Utopia in Maine?

[senior citizen]

I totally understand. Native Vermonters are exactly the same way. "Hibernation" during the long cold winters is common up here; when spring arrives people are happy to see everyone and then they "hibernate" again or go about their own personal stuff. I think the lack of desire to travel is a generational thing; the devotion to their livelihoods, etc. is understandable. We've met only nice people on our visits to Maine. The salt of the earth (or sea).

[senior citizen]

I agree with you wholeheartedly that Maine Brokerman (I think that is who it was) did an excellent job explaining the daily life of a Maine lobsterman & his single mindedness as to providing for his family & doing the best he can in a very hard profession, however, the rewards of being on the sea truly must compensate for all those long grueling hours from early morning till late in the day. We often would watch their boats go out; a beautiful sight to behold. This may seem strange, but I could relate to their dedication to their job and their fatigue and weariness at the end of the day, justing wanting to go home, have supper and relax (over socializing), but most of all I could relate to the cracked fingers, etc., etc. as I am married to a bench jeweler who has been self employed for 40 years, 25 of those working at home and later opened a retail place. The occupational hazards of a bench jeweler involve lots of infected fingers so sore that even touching the tools of the trade become torture. It's all the polishing compounds, etc., etc. Can also relate to having to provide for oneself and family with "no benefits" as mentioned. Vermonters are not that much different than Maine folk..........as far as just wanting to be home at the end of the work day........they say they "roll up the streets" in our town. Everyone is inside. But, great explanation of the fishing industry in general. My husband did fish with his dad who had a larger boat at the Jersey shore (when he was a kid), but in Vermont, we only have Lake Champlain and a few resevoirs, etc. We have nothing but respect for the Maine lobstermen. Nicely done explanation by all.