In Pursuit Of Maine: September 28, 2014 - Mackerel Cove

Sunday, September 28, 2014

September 28, 2014 - Mackerel Cove

The lobstermen come and go here at Mackerel Cove as they always have, generation after generation. This is one of the most scenic coves in Maine, and it is still a “working cove,” that is, people live and work here, predominantly on the water. Tourists seem surprised that people work here and that such beauty should be open to permanent public access. Many people visit Maine and think that the places of beauty should be privately owned, available only at great price. For some people, the more they pay for something, the dearer it becomes, but for those of us who live and work here, this scenic cove is a normal, everyday sight. Even so, it is not taken for granted. It is as dear to us as our own families.

The open field at the head of the cove is known as Johnson Field. The Harpswell Heritage Land Trust acquired this property in 2002 in order to assure permanent public access to the field and the shore and permanent protection of the scenic view forever. This puzzles many visitors who come here because someone could have made a lot of money, and someone else could “own” one the most coveted pieces of land in the nation. But it is free, as all true beauty in this world is. When you come here and look into Mackerel Cove, you will feel this freedom and know this beauty. This land is your land. This land is my land.

"The Plain Maine Cookbook" is my own collection of vintage Maine recipes that will immediately bring you back to a simpler time, a less confused time. These recipes are more than just comfort food. They're family food, traditional food, simple food, plain food. One bite and you'll say, "Ah, yes! I remember my grandmother used to make this. I had forgotten all about it!" Recipes for whoopie pies, funnel cakes, fried fiddleheads, haymaker's switchel, coffee can bread, glogg, and much more are in these pages. There is even a recipe on how to render lard. So open the door and go back to some simple, time-tested foods you can prepare easily. You'll find that you save money and waste less by "making do" with commodity cooking. What's in the pantry or in the garden is what's for dinner.

"So You Want to Move to Maine" is an invaluable little book in helping people to make a permanent move to Maine. It will save you a ton of time because all the initial footwork is done for you, including 100 links on how to find work and living quarters, getting your driver's license, pet requirements, programs for people with disabilities, programs for senior citizens, getting married in Maine, hidden taxes and expenses, hospitals, health insurance, handling a real winter like a pro, etc. Stop being "just a number" or another face in the crowd. Walk away from the rat race. Become boldly individualistic and make your mark in life. You can still do that in Maine, one of the last holdouts of ordinary, old-fashioned, kind, and decent American living.

I’ve chosen 37 unique fairy tales that will be loved by both adults and children as they can be read and interpreted on many levels. But if you are looking for only sweet tales that end in joy and fairness, you may want to pass this book by. Some fairy tales are simply “dark,” and that is because sometimes life is simply dark. Not always, of course, but often enough. Sometimes the hero lives; sometimes he dies. Check out my book, “Fairy Tales of Maine,” in the photo link below. If you are brave, you might just meet yourself in one of these tales.