And Then You Get Moments Of Curiosity Through The Eyes of the Kid, and You Go, "Hmmmm."

I'm at home with the to-do list trying to check off the items as I see fit to finish out the summer. Meanwhile, in Harrington, Maine, Chitunga sends me photos of him kayaking, fishing, and walking around an area of the United States that I've never been to. He was on Ripley Street in Maine and wanted me to see photos of the territory.

It looks beautiful and rustic. I want to be there.

Nope. I'm in Stratford working on syllabi, publications, pre-semester planning, and summer summaries.

Someone is in a better position.

And someone better be enjoying his time in what looks to be Eden, a Utopia of fresh water that once was.

Back in Stratford, however, I am getting my runs and walks in, but really craving the opportunity to see a different part of the world. I've been telling everyone that I believe my midlife crisis will be a desire to be on freshwater and the purchase of a motor boat to dock somewhere. That's the craving I have from my happiest moments on earth. I want a boat and a fishing pole.

We shall see.

In the meantime, I am living through the photos he sends and I can't wait to hear how his week in Maine went. For years I've heard about the beauty of that State, but I've yet to visit. With the photos he's sending, however, I am thinking I'm long overdue for a visit. It looks to be, as Stephen King says, one of America's biggest secrets.