Messages from Exile
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J. M. C. -- Hernando, FL
7/2/09 -- 12:22:28 PM
Good Thursday afternoon to all my fellow EXILERS...well,
Saturdays the 4th of July, I can't believe another 4th and I
won't be "home'..but, I found a way to have a good old fashioned
" lobstah feed.." one call does it all, 4 2 pound lobsters,
steamers, corn on the cob (the Maine kind) even whoopie pies to
finish it off..it'll be here t'morrow and I CAN'T WAIT..4th of
July, not quite like home, but as close as I'm gonna get THIS
year...hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July and if you
can't be going home, just close your eyes and think about it...
************************************
LH -- Pensacola, FL
6/30/09 -- 07:06:34 PM
Save the Date: November 2009, P.O.V. on PBS
I was at a nat'l conference in San Fran last wk and viewed the
documentary The Way We Get By (about the seniors who greet the
military at Bangor Intern'l Airport. Please catch a showing of
it in Nov when it's on PBS. While I admit I went in just wanting
to see a little Maine geography in the background, it was SO
much more: a wonderful story of these individuals lives. So
inspirational and moving--Truly must see!
**************************************
Bob Brown (
jaildog@embarqmail.com ) -- Fayetteville, NC
6/30/09 -- 03:31:10 PM
Native son away with flatlanders here in NC. Drop me an email
and we can jaw about being away.
*************************************************
K. L. -- Grafton, MA
6/30/09 -- 12:54:48 PM
Oh, man, this is MY site! I wish I'd found this years ago!
Born in Portland, grew up on the peninsula there and left in my
mid thirties due to lack of tech. jobs. What a mistake!
What do I miss most? OMG, I miss everything!
I miss going out into upper Casco bay twice a week with my uncle
to hand-pull 60 lobster traps. I miss being out on the ocean,
the odors, the motion, the richness of the air. I can feel,
down to my marrow, the ocean pulling me back.
I miss Italian sandwiches on a hot sunny day at a beach in
Scarborough. I miss walking down Congress street just before
Christmas and seeing *everyone* there (no impersonal malls
yet!) I miss hearing the soft, gentle, rhythmic hoots of
distant foghorns in the bay, lulling me to sleep. I miss the
bustling activity at the docks on a weeknight or Saturday
morning. I miss watching the fireworks among a sea of blankets
covering the Eastern Promenade grass. I miss spending a hot day
at the
lake, shaded by tall pines, walking on soft beds of needles,
inundated with the clean smell of pine. I miss going skiing on
a whim, spending 9$ for a lift ticket, and having most of the
mountain to myself. I miss walking out on the rocks at Two
Lights, exploring the tidal pools for life. I miss driving up
to Bean's at an odd hour just to see if they really never
close. I miss walking down the long, tiled underground ramp,
lined on both sides with shops, to watch movies at the Strand
Theater. I miss Tom's Deli at the intersection of Free and
Congress, remembering the people lined up for their lunchtime
pastrami on rye...there'll never be another Tom's. I miss the
melt-in-your-mouth hamburgers from Harmon's. I miss going to
Crystal Lake, then Simpson's Grove on the way home. I miss the
Portland-Deering Thanksgiving day games. I miss
Cushman's doughnuts! - in the blue and white cardboard box,
wrapped in wax paper inside - the crunch you get when you bite
into one...it'll never be duplicated. I could go on and on but
I feel I'm dangerously close to being "long winded".
My best to you, exiles!!!
*********************************
Wayne St. Clair (
wane9779@hotmail.com ) -- Roanoke, VA
6/29/09 -- 05:54:48 AM
To Charles (and all) I remember on September in Maine... it
was my first or second year out of the Coast Guard so it was 77
or 78. Anyway the fall that year was stunning... the weather
perfect... cool, clear and dry with incredible blue skies and
trees that seemed on fire... positively glowing with reds,
oranges and yellows.
Well I was waxing poetic about how beautiful September was in
Maine to an old fisherman I know and he nodded and said...
Ayah... winters coming soon.
Knocked the wind right out of my sails.
***************************************
LH -- Pensacola, FL
6/28/09 -- 10:50:27 AM
B.T. in Arizona, thanks for the very complete instructions!
My order from LaBree's arrived and they are delicious!! College
son enjoyed the choc sugared the best--"They're really different
from Krispee Kreme." Sure are--Yum!!
************************************
S. B. N. -- Terryville, CT
6/28/09 -- 08:57:51 AM
I was born in Fort Kent, Maine. I left Maine at 18. I
couldn't wait to leave. I wish I had never left. There is no
place like Maine. I miss the friendliness of the people, the
slower life, less stress, the smell of the dirt when they're
harvesting the potatoes, the beaches, the unpolluted air,
nature. I miss it all. I've been in Connecticut for 30 years.
We have our house for sale right now and I want to move back.
My heart and soul belong in Maine.
***********************************
Cindy -- Chesapeake, VA
6/27/09 -- 07:54:04
Yay,I get to go to Bath, for a 5 days in Aug. Will definitely
have Amato's, steamers, lobster roll, and go to Fat Boys.
Hopefully I'll get to walk Popham Beach, and walk off all the
food I just mentioned I was going to eat.
**********************************
Sharon L Hammer (Burke) (
shammer51@verizon.net ) -- Scotia, NY
6/27/09 -- 11:10:19 AM
Born and raised in WTVL. Grad from Orono in the 70's. Lived
in Portland during hippie era. Left because couldn't find work.
Been here in NY since August '81. Hate it. But have a job that
pays the mortgage and will reward me with a pension should I
live long enough to retire. I live in a small village outside
Albany, but it is certainly not the small-town version of life.
I miss Maine because I'm a Mainiac. What little family I am
connected to are all in WTVL now. Did I mention that NY sucks.
*****************************************
Charles (
edwardsce2750@sbcglobal.net ) -- Eureka Springs, AR
6/26/09 -- 10:14:05 AM
Wayne, I'm with you! September is the best month to be in
Maine. Hopefully I'll be there this year. While my Maine family
is in Cumberland County I'm planning a stay in the midcoast
area. Can't get enough of Penobscot Bay! It is all so
beautiful.
***********************************
B. L. W. -- Byron (Albion, ME), Georgia
6/26/09 -- 09:00:35 AM
Born and raised in Albion. Graduated Lawrence High in 1969
and joined USAF. Met and married SOUTHERN man. I return to
Maine ONLY in the summer--mosquito season!! Do miss the Fall
weather, but NOT the winters!! And of course, the less
expensive LOBSTERS!!
***********************************
Leslie H. Ruch (
lruchr@yahoo.com ) -- East Dubuque, IL
6/23/09 -- 09:27:47 AM
I was born in Biddeford, ME. Raised in Kennebunkport and
graduated from Kennebunk High School in 1980. I moved away 18
years ago, married a trucker and we both are truckers. My family
still is in Maine, I may be back someday.
*******************************************
Dorrie P (
feathers.2553@comcast.net ) -- Port Charlotte, FL
6/22/09 -- 05:56:58 AM
I left Lewiston, Maine because I don't like the cold, never
have, but Maine is still home. I've been here 12 years. I'd kill
for an Italian sandwich (Sam's), A good lobster and a bucket of
steamers, and to eat at the Chickadee in Turner and Marcos. Hope
to come in the fall. Fingers crossed.
***********************************
Joel (
jdrobinson_99@yahoo.com ) -- Los Angeles, CA
6/18/09 -- 11:39:23 PM
A flight back to New England will have been completed four
weeks from yesterday as the start of a nice two-week vacation in
the homeland of Maine! This long-overdue visit will include
Lawrence High (Fairfield) School's class of 1989 20th reunion
which should be fun for all. And ayuh, I am looking forward to
the entire trip more than just a little bit :)
**************************************
Wayne St. Clair (
wane9779@hotmail.com ) -- Roanoke, VA
6/18/09 -- 06:03:14 AM
Thank you J.C.
I always try and time my pilgrimages to Maine in September...
for my money the most lovely time of year up there... the
tourists are gone and the lobsters have stopped molting and are
hardshell again.
Speaking of Pilgrimages I am going to Israel in December for my
Baha'i' pilgrimage.
******************************************
J. C. -- Hernando, FL
6/17/09 -- 07:42:43 PM
Hello all my exiled friends..Wayne, so glad you posted, I was
worried, wish i'd be "home" in Sept..I'll be there end of July
and first week of August..hope its a little warmer by
then.LOL..I check in now and again to see what everyones up
to..so happy that so many of us will make the pilgrimage "home"
this summer, fall etc, for however long (or short) it always
feels so good to plant our feet in the sand of Maine...till next
time..
*****************************************
TERRI M (
yankeeexile@cox.net ) -- WILLIAMSBURG, VA
6/17/09 -- 02:17:30 PM
JUST GOT BACK FROM MAINE FEW DAYS AGO, FELT GOOD TO BE HOME
AGAIN. ATE AN ITALIAN SANDWICH EVERYDAY. IF ANYONE ATE AT THE
VILLAGE CAFE IN PORTLAND YOU MAY BE INTERESTED THAT AMATOS
ITALIAN FOOD IS ONE IN THE SAME. ALSO TRY LINDA BEANS LOBSTER
ROLLS NEXT TO LLBEANS STORE THE BEST I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME.
********************************************
moughie -- phoenix, az
6/16/09 -- 06:20:54 PM
Glad to see you post Wayne! I miss your poetry. Glad to know
you will make it back in Sept. Hope your all recovered from your
surgery.
Ahhh , lupines and Miss Rumphius. Thanks for the good memories
Nancy!
****************************************
Nancy Kelley-Cram (
nkelleyc@yahoo.com ) -- Wake Forest, NC
6/15/09 -- 07:35:13 PM
I hear the lupine are in bloom...I'm going home in a few
weeks, maybe, just maybe there will still be a few in bloom on
the coast way down east. Thanks, Miss Rumphius! That book
would be an awesome thing to add to the Exiles store!
***************************************
i. p. -- chicago area, ill-annoy
6/9/09 -- 07:03:56 AM
I'll be home this coming sunday for 10 days - can't wait!!
***********************************
wayne st clair (
wane9779@hotmail.com ) -- roanoke, va
6/8/09 -- 06:03:49 AM
Hey everyone. Looking forward to 10 days in Maine in Sept.
Plan to try and make a dent in the lobster population. Hope to
meet Steve White as well. W
*************************************
B. T. -- Cordes Lakes, AZ
6/2/09 -- 06:39:05 PM
To LH from Pensacola, when you mailorder from LaBree's you
have to buy a case of donuts, which is 8 6-paks, they can be
assorted, price with shipping is $30. They do 2nd day delivery
with Fed Ex, perfectly fresh. You can assort the 8 paks. Don't
have to get all one flavor. I keep one 6pak out and freeze the
other 7. They thaw in minutes, probably not as good as off shelf
but plenty fine. The molasses in particular I nuke just for few
secs after thaw and they are great. You can't order per se on
website but they list type of donuts by name and # so you have
to write them a letter and lsit what you want by name and
number. include your snail addy, phone etc. among types are
molasses, plain , plain crunch, plain coconut, choc , choc
coconut. cinnamon and others. If you are confused email me, feel
free to email me.
myarizona@commspeed.net
**********************************
Dave ( tc.brewer@yahoo.com
) -- Greenville, SC
6/1/09 -- 03:51:55 PM
Long story short.I am planning to move to maine in the near
future, have been in love with the state since '92 and I have a
chance to move there. Will be looking around the waldoboro area.
Any insight on employment, a place to park a camper, general
info will be appreciated.
********************************
lee conary (
lfconary@tampabay.rr.com ) -- winter haven, fl
5/29/09 -- 02:35:12 PM
Was in Maine last week, but for a burial. Not a lot of fun.
Weather was quite fair. I did have a super sized lobster roll
and fish chowder 3 times.
**********************************
patricia aishton (
paishton@yahoo.com ) -- farmington, me
5/29/09 -- 04:03:09 AM
raised in so paris, left maine in my 20's for laredo tx.
spent years feeling sad and missing home. at fifty went to
mich,spent years feeling the loss..at 55 moved to russia,spent 8
years feeling lost. now i live in belgium, again feeling
loss..all i ever wanted was to live in maine. now no job
there. there's no place like home!
****************************
p.a. -- belgium
5/29/09 -- 03:25:16 AM
missing home yet again..sigh..guess i will spend the rest of
my life as expat. brussels is better than moscow though!!
********************************
Shirley (Robinson) Pizziferri -- Palm City, FL
5/25/09 -- 03:45:21 AM
I was born in Livermore Falls, but grew up in Bath and left
there when I was 20 to go to Massachusetts where I spent most of
my adult life until retiring to FL. Although FL is my official
residence, I have always returned to ME for visits, and my
summer "visits" are getting longer and longer. On June 1st I
(and my husband) will begin a 5 month-long stay in Harpswell.
My heart has never left my home state and always said that even
though many must leave it when they're young, they have to go
back eventually. It is the best place in the world for children
and seniors, and someday perhaps the employment situation will
improve enough to keep the 20s-somethings home, although I do
think it improves the mind to live somewhere other than ME at
least for a while. If I had never come to FL I don't think I
would ever have missed and appreciated Maine's rocky coast as
much as I do, but it keeps calling me back.
***************************************
Annie Sylliboy Paul (
aepaul5@hotmail.com ) -- Eskasosni, NOVA SCOTIA
5/22/09 -- 08:58:21 AM
Have fond memories of living in the State of Maine until age
eleven when family moved to parents' home Province in Canada.
Lots of vacations in Maine!
Is there a guestbook one can see entries from other
Mainers? There was a Maine Guestbook that re-united people who
read it. It's no longer available.
***********************************
LH -- Pensacola, FL
5/19/09 -- 07:50:62 PM
Hmmm, saw Brian from AZ's post and looked up the LeBree's
Bakery site. Here's my question: Can anyone tell me how well the
molasses donuts would freeze? Have an upcoming b-day and would
prefer them to another Publix cake but would want to order
enough for now and later (and if I don't freeze them, I suspect
there would be no "later"!)
************************************
Heather (
native_mainer81@yahoo.com ) -- Denver, CO
5/14/09 -- 04:55:07 PM
Anyone else out west, and dying to move back HOME???
*********************************
Nancy -- Wake Forest, NC
5/12/09 -- 06:33:36 PM
Seems like not too many folks are posting here on EXILES.
I'm guess with the popularity of Facebook and MySpace folks are
joining groups dedicated to Maine. I belong to a few of those
myself, but still enjoy dropping by this page to check on my
fellow Mainers and what they are up to. Hope you're all quiet
because you're busy not because you don't have anything to say.
I can't imagine any of us not having an opinion about
something! I keep reading about the school reorganizing and the
financial woes back in Maine. Getting tough here in NC too.
I'm a teacher and they took back some of my pay and "furloughed"
us for 10 hrs. of time. They still haven't figured out how to
give us the time off, since school is in session and kids are
there!
Just got my tickets to Maine for July. I am looking forward to
being with my family and friends. Plan to celebrate my Dad's
90th birthday. Whoopie Pies, Italians, Haddock, Lobster and
Crab are definitely on my meal plan when I get there!
**********************************************
Mark -- Springfield, VT
5/10/09 -- 11:06:24 AM
When can I come home?
(As a native southern Mainer, I will settle for NH as "close
enough" since that seems most likely at this point...)
Did anyone else realize how hard it would be to extricate
yourself from exile? You leave Maine figuring you're just seeing
a bit of the world, still always feeling your a Mainer, but then
you have kids and you realize one day that they aren't Mainers
and so you're not sure it's fair to drag them back to YOUR Maine
when they are native to Someplace Else. And as others mention,
t'ain't always cheap to relocate; that's a problem right theya.
*******************************
Cookie (
cookiecoogan@yahoo.com ) -- Ithaca, NY
5/4/09 -- 02:29:20 AM
I am dyin' to go home. Don't think my personal "economy" will
allow it right away. Will definitely take some time (as always)
to visit with my kids sometime in late-July/early-August. But I
want to be there yesterday!!
The minute my schedule opens up for five or more days, I'm
hoping I have the do-re-mi to go see my Gram and play some
cribbage.
I know some rich folks here who own a 2nd house in Maine. I'm
fond of telling them about MY houses in Maine: my grandmother's,
my mother's, my father's, my
aunts'/uncles', my cousins'....
I'm sure their house is lovely, but the houses of my Maine
people are "home." 20 years away now, but I just reside here.
Maine is home. Have recently discovered the lures of California,
but whether I end up there, or France or Japan or the Moon---
Maine is always home.
**********************************
Brian Tucker (
myarizona@commspeed.net ) -- Cordes Lakes, AZ|
5/3/09 -- 08:30:03 PM
Should have some doughnuts arriving here end of this week,
including molasses from LaBree's bakery in Old Town. Can't wait.
******************************************
L. H. -- Pensacola, FL
5/2/09 -- 08:21:31 AM
Had a pleasant "Maine Moment" last evening. I was enjoying a
bowl of Haagen-Dazs Five Brown Sugar ice cream when a childhood
memory was stirred: eating molasses doughnuts with my
grandfather at a drugstore down the street from their home in
Brewer. Looked on the container and, yup, molasses was an
ingredient!
D.R., I can certainly commiserate. For a couple of years, I
lived in Orrtanna which is outside of Fairfield which is outside
of G-burg. One thing is does have, though, are tributes to
Joshua Chamberlin :)
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