There is nothing quite like 9 days in Maine in October! This is the eighth year that my husband and I have vacationed there.

There are the breathtaking views and the lobster and the lovely welcoming people and the lobster and the fluorescent colored leaves (if we get there in time) and the lobster and the serene “ponds” of Baxter State Park in the North Woods, the Ocean/Mountain phenomenon of Acadia with its pink granite and and the ambiance of the Mira Monte Inn where we stay in Bar Harbor and did I mention the lobster? Every year we return home refreshed, having hiked new trails, having revisited favorite spots and people and having met new people, enjoyed new restaurants, and tasted new wines This year we discovered Cline Zinfandel, Ancient Vines, California 2007. It was yummy. When it is time for lobster though, I love the Bertani Due Uve, from Veneto, Italy. It is half Pinot Grigio and half Sauvignon Blanc.

While in Bar Harbor I did an impromptu Make Up Application Class for some guests and employees of the Mira Monte Inn. We had such a great time that our wonderful Marian Burns, proprietor of the Mira Monte Inn has invited me back to do a Master Class in the spring. I will keep you posted! Check out their website. We wouldn't think of staying anywhere but there! They have the best breakfast in town and it is truly like coming home every year!

I also discovered an amazingly talented Rock/Metal/Wood Artist named Scott Haseltine. He and Nancy have a small business that offers beautiful jewelry, unique hand engraved rock objets d'art and I just wish you could tour their home as we did! I will show my new bracelet to you the next time that you see me.

Last, but not least, our son Jonathan and his girlfriend (now fiancée) Becky were engaged while they were with us in Bar Harbor!! This was their second trip and it must be as special to them as it is to us.

Now that I am back in DC, there are so many wonderful things going on for November!