The long-anticipated Family Tree Magazine’s “Top 101 Websites” issue is out now; the September 2013 issue. You may be able to find it at Books-a-Million in Bangor, you can order the paper copy to be home delivered, or you can order the digital issue and download it to your computer or a flash drive or both, once you buy the digital issue you have unlimited downloads.
Directly across from my grandmother’s house was an open well that was protected from erosion by several weathered planks that were placed there many years prior. Hanging from the haggard, wooden backboard was a heavy stainless steel dipper, dangling from a long piece of hay rope.
Ice cream sundaes were the food of choice for a lot of people Aug. 3 as Houlton Farms Dairy held a special promotion at its dairy bars in Houlton, Presque Isle and Caribou. For just 75 cents, patrons were able to enjoy a small sundae, complete with topping of choice, whipped cream, nuts and cherries.
It was a muddy night. Rather than navy blue or black, the skies were a milky brown and laced with gray, irritable clouds. There was no rain or promise of rain, but the air was moist and heavy. Dale, his twin brother Danny, and I were driving home from Bangor. It had been a long, tedious day.
Lamey-Wellehan, the shoe company my Dad started in 1914, has grown over the years with longtime employees who enjoyed their job and lived a good life. Their children were friends of mine growing up, and we were one community. We felt safe and welcome in each other’s neighborhoods and homes. That is a culture worth preserving.
The month of August brings me many things: humid days, cool nights, memories of the Northern Maine Fair, lingering back-to-school jitters, dear friends’ birthdays, “dog days,” memories of two very sneaky young ladies, a high capacity stereo system, and a black Chevy Impala.
Determining an exact date for vital events in the past can be complicated by changes in the calendar and in writing styles. In centuries past, Europe and Colonial America used the Julian calendar which was named after Roman Emperor Julius Caesar.
It was one of those awkward moments that all fathers with daughters dread. A simple conversation with my daughter regarding some of her new back-to-school clothes took a sudden turn down a road that was both unexpected and yet inevitable.
“Do you like this outfit?” my 10-year-old asked.
“Yes, honey,” was my reply.
“Oh, and I got a new bra too,” she added.
My sister’s cat, Stella, has always been very elusive. I usually catch rapid glimpses of her gray/black, rotund body dashing from room to room, deep green eyes a charming combination of mischief and shyness. She has always refused my advances toward her and I have never even been given the privilege of running my fingers through her thick coat. At least, not until today.
Nearly every resident of Houlton likely experienced a feeling of “sticker shock” last week when they went to the mailbox and saw their tax bills waiting for them.
