As with all my new pets, I gently bit each kitten on the face. This is how I let my animals know that I am now their mother.

I'm always on the lookout for those good, simple solutions to everyday problems.

The more you adapt, the more interesting you are.

Everywhere I go, I always look for creative entrepreneurs, whether it's artisans and craftsmen, small farmers and gardeners, or restaurateurs who use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I admire the courage and self-reliance it takes to start your own business and make it succeed.

The cocktail party is probably America's greatest contribution to the world of entertaining.

When I was growing up my mom was home. She wanted to go to work, but she waited. She was educated as a teacher. The minute my youngest sister went to school full-time, from first grade, mom went back to work. But she balanced her life. She chose teaching, which enabled her to leave at the same time we left, and come home pretty much the same time we came home. She knew how to balance.

I don't have time to have friends come and stay, except on weekends in Maine. I invite a lot of people to come to Maine.