*************************
Tom Smith (onebadfxr @ hotmail.com) -- Dublin,CA
1/3/98 -- 00:02:00

I hope everyone in Exile had a happy holiday season & look
forward to a great 1999. Hello to everyone in Jay and
Livermore Falls!

*************************
Dick Bickford (DickBickford@email.msn.com) -- Fayetteville,NC
1/1/98 -- 20:27:54

I was born and raised in Norway. Left when I joined the Military
in 1953. Only get back up there every couple of years or so.
I miss the Italian Sandwiches we use to get at the "Log
Cabin" on the Norway lake road. When that place closed, old
George opened another place in South Paris,George's Busy
Corner.
Am presently working on the Bickford Family Tree, if anyone
has any information so supply, please email it to me.

*************************
Phyllis Green (phyllis@phyllisgreenhair.com) -- Conyers,GA
1/1/98 -- 18:36:04

I was born in Gardiner, and was raised in the small town of
Richmond, where all my family live. I left Maine when I was
married, my husbund being in the Navy. When he was
discharged we moved to Conyers, Georgia, where we have lived
for 20 yrs. The thing that I miss most is the smell of the
ocean, and the blueness of the sky. Growing up along the
Kennebec river and the lupines that grow wild is something
else I miss, the fresh seafood, well you know all that
stuff.

*************************
Pete Cote (pbcote@compuserve.com) -- Colchester,CT
1/1/98 -- 17:11:43

Hi, I was born in Limestone - in "the County". Living in Ct. now
and anxious to get home. Buying a place this month in
Palermo for a camp and future home. Wife saw your bumper
sticker in town and we've been looking for one ever since.
It pays to advertise in Down East mag. We're coming up in a
couple of weeks and intend to stop by and load up on
goodies. See Ya.

*************************
Nancy Neutz (neutzx2@primenet.com) -- Phoenix,AZ
1/1/98 -- 13:24:21

Wishing all Maine-iacs a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

*************************
Dick Bickford (DickBickford@email.msn.com) -- Fayetteville,NC
1/1/99 -- 10:15:16

Born and raised in Norway, Maine, joined military in July 1953.
Get back to Maine once every couple of years.

*************************
Caroline (ccecsj@aol.com) -- Zion,IL
1/1/99 -- 00:49:57

just wanted to say hi to all the normal people that are back
east. it's no picnic out in the mid west. get back to ya
all real soon.

*************************
S.B.E. -- Green Bay,WI
1/1/99 -- 00:04:01

It's the Christmas holiday break and I was missing Maine, so
here I am checking out the other exilers' comments. I was
born and raised in Camden and Warren, Maine. I left in 1978
for grad school in Florida where I met my hubby-to-be------a
die hard midwesterner. We have lived in Madison, WI,
Minneapolis, Chicago suburbs, and now here around Green Bay.
This is a great place to raise kids and all......but I
can't help it, I still miss Maine. I miss the smells (the
ocean, the pines, the fog), and the "rootedness" I feel
there. Will probably be out this summer with my husband and
our two girls (who have learned to love Maine too). Happy
New Year to all those lucky enough to be in Maine and all
those who are pining for her.…

*************************
Mike (mle2@webtv.net) -- Meriden,CT
12/31/98 -- 16:30:55

Happy Holidays to all of the Maine-iacs out there. Be safe &
well.

*************************
K. B. -- Nashville,TN
12/31/98 -- 14:20:55

happy new year to everyone out there from the great state of
maine!

*************************
eyles1 (eyles.northnet.org) -- Watertown,NY
12/30/98 -- 20:37:19

Yes it is a miserable feeling to be away from home! I can not
wait to return home.

*************************
S. W. -- San Francisco,CA
12/30/98 -- 12:03:21

Go Patriots !!!!!!!!!!!

*************************
Craig/Gail Kinney (kinneycgc@aol.com) -- Richmond,SURREY, UK
12/30/98 -- 06:02:41

We both grew up in the Buxton, Standish area and graduated from
Bonny Eagle High School in '69/'70. Would love to hear from
anyone from that area or who is living in the UK. I
received the Exilers t-shirt for Christmas and thought this
was a fantastic idea. Hopefully, we'll all be able to
retire back to the great state of Maine. We always enjoy
going back visiting family and friends.
Happy holidays to all!

*************************
Tigg Orr (McGRP@aol.com) -- Mansfield,MA
12/29/98 -- 18:16:57

Born and raised on Orr's Island!

*************************
C. T. B. -- Napa,CA
12/29/98 -- 16:57:37

I was raised in Kittery Point. Moved away in 1967 but I go back
every summer to see the folks. I do love Maine in the
summer but I don't miss the snow or cold. Now I look out in
the winter and see grapevines. Drink more wine

*************************
Jennifer Legant (legant@msn.com) -- Honolulu,HI
12/29/98 -- 01:09:31

I was born in Medway ME and graduated from Schenck High School.
I joined the Navy at 18 and ended up in Hawaii stationed at
Barbers Point. I got out of the Navy last year and didn't
want to leave. I guess I didn't miss the snow that much. I
landed a great job designing web pages and i'm thinking
about buying a house. I am married and my Madin name is
Jennifer Berry. Drop me a line Aloha and Mahalo --Shaka
Bra--

*************************
Tiffany (gecko_45@hotmail.com) -- Chandler,AZ
12/28/98 -- 12:54:38

We just had a FANTASTIC holiday feast, one that brought home so
much closer. We ordered lobsters from Cape Porpoise Lobster
(www.capeporpoiselobster.com), steamed 'em up, and had them
for Christmas dinner! These two-pounder puppies arrived
alive and kicking, and I would highly recommend Cape
Porpoise for all my fellow exiles! It's worth it!

*************************
Ray Dunning (GBERET20@AOL.COM) -- Gainesville,FL
12/28/98 -- 00:01:36

Left Portland in 93. Been back to Maine several times since
then to clean my head out. Nothing like a Maine Springtime
to set a mind right!

*************************
Carol Landry-Decker (2angels@sprintmail.com) -- Hesperia,CA
12/25/98 -- 14:53:40

How be ye! Posted a message a long time ago. Just wanted to say
"Hi" to all you Maine-iacs. Used to live in East Baldwin,
operated a Boarding, Training & Riding Stable on Saddleback
Mountain while kids were in school. Still can't live
without my horses. We live in the High Desert above San
Bernardino, however, of late, woke up to frozen pipes,
extremely cold wind blasting everything from here to the
next county. Needless to say, reminded me of Home, only
without the snow.But we do get the white stuff from time to
time and believe me, NO ONE knows how to drive in it, or use
their head to just plain stay put.

My brother, Curtis Gray, lives in Bridgton and I have a
daughter and son who live in Waterboro, and, of course,
various other relatives in the Gray family. Great
Grandfather, Claude Gray, used to be principal of the High
School in Bridgton. In fact, in recent years, the building
was demolished. Heard the Knitting Mill shut down from my
daughter-in-law, Leslie. Hope to make it back to the East
Coast in the next year or so, last time I visited was way
back in '89. Besides trailriding, I also operate a DJ &
Karaoke Service in the local area, performing at private
parties whenever I get a gig, keep this ranch agoing and
work part-time for Proctor & Gamble as a Retail
Merchandiser.

Besides music and art, I also write of my adventures in the
mountain, recently had one story (true) published in a local
cowboy magazine along with a pastel I submitted. I love to
take photos, have quite a collection, each one tells a
story. Guess I am getting windy. Miss Maine. Ayah!

*************************
Gib (beverly.accucomm.net) -- Dublin,GA
12/25/98 -- 01:29:44

hello mainiacs.i was born,raised and lived in presque isle for
most of my life,now i live in georgia and miss it terribly.

*************************
Stephen Wilcox (bigdog@beachlink.com) -- Nags Head,NC
12/24/98 -- 16:42:15

I was born and raised in Camden, Maine. I lived there until I
joined the AirForce which sent me to NC.

*************************
Beverly Day Haas (bhaas@nni.com) -- Tatamy,PA
12/23/98 -- 21:45:54

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my fellow Maniacs--be
safe and well.

*************************
Dianne Streeter (RStree2709@aol.com) -- Fayetteville,NC
12/23/98 -- 19:33:21

Hi and Merry Christmas to Y'all in Exile!! Guess what, I just
had the pleasure of eating some Humpty Dumpty potato chips
that my friend Sharon from Brunswick sent me in a Christmas
box!! Eat your hearts out!!!!!!
I am originally from Westbrook, left there a long time ago.
Have sent a message through here before, but wanted to wish
everyone Happy Holidays! Always miss Home in the Fall and
Christmas time. Any of you driving around Fayetteville, NC,
might recognize me with my Exile sticker, honk your horn and
wave!

*************************
Mimi -- Vernon,CT
12/22/98 -- 23:39:36

My grandson and I went on the train ride for Portland Winterfest
and had a great time although we almost froze waiting for
our turn!! We went to Maine for the day on Sun. and we were
surprised to find 2 in. of snow in Freeport. Bought fresh
haddock and steamers at Tinys fish house and brought it home
, nothing like Maine seafood!

*************************
John P. Ring (jring@transend.com.tw) -- Taipei,TAIWAN
12/22/98 -- 22:01:41

Republic of China (NOT the People's Rep. of China!)

I'm a native Mainer, if you accept being born in Maine as
the criterion. My dad is really a year-round summer person,
but he's been one for over 50 years.
I left to get out and see a bit of the world, and I've been
in Taiwan since 1989. I'm from Brunswick.
What do I miss most? Sitting on the point looking at the
pine-covered islands sitting on the water like dumplings.
The deeeeeeep blue of the sky (it's much lighter here).
Stars. Lobster. ($20 a pound here, and that's during a
promotion.)

*************************
Chad Bourgoin (Chad_Bourgoin@YAHOO.com) -- Crownpoint, NM,Navajo Nation
12/22/98 -- 14:09:57

Hello from the land of enchantment to all my fellow Mainers. My
family and I were all born in Northern Maine, Van Buren and
Fort Kent to be exact. Yes, we are French Acadian and
can'tt wait to get back to the trees and crystal clear
waters of the Saint John Valley. Currently I work for the
BIA as an Environmental Specialist on the Navajo
Reservation. It is beautiful out here but it will never top
Maine for a place to raise children and enjoy the diversity
of nature.

*************************
Alice Dunning Lewis (allew@mail.ctaz.com) -- Bullhead City,AZ
12/21/98 -- 20:24:53

Hadn't checked in for a while - makes me really homesick at this
time of the year to read all the reminiscing - there truly
is no place like home - I want snow for Christmas. Hello
and happy holidays to all those folks from the
Freeport/Brunswick/Topsham area!! And to you folks @
Exiles.com, thanks for this site - keeps my sanity!! Happy
holidays and all the best for the new year!!

*************************
Jeff Stanley (tacace@hq.amceur.army.mil) -- Bruhl,GERMANY
12/21/98 -- 12:18:23

Greetings from Europe. I was born in Milo and raised in
Dover-Foxcroft. Working overseas with the Boy Scouts of
America, providing BSA programs to American youth living in
Europe.
Made a quick trip home early December to see new Grandson
and fill an empty suitcase with Humpty Dumpty BBQ Chips.
Delighted to discover the Maine Exile Products.

*************************
Janet Briggs Heberger (nheberger@grove.net) -- Hayesville,NC
12/21/98 -- 00:34:16

I was born in Maine and have missed it for 30yrs. I left for
college and then work and then marriage...only go back for
visits. Now I am in Western NC and still think of Maine.

*************************
Steve White (skad3@worldnet.att.net) -- Dallas,NC
12/19/98 -- 16:36:54

Happy Holidays to all M.I.E.s Would love to be "home" for x-mas
and see a little snow. I'm goin' up in Feb to visit my
sister and friends. CAN'T WAIT. I'd love to hear from any
fellow exilers that may have graduated around '72 around the
Cumberland county area.
Ho Ho Ho

*************************
Tracy Caraker (tcara1@tampabay.rr.com) -- Pinellas Park,FL
12/18/98 -- 20:13:08

Greetings to all my fellow MIE! Born and raised in Milo, Maine,
graduated from Penquis Valley High School in 1981. My hubby
& I spent the better part of the last 16 years traveling
with the USAF. It's nice to be done with that mess! We've
settled here because the pay is SO much better than what we
could've done in Maine. I miss Maine, but I really miss
family the most. Love the fall, snow-mobiling, and hiking
in Baxter State Park. I gotta get me one of them theyah
T-shirts! They're WICKED good!

*************************
Dave Lord (davelord@gte.net) -- Honolulu,HI
12/18/98 -- 03:21:42

Mele Kalikimaka, as we say in the islands, Terie, Joshua and I
wish all of you who read this the most joyest of holiday
season no matter where you may be "exiled" and god bless the
staff of exiles.com for whom this sight would not be
possible.

*************************
Eric Carswell (eric@sinainet.com.eg) -- Sharm el Sheik,EGYPT
12/17/98 -- 09:01:22

Hello,
There is no place like home. But, I can't sit still. I
have been living in Sinai Egypt for almost two years now.
SCUBA diving in Maine is not that great. My job keeps me
running all over the world. I go back every now and again to
do parts of the App. trail and such.
Some day when all my adventures are done and my soul is
quiet, I will return for good.
This exile idea is great.

*************************
Paula M. Lyford (PIBBER3248@AOL.COM) -- Tucson,AZ
12/15/98 -- 12:20:50

Ayuh, this site is a wicked good ideah! Just wanted to send a
giant wish of holiday cheer to all of you maniacs at home &
away.Greetings, especially, to all those friendly folk in
Benedicta, Patten, Sherman, Millinocket, Waterville,
Vassalboro, and Mt. Desert Island. Greetings to all those
who suffered through the blending of rival high schools to
make Katahdin High what it is today. Anyone remember those
crazy days of 1968 & 1969?!
Have only been in exile a few years and do miss those ocean
breezes, Mt. Katahdin, fall foliage, lobstah, steamed clams,
the white birches on I-95, family & friends, Acadia, green,
and water. Sorry all, but I do not miss deep freezes and
snow! Moved here for hubby to escape aching bones and the
weather change has helped him dramatically so looks like
we're here to stay. Went home in 1996 for 6 wks. I
thoroughly enjoyed being home but those heavy clouds weighed
him down.
Greetings to all our Nam Vet families and friends. I have a
poodle cookie recipe (no-bake choc/oatmeal/peanutbutter)
that has been a standard for my family in Maine which I have
passed on to my children's families. Have made more
Itallians than I can count. I have never seen them made w/
special oil mix; I think you'll find the secret is in the
Genoa salami, White American cheese, and the type of
ham...Have only seen them made w/ a drizzle of oil on one
side of the roll. Another taste difference could be in the
bread used. Hope this helps please the taste buds! Take
care, all. Peace.

*************************
John P. Lorentsen (gumby87@worldnet.att.net) -- Glendale Heights,IL
12/13/98 -- 18:24:03

I was born in Bath, Graduated Morse High '55. Looking forward
to my 45th homecoming in '00. Interested in knowing what is
going to be happening in Bath..…

*************************
Maravene (J131934@aol.com) -- Sarasota,FL
12/11/98 -- 09:11:33

Happy Holidays to all. My folks made me leave Maine in 1950. I
would have graduated from Scarboro High School in 1954.
Would love to hear from anyone that graduated from Scarboro
High in that year. Merry Christmas to all.

*************************
Sonny Sutherland (pds_jas@yahoo.com) -- Northboro,MA
12/10/98 -- 14:33:17

born in portage and would like to hear from anyone from the
area.

*************************
P.M.L. -- Tucson,AZ
12/8/98 -- 01:26:09

J.R.C.,BENEDICTA----AND ALL THE REST OF SHERMAN,MILLINOCKET, MT.
KATAHDIN, MT. DESERT ISLE, AND THE REST OF THE GLORIOUS
STATE OF MAINE---GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES FOR A TRULY
BLESSED AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON. PLEASE SAY A CHEERY HELLO
TO MARVELOUS MARY BESIDE THE FIREHOUSE IN SHERMAN STATION
FROM HER DAUGHTER AND ALL HER FAMILY OUT HERE IN SUNNY
TUCSON. I MISS MT. KATAHDIN, CLEAR LAKES, OCEAN BREEZES, AND
WHITE BIRCHES. I MISS OLD FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND FAMILIAR
FACES. I MISS HAVING A HISTORY AND KNOWING MY ROOTS.
HOWEVER, NEW ROOTS ARE GROWING, A NEW HISTORY IS DEVELOPING,
AND A NEW BRANCH OF THE FAMILY TREE IS FORMING. I MISS
FIDDLEHEADS!!!! AGAIN, HI TO BROTHER JIM AND SIS EARLINE
AND TO ALL THOSE WHO SUFFERED THRU THE CHANGE-OVER INTO THE
MAKING OF KATAHDIN HIGH IN '68 &'69.

*************************
Linda Nelson Hernandez (QbaMaine@aol.com) -- Lake Ridge,VA
12/7/98 -- 21:45:56

Born and raised in Bangor I couldn't wait to leave, (for the big
city); Attended the University of Maryland (a school that
has a larger population than Bangor) little did I know how
much I would come to hate my "Beltway" life commuting to DC
(1 hour each way on a good day) Rude people from the "hill"
; this is what you would describe as a rat race. I miss the
simplicity of my life, it seemed that we had a lot more time
with family and friends in Maine, less money but more time.
I envy all that continue to live and enjoy Maine. Maybe one
day I can convince my "citified" husband that Maine is "the
way life should be," and we should be there.

*************************
Lee Schroeter (digthis12@netscape.net) -- Lusby,MD
12/6/98 -- 10:04:24

Always intereseted in hearing from fellow exilers. Living in
Southern Maryland, finally found a place that is rural
enough for us but even though we are less than two miles
from the bay, you just don't get the same feeling as being
on the Maine coast. Seafood is still lousy and the
population not as friendly as home. I want to come home.
Help

*************************
T. V. -- N. Little Rock,AR
12/4/98 -- 04:05:21

Hello again From Arkansas, land of hot temps even in Dec.Had a
taste of home when my folks came to see me from Canaan
If there are any Maine-iacs in Ark. ,Please give me a shout.

GO LAWRENCE BULLDOGS!!!!!!

*************************
Cat Preston (Moodycat2@aol.com) -- Marquette,MI
12/4/98 -- 18:45:05

Hey everybody!! Just checking the site for the first time in a
LONG time -- I was in Moody for two weeks in October getting
our place ready and it rained almost the entire time (flood
warnings at high tide) but who cares, it was just great to
be in Maine!! In fact I drove through sea sludge that had
washed over the wall at Wells Beach and I left it on my car
until this week, because it was kind of a badge or memento
from Maine!
Anyway, back in Michigan until the first couple weeks of
June -- everyone have a great Christmas!!!

*************************
A. R. -- Portland,ME
12/4/98 -- 18:05:46

I was in exile for a decade, but I just had to come back! I was
determined to be involved with the space program, so I left
the state to go to college, then went to grad school in
Texas.

Texas! What was I thinking! What a miserable place! After
2 1/2 years in Austin I got a job at NASA's Mission Control
in Houston. Although it was a pretty cool job, I couldn't
stand living in Houston when I knew a place as wonderful as
Maine existed. (Houston is called "The Diaper" by other
Texans because it is hot, wet, and stinky.) So I quit my
job, got detoured from my goal by spending a year in
Florida, but now I'm finally living in Maine again after
being away for 10 years. I may be unemployed, but I'm
happier than I've been in a very long time!

P.S. Anyone got a job for a former rocket scientist?

*************************
Trisha (TrishGrant@aol.com) -- Cape Coral,FL
12/3/98 -- 20:56:36

Born, raised, lived in Maine all my life until 10 years ago,
when I retired and moved to southwestern Florida. Three kids
married and families of their own still live in Maine.I love
the laid back lifestyle of Florida and don't miss the
winters of Maine at all. I am alone now and it would be most
difficult for me to go through a winter by myself now. I do
get to go back each summer and visit my kids and they love
to come south during the winters too. Love to hear from some
Mainers who have transplanted too.

*************************
Darlene Whitley (whitldm@medicine.ufl.edu) -- Gainesville,FL
12/3/98 -- 10:38:59

What a treat to find this website! I was born in Norway and
lived mostly in the Lovell/Fryeburg area before moving to
Lewiston for high school. Left Maine for College and been
moving around ever since. Currently I am in Gainesville,
Florida. There are so many things I miss I can hardly narrow
it down. What I have noticed on my all-too-infrequent visits
home is that Maine smells better. The dirt roads, the sea,
the pines, everything. Also, the people are so practical and
understated. I hope to move back one of these days becuase
exile has shown me how infinitely superior Maine is and how
lucky I was to grow up there. For those in exile and those
at home, I recommend the book "Vacationland" by Tim Corbett.
Hilarious and accurate view of Maine by a Native. Ayuh.
Happy holidays to all those pining for the Pine Tree State
and all those fortunate enough to live there in body and not
just spirit!

*************************
Peg Warner (nuzpeg@nh.ultranet.com) -- Exeter,NH
12/2/98 -- 11:59:49

Hi all,
Born and raised in Rumford. "Grew up" (between ages 18 to
37) in Bangor area, first at UMaine, then writing for the
Bangor Daily News, then working back at UMaine. Left a
little over two years ago to see what life was like on the
outside. Bounced around southern NH, starting in Nashua and
migrating toward the Seacoast as work opportunities arose.
Unbelievable how much easier the transition became the
closer I moved toward Maine. Don't think that just because
I'm only 30-ish miles from Maine that it's just like living
there; it's a different world on this side of the
Piscataqua. Funny how I keep getting a lump in my throat
whenever I cross back in. What I miss most -- Acadia
National Park. Hard to approximate that experience here.
Luckily, I'm in touch with all my friends through email, so
the distance doesn't seem so great. I like this site!

*************************
Terry Jones (tjones1@foto.infi.net) -- Fayetteville,NC
12/1/98 -- 11:00:12

I have been in exile from Bath for many years, I miss the
summers but not the winters.
For those in exile look at the following web site, if I can
be of any assistance for someone looking for employment
please send me a note. We started this company in 88 and its
really grown......www.sytexinc.com.........wishing you all a
very happy holiday.

*************************
Elna (elcwriter@aol.com) -- Pittsburgh,PA
12/1/98 -- 10:08:39

Greetings -- Bangor-born husband and I have been in Pgh, PA
2-1/2 years, but we're back in ME for the month of Dec. Hope
a job awaits my husband here when he finishes his training!

Can't ever get enough of Maine!

*************************
Anna (prrrfect@webtv.net) -- Manassas,VA
11/30/98 -- 19:53:42

Hi ...I've been in Virginia over a year now. I love the weather
and all the things there are to do here, but I still miss a
few things about Maine. It's almost December, 70* so it
doesn't feel alot like Christmas! The leaves aren't as
colorful, the ocean isn't as blue and the seafood
bites.....but I'm still happy here!!

*************************
Robert C. Harriman (robert.c.harriman@gte.net) -- Somerset,PA
11/30/98 -- 18:07:34

I was born in Bangor in 1947. Born and brought up there. Moved
to Pa in 1989. Still have family there. Miss everything but
the cold.