As cars got quieter, roads improved, speeds on interstate highway systems kept a steady increase as the years zoomed by. Where you live and your day to day hubbub can be like that.

Much of the blur, the faster pace of life involved getting around the growing population of where you live and chasing the American dollar. If money was not an object, what would you do with your time, your day to day filled with what else? Trying to find something to do you love that does not feel like work. And much of what we do, how we do it revolves around the weather. In Maine we get lots of weather.

If the car you are driving faster and faster on those better built roads and to get to more and more over booked life events were suddenly not on roads with much traffic, think how much nicer the drive would be. You could look around and enjoy the ride. See the cows grazing to the right, the sunlight dancing off the lake to the left as the sense of being in the moment is allowed to shine thru. To be felt and replace the condition, side effects of hurriedness, or the numbness and anxiety.
For fun, what do you do to relax? Without a drug, or a drink of tonic, what natural surroundings make you happier? Maine’s four seasons scenery is intoxicating, like a drug.

As our life gets busier, more cluttered and less organized, it is a constant struggle to keep pulling the throttle back, to maintain a sane speed. To avoid becoming velocitized.

Impatience is a decision and can become a lifestyle. Over-reacting to this person who rubs you the wrong way, or does not move as fast of you. That person is following a different metronome beat or rhythm and not doing it to bother you. They have found their speed or balance or moderation…and maybe you have not. Yet. Most Mainers who live here full time have. Or are recovering velocitized “transplants” hungry for a slower pace of living in Maine.

In our job, we hear the common refrain over and over that the caller or emailers life is out of control. Steadli going faster faster with no let up in sight. Much of that self inflicted blur is due to adding on more and more tasks, goals, obligations. That can steal your joy, make you tired and not so much fun to be around. Maine is simpler living, family oriented recreation right here in our own backyard in “Vacationland”. Maine, get here just as quick as you can (smile)…within the speed limit, and your own personal pace of course.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers 207.532.6573

Today snow cancelled flights in to Washington DC’s Regan Airport. And many businesses, kids wondering what is up for Monday for the east coast snow storm that happened on Super Bowl weekend.

My dad was a World War Two B-24 tail gunner and when we watched war films growing up on TV or at the drive in, I remember him laughing. He would smile and groan “oh that is so Hollywood”. Meaning the way the film producer, director or script described and tried to recreate was not accurate. Something lost in translation. With weather, when you live in Maine where winter is one of our favorite seasons to ski, ice fish, play hockey and snowsled, I hear my dad’s response and think sensationalize when I watch the media, weatherman.

When the internet, television or newspapers show over the top reaction to a few inches of snow, it all boils down to that area just not getting much snow. When you don’t get much, or on a regular basis, it is a big deal.

It’s not Hollywood dad. Folks do stock up on water, milk, batteries and bread. Kids get excited making sticky snowballs and hoping school the next day is cancelled. Whatever it takes. When there are lots of people in an urban area, lack of equipment and experience with snow, drivers not used to dealing with blowing snow and icy roads not cleared properly, it just makes sense what happens. Over reaction due to inexperience with snow.

Snow is not a weekly occurence or something hoped for in areas that don’t get much. Dog sled races, horse drawn sleigh rides were part of this weekend’s Moosestomper’s Weekend. A celebration of Northern Maine winter in Aroostook County.

My oldest son is in college as a junior at George Washington in DC. This weekend’s snow makes him laugh as he grew up in Northern Maine, shoveling, plowing the white stuff. When the temperature is in the 20’s and some “storms” are a few inches, he says the DC area goes crazy. Here is what a Maine winter snowstorm looks like. And by ten oclock that morning, everything is cleaned up, driveways plowed or snow blowed and life goes on. Right on schedule.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers 207.532.6573

Cruise ships are huge, convention center large, little cities on the water.

And being able to sample the Maine coast and explore part of Maine has led to repeat vacationers booking trips further inland. Over 100 cruise ships a year dock off the Maine coast. But since Maine is more than rock bound coast, lighthouses, blueberries and lobsters. You could come in the winter and downhill ski, snowsled, and enjoy an event like Moosestompers Weekend.
Or ski Sugarloaf Mountain in Western Maine. With over 13000 miles of Maine snowsled trails, this video shows why the sport is so popular, so much fun.

Or round up your fishing tackle, rod and get some fresh bait..fishing on one of Maine’s 6000 lakes or rivers may be where you seek to roam.

Or exploring the North Maine woods looking for game, hunting. Or my favorite, hiking Baxter State Park, climbing Mt Katahdin. Or Kennebunkport..just 90 miles from Boston, Massachusetts.
Maine, get here are quick as you can…whether its a first stop on a cruise ship or behind the wheel in the family wagon. You are guaranteed to have a super time. Bring the family.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers 207.532.6573

The local Grange Hall in Maine was an integral part of American’s agricultural lifestyle for much of the 1900’s.

Every town had a Grange Hall.

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Maine has a state Grange organization. Maine’s first Grange started in 1876. On the Grange national level, there are many chapters around the country still active.

I passed the Grange Hall in Weston and Cary Maine here in Aroostook County over the weekend. The driveways not plowed out, their memberships dwindling as the older workers die off one by one. But in 2700 communities, 40 states, the National Grange was a major force in shaping the country. And still is with the following being the mission statement for the Grange.

“Major objectives of the National Grange support stewardship of America’s natural resources; promotion of world-wide free trade; a combination of local and federal support for rural education, medical, communications, and road systems; non-partisan political participation; assurance of safe and properly labeled food products; organization of cooperatives and other economic services to support rural Americans; and elimination of direct government farm programs so as to assure a competitive and efficient farm system.

The National Grange supports the passage of progressive legislation that will benefit U.S. agriculture, rural America, and the nation in general. After 143 years, it remains the nation’s oldest and strongest sustained organizational force working for a better life for rural Americans everywhere.”

Now with more and more options for a person’s free time group and organization wise, Grange membership in Maine has dropped off. Especially since less than 3 percent of us are farmers, the original bulk of the membership in the early 1900’s in the Grange hay day.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers 207.532.6573

SACAP “promotes local fine art, folk art, traditional art, historic art, performing art, and contemporary crafts in the Southern Aroostook County region. The local Houlton Maine outlet is located at 66 Main Street. Visions, the local retail beehive for local artisans and the Blue Moon Gallery help promote art of all types. See the display in the Midnight Madness video for downtown Houlton Maine, a retail festival held during the July 4th celebration period each summer. Watch the video.

When you are in Southern Aroostook or passing thru on Interstate 95 on the way to Atlantic Canada, swing off exit 302, head to the downtown to check out the display of local art work of all types. Appreciation for art is something Houlton Maine embraces, promotes, encourages. It is important for youth to develop this appreciation early on, to be encouraged to pursue their passion, develop their skills. You will notice in the Houlton ME 4th of July video exhibits of photography, excellence in cooking, crafts and art win place ribbons and cash prizes for a variety of categories and age groups. All part of the celebration along with fair rides, demolision derby, parades, lots of watermelon and fireworks. Check out the SACAP site.

All ages of artists from school kids with theme paintings to older folks just starting to develop their skills, tap in to their creative side. SACAP started in 1999 and has the support of many individuals, groups and local businesses in the Southern Aroostook area. Maine exhibits from paints, sketches, pottery, wood carvings and so much more.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers

Be On The Water in Maine.

Maine Lake Cottage Is Accessible Year Round. And Within Your Financial Reach. 150′ On The Water. More Land Across The Road Behind This Property. Lots Of Natural Woodwork. Cathedral Ceiling. Loft Bedroom Up, Another Bedroom Down. Rent Out For Profit, Use All Four Seasons. Have You Dreamed Of Being On A Maine Lake? Here Is a Great Example Of A Bargain For Anyone Searching For Maine Lake Living. $90’s! You Own The Large Lot. Take The Tour Now. Watch The Video.

Ask Lots Of Questions. 207.532.6573 Think Of Paddling A Kayak, Getting Close To A Maine Loon While The Sunset Explodes In Front Of You. And Tomorrow’s Sunset Is a Whole Different Fireworks Display. Or Reading A Book In A Hammock, Grilling Marinated Steaks, Kids Splashing, Swimming, Laughing. Do All Of That Here. The Fish Are Calling Your Name. Log On www.mooersrealty.com

This country has a “react to the illness” and “take care of the sick patient” as a last line of defense. What’s being done before getting to the emergency, life and death state when the care is the most expensive?

The offensive approach. Where if the focus instead of just helping the sick before they become sick? More preventative medicine so the total cost of health care would be less. The nation would be healthier, happier and health care costs not steadily climbing. Taking a bigger chunk of the weekly paycheck. Or the added stress of trying to get by without the coverage all together, hoping nothing happens. Preventative health care. Heading it off at the pass is the pratical cowboy term of yesteryear.

The world has lots of problems, social issues needing addressing. But in our own country, the most powerful nation on the planet by most estimates, we need to step up the ammunition to hit the targets of what obesity, smoking do to this country. This is not an attack on folks in that class. But unless you address what are two of the major causes for many of the patients wheeled thru the corridors of our hospital day in and day out, how can you adopt a national health care program, or blanket that is affordable and well run?

These two health concerns that add billions to the medical system workload and that’s cost hurts job production have far reaching complications. Think of the cronically ill due to just these two areas treated at our local hospitals nationally.

Think of the mental health of the sufferer, the families involved, not just the financial burden to the country. Education, strict concentration on better life style, healthy living early on in the schools would pay big dividends all the way around.

The patients joints that hurt from carrying 200 pounds more than God designed the body to walk with, deal with is a medical condition stemming from simply too much weight. Unhealthy body fat then overtaxes other major body systems, organs and the spiral accelerates into a nose dive. An expensive, drawn out decline lacking a happy ending.

This focus on better health approach is one big prong of the health care trident. Another issue that drains the health care program in this country is welfare abuse of the care provided free of charge. There is the animosity of those that can not afford coverage of a legitimate illness. Or have it but with medical charge deductibles climbing avoid the trip for medical attention all together.

One part of the population can run to the emergency room for a running nose. Another segment without the free drive thru medical option hope the ache or pain goes away in a few days. It usually does after death occurs. That’s why the hurry to pass a national health care package should be tempered, taken apart a piece at a time with a component added addressing what additionally can be done to prevent the costly medical condition, procedures because of over eating, smoking.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers 207.532.6573

Each morning, day in and day out, you meet and greet the fellow in the mirror who stares back, waiting for the second cup of coffee to kick in just like you.

As you saddle up, strap on the utility belt, get ready to ride out in to another day. But how well do you really know, understand this reflection? Why do we want what we want, need what we need and in the degree unique to each and every one of us?

My dad had a college commencement speaker who stated he hopes the graduating class got to have set backs, to know advertsity early in life so as to benefit from it. I saw an ad on television yesterday indicating failure is the road to success. The same road paved with good intentions. But the character, the make up, the crank factor of you, yourself and I is modeled after your parents, shaped by life events, the people in your day to day.

As a Maine real estate broker for 30 years, this is a people business. When a property buyer is upset, there is a reason. Listening to hear what the issue is, how I can help is key. Many times, it is not a case of the broker taking responsibility for a screw up. It is frustration in the life of the buyer who on top of this stressful move he is trying to orchestrate on time for his family, he also is having work issues, etc. Too much on his emotional plate and he is human. No antennae.

It is said life is 10 percent the events, the people you bump in to and get to know along the way. And 90 percent the way we react to those same events, people.

If there are too many people jammed in where you live now, that crowd is not helping you stay loose, focused and a fun guy or gal. If the sea of people is too many per square mile, that just adds to the mental pressure cooker inside your head.

That is where Maine comes in. Lower population gives you the space you need, less hubbub to process. Less noise. Add to it the four seasons, the outdoor recreational options to renew your spirit, adjust your attitude, and Maine is the RX supplement you need in your system.

If you can unwind, have down time and get some exercise at the same time, consider hiking one of Maine’s mountains. They come in all sizes The wildlife, unspoiled vista you see along the way is almost spiritual. You suddenly are humbled, stripped away of any self importance and able to think with a clear head. The fresh air in the your lungs part of it, the lack of people in your face way way too close is another component. But you are making time, running away to a setting that is conducive to figuring things out. Learning what makes you tick because you have time left over from maybe a place you live that crime consumes some of your personal energy. Worrying about a huge mortgage and wondering how in the world you are going to make the payment. That makes you old real quick. Hurry, scurry, detail rich busy. But no time to sit down and figure out your life. It is your life and you have choices right? Get to Maine as quick as you can.

In Maine our real estate is so low, we don’t struggle with giant crushing payments from mortgages with too many zero places in them. We own our homes, and material things is not the way we keep score on how are we doing. The simple things are front and center. Spending money to feel good does not work here. Consumer product purchasing therapy is dead. We help each other out and do it ourselves on projects. We take care of what we worked hard for to keep. Our kids grow up with work ethic learning to earn what they buy. This kind of respect is easily in a rural state with values like Maine. Come find out more about who you are.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - 207.532.6573

A hockey mom told me her kids rolled their eyes when she told them she is on My Face, Space Book and looking to join Twatter.

Social media where you used to entertain or have company at a party at your house once or twice a year at most. But now your “cyber living room” is the size of North America and open to socialize in every day, or after work. Reconnecting with classmates you have not seen or heard from since the 1970’s. Joining fan pages, posting images, videos, writing jokes, sharing lives.

It’s the extra level involvement if you find it fun, have the time to be playing games, trading farm animals, dodging mafia this, pillow fighting here, promoting a cause there. That is where you have to wonder, how much time are you putting in to this social media habit? And why.

I am on facebook, myspace, twitter, linkedin and you can see our videos on youtube to just stratch the surface of our on line presence. Social media platforms that more and more spring up to consider every day to be found, spread the word on Maine real estate, the local ME area, the people here in Aroostook County. We still use the phone too. Call us anytime 207.532.6573.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers

In the history books, the expression “As Maine Goes, So Goes The Nation” rings true.

In the case of prejudice, I think Maine’s low population and spread out plenty of elbow room nature help people get along. To be sensitive to other people’s thoughts, opinions, values and beliefs. In an area of close to 96% white population, prejudice is not present. You need lots of diverse backgrounds and cultures to be a feeding ground condusive to starting the prejudice petri dish to grow, multiply, disease an area. If Northern Maine was jammed say a thousand to the mile rather than the spacious eleven per mile, maybe tension, friction would result in our day to day here. But it would be congested traffic, delays, crime from all those people and just the ills of too many folks sardined in the area that could cause tempers to flare. Not the skin color, religious affilation or sexual orientation of the folks in traffic grid lock.

On visits to Miami Florida, the tight population and diverse make up of that local populace may play a factor on dissension, lack of harmony blamed on cultural differences. People are so different and at the same time not so very distant from their values, what they want to get out of life in this melting pot called America, the United States. World wide we want family, peace, to go to bed fed, not hungry and the same for our children. Wasn’t it this diversity in Anerica that made us great? That attracted folks from every world country to migrate to our shores anyway they could in groves. Just the statement “I’m American” conjores up images of a crowd of every color under the rainbow doesn’t it?

When my dad was training as a tail gunner in a world war two B-24, he was stationed in Florida and Brownsville Texas on his way to Italy to fly bomb runs over Germany’s industrial sections. And what struck him as so foreign, odd and out of place was taking a bus in to town on the weekend to see a show, carousing with his army air force buddies on the town. And on that bus a sign up front for all to see, to remind that said “Coloreds to the rear”.

And if the bus was full when it stopped to pick them up at a stop, any blacks on board had to get off to create a seat for whites.

That bothered my dad who brought it up at different times while he was alive over his 80 plus years. He grew up in Aroostook County, taught to respect everyone. Working hard for everything he had on a Maine family dairy / potato farm. Taught to be respectful of other human being’s feelings. To do unto others as you would want to be done to you. He said the blacks just seemed to accept it when the driver barked “out” or filed out on their own without altercation. No hollering, pushing, shoving. Just leaving the bus while a group of white 18 and 19 years olds looked on in amazement. More than willing to wait for another bus if this one was full. But the blacks did want to make waves. Or did they dare to based on past experience. My dad never forgot that treatment. And just wanted to walk back to base rather than be the cause of someone losing a seat. Someone that secured it before him by waiting in line, climbing on the bus earlier than him. Needing to get home or to work on that same bus.

In Houlton Maine, the census figures show about 3 to 4% local Native Americans, and a small percentage of what is labeled “other”. Members of the Maliseet, Micmac tribes were here long before the rest of us. They were the first folks local white settlers like Joseph Houlton met on his way north in the early 1800’s. They were the ones he asked for directions, traded with, had Thanksgiving dinner with to count his blessings on the trek from Salem Massachusetts. Probably heading here to get away from the Salem witch trials. The fear of being accused and having rock after rock piled on him to purify or squeeze the evil spirit he was accused of harboring out of him. And of course his ultimate death in the process.

Maine. We all get along, worked hard together in the potato fields, went thru school together. In the Bangor Maine area, Passamaquoddies, Penobscots are a distinct, important part of the local population, history of the area. The local Old Town school teams my kids played in soccer, basketball, hockey were the Indians. We skied at Squa Mountain, went camping on Squa Pan Lake in the Asland, Masardis Maine area. Prejudice was not something I was taught, saw growing up in Northern Maine. We were so far from the civil war where it was fought. Remnants of that hatred, upheaval in the plantation way of life missed us, avoided us all together. Although I read somewhere that Sherman Maine was a town per capita sending more soldiers to the civil war battle fields..the effort that back in 1865 lost a slug of young men in the struggle, the freeing of the slaves.

Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers 207.532.6573