Back in Maine

Maine is just as beautiful as I left it. The forests end right at the edge of the tidal line, unlike California where the coastal scrub acts as a buffer between the water and the land. The buildings here too are different. I was struck by how much brick is used in towns. The shingled houses are very colonial, and blocky, probably more heat efficient in the winters. Civilization feels more settled in here. Out west, it's still rambling and wild.

I start work tomorrow. I am getting more and more nervous about teaching kids. Do I use a bander's grip or a photographer's grip on them? I have become much more comfortable with birds and bird people. There's only one remedy: I'll just have to convert everyone into birders.