One of the things that is most endearing about Maine is that things that require trust in the community, still exist--like this self serve vegetable stand about 3 miles from my home. One evening, about 8:30 PM I stopped in because the "Open" flag was flying. There was no one there, and the refrigerator had kale, carrots, beets and cucumbers. A price list was on the white board. The instructions near the cash box indicated that personal checks were accepted in the box, and if you wanted something but were a little short, you were welcome to take the item and return with the cash later!!
In case you think this is an idealistic newcomer, the stand has been there for years. In addition, they are not alone--many people this summer had coolers at the end of their driveway with fresh eggs, and an envelope inside to put the cash in. A small apple orchard on the Kennebunk/Lyman line sells cider, in season, from a self serve refrigerator in a small stand at the entrance to the orcherd.
I would love to share that sense of trust and community with those who are unfamiliar and I'd like to think it is contagious, rather than something to be taken advantage of!
