MeInMaine Blog

Category: Uncategorized

  • Maine Music Options Abound This Summer.

    Maine Musical Festivals Happen Summers, From Folk Blues To Celtic.

    Live music in Maine, you have lots of options so don’t just travel to Vacationland thinking it’s all about wildlife, clean fish filled lakes, state parks, lighthouses and lobsters.

    No no, come for the music. In Belfast and Rockland Maine this weekend you have a serious decision to make. To attend the 5th annual Maine Celtic Celebration in Belfast. Or the coin toss may go to the 18th annual North Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland Maine.

    Either way, the two are so close that you could enjoy the Maine musical buffet of both Irish performers and blues artists. Both Maine musical venues help the local economies of Belfast and Rockland and offer one more reason to be in the Pine Tree State this weekend. For more information, schedules on both the Celtic and Blues musical events, visit www.mainecelticcelebration.com and www.northatlanticbluesfestival.com .

    And don’t forget what happens in August in Bangor Maine for more to fill your musical needs during the American Folk Festival either.

    The Maine tunes, beat goes on, more music groups from around the world to enjoy. August 26th thru the 28th the Bangor Maine dates for the American Folk Festival. Check out more about what happens other dates at the Bangor Maine Waterfront Pavillion too.

    Maine, come for the blue water and air, the lush green forests, the unspoiled natural surroundings loaded with wildlife. And the musical options that run year round. Come for a day, but don’t fool yourself. You’ll stay a lifetime in Maine.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
    207.532.6573
    info@mooersrealty.com

  • My Brother Steve Played In Many Local Bangor Maine Music Bands.

    Maine Gets Lots Of Weather, Music Dance Bands Work Around It To Entertain.

    Over the years, my oldest brother Stephen entertained many in local Bangor Maine music bands.

    As a kid ten years his senior, I remember a household of music. Steve’s contribution was the Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, the rhythm and blues. He played the piano at my mother’s urging. We all got exposed to the ivory keys growing up, taking lessons.

    Local Bangor Maine clubs were the venue for folks to tap their toe, hum or sing along and to dance. But I got to see more than the finished product, the showmanship on stage. In addition to the entertainment of Maine patrons that followed whatever particular band he was in, he would tell me what he saw from up on the stage of the Eagle’s Club, The Red Barn. Or where ever the musical gig the band would hustle to set up in. Work in and then tear down heading home from at two AM or later. No matter what the weather, holiday, economy.

    Like a Maine radio station, the boogie woogie, country, rock or whatever music you have in your on stage mental juke box of band selections, your entertainment adjusts to the crowd. Each party crowd like any person is different. But bottom line is the same though.

    No matter what kind of week the club, bar, wedding, office party goers had, it is the Maine band’s job to make sure the group leaves the musical dance sessions happy.

    Danced out with a song in their head and hearts to last until the next meeting, link up.

    Some in the audience for the night enter the bar removing wedding rings. Looking for something, some one. Others are happily married couples out to cut the rug. A few tables down front is a group celebrating something big. Many nights the place is packed. Some the other extreme and slow nights with snow coming down outside. A hard crowd to please a challenge. But you have your regulars too. You see new faces in the crowd that show up better when they are on the dance floor. Before they slip back in to the darkness beyond the bright colored spot lights.

    Steve as the singing piano player would remind the audience to tip your waiters, waitresses. That they work hard to make sure you have a good time.

    And if you are not having a good time, it is your own fault.

    Reminding folks to please don’t waste all this good Maine live music. And at closing time, when the house lights go up and temporarily blind, wishing folks good night and safe driving. And that he does not care where you go now, but you can not stay here. And lastly telling those looking for the next opportunity to hear a live music Bangor Maine dance band where they will set up, tear down next at a club, bar, bottle club near you.

    Bootleg was the name of the Bangor Maine band that was my oldest brother Steve’s most polished, popular band. But long before reality shows, the ups and downs of the band part of the experience, behind the scenes all rolled in to playing in one. Replacing a member, auditioning a new one. Personalities and chemistry that works. Or does not. The ride in performing music on a smaller scale in Maine.

    Making music, entertaining and being able to get that table over there to do some dancing an art. To know what it is going to take to get them to shake, shimmy, move and groove and jive. To dance meant dialing in, adjusting the selection of tunes to the point where they can not just sit there and watch. They have to dance. Have to have fun and put behind them a bad week. Or celebrate the end of a good one.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
    info@mooersrealty.com
    207.532.6573

  • Maine, Our Fun Is No Or Low Cost.

    Maine Lakes, Lots Of Waterfront Properties To Have Serious Fun, Relaxation, Enjoyment On.
    Tubing A Maine Lake, Talk About A Work Out With Waterfront G Forces.

    Mainers have it made with all this four season outdoor recreational options, the blue and green natural beauty of Vacationland.

    When you live in Maine, you are already here, not needing to get away to relax or avoid the crowds. This is the destination for people jammed in a city, worried about crime, putting up with pollution, traffic.

    In small Maine towns there is a greater sense of involvement, community. We have to work together and be connected because there are only so many of us dotting the landscape. Alaska has an average one one person per square mile, Maine comes in at eleven for the same mile. But shift it up to say New Jersey with 1000 per the same mile. Yikes. No wonder folks outside Maine are drooling, chomping at the bit to get to Maine.

    The trek to Maine on vacations, for rest and relaxation is not just for all the fine things the state offers either.

    Sure the clean fish filled water, bluer than blue Maine air and bright explosion of stars in the nightly sky is pretty neat.

    So is the abundance of wildlife, flowers and vegetation.

    But the long long list of what Maine does not have is the icing on the cake. Leave the taser home.

    The keys can stay in your car in Maine and front, side door lock sets not needed, used, fiddled with.

    Who knows where those keys are because we don’t lock property home or lake, river camp doors, cars or have to safely secure personal property in the 4th lowest crime state.

    Maine, smart grasshoppers invest, retire, relocate and have fun here on vacations. Each and every Maine license plate has a bottom line reading Vacationland. For a reason, get here quick as you can and sample some of ME. Come for a day, stay a life time.
    Browse our low cost Maine real estate property listings. Watch, listen to our Maine local community event videos. Aren’t you way way over due for some time in Maine?

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

  • Do You Have A Door Jam With Measurements Marked On It?

    Small Towns Feel The Loss Of Community Members. Maine Is Like That.
    The Fourth Of July, Any Maine Holiday Can Remind You Of Lost Family, Friends, Community Members.

    Maine kids are low to the ground, small and below radar for the early portion of their lives.

    I myself and in many homes we list and sell as a Maine real estate broker have the same measuring spots. Usually on the door jam to the passage way that leads to the cellar. Many times it is a Maine grandparent who does the recording of height growth.

    On the side of many Maine property doorways are free hand pencil and pen line marks with dates. Scribbled in notations below or beside the line drawn that heads vertical up the door jam along with more current accompanying, associated dates.

    That board measuring the grand kids, the sons and daughters should go with the Maine real estate seller, owner of the home when they decide to move.

    It does not mean as much to the new real estate buyer who will paint over it and start their own height notations of their loved ones in that Maine home.

    Future generations that come in to their life bang bang bang, right on time.

    This 4th of July you reflect on family. Past, present, future. I am working today on a float for the Houlton Maine parade of our little league team and soap box derby racers. A few years ago I remember seeing, noticing during the candy and real estate hand out of items while pulling the red, white and blue float that there is a husband, daughter on the parade route. Who are watching the parade for the first time without the wife, mother.

    She had battled cancer for so long and lost the battle. I remember thinking that must be hard. And maybe they hope the day gets over quickly so they can be busier. Distracted. To not be reminded all day long what is causing the deep heart ache they share deep inside.

    It seemed selfish to be enjoying the sunny day or hearing the energy, laughter of the kids on back of the float. Some how wrong or not respectful. But everything was happening right on time. With casual speed, on schedule. Life goes on for others with or without us.

    Our local Houlton Maine printer died at 49 and I went to the funeral this week. I think about that family as they struggle through their first holiday without Dan. I will never think of the Van Morrison song In To The Mystic the same either because of the slide show with that song driving home a point. That family, it takes all of us pulling together and trying to make the most of it.

    Maine holidays are not all fun and games and remind us of loved ones gone from the present.

    But vivid in our memories of traditions that are not quite the same without them.

    I think of a lady in the hospital with the neatest, closest daughters who are struggling with set backs, gains in her see saw health teeter totter. That we follow with Facebook updates and pleas for prayers. In small Maine communities, you feel the others pain, joy as they go through it. I don’t think you get that same small town connection in a city.

    Here Is A Local Midnight Madness 4th Of July Houlton Maine Video.

    Have a great, happy Fourth of July. Remember it is not just grilling and chilling. Sun and fun. More than BBQ food, home made potato salad, icre cream, Maine seafood, watermelon and red, white and blue celebrations. It is about independence, veterans, sacrifices and freedoms we are so lucky to enjoy in this country!

    I’mMaine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
    207.532.6573
    info@mooersrealty.com

  • Maine, We’re Pretty Aware Of Others Around Us.

    Nothing Stronger Than The Heart Of A Local Maine Community Volunteer.
    Maine, We Love A 4th Of July Parade.

    Unlike Maine, in the hurry scurry of some urban areas where elbow to elbow living is the way of the world, it is easy to forget anyone but number one.

    Call it survival, pride, or what it is selfish. Since the begining of time, the notion of don’t forget others has circulated. To be humble and grateful but help others has been a common goal, need. It is always heartening to see others think of their fellow man. Or along the same lines, to put their community first. To give your life purpose by dedicating a major portion of it to the area you live by volunteering. Stepping in where no one is standing to pitch in, improve any way you can.

    In my small town of Houlton Maine, there is always something happening in the vibrant local community. All year long folks work on their particular areas of interest. In the spots in the local zip code that they have talent and can lend a helping hand.

    There is nothing stronger in the world than the heart of a Maine volunteer. Especially if kids are involved in the event.

    This weekend the 4th of July Celebration takes center stage.

    But take away the cotton candy, the fireworks and parades, state fair fanfare and think of your day to day. Do you do little things like return a shopping cart to the store it came from as you are finished with it. Or if you see a stray cart rolling around the parking lot.

    Do you latch on and squeak squeak roll it back in to the shopping cart corral?

    Yes because it is so easy? Or no because you are taking away from the cart rodeo Lariat Sam who’s job it is to collect and serve? For a weekly pay check and you are worried about his job security so just let that cart float around the parking lot in the wind. Or do you check off the “just don’t care” box. And add it all up to a big fat case of plain jane apathy? Such a silly little detail you tisk tisk under your breath. It’s just a cart right?

    Have a 737 US Airways pilot who is selling a local Maine lake cottage thru our real estate agency. Neat as a pin, very considerate of others. He was using our office computer to put a small lake boat and motor not included in the sale on Ebay. And as he uploaded the images, added some copy he was talking about his early days in flying silver birds. How the first time he parked the jet and left the cockpit he forgot to pickup his soda bottle, any other litter he had created in front of the in flight movie projector screen. Later in the pilot area of the terminal, pinned to the bulletin board with his name on it was a bag of trash.

    Some thoughtful person had collected what he left scattered behind and reconnected, reunited it to him.

    One time and never again did he not comb the cockpit. And even set the airplane radio controls for the city of the next pilot’s flight. Buckle the seat belts, tidy up the cabin. Courtesy Sky King and Penny style.

    It got me thinking not about local Maine community service and how everyone is involved in it through out the year. But also pondering the little common considerations we can elect to police and provide. Or not. Don’t ruin it for the next guy. Someone thought of you in your day to day routine. Pass it on. It would be a better world if we did. Common courtesy, consideration of others. Start small, make permanent.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
    207.532.6573
    info@mooersrealty.com

  • The Maine Cow’s Name Is Charlie.

    One Maine Cow, Plenty Of Grain, Clean Water, Pature Grasses.
    Charlie, Raised As An Only Cow. One Is a Lonely Number In The Maine Field.

    On the way to Drews Lake since last fall, I have noticed a small black and white holstein Maine cow grow up alone.

    For starters I am used to calves coming in to the world around northern Maine in the early spring, actually late winter. Timed to arrive to maximize the weight that calf can gain munching on grass and grain.

    But Charlie seemed out of synch, place and all alone. He had a small horse trailer for shelter from the weather. But he was very small, all by himself.

    His Maine farm owner told me he bought Charlie for 200 dollars last fall.

    His previous owner had toyed with the idea of slaughtering him for veal, baby beef.

    Now Charlie weighs a whopping 900 pounds. The steer is short but rugged. Big shouldered. The grain and 40 gallons of water per day mixed with way more grass than one cow needs in an oversized pasture is making its mark. Taking its toll day in and out.

    Another male younger cow is coming to share that pasture this week. It will be interesting to see how Charlie adjusts to another black and white cow. To see how social he is or isn’t. I’ll keep you posted on this edge of your seat, late breaking Maine farm report story. Promise.

    Charlie’s owner is widening the pasture to extend it to woods to the south so the bovine can have shade. Summer has arrived in Maine. I finally stopped yesterday after work on the way to Drews Lake to snap a picture, meet Charlie and learn the scoop on his solitary life so far. It seemed he was raising himself, an only cow. A herd of one.

    Maybe noticing him started because he was so small, all alone in a very large field where 80 cows could live happily.

    Maybe he got my attention because he had no other cow to swish its tail to help with flies.

    To return the favor standing end to end with other black and white cows in a large Maine farm field.

    Charlie the Maine cow’s owner has been attentive. Dosing him up with fly dope. Lovingly, carefully raising the smaller than average lightweight, low to the ground holstein cow in to what he is today. Happy, content and well fed, watered, grained. Charlie may have some black angus breed in him too showing black streaks in his sturdy hooves.

    Maine, we’re more aware of the weather, the critters, the landscape around us in a rural farm state up here in the right hand corner of the country. I’m glad I finally stopped to snap a few images, meet his owner and get the story on this solitary cow singled out, raised alone.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
    207.532.6573
    info@mooersrealty.com