For the past few weeks, sitting at my table at Saturday’s Houlton Community Market, I have looked down past other vendors and wondered about the attractive young couple selling organic vegetables. After finally approaching them I decided to write about them for this Conservation Corner.
As the Piscataquis River begins its journey through downtown Dover-Foxcroft, it makes a 90-degree turn to go over the dam and under the bridge on Main Street. I grew up on the corner of High and South streets, ice skating in the cove all winter long. The view across the river to Foxcroft always brings back nostalgic memories. This day however, called up someone else’s memories, and I fell to wondering about Fred’s colorful ancestor, Peter Brawn.
She sat alone on a weathered bench, just to the side of the storefront. As I exited the store, she raised her head and we made eye contact. I smiled at her, more from habit than from recognition, and she lowered her eyes toward her lap.
There is something about hot dogs and Houlton that seem to go hand-in-hand (or is it bun-to-bun?). Anytime a business holds an open house, grand opening, customer appreciation or some other special event, chances are you will find a grill or steamer filled with hot dogs. Add in the words “free,” and people seem to come from far and wide.
September promises to be a busy month for Maine genealogists, especially “Yours truly.” There are two conferences (I will be presenting at the first) and I will also begin teaching an eight-week adult ed. course on Beginning Internet Genealogy.
Lesson 34: When you are well into your 50s, remember that you are at the cusp of a journey like no other. You are wise. You are seasoned. You know how to love. You are beautiful. You are cherished. Skip over those lines in your face and the occasional twitch in your back. It is your time to glow.
There have been so many advances in technology that I can hardly remember what it was like to do genealogy in the “old days.” The newest technologies back then were microfilm and word processors. Searching and receiving a vital record could take a year. Even without a computer, we can use some new technology, such as GPS (Garmin and Tom-Tom to name just two) and digital cameras to help with family history.
I write frequently about my battle with cancer for many reasons. Becoming acquainted with cancer has altered my life forever and I believe I am much better at sorting through what is and what is not important in my life. One of the strongest medicines I have been given is the opportunity to share these lessons with you and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Note to self. If you see a shadow dart across the ceiling, chances are it’s not a ghost.
That was the scenario that played out last Monday evening, as I was sitting in the living room watching a movie. Since I was on vacation, from my duties gathering the news for “The only newspaper in the world interested in Houlton, Maine,” I had no reason to turn in early.
To this day, when I see the sign announcing the arrival of the Northern Maine Fair, I am instantly elated. Though it has been years since I have attended the fair, I can assure you a piece of my heart wanders on the midway.
