Last Monday evening was one of those extraordinarily clear, lovely evenings that we sometimes get in June or September. It was about 70 degrees, a perfect temperature to sit outside on our deck and discuss the news of the day.

Both my wife, Sally, and I remarked on this being the first "Maine" day of the season.

In truth we don't get many of these days, but for us they have come to represent a part of why we live here.

This discussion with Sally caused me to reflect on the fact that I have spent a good bit of column space over the last few months talking about what is wrong with Maine.

Now that we are moving into that time of year that makes the Maine winter bearable, it is a good time to reflect on the many things that are right about this state.

One of the things I appreciate most about Maine is the fact that most Mainers are understated when it comes to the material things of life.

Some examples: Even those who could afford to do not go in for the kind of fancy boats you would see in Florida, very loud and sleek. We prefer the clean simplicity of the Down East lobster boat design.

We certainly don't go in for the trendy look in clothing so prevalent in Manhattan or Boston. L.L. Bean has long set the sartorial standard, and it is decidedly more practical than fashionable.

I remember several years ago running into Betty Noyce, Maine's much-loved millionaire philanthropist, as she was entering the bank she owned in Portland. After seeing me saying hello to Betty, a friend came over to inquire about the identity of this middle-aged woman in a worn cardigan and Bean boots. He was shocked to find that this was none other than Betty herself.

Of course a large part of what is right with Maine is found in Portland. The city is perhaps the best place to live on the East Coast. It has a beautiful, deep harbor with all the islands of Casco Bay guarding its approaches.

Portland has attractions that one would not find in cities two or three times its size – wonderful restaurants, a first-class symphony orchestra, lively stage productions, and no traffic to speak of, certainly no traffic of the kind one routinely finds in Boston.

Maine is, of course, much more than just Portland. We are fortunate to live in a state with abundant natural beauty from our unique coastline to the thousands of lakes and ponds that dot Maine's interior.

Moreover, we have managed to strike a nice balance between this natural beauty and development.

We face important issues in this area, to be sure. The current debate about Plum Creek's proposed development in the Moosehead Lake region is but the latest example.

We haven't always gotten this balance right, as the seemingly endless commercial strips that border some of our cities do attest. Nonetheless, if you travel as much as I do, you will see that Maine stands out as a state that has so far maintained the distinctive and attractive character of its towns and villages.

Where many American towns have taken on a homogeneous McDonald's/Wendy's/Jiffy Lube look, much of Maine still retains a distinctive look and feel.

Another thing that is right about Maine is that a sense of community is alive and well.

Our town, Cumberland, is like many others in Maine in that it is built around its schools and churches. Both serve as focal points for gathering.

I was reminded of that on this past Memorial Day when many of the townsfolk gathered on Main Street for the traditional Memorial Day parade.

Our church, strategically located right in the center, put up a booth selling home-made baked goods and hot dogs.

We did a brisk business, but the real joy was in seeing friends and neighbors of all generations doing their part to make the celebration meaningful and fun.

Finally, if you are still wondering about what is right with Maine, just open your eyes and look around. The robins are in full voice, and the lilacs are in full bloom.

The fullness of song, color and fragrance reminds us that summer is on its way in this small piece of near-heaven.