Happened may years ago, but still makes you silent, reflective and haunted. Did a blog about a trip thru Halifax, Nova Scotia cemetary that is another experience for the family to quietly take in. Blog with some neat images here.... http://activerain.com/blogsview/73186/Titanic-grave-site-in  . To the left is a monument to World War II participants.  When you see monuments, or observe milestones of something proud, tragic or that represents loss of life, you have to stop and count your blessings and put everything in perspective.  We live in a fast paced world, and work hard at our occupations, raising a family and contributing to our area.  But there needs to be a time of silence, reflection and perspective to make all of it make sense and sink in.  What moves you this way in your... 04/15/2008

     For starters, many job searches in Aroostook County start with the local newspaper.  The Houlton Pioneer Times will have a few employment ads, but the tradition in this area of Aroostook County is to stop in or call the Career Center. That office has a book with a number of job opportunities to consider.  The Bangor Daily News would also have an employment section and career fairs are going on now in Maine.  The weekend's edition would also be more populated with jobs possibilities.  But in Houlton Maine, watching the local paper for a job would be a limited way to tackle the problem.  The Career Center takes down the requirements and perks an employer has to offer and applicants go thru this "clearing house" to save everyone time.  When I hired a new secretary 17 years ago, or pre... 04/11/2008

The first week of May, the annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race with lots of water volume this year will happen in Houlton Maine. Heavier than normal snows mean no shortage of water for the race in Aroostook County. Paddlers from around New England and Atlantic Canada take canoes, kayaks, boats and rafts down the the river named by local Maliseet Indians. "Meduxnekeag" means rocks at its mouth.  Past race Chairman Peter Blood told me today that in the beginng he wondered why there were a number coolers with lively party canoers celebrating spring. He felt the tradition may have been because college kids were behind the intial races.  The Houlton Rotary Club took over the race rather than see it not happen as new blood to coordinate the race was needed.  Then a local group including Peter... 04/08/2008

     This country has a cheap food policy.  The farmer is at the beginning of the food production but there are lots of middle men in the process to get the vittles served on your dinner table.Organic food production is rising and oats, wheat and corn acreages are increasing. The USDA has not made a decision on whether land in the CRP (Conservation Resource Program) or soil bank program might be released for crop production if supplies tighten nationally.  Corn prices have increased and diversion to gas production is part of the reason.  But with rising fertilizer and fuel costs, farmers are adjusting to the market faster than they used to to survive and stay viable. In Northern Maine, potatoes, broccoli, limited silage corn, grains are the major crops produced.  With rising fuel costs ... 04/04/2008

The Link For Lots Of Houlton Maine / Aroostook County Flickr Local Photos Below....Take a Peek!http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=8099231@N08&lang=en-us&format=atom      Where you live is special.  You may take for granted the many local events, special people that you live with and the incredible outdoor beauty and recreation opportunities though.  When you capture the local flavor of your area, and post it on Flickr or a slew of other available platforms or outlets, you become a "mirror" that reflects and spotlights your special area.  Only you can know what day in and day out "looks like".  The feed for our Flickr photo collection is here.  Every reader or view knows what it is like where they live so your images help give them a sense of what is similiar and w... 04/03/2008

     You have a stressful job where you live.  You want to have a place to getaway...a vacation home!  In Maine you can afford a second home easy.  Or consider buying a parcel of land, and put a cabin on the acreage.  Or if you needs are small, park a travel trailer and use the place as a base to explore from.  What to do? Depends on the season but in the winter months, down hill ski in Mars Hill's  Big Rock, or head across the Canadian border into the province of New Brunswick to down hill ski Crabbe Mountain in Upper Haynesville.  Snowsledding trails are the 8th best in the nation according to Snow Goer magazine. Over 3500 miles of trails to see wildlife, lake scenery and unspoiled woodlots as you discover the beauty of Aroostook County...population 11 people per square mile! That's e... 04/02/2008

   Is where you live filling you with excitement, contentment, peace and harmony? Or are you feeling overwhelmed, rushed, pushed, exhausted and drained?Grab the reins of your life and seriously consider this question.  Are you where you and your family should be at this time in your life ? Can you live within your means where you are and do you feel satisfied with the quality of life where you are currently parked on the planet? If there is doubt, if the fire in your belly for your community is not burning brightly but merely smoldering, you have a choice.  Do some homework and consider if you lived in Maine part or full time, how would it change your life? If you do not keep the fire fueled, it will go out. For information on Houlton Maine / Aroostook County please contact me at info@m... 03/30/2008

    Don't try this at home kids.  Actually, don't ever try this method to remove a bad, non paying / high damage tenant. A home owner decided they were not going to wait for the process of eviction to be served. No time for the slow, expensive wheels of justice to turn. The renter had taunted him with "you can't get me out for months...I have rights and know them and do this move in, don't pay dog and pony show each year."This renter helped produce the video on "How To Park In A Property, Never Pay Rent And Then Watch Owner Waste Months Trying To Get Me Out". This owner after being told by renter they were not going to move without deputies serving them and dragging their personal belongings out to the curb, calmly went to his shed to locate the chainsaw.  He put the choke partially on,... 03/28/2008

     Year 13 for the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby race on Derby Hill. Youngsters 8 to 17 learn "the thrill of the hill" with gravity racer stock, super stock and master race kit cars. Houlton Maine's 2008 race is June 21st.My daughter Amanda and son Alex won different years during the five year largest race reign.  Close to 200 cars raced during the 1998 and 2001 years! Consider sponsoring a car in your local and if thee is not one, start one. Watch the video I threw together from 2007's race on You Tube!         Largest race in country five years running.  Visit the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby site! 03/21/2008

Neat collection of Maine You Tube Videos To Explore, Enjoy And Learn More About Aroostook County, Maine And Great Houlton Area! Property And Area Events! See The Property And The People! Maine...The Way Life Should Be. Fewer Friendlier People, Bluer Skies, Brighter Stars, Unspoiled Landscape & Wildlife! There Is No Better Place To Live, Work And Play Than Aroostook County. 03/16/2008

Your animal is special, an old friend, been with you thru thick and thin.  You are buying a Houlton Maine property, what about Fluffy? Fluffy and you will sleep better nights knowing if you need a vet, Houlton Maine has a good selection of caring, qualified people. Animal Hospital Of Houlton on 48 Court Street is reached at 207 532 4800. Aroostook Veterinary Services on 32 Access Road Behind York Ford off US Rt 1 is another option. Reach Pat Colville at 207 532 4081. Dr Ray Newman has practiced for many years in the Island Falls area and can be reached 207 463 2204. His practice is located on Harding Street. 03/08/2008

 January was not only banner month for snowfall in the state it was a super month for home sales localy here in Aroostook county! Again proving that real estate markets are local and driven by factors not related to the dismal news constantly beraded by the national news networks. The Maine Real Estate Information System is reporting Aroostook county single family home sales increasing 12.85 % in comparison to January 2007. Staewide sales decreased 28% for January 2008. This years large near record snowfall for the state may have had some influence however that trend was not the case for our area.   The stage s set with lower rates and plenty of opportunity for Maine home buyers. The season has provided bountiful snow for all who enjoy the winter sports and outdoor activities now that t... 02/27/2008

You Can Buy A Home, Camp, Farm, Land, Business Anywhere...But What Is The Area Like? As A Maine Real Estate Broker, In Addition To Listing, Marketing, Picturing & Videoing The Property You Are Selling, Remember The Area Information. When A Buyer Considers A New Area To Invest In And Maybe Relocate To, This Person Is Starved For Information. He Can Tour The Web, Call The Local Chamber Of Commerce, Get The Local Newspaper, But Still There Are Questions. What Is The Area Like? They Know Their Area And May Like Some Things About It. Or They May Be Looking For Something Their Area Does Not Offer That You Have In Your Location. The Local Basketball Tournament High School Games Are Part Of That Local Flavor. This Video Shows You One Of A Zillion Aspects To Maine Living. Maine Towns & Cities Ta... 02/24/2008

Everyone, I mean everyone in a small town in Maine that has followed their local team thru the regular season over winter, hopes the team makes the cut.     In Northern Maine, the semi finals started this week at the Bangor Auditorium and when the home team is playing, not many people back in the home town to hold down the fort so to speak. Game is broadcast, but famlies, other teams, coaches, the band and cheerleaders all bee line to be courtside to see the event, win or lose. My job, son's in the hockey playoffs monday, but he is a drummer in the band so might as well capture the event on video for relatives out of state to watch. Intense local school spirit...small town proud with players representing your town that worked hard to get the chance to play on the floor of the Bangor Au... 02/21/2008

Usually, just white fluffy snow...but very very rarely freezing rain and then rain and then sheer ice appears under all that white stuff.    Well..this year we have snow, and ice too. Got the patch around the office front door squared away but you can see, more salt, more chopping of ice after hours for exercise. The mobile unit with the sand and salt spreader is on the way, but EVERYONE needs to have a visit today. Luckily it is school vacation week, and most of the local folks are off to Bangor Maine to watch the basket ball tournaments. Houlton boys team plays tonight, girls tomorrow afternoon. Boy's Blackhawks Ice Hockey team skates next Monday in the playoffs. Who needs to go to an arena with these conditions for perfect "pond hockey". Think if you are a mailman, or elderly with a ... 02/19/2008

Get this widget! Don't make a reader scan the words, and don't have to type correctly. Record, save, distribute podcasts about your area. This Maine podcast collection is growing with How To Buy Northern Maine Hobby Farms, Northern Maine Recreational & Waterfront Property, Local Houlton Rotary Meetings, Drews Lake Owner's Association Meetings and much more! Check back and save the link for more podcast installments! 02/17/2008

     Like Lance Armstrong, keep peddling.  Peddle harder, dig deeper, write better, get more creative, help others.  Think about the yellow shirt (pant pant) and sing a little song as the climb continues.."I Think I Can I Think I Can" or "The Wheels On The Bike Go Round And Round". No time to stop for cake and ice cream and glad to be part of the group.  Wished I could stick around but there are alot of you here (hopping back on bike).  Thanks for the ride, see you on the next ladder rung!  Gotta blog..I mean gotta keep working and peddling real estate. 02/12/2008

    The comprehensive plan for a town or city really shows you the direction and vision the earlier planners had.  Serving on your planning and zoning boards are brokers, bankers and attorneys to help plan for growth, to avoid spot zoning.  Sometimes you may not be the most popular person during some heated public hearings but it is your duty.  You make a living here...you need to do your civic duty.  The local planning regulations can be tedious and dry reading in places which will cure insomnia.  But you need to have a working knowledge of how town government is set up. As for shore-land zoning, there are many proposed changes in Maine we get notices about thru legislative hearings and sometimes, you have to check for each new deal during this law making session process. Check for sun... 02/11/2008

  Okay, before you think of major league franchise owner, let's set the record straight from up here in Maine.  We're talking little league franchise owner!  Back in 1980, there were 12 little league teams with sponsors in Houlton Maine.  I always thought it would be neat to sponsor one but the slots were full.  So I asked to be on a waiting list.  Well low and behold, one local team, Shop N Save decided that the little leaguers should earn the money for their uniforms and entry team fee. I think many of these little guys are do well to just locate a glove and don't need the extra pressure to pan handle or take away money from their household needed for other luxuries like school lunches, field trip lunches, going to the movies, etc.So we "inherited" a super team that went on to be litt... 02/06/2008

    You go to games to hoot, holler and root for the team your son is on, so while you are there, why not cover and film the game for the folks back in your hometown that did not make the road trip? Following Maine high school hockey and basketball in the dead of winter is fun! Making every player feel like a hero, that their home town is proud of them and seeing them work together like a team is one of life's biggest thrills.  You know the lessons, win or lose, that these high school kids learn about the game, about playing together as a team will stay with them for life.  The effort they put into the game to play with all their might, seeing the coaches and the drama in the stands and on the bench and getting a hot dog in between periods and being excited about the game.  High school ... 01/27/2008