Within the galleries hang an exhaustive exhibit of his paintings...all adding up to, "The most beautiful show I've ever had is taking place in Rockland." Robert Indiana.

A TRIBUTE TO ANDREW WYETH (Through October 18)

Following the intensity and boldness of the first two exhibits, I found the viewing of this tribute visually and emotionally soothing. Drama can exist in a quiet voice. Andrew Wyeth leaves us an extraordinary body of work.

You'll be hungry after the art. If it's lunch and something beyond a lobster roll is desired, try MARKET ON MAIN or for a really small venue, THE THORNDIKE CREAMY can't be beat for food at recession prices. Save room for ice cream! They scoop fresh made from ROUND TOP ICE CREAM. On Route 1 in Rockport, PRISIM serves a creative lunch and dinner menu in a refined environment adjacent to it's glass gallery. (Reservations are a must!) Two other dinner suggestions in Rockland are CAFE MERANDA and PRIMO. Again....plan ahead and have a reservation.

Still have energy to browse?

ERIC HOPKINS GALLERY. 21 Winter Street, 207.594.1996, gallery@erichopkins.com

Eric is one of Maine's leading contemporary artists with works in a variety of mediums. His gallery is open daily from 10 to 5. Robin Seymour, the gallery director, will make your visit memorable. Call ahead to inquire about Eric's "gallery talks" and other special events.

THE BLACK PARROT. 323 Main Street, 207.594-9161 (no web site.)

Boutique clothing, high design home decor, funky accessories and the best, minimal card selection anywhere. It's all "piled high" so you have to search. Not for the person who requires focused presentation. I do best in this store early, rather then later when my mind is cluttered! Camilla, most recently at the former G.F MacGregor next door, has joined the staff and brings a welcome air of graciousness.

Now that the Pacific North West climate of early summer has gone back to where it belongs, take a day to experience the many treasures of Rockland and Rockport, Maine. You'll want to return for more.

HAPPY TRAILS!

and.....YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE.

DISCOVERING JUNE

For fifty-five years June Hopkins has owned The North Haven Gift Shop. Customers know her as the personable proprietor with good taste and a keen business sense. What many underestimated, or never knew, is that June is a noteworthy artist. Her talent captured center stage at the recent Hopkin's Family Exhibit in the North Haven Art Gallery.

In conjunction with the Shop's 55th Anniversary, the Hopkin's family presented an exhibit in the adjacent gallery. Works by son and acclaimed Maine artist, Eric Hopkins were easily identifiable. His distinctive style emerged at an early age with retail signs for the Shop and lobsters. But it was the seven paintings by June Collins Hopkins that caused the buzz and received the red dot indicating "SOLD."

For many years June has been painting botanicals, animals and landscapes. This past winter, under the tutelage of son Eric, June learned to find the focus in photos she had taken, crop the image and re-produce in watercolor using a loose-hand technique. From the onset, she responded to the subjects and style. Diligently painting every day, refining and refining and incorporating Eric's suggestions, a vast body of work was produced. Everyone privy to early glimpses responded accordingly, "Have you seen June's paintings!"

Party attendees and gallery patrons reinforced the affirmation. Now her latest works hang in private collections along side her son's.

Brisk sales of her art and the enduring success of The North Haven Gift Shop has June providing a life example to be emulated. Each act is significant but it just might be that Act III and a long ovation deliver the sweetest years.

The exhibit has been dismantled but a few of June's paintings are still on display in the gift shop. No web site, cash and checks only, M-Sat, 9:30 to 5. Ferry schedule available from the Maine DOT.

A VERY PLEASANT STREET

Just west of Portland's Old Port District and north of Commercial Street is a brief , little recognized and acknowledged street in the heart of the Studio District. Pleasant Street provides for the urbanite a most pleasing venue. Anchored by two very popular restaurants, HIGH BOMBAY on the east and AMBROSIA on the west, visitors will also find in a one block stretch three stores featuring singular treasures ,original jewelry and custom couture.

DESIGNS by CC has been a mainstay on Pleasant Street for seventeen years. Originally trained at Bailey, Banks and Biddle in Philadelphia, Cheryl Cook provides custom design jewelry, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones, stringing and repair work and a vast selection of rocks and minerals to a very loyal clientele. Designs can be yours, hers or a combination. There is always one given. The craftsmanship will be executed to perfection and the piece will attract recognition. ttp://www.designsbycc.net/ (207.761.9697.) On a recent visit to Designs by CC, I also discovered two new boutiques in the neighborhood: COREY & CO. and CHELLISWILSON.

Barbara Corey Rosencranz opened COREY & CO in 2009. A recognized artist and sculpture, Barbara brings her passion for three dimensional,functional art to the creation of COREY couture, one of a kind garments that are wearable works of art. Simple designs making a statement with textiles and/or finishing elements. Of equal significance are her offerings of jewelry, scarves, espadrilles, belts and inspired home decor. A night-lite "light book" shares shelf space with antique inspired sleeping gowns. Metal Pointas-Paris jewelry made from re-claimed tea pot and flatware mixed metals present in tandem to Peter Erickson's old world silversmith signet rings and cuff bracelets. COREY & CO personifies, "Less is more." Everything is appealing. Daily blog postings coming soon. (207.761.4200)

Newly opened and still merchandising is CHELLISWILSON, a minimalist, design inspired,very European boutique. Barbara(yes another,) features artisan constructed garments and furnishings from both coasts. Anxiously awaiting for more offerings culled with her designers eye! www.chelliswilson.com (207.518.9018)

Pleasant Street provides a shopping alternative for the person who seeks the unique, yet functional item to enhance their wardrobe and/or home. When you're exhausted from exploring the creative... grab a bite at one of the restaurants. Maybe you'll have energy for more browsing.

Seeking something new? Get out of the Port and off the Hill. Make way to Pleasant Street where the newest and freshest will be found. Most establishments open M-Sat. and by appointment.

THE LOST JUNE of 2009

June 2009. The month the Atlantic Northeast became the Pacific Northwest. Gloom, gray, rain- forest down pours and flat-lined temperatures with a range of 10 degrees. We New Englander's just aren't used to so many days without sunshine and blue skies. We've begun to celebrate "blue sky sightings!"

Where as a year ago I wrote about the sight and scent of walking the footpath and breathing deep the aroma of linden blossoms and honeysuckle, this year the torrential down pours flushed the linden blossoms to the ground , never having one bright, warm, sunny day where the air is filled with their intoxicating fragrance. Woe is me.....and many other regulars on the footpath.

Sunrise on June 20 had the majestic Great White Egret, standing in the green marsh grass,back lit with the rising sun. It was a spiritual moment.

And, yes, I do have to admit that after some of the late afternoon storms, the westerly setting sun illuminates the B&M Bean factory across the cove and paints the parting clouds with psychedelic pinks. A vision only nature could create. Until the "real" Maine summer arrives, we'll take what nature serves and look forward to "blue sky sightings!"

ON THE FOOT PATH

A warm breeze blows from the southeast. Trees are tipped in lime green leaves. The marsh grass has turned from brown to green overnight. Each Sunday, a designated "Walk for a Cause," takes to the foot path to raise funds for their organization. I know that the landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, would be pleased to know that his pedestrian walk-way, designed in the 1860's is used for such worthwhile civic celebrations.

Spring and all the glories that renew and refresh us each year has arrived.

Taking to the foot path for a late afternoon stroll, I feel like I'm visiting a botanical garden in full bloom. Residential gardens are showing their flowering spring finery: Daffodils, tulips, Japanese cherry trees, crab apples and forget-me-nots.Let me capture the image as it may be gone tomorrow.

By the Twin Bridges, a Great White Egret regally stands, snapping bugs from the air. Taking flight at the sensing of a change in motion, she retreats to a more protected inlet across the Boulevard. Feeding continues. The arrival of this Great White so early in the season is another sign of our unusually warm, sunny spring. I'll take it...with pleasure.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK, MAY 2009

The weather was perfection. Sunny and seventy degrees. Could this really be May 1? Don't talk about it. Just enjoy it! So, I did on the First Friday Art Walk in Portland, Maine.

Beginning at AUCOCISCO GALLERY, now re-located to 89 Exchange Street, the place was humming with excitement. Patrons mingled in the light, open space that features contemporary fine art in a historical setting. Featured artist is Mary Hart whose ultra-realistic miniature interpretations of all things common is uncommonly pure in image and presentation. See her work at http://www.aucocisco.com/

Back out on the street, walking through Monument Square to the Arts District on Congress Street, it was feeling more like First Friday Fun Walk! People were out "en masse." A crowd gathered around Whitney Art Works where a sold-out live performance, BLUE HAMMER, was the weekend venue.

Up the street MECA students were selling wares created during their year of study. I'm a sucker for supporting these bohemian kids. A little dipping bowl, t-shirt and photos..I'm on my way.

Between MECA and The Holly Ready Gallery in the State Street Theater building on the corner of High St. and Congress, I was fortunate enough to encounter a May Basket and become the delighted recipient! Check out: http://vintagepointe.blogspot.com/

At the Holly Ready Gallery I was excited to see, up close, her vibrant, luminous, exploding with color, paintings of sky, sea and a few landscapes. http://www.hollyready.com/ Visiting her site is a wonderful journey but you can also watch her at work in the gallery located at 608 Congress Street.

My evening concluded at Restaurant 555. YES. They do have the best burger in town!

See you walking about.

LEAVE IT BETTER THEN YOU FOUND IT

The title is taken from one of the HYDE SCHOOL'S 12 Principles. It was a principle put into practice on April 24 as the employees of GORHAM SAVINGS BANK divided into teams of three and cleaned up all the litter that had accumulated on the grounds surrounding the Back Cove. Working diligently, they filled bag after bag with trash left behind by the many footpath pedestrians who apparently have no awareness of, "leaving it better then you found it."

Kudos and thanks to GORHAM SAVINGS BANK for creating an uncluttered, emerald ring around the crystal blue tidal basin. As I took to the footpath this morning it even smelled clean. Isn't it interesting how cleanliness affects all of our senses.

Maybe that's why a snowy egret has returned to our shores earlier then usual this season.

Let's all of us, "Leave it better then you found it."

"NEW" ON THE BLOCK

I love this time of year for all the new life it brings forth. My nosing around the Portland art and retail scene has stirred up a couple of exciting new venues in the Upper Exchange Street block.

AUCOCISCO, contemporary fine art gallery, has said adieu to the "Arts District" on Congress Street and taken up residency at 89 Exchange Street, the location made famous by the Daniel Kany Gallery. I'm sorry that Dan closed his storefront because he brought world class glass and exciting emerging artists to our Portland art scene. He also brought world class collectors to the neighborhood. Daniel Kany Gallery is re-opening at 24 Romasco Lane, Portland, Maine on June 7 for the First Friday Art Wak. In the meantime, Dan can be reached at www.kany.net.

As for AUCOCISCO, they'll unwrap their new space for First Friday Art Walk on May 1. Bring a May Basket and welcome Andres and his team to the neighborhood. I'm glad to have them on my routine town and art walk.

Following art and libations at AUCOCISCO, saunter down Exchange to Middle Street where you'll find a divine new coffee and pastry cafe. Next to Tommy's Park, at 185 Middle Street, BARD COFFEE is owned by a Maine guy, Tom Bard. He and his staff brew a fine cup and the pastries are from Jill Dewitt of GOOD EATS BOUTIQUE. This is nothing short of an experience found only at the famed New York destination, The Magnolia Bakery. BARD COFFEE is open 7am to 9pm, Sun - Thurs. and 7am to 11pm, Fri & Sat. http://www.bardcoffee.com/ Free internet service.

For GOOD EATS BOUTIQUE , http://www.goodeatsboutique.com/

Besides the good eats (no pun intended) and brew that won't bust your budget, the atmosphere is relaxing, sophisticated and just right for any time of day. Really. This coffee house is a place to take a date, meet a friend or enjoy some private time.

Portland is great about embracing local. These new kids on the block are worth a huge hug.

EASTER IN THE EAVE

REJOICE!..to reunite or join again.

And so it was to be as I journeyed to Rockland on Saturday to prepare for an Easter celebration with my dear friend, June. She winters on the mainland and summers off shore. This trip I would be staying in the winter eave. Some hardiness is required as thrifty Yankees believe in cold bedrooms and electric blankets. I refer to bedtime as retreating to the power wrap. The dial is set on HIGH and doesn't change for the bedtime hours. Not much incentive to read in bed but I enjoy the roasting. My right wrist appeared to heal in the heat as the swelling was considerably less in the morn.

I came packed with eighteen hard boiled WHITE eggs for dying and decorating, a good amount of real Bulgar and six sinful pink and yellow petal cupcakes from The Good Eats Boutique (http://www.goodeatsboutique.com/.) Obviously, I had the necessities while June was responsible for provisioning the lamb and asparagus. Together we created a balanced diet!

A rather overcast Saturday created the perfect conditions for egg decorating around the kitchen table. Intense creative energy prevailed. We laughed as we reminded one another to breath. Creating can take one's breath away. Two hours later and the last egg was set-up to dry. We surveyed our efforts and announced with great pride, "Work well done.!"

EGGSPRESSION!

Easter Sunday presented us with gale force winds and sunshine. It was too chilly for walking but perfect conditions for a road trip. We gunk holed along the peninsulas visiting Spruce Head and Cushing where we stopped at the Olsen house made famous by the painting "Christina's World." Across the field Andrew Wyeth's headstone was visible. Horses grazed in the pasture. It was a scene he would have painted...and did. Onward to Camden where recent heavy rains had the waters rushing into the bay. Schooners were still tightly buttoned.

Back home we found e-mails from family sending images of their Easter brunch and decorated eggs. Almost as good as being together.

S....S.....S....SPRING

Stepping outside and my senses are alerted to this joyous season of re-birth. Just one warm, sunny day and the world is bursting with energy....again.. Robins, nut hatch and chickadees create a cacophonous symphony of chirping sounds. The lone woodpecker adds a tap, tap, tap!

The tightly shut daffodil buds have exploded into a profusion of yellow with spring blue-green accents. Nature provides the natural twig cross.Crocuses in pink, purple and white blanket the ground. The forsythia has a golden tint as it readies to bloom in all its radiant glory. Until the warmth of the sun produces the energy for the buds to come forth, we will hurry the process and force them by snipping a few branches and bringing them inside. In a vase filled with water, they should bloom in three to five days. Daisy waits...patiently.

And the smell. After a blustery rain storm, blowing from the East on Monday evening, the ground is totally defrosted and emitting the fresh scent of alivened earth. Yes, spring is very much with us.

Just as I was grateful for the winter and the slower pace of that season, I love the longer day light hours, warmer temperatures, increased pedestrian activity on the footpath, and all that April has to offer. Yes, even the rain storms and umbrellas turned inside out make me feel alive!

But I especially love:

Hot Cross buns on Palm Sunday and Easter.

Assembling Easter baskets for my son and friends. One is never too old to dye Easter eggs and wish for a chocolate bunny.

Planning and sharing Easter dinner with friends where I will return to "Sleeping in the Eaves" for a few days.

and......

Beginning each day with a sunrise over Casco Bay. Now that is GLORY.

PEACE....MY FRIENDS.

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