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“Each summer time my husband and I pack our suitcases, load our youngsters into the automobile, and drive from tense, crowded New York Metropolis to my household’s cottage in Maine. It’s on an island, with stretches of sea and sandy seashores, rocky coasts, and pine bushes. We barbecue, swim, lie round and attempt to do nothing.”
— Hope Davis, actress
Whereas there may be nonetheless cause for concern in regards to the unfold of coronavirus, summer time journey has returned to just about pre-pandemic ranges in lots of locations. In Maine, which means it’s time to host kin and associates from different elements of the nation that, if we could also be so conceited, aren’t as good as Maine in the summertime.
For some, home company are a contact of heaven. For others, they’re just like the black flies that begin in early June and, as vacationer season stretches into the autumn, preserve arriving into September, and even October.
The worst is once they name from someplace on Interstate 95 and say, “We’re on our manner, and sadly we will solely keep per week.” A few of them add, “And I’m certain you’ll perceive that we have now to carry the canines.” These might be informal acquaintances to whom you mentioned thoughtlessly final winter that it will be good to see them in Maine someday.
George Washington had the identical downside. When he retired as commander of the Continental Military, crowds of admirers swarmed to Mount Vernon, anticipating to be fed and entertained and anticipating their horses to be fed. Washington turned nobody away, however meals and fodder had been a burden on his worsening funds. He typically hid in his research from the chattering guests. Typically he put up deceptive indicators to maintain a few of them from discovering his dwelling.
Maine continues to be largely balmy, whereas Boston, Washington, New York and Philadelphia are nonetheless feeling stifling warmth, so heading Down East sounds engaging. Free lease shouldn’t be the one issue, however it helps.
Household guests, after all, are normally a nice exception, however intrusion by digital strangers could be a curse. Many don’t appear to appreciate that, whereas they’re on trip, their Maine hosts have their very own lives to steer, together with incomes a residing. So do a number of issues by yourself to offer them day without work.
For many who come visiting, a number of bits of recommendation: Bear in mind the traditional three-day rule, which normally means two nights and three days. That’s loads of time to catch up with out the keep getting drained and repetitive. Two days is normally enough.
When you carry a present, make it one thing to eat or drink. Don’t carry wind chimes or trivets. Mainers in all probability have them already or hate them.
Lastly, watch out for telling Mainers the right way to reside their lives. Be cautious with recommendation on the right way to sharpen knives or work a grill or construct a fireplace. They in all probability know already and like the best way they do it.
The late editor of the Ellsworth American, James Russell Wiggins, used to say that everybody thinks they know the right way to do three issues: construct a fireplace, maintain a child and put out a newspaper.
Guests, you might have been warned. Hosts, you might have been defended.
