Janie and I have been so fortunate to have had great experiences while at university. She went to St.FX for her undergrad... I went to Mt. Allison. These rural maritime schools are not only well known for placing very well in annual ratings of Canadian universities, but for having tight knit alumni after graduation. True to that, we both have remained in contact with friends we spent the better part of four years with, and have come to know their families.

Thus, I guess it shouldn't be surprising each year we both manage a phone call, tweet, or even visits with university friends. Thanksgiving 2013 afforded just such an opportunity. Emails back and forth between our family and friends in Maine, the Porters, resulted in invitations and promises to gather over the holiday weekend for food, drink and conversation.

An added bonus was the inclusion of our good friend Conal, who was visiting home from the Northwest Territories and who had coordinated being there on the same weekend. So, as it turned out, we all got together, with our families, for some great company and wandering about the gorgeous fall colors of Appleton Maine. It was fun to watch... and I know Janie and I especially enjoyed the kids as they navigated the circumstance, found common ground, and how they had assembled the puzzle by departure time! They connected as we reconnected.

Anyway... thought I'd chronicle our trip back and forth and the 48 hours or so in Maine as a bit of a keepsake. It's always interesting to look back and remember our travels and just express in words/pictures the experience. We had a blast and really, in many ways, a totally worry free weekend as we settled in like no time at all had passed since our last visit. Maybe, if you're planning a visit to coastal Maine in the near future, you may find an attraction or tip that'll help in your planning!!!