I was “working out” on the riding lawnmower (where I do much of my “creative” thinking) the other day, and recalled how many times I thought it would be fun to do a picture book about the Browns, and browns, of Maine.

Brown people, brown fields, brown earth, brown trees, brown buildings — all things that are brown, including Brownville! Ken Brown wasn't too keen on the idea but I've never mentioned it to the Browns with whom I made this week's photo last year. Probably wouldn't fly with them either.

Horace Lee would have liked it though. He was sort of a Brown many times when I popped in at the Wharf. He liked to occupy the “power chair” in the office when Ken was off sky diving or surfing. Some very high powered meetings were held in that vicinity.

The Browns in this week's photo have become pretty good friends, to way more than me. In fact, all things considered, I'm probably a less familiar face than many. Just imagine the number of people who have visited the Inn over the years, from land, sea and air. They came to eat, dock their boats, sleep and visit, but they always came to see the Browns, and many have come back for years.

Even folks who have staffed the kitchen, prepared the rooms and waited tables. It is the United Nations with employees from all over the world, not to mention all over the region.

I know people who bussed tables there from Ireland, Russia and Boothbay. There is a wonderful and devoted waitstaff from right here in River City. They come back year after year.

And a big part of the reason is — you guessed it — Joan, Michelle and Tim, and those who have gone before — Ken, Dennis and Connie — not to mention extended Browns and ex-Browns, and newly associated Browns. Heck, I could do a book about just these Browns. Wouldn't that be something?

Thank you Browns, one and all, for what you do and who you are. The “Browns of Maine” wouldn't be the same without you.