Howdy, howdy! How’s everyone today? I’m still being lazy and avoiding productive things by doing other (sometimes) productive things. As I’m writing this, I’m also getting ready to fill out Christmas cards. I know it’s a little late for that, but I originally wasn’t going to do it at all. Then, I was just going to do three for special people. In the end, I made Dad sit and fill out 48 of them with me. Yeah. Since I wrote the first few sentences of this post, I wasted two and half hours getting infested with glitter in the name of not completely failing as a human this year. Go me! But anyway. A couple of days ago, I received a gift from my friend Enza. She got me a Box of Maine! So, I’m going to spend this post rambling about the box and how much I miss Maine. You have been warned.

The box contained two whoopie pies (chocolate and maple), coffee, mustard, clam chowder, a Maine Woods candle, blueberry soap, blueberry pancake mix, popcorn, a Moxie bandana, a little balsam fir pillow, and a decal that says “The Way Life Should Be” followed by “Maine.” I’ve already eaten the maple whoopie pie (yes, I shared it with Dad). Despite some shipping issues, it was still moist and tender and absolutely delicious. I’m looking forward to the regular whoopie pie. I can’t wait to dig into the rest of the stuff. Enza also sent some Moxie too! It’s definitely an acquired taste. I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it when I first tried it up in Maine, but over the years it’s grown on me.

I love my box, but now I miss Maine. The people were always friendly. I miss lobster rolls and bisque and fried clams and blueberry soda and everything else. I miss the Harraseeket Inn and Broad Arrow Tavern. I even miss the fancy McDonald’s. We never did get the chance to visit the desert of Maine or check out Bangor or do a bunch of other things. I never had the chance to eat fresh strawberries from a roadside stand because Dad ate them all while I was in class (dick move, right? And yes, he’s reading this, so he knows I just called him a dick), then he went on about how they were the best he’s ever eaten. He still talks about them. And, of course, the stand was always closed when we drove by after that. Don’t get me wrong. Maine isn’t perfect. I know. I’m not idealizing it. For one thing, accessibility is horrible up there compared to down here. But I love it, flaws and all.

Maybe one day, if the plague ever ends or the vaccines prove to be effective, we’ll make it back up to Maine. Maybe we’ll be able to spend a month or so up there just exploring and catching up with people from Stonecoast. I’ve been in the house for the better part of a year, so even an introvert like me can dream of getting out and doing things. Until then, at least I have my Box of Maine. Thanks again, Enza!

What about you? Are there any places you’re missing? What do you miss about them? As always, feel free to share your thoughts or comments here or on my social media pages!