Life in Maine

Updated on January 12, 1999

What a Long, Strange Trip it Was

With apologies to the Grateful Dead, I bid a thankful adieu to 1998. I'm sorry to be less than sentimental about the farewell, but as I sit here, I am being assaulted by both the TV and the newspaper with "remembrances" of the "Great Ice Storm of 1998." Last year at this precise moment, I was sitting on my couch in the dark, bundled up in every blanket and comforter I owned, wondering, after five days without power, if electricity would ever again make it's way into my house. What I didn't know then was that I wasn't even half way through it. Now, even a year later, the mere mention of that long two weeks gives me a pit in my stomach.

Power did eventually come back, the ice eventually melted, and life went on. The weather beyond the ice storm proved to be quite pleasant. The summer featured an abundance of sunshine, and warm, but not hot, temperatures. And in a lot of ways, my life mirrored the weather - a 12 month roller coaster of ups and downs. I changed jobs. I changed homes. I delved into the strange world of dating after 12 years out of the game. A little over a year ago, I made a single resolution - to live happier ever after. What I learned in 1998 is that it's not that easy.

If the first two weeks are any indication, 1999, it seems, promises a lot of the same. Since the year started, I've managed to get stuck in an ice/snow storm in Indiana, drive straight into blizzard in Buffalo, spent a $100 treating my dog's sore tooth, and am about to add a new member to my "family" in the form of a ferret. But, hey, my electricity hasn't gone out once!

As has become customary, I allow you, the readers, to be the authors of the first entry of Life in Maine in the new year. Snippets of letters I've received over the past year follow. Once again, thanks for letting me use these without your permission!

Best of luck in Belfast. I recently went through the relocating "thing" and my townhouse is nothing but boxes. If my wife and I are lucky enough to make it back to Maine this Fall I expect to see you leading the Belfast Harvest parade!!!!
Raleigh, NC

I stumbled unto your site (okay, I'm a novice Netter) and so thoroughly enjoyed it, I stayed the morning. My husband will love this when he comes home from his camping trip.
Michigan

While surfing through endless Maine links in pursuit of finding out more about what life is like in Maine, I came across your article and really enjoyed it. As a recent transplant to New Jersey from Kansas City (a decision that was made in what can only be described as a moment of complete insanity) I understand the trials and tribulations associated with a move to a new city. New city, try a whole new world!
I have been here seven months and already I find myself planning my escape on a daily basis. For my vacation last month I took a driving tour of New England to decide where I want to live for the rest of my life. 2,000 miles and five states later, I knew that Maine is where I want to be; the coast for sure.

I've had your page bookmarked for a long time now and have been a frequent visitor because I've found it to be the easiest way for me to get my Maine "fix" along with reading DownEast Magazine (and visiting when possible)
If nothing else, I want to thank you for your time and efforts in publishing this site. It's a great service, and I have gotten many, many hours of enjoyment from it. Thank you.

I grew up in Wellington, Ohio. Now I live in Brunswick, south of Strongsville, Ohio. The growth and all that has followed seems like a flash flood. I have a great need to live in the north. my heart beats for northern Ontario, yet I am American to the core. Maine is a place I would like to consider one day. maybe I'll visit soon. The urban sprawl of Cleveland makes me uncomfortable. God bless the serene places we call home, even if they are still a dream. may you keep Maine as it should be, beautiful and natural.

I enjoy your observations of my favorite state and have included your site in my links. Wish I, too, were lucky enough to be able to relocate.

My body may be back in Virginia but my heart is still on the shores of Penobscot Bay. Just spent 3 1/2 weeks in Belfast and enjoyed every minute of it.
This summer makes 22 years that we've spent our summer vacation in Belfast so you can imagine the changes we've witnessed! It warms my heart to see so many of the beautiful houses being restored and the view from the bridge never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks for keeping us Mainer Wanna Be's informed.

Are you retired or do you write your observations on the weekend?

Retired? Mentally, perhaps, but not physically. - Greg

I found your site while looking for info on small towns in western Maine. My wife and I are looking to buy some land outside a nice, quiet town (As my wife put it, "One of those towns like you see in a Stephen King movie.") Great job on the website, very amusing.

I just found your web site and read some of the articles and archives. I came back from Maine last night. What a beautiful state Maine is and such nice people. So nice in fact that I am really thinking about relocating.
Oh, and by the way, where is Jackson, ME, with all the single men? Is that a coastal town as well?

Update - all the single men are now in Belfast ;-) - Greg

Just because the summers last two weeks, you go on vacation. What a lame excuse!
Hope you enjoy a well deserved break. Don't worry about all of us losers who sit around with our faces glued to the computer screen.

I was just poking around on this 'net thing when I came across your page. Did some more poking around in your Life in Maine Archives while you were off doing what all during August. In particular, your 04-13-98 Q&A page is some tickle-fying.

Thank you for your remarks on kayaking down the river. I am a misplaced Mainer (a transplant who went to UMO and then taught near Augusta for four years) who is living in New York City for a year. I am able to live here now because as soon as I get done with grad school, I am coming back. I do miss it very much and now that falls hangs impatiently in there air, I miss it all the more. I had quite a bout with home sickness today when I happened onto you webpage.

First, I've enjoyed your web site for over a year now. I fell in love with Maine four years ago. My Mom and I set out from Tennessee, driving up through New York and cutting across to Bar Harbor for our first "New England" trip. From then on, I've skipped the rest of New England (except for the cheap Southwest flights into Providence!) and headed straight for various points in Maine. (Thanks for the tip to see Acadia in the winter!)

Before criticizing someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away and have their shoes.

St. Louis

Thanks for reading, folks! Here's to a great 1999 for everybody! - Greg

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