Everyone has a fantasy regarding a second career. (Note that I did not say "a fantasy to make a million," since that's generally impossible in Maine).

Mine is to run a B&B. The theme is similar to Bed and Breakfast, but it would be Bed and Burgundy.

I don't like to talk to strangers in the morning. I certainly don't want to serve them a meal, and clean up after.

So my plan is welcome the guests in the evening, take their money, and hand them a glass of Burgundy - or Chablis, or whatever. I would provide directions to the ever-present Dunkin' Donuts for their morning munching. For argument's sake, I would give away the wine so I wouldn't have to get a license to sell it. Later, under thriving conditions, I could develop a plan to market the libations.

I initially daydreamed of having the B&B at my cabin, assuming you could find someone willing to pay for an uninsulated cabin with no light, water or indoor plumbing. But I reasoned, no way. That is a non-starter.

So I am considering Farmington. It has a university of 2,000 students, and few overnight facilities within walking distance of the school (which is growing). Wouldn't parents rather stay in a cozy B&B while visiting the kiddos?

Also, Farmington is on the way to both Sugarloaf and Saddleback.

Of course, there are strong reasons why it might not work. Most students at Farmington are commuters, and go home for weekends rather than invite parents to campus. And since most parents live within a day's drive, they might not stay over even if they did come to town. Still, I dream.

After that B&B fires up, I will open one in Orono. This university town has fewer local resources for students than any state university I have ever visited. The University of New Hampshire is walking distance from stores, restaurants, bistros, you name it. But with all respect to Pat's Pizza, Orono has almost nothing that comes under the heading of "nearby."

This B&B would have rooms named to honor Maine scribes: The Edna St. Vincent Millay room, the Kenneth Roberts room, the Stephen King room. If you didn't want to fix up a bedroom, it could be the Carolyne Chute room (you remember the impoverished "Beans of Eqypt, Maine," I trust.)

Waterville? Nah, businesses don't seem to survive there. Brunswick? I think there are a number of overnight places near Bowdoin, so I wouldn't try it.

Portland? The city is full of them. Plus I had my chance. I lived right across from the law school once, and made no move to start such an enterprise.

I didn't do it then. And I doubt if I will do it now. But one can daydream, especially about those semi-fine wines that would be uncorked when the first paying guests arrive.

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