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Deb Rhoads ( billanddebrhoads@yahoo.com ) -- Puyallup, WA
1/2/08 -- 07:46:00 PM

Happy New Year to all my friends and fellow Maine-iacs back in Maine. We moved to Washington State last January (him) & April (me) for family and career reasons and we really, really miss all our friends back home(but not all that evil snow you're having this winter - we have none other than what's out on Mt. Rainier) And, I'd kill for a big plate of fried haddock.  While these two states have a lot in common, these folks out here don't know how to cook fish. Anyone from Maine out in Washington?????  Please tell me I'm not the only one!
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Adney Brown ( awbrownn@sbcglobal.net ) -- Roseville, MI
1/1/08 -- 07:11:13 PM

I am glad I found this website ! I am  a native of Waldoboro and was more than likely the last person anyone thought would move from Maine and become a "flatlander " or be refered to as someone from away .. But life has some strange paths that lead us away sometimes... We still talk about lobster and Moxie and mount Katadin often ... I even have to "import" Moxie to Michigan where I live , but our hearts and thoughts are often on our "home " state ... hope you all have a happy and prosperous New Year....
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Cookie ( cookiecoogan@yahoo.com ) -- Ithaca, NY
1/1/08 -- 02:16:45 AM

Happy New Year, Maine people!!!

I hope that 2008 brings prosperity and health to my beloved state.

I also want to take a moment and pause to remember Harold Alfond who passed away this past year. He gave so much to the people of Maine, especially the youth of Central Maine where I grew up. His legacy will continue in the form of $500 toward the college education of every Maine-born child. I never knew him personally, but his commitment and money continues to benefit my people. Rest in Peace, Harold Alfond, and thank you.

We're eating split-pea soup and tourtiere pie tomorrow. Though we aren't French-Canadian, we have relatives who are and I've heard it's good luck. Who am I to argue?

Health and happiness to all!
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jocelyn (pelletier) jackson ( jocelynjackson1326@yahoo.com ) -- pikeville, NC
12/31/07 -- 09:35:42 PM

Hi,again, yes, I am reading our 'Maine Notes'...so glad that I didnt read yours until tonight, Steve, from Dallas NC...lol...only reason I am not ripped from reading ur lobstah suppah story is because i just booked my flight for portland...(then to casco i'm-a-goin!)in march for my and my grandmothers birthday~ will be my first birthday in maine in 31 years...THAT is just CRAZY to think...No better way to say goodbye to my 30s then to start #39 at home...any old excuse will do when it comes to eatin an Italian from Bobs on 302 in Casco!!! So it already is gonna be a happy new year!!! Love the idea of the Maine club, also....geez, i want a maine flag for my front yard....really make the neighbors wundah 'bout that yankee next dow-ah, ayuh'
lol
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Carol Zimmermann ( hilly352002@yahoo.com ) -- Bjowie, MD
12/30/07 -- 11:23:52 AM

Nancy,
   I was just in Milbridge a few weeks ago.  Lots and lots of snow.  Had to leave 2 days early because of impending major storm and at least 18 inches on the ground when I arrived on Dec. 6th.  Ficketts point looks much the same, but I'm always amazed and a little saddened by all the new houses.  Lots of them are up for sale now so soon most of the road will be people from away and not too many locals.  I also remember waiting for Santa on the fire truck!!  They do that here in Bowie, but no treats are given.  It always brings a smile to my face to see it, and reminds me of home.  My husband and I and dogs always go out and wave hello.  I ate tons of fresh haddock, shrimp, and scallops while I was there.  I always give the seafood market lots of business during my stay.  Of course being the daughter of a lobster fisherman, still don't eat winter lobsters, as they taste different...lol  Also still able to get boat price from the locals which is wonderful.  Just wanted to let you know all is well in Milbridge!!!

I hope everyone here had a great holiday season.
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Lee -- Brunswick, Great State O'Maine
12/29/07 -- 09:03:43 PM

Hello All,
I just had to write after reading your messages here. I left Maine in the 90's to pursue some personal dreams, and although I've seen and done some wonderful things since then, I've been homesick ever since! It got so bad, I couldn't even look at a picture from Maine without feeling sad. But lucky for me -- my significant other also fell in love with Maine during a vacation trip, and we have now returned home. It's the best Christmas present ever :-)

To Cynthia --- I know Parsonsfield, having lived in the Cornish/Kezar Falls area. Western Maine will always be closest to my heart. For me nothing else in the world compares with the White Mountain region. Can't move there yet as my employer is located elsewhere in Maine, but hey, I'm just happy to have my feet planted anywhere in this state. Best 2008 to all!
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Carol Jolly ( jollygeaz@aol.com ) -- Morganton, NC
12/28/07 -- 12:24:08 PM

I was born and raised in South Portland. My dad was in the Coast Guard so I spent many years in exile in many different places, but always ended up, back in God's Country.
In my adult life, I married an Alabama guy and was able to convince him that Maine was the right place for us.
He worked for General Electric in S.P. and when they closed the plant, we were transferred to Charleston, S.C.
We are retired now and we spend July - October at our camp in Raymond, on Crescent Lake. We winter in N.C. and MS. We're always near one of our three children, who ALL plan to live in Maine upon THEIR retirement, as we do also.
I started a Maine Club in Charleston. We had 125 families in our club. THEY ALL LOVED MAINE. My husband bought us a Maine flag that we flew at our meeting sight twice a year.
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Mike -- Syracuse, NY
12/27/07 -- 05:19:00 PM

Hello,
I have lived in Syracuse,NY since college.  I am home for a holiday visit with my parents and siblings. Here is a bit of fun you can have if you want to feel a part of something going on back home.  My little sister is competing for the title of best high school solo artist in Maine. If you would like to check out the contestants go to www.mainetoday.com and check out the RO4UNO link.You can listen to the ontestants and vote for your favorite. Don't forget to check out my sister  Kristyn Murphy
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Cindy ( Sorey1@cox.net ) -- Chesapeake, VA
12/27/07 -- 07:57:49 AM

Hey Sharon, I'm from Bath.  I graduated in 68 though, in Va Beach, Va.  I have 2 older sisters and my older brother that went to Morse.  Last name Cloutier.  Happy New Year to everyone and hope 2008 is a great yr. for everyone. 
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Nancy Kelley-Cram( nkelleycram@nc.rr.com ) -- Wake Forest, NC
12/25/07 -- 11:07:00 AM

Thinking about Maine this Christmas Day.  I'm currently at my lake house on Lake Gaston, here on the NC/VA border.  The winter is the time I get to watch the loons who come South for the winter.  They are creamy beige and brown in their winter plummage, no pretty necklaces this time of year, and silent, for they do not call in the winter.  I only hear them when they are getting ready to head North again in the Spring.

I was reading the messages of others who have made the homemade goodies, needhams and whoopie pies for the holidays.  We had a good lobster dinner for Christmas Eve last night.  Stew today!

My favorite memory of Christmas is on Christmas Eve.  My sister and I would have our noses pressed to the window, watching for the Fire Truck to come down over Bridge Hill in Milbridge with "you know who" riding on the top.  We knew the first stop on the East side of the River was our house.  The Firefighters delivered candy boxes to every house with children.  I think the firefighters continue to use the old pumper with Santa on top to deliver those boxes to the children even now.  A beautiful hometown tradition.  Something I really miss living here in the Raleigh area. 

I was so pleased and happy to see all the wreaths being delivered to Arlington by Morrill Worcester and all the folks from Maine.  If those of you who live away have not seen or heard about this, check out wreathsacrossamerica.org You will be even prouder to come from Maine.

Be watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition on Jan 6--they are doing the show filmed in Milbridge earlier this year.  My cousins took Ty out on their lobster boats!  I read about it in the local paper, but am looking forward to my hometown being featured.

Merry Christmas to everyone!  I'll be watching over the loons this winter and send them back to you soon.  Happy and healthy New Year to those lucky enough to be in Maine and those who wish they were.
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Steve White ( mainerinexile@charter.net ) -- Dallas, NC
12/25/07 -- 12:21:13 PM

Merry Christmas exilers!  I don't wanna make anyone jealous, but I'm in Saco right now at my Mom's.  We just finished eating a bowl of lobsta stew and it was, well....wicked good.
There was about 2 feet of fresh, beautiful white powder on the ground when we got here last Friday, but we got some rain and warmer weather and it's melted down some.  At least I had a white Christmas.
Cheers to all!
Maineiac
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Rene Dechaine ( dechainew@aol.com ) -- Libreville, Estuaire, GABON
12/24/07 -- 03:54:30 AM

Well, this Winslow boy ended up in Central Africa, and working with another Mainer- Charlie Morrill from Farmington.  We both went to UMO at the same time.  Our New Years resolution is to get the Gabonese military band to play the Maine Stein Song.  We'll post the video if successful.
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Jocelyn (pelletier) Jackson ( jocelyn.jackson1326@yahoo.com ) -- P-ville, NC
12/23/07 -- 10:01:42 PM

Yes, I have been listening to 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'...and it makes me tear up every time...cause it really is only in my dreams. I try to make the best of it here...quite difficult without even a snowflake to look at...but then not even snow is as pretty as it is in MAINE~~I hate missing Maine so much...being in Maine is all I think about...Have 3 and half yrs. until youngest graduate from high school...and I have so much family here now..it would kill me worse to leave them so I am stuck...waiting for my next visit to the greatest place on earth...I do find comfort in reading the notes here...knowing I am not alone in my pining for the great pines of Maine...I hope this website stays up forever!!!
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Nancy -- Fox Cities, WI
12/22/07 -- 12:22:03 PM

Hello Everyone,  I haven't posted in quite a while. It's been a busy few months.
Even though my husband has 12 days vacation right through January 2nd,  we aren't going home for Christmas this year either.  We are working on a flip house and want to take advantage of the time off to get it mostly finished on the first floor.
I cannot wait to turn the calendar over to 2008,  because we will finally be able to go HOME, HOME, HOME for good sometime during the year.  It may not be until Fall, but we will definitely be moving home to our beautiful Maine next year.  We are so excited, but also a bit worried about the job situation.  However, as DH said, even if he has to work at Wal-Mart (ugh!) and we have to rent for a while, at least we'll be home.  
Better to be poor and happy, than middle class and miserable.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my fellow exiles.  May you soon find your way home as well. 
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Cynthia Stacey ( stacey_cynthia@hotmail.com ) -- Los Angeles, CA
12/21/07 -- 07:41:25 AM

Whoever picked my name out of the hat this Xmas sent me a Maine Exile box.  Is googling a company name akin to tearing a peek hole in a present? 

My current mission is to educate other parts of the world on the joys of eating http://www.whoopiepies.com.

We long to be back on the east coast and hope to eventually settle back in Maine. I was born and raised in beautiful Parsonsfield.  You folks familiar with that neck of the woods?
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