My first visitor to the new house was Steve. We were both unemployed and frustrated with the whole process of applications. As a result, we did spend time in the library applying for jobs.
My house is located about 45 minutes from the two big ski slopes of Maine, Sugarloaf and Saddleback Mountain. Several smaller slopes are located in the state. Steve and I took a trip to Sugarloaf and enjoyed the sights. We mostly spent the time catching up on life, since I had just returned from my trip around Europe/Asia and he had just moved back to the South from Colorado.
My second visitor was Amanda. We took in a few movies, shopped at Freeport, walked around old port, and visited the Portland Headlight. In Freeport, I introduced Amanda to the lobster roll and New England clam chowder. This was the trip where I discovered chocolate covered blueberries in a candy shop in Freeport.
Two visits from wonderful friends, a great way to start off 2010.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Life in Maine
My first week in Maine was spent at a bed and breakfast in Saco, Maine, on the coast. Life at a B&B was not all it was cracked up to be. I remember a fascination with the “Potter B&B” (from Dawson’s Creek), that’s all gone now. I think I enjoy my privacy too much. It seemed that every time I left the house or came back the people there popped up as if from nowhere to see what I was doing. They were very kind; I prefer hotels. I did enjoy the long walks on the beach and watching Gilmore bury herself in the sand.
I hurried my search for a new home and met with a real estate agent, checking up on the house I had found online. By the middle of December, Gilmore and I were in our new home in central Maine.
The first snow came just days before our move and my first challenge was driving the mustang up the driveway, this was also the concern of everyone I met in town. Although the car has yet to be a problem, the next snow came days later, after an hour of shoveling the driveway; I realized I was in need of a snow blower. I knew nothing about what to buy but made my way to the hardware store to find out. The concept is not much different from a lawnmower. The more horse power and width of the blades the better.
There are so many unique things about winter in Maine. Suddenly everyone’s truck is equipped with a plow in front and items like sand, snow shovels, plastic on windows, and roof rakes are things you don’t want to live without.
Christmas:
The holidays in the new home were mostly spent painting, unpacking, and getting settled. My neighbors are very kind and had me over for a home cooked meal. Norm and Kathy have been very sweet to us since moving in. Gilmore has also made friends with Bailey, their beagle.
New Year:
I quickly found the library and became a frequent customer. I spent many days with applications and sending resumes. My friend, Steve, and I are perplexed about this process. Everyone asks for a resume and references, and additionally require an application with identical information. It’s so frustrating. This can lead to hours hanging out in the library. Finally, after a few interviews, one of which felt like a Friends episode (email if you want details), I got a job and just started work this week.
I hurried my search for a new home and met with a real estate agent, checking up on the house I had found online. By the middle of December, Gilmore and I were in our new home in central Maine.
The first snow came just days before our move and my first challenge was driving the mustang up the driveway, this was also the concern of everyone I met in town. Although the car has yet to be a problem, the next snow came days later, after an hour of shoveling the driveway; I realized I was in need of a snow blower. I knew nothing about what to buy but made my way to the hardware store to find out. The concept is not much different from a lawnmower. The more horse power and width of the blades the better.
There are so many unique things about winter in Maine. Suddenly everyone’s truck is equipped with a plow in front and items like sand, snow shovels, plastic on windows, and roof rakes are things you don’t want to live without.
Christmas:
The holidays in the new home were mostly spent painting, unpacking, and getting settled. My neighbors are very kind and had me over for a home cooked meal. Norm and Kathy have been very sweet to us since moving in. Gilmore has also made friends with Bailey, their beagle.
New Year:
I quickly found the library and became a frequent customer. I spent many days with applications and sending resumes. My friend, Steve, and I are perplexed about this process. Everyone asks for a resume and references, and additionally require an application with identical information. It’s so frustrating. This can lead to hours hanging out in the library. Finally, after a few interviews, one of which felt like a Friends episode (email if you want details), I got a job and just started work this week.
coming home
New Orleans:
I flew to New Orleans to visit with my brother, sister-in-law, and met Emma, my niece. It was an incredible week of getting to know this precious little girl. She has such a sweet spirit and contagious energy about her. I am so thankful to have her in my life. I intend on spoiling her every time I get the chance.
Thanksgiving:
I made it back to Alabama the week before Thanksgiving, spending most of the time catching up with family. I also began my search for houses in preparation for my move to Maine.
The whole family was together for Thanksgiving, which included a Saturday of watching football. It was nice to be with everyone but the time quickly came to an end and it was time to pack for Maine.
Virginia:
As Gilmore and I left for the over 20 hour drive to Maine with the car loaded down, it was with mixed emotions. I was still processing the trip through Europe and Asia, coming home, and now saying goodbye again.
Our first stop was to visit Mom’s family in Virginia. I spent the night with my Aunt June and Uncle Billy and had opportunities to see a few family members. As per usual, breakfast was at Truxillo store. Truxillo is less than a mile long, within it a ball field and the store. Several of my family members and their friends stop here each morning. This is one place I am sure to run into several kin folk without having to try. Prior to heading out again, June and Rhonda loaded me down with food and clothes for the trip.
The remainder of my drive to Maine was hectic with holiday traffic and lots of toll booths.
I flew to New Orleans to visit with my brother, sister-in-law, and met Emma, my niece. It was an incredible week of getting to know this precious little girl. She has such a sweet spirit and contagious energy about her. I am so thankful to have her in my life. I intend on spoiling her every time I get the chance.
Thanksgiving:
I made it back to Alabama the week before Thanksgiving, spending most of the time catching up with family. I also began my search for houses in preparation for my move to Maine.
The whole family was together for Thanksgiving, which included a Saturday of watching football. It was nice to be with everyone but the time quickly came to an end and it was time to pack for Maine.
Virginia:
As Gilmore and I left for the over 20 hour drive to Maine with the car loaded down, it was with mixed emotions. I was still processing the trip through Europe and Asia, coming home, and now saying goodbye again.
Our first stop was to visit Mom’s family in Virginia. I spent the night with my Aunt June and Uncle Billy and had opportunities to see a few family members. As per usual, breakfast was at Truxillo store. Truxillo is less than a mile long, within it a ball field and the store. Several of my family members and their friends stop here each morning. This is one place I am sure to run into several kin folk without having to try. Prior to heading out again, June and Rhonda loaded me down with food and clothes for the trip.
The remainder of my drive to Maine was hectic with holiday traffic and lots of toll booths.
video
Videos:
Two months after returning from our trip I couldn’t help but think of all the places we have gone and the people we have met. I sat down and did some quick calculations and here is what I came up with (roughly):
20 countries
12 airplanes
5 ferry boats
19 trains
buses, taxis, and subways (too many to count)
As a result, many lessons were learned about life and people. In discussions with friends and family I have found it hard to summarize all that was experienced. I set out to put together a set of videos to give a glimpse of what we saw. One video is faces of people we met or observed. The second video is of my favorite spots and people. I hope you enjoy them both.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Week 22
October 24-30: Sendai, Japan
Many of my former students have scattered all over Japan and I was only able to talk with them via phone. However, it was nice getting updates on their lives and families.
I was able to have time with Midori, even got to watch one of her concerts. I had some quick gatherings with Keiko, Makiko, Joy Murchie, and Izumi. I wish I could explain how special it was to have time with old friends. Everyone seems to be doing well.
Aside from meeting with folks, we took a few extra side trips. Matsushima and Hiraizumi were two of them. It was beautiful but the rain poured on us throughout the day. A nice man gave us an umbrella, I think he must have been worried about us. Both towns are great for exploring and getting a taste for Japanese culture. All of our trips were made special by having a homemade obento(lunchbox) provided by Kumiko.
Another day, Hanae-sensei took us on a trip to Akiu falls to see the changing leaves. We had great weather and have some incredible pictures from the day. We ended with tonkatsu, one of my favorite Japanese foods. Almost forgot, before this day started we made a friend at the subway station. She hung out with us while we waited for Hanae and asked us lots of questions about our trip.
I also had the opportunity, at Taitomi & Nankodai churches, to share an update of what God has been teaching me. I did this update in Japanese, quiet a challenge, thanks Yuchan for the translation.
All in all the last two weeks were incredible, thanks everyone. A special thanks to the Itous for taking such great care of us!
Many of my former students have scattered all over Japan and I was only able to talk with them via phone. However, it was nice getting updates on their lives and families.
I was able to have time with Midori, even got to watch one of her concerts. I had some quick gatherings with Keiko, Makiko, Joy Murchie, and Izumi. I wish I could explain how special it was to have time with old friends. Everyone seems to be doing well.
Aside from meeting with folks, we took a few extra side trips. Matsushima and Hiraizumi were two of them. It was beautiful but the rain poured on us throughout the day. A nice man gave us an umbrella, I think he must have been worried about us. Both towns are great for exploring and getting a taste for Japanese culture. All of our trips were made special by having a homemade obento(lunchbox) provided by Kumiko.
Another day, Hanae-sensei took us on a trip to Akiu falls to see the changing leaves. We had great weather and have some incredible pictures from the day. We ended with tonkatsu, one of my favorite Japanese foods. Almost forgot, before this day started we made a friend at the subway station. She hung out with us while we waited for Hanae and asked us lots of questions about our trip.
I also had the opportunity, at Taitomi & Nankodai churches, to share an update of what God has been teaching me. I did this update in Japanese, quiet a challenge, thanks Yuchan for the translation.
All in all the last two weeks were incredible, thanks everyone. A special thanks to the Itous for taking such great care of us!
Week 23
October 30- November 3:
San Francisco, CA
If you are thinking I made a mistake about the date, you are wrong. We left Sendai, Japan at 8:55am on the 30th and arrived in California at 11am on the 30th. After a long trip, almost completing our trip around the world, we arrived in San Francisco to meet my cousin, Teresa.
It is nice to be back in the states.
We have watched some football and attended a halloween party, although I think we were both still half asleep. We went as backpackers.
My friend and former Japanese teacher, Kumiko, is in the area. We met her for lunch Sunday. Today I met with Kimberly, friend from BCM days at JSU. She and Fred moved here to Pastor a church. .
Yesterday we took a ride to San Francisco and took a walk down by the piers. We saw the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatrez, and Ghiradelli chocolate factory.
San Francisco is a charming city with trolley cars and rolling hills. They also have a rather large sea lion population. They are entertaining to watch.
I think we are both ready to head home and get started on new phases of our lives. We will have another post later on some overall thoughts from the trip.
San Francisco, CA
If you are thinking I made a mistake about the date, you are wrong. We left Sendai, Japan at 8:55am on the 30th and arrived in California at 11am on the 30th. After a long trip, almost completing our trip around the world, we arrived in San Francisco to meet my cousin, Teresa.
It is nice to be back in the states.
We have watched some football and attended a halloween party, although I think we were both still half asleep. We went as backpackers.
My friend and former Japanese teacher, Kumiko, is in the area. We met her for lunch Sunday. Today I met with Kimberly, friend from BCM days at JSU. She and Fred moved here to Pastor a church. .
Yesterday we took a ride to San Francisco and took a walk down by the piers. We saw the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatrez, and Ghiradelli chocolate factory.
San Francisco is a charming city with trolley cars and rolling hills. They also have a rather large sea lion population. They are entertaining to watch.
I think we are both ready to head home and get started on new phases of our lives. We will have another post later on some overall thoughts from the trip.
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