At this point it might have been 12 years ago when I first discovered the Downeast part of Maine. This region of the state is literally down east from everything else. You jump onto Route 1 and head east to the Canadian border. Due to Covid, even though I stayed at an inn directly across from Canada, I was unable to visit our northern neighbor. I had hoped that maybe they would lift the restrictions for New Englanders at least so that we could get a taste of Canadian island life. 

Despite this setback, I enjoyed my downtime in the area exploring roads, lakes, and bays. Being in this unique area without traffic lights for at least 60 miles and minimal traffic was a bit weird yet peaceful. In the mornings even the water was still and utterly quiet. For the first time, I saw seals in their natural habitat. 

Enjoy the pictures and if you get a chance go explore this beautiful country.

This past month has been quite a whirlwind, one filled with several professional and personal challenges and opportunities. Looking back as I fast approach my upcoming birthday and some respite, I am thankful for the values that my grandparents instilled in me at a young age. Granted this doesn't mean I don't make mistakes or even question some of my actions occasionally, but for the most part I have always been guided and followed that simple adage of treating others how you want to be treated. 

It's not just the golden rule, but knowing that each human being is of the same worth and value. Frustration builds when I see others are not keeping with this value. They might say that they care about the everyday person, but actions are clearer than words. Even the avid church goer who speeds down the road and recklessly swerves around a troop of kids playing on their way to service, is not immune to this judgement. A proud man who boasts about being a great parent, but than sits on the couch to watch television and ignores his children has no right to criticize another. Or perhaps the politician that says they love all people, but than stokes racism by disingenuous remarks. 

Life is already difficult enough that when we don't hold true to our values, to inherent self worth and good in all people that more problems arise. We need to level the playing field so that there is no disenfranchised areas of the country or for that matter the world. As long as we politicize what it means to be a good person, we as a society are missing the point.

The greatest generation, those that fought during World War II, did so to preserve values that they felt a nation should have, maintain, and endure over time. There was no question on whether it was right to intercede when it became clear that millions of people had already been impacted an ocean away. Meanwhile at home, the values that many held close to their hearts, had not been translated across all areas, regions, and peoples. Only after veterans returned from the war, working in unison on a common causes, did some change come about. 

Now some 70 years later we are still dealing with those changes, pushing forward to finish the work that was started. While we are in an election year, dealing with COVID-19, and an array of other issues, the idea of human decency and doing the right thing should be the focus point. We should be looking out for one another, helping when we can, and doing the little things necessary to preserve life and that "pursuit of happiness," many of us hold dear. Let's look past the politics and truly think about and embrace those qualities that are universal and should be shared by all.

Talk about relentless . . . my deer friend from late spring made an appearance over the weekend. I was shocked because not only did she follow me from out of New Hampshire but she insisted I meet her family too.

While running on some quiet roads outside Baltimore I thought it would be like any other run. Boom! Who bolts out of the woods and stops roadside? That's right that sweet doe. Thankfully her sister appeared on the scene and beckoned they continue on, but even so she paused long enough to watch me run on down the road.

Fast forward a few days later and I'm on the same road. This time she was lurking within the trees waiting to catch a glimpse of her "man." I think she made sure to eat along the road side, hopeful that we would cross paths. She wasn't alone though with her sisters and a younger brother.

None of them were interested in meeting me and bolted deeper in the woods. She on the other hand watched me carefully and even stepped out from under the foliage.

I was taken a back and carried on my run. Twenty minutes later I cut onto an adjacent side road and who was back at the road side? I know . . . crazy right? This time she wanted to be play coy. She stepped out on the curve and watched me from a distance. Then when I was within 30 or so feet, she cut back into the woods, crossed a small stream, and then watched me run by.

I thought that was the end of our encounters but wouldn't I be surprised a few miles later to run into her grandmother who was feeding on a few bushes. I think grandma was sizing me up, debating whether I not I was worth the effort. I didn't stay long enough for us to have an in depth conversation, but I do know I'm locking my doors at night now.

Have any of you had this happen to you before?