From the big city of Houston to the tiny community of Eastport...... (live, bars)

[Elcarim]

Good to know. I'm not the mom who runs to the doctor every time the kids sniffle, but it's nice to know they're there. We use primarily natural herbal treatments as much as possible, and they all take a natural multi-vitamin, but there are a few things we can't fix for ourselves! We only go for antibiotics when it's absolutely unavoidable, so my kids have always stayed very healthy. I believe it's because I've never over-medicated them, so their natural immunity is good. I'm hoping when we get there, I can grow more of my own herbs and learn to use them effectively.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

What are we in for? What suggestions can you give us to help us prepare ourselves?

Suburb or not, you are still essentially coming from a big city to what is basically the middle of nowhere - as they say. When you first arrive, and maybe for some time afterwards, there will be that awe, this is awesome. It is everything that we (I) have ever wanted feeling. Then, at some point, the reality sets in that you are not in Kansas anymore. All of the things that you take for granted, and more importantly all of the things that you probably do not even notice, will start to surface and you will realize that life as you are used to it has completely changed. And I am not talking about doctor/emergency room visits, either, but just everything. It's not just about planning ahead as much as it is a total life-style change. If you get that urge to go to Tastee Freeze at 10pm; too bad, it is not going to happen; ad nasuem.

[Elcarim]

Well that's good news! I'm not sure what a Tastee Freeze is, but total lifestyle change is exactly what we're looking for. Nomatter how much I describe conditions here, no-one can ever fully understand the gravity (or the dangers) unless they've lived here. Trust me, the sacrifices will be well worth the gains!

Yesterday, about two miles from our house, DH ran a call on the ambulance to pick up a man who was found laying on the side of the road behind his truck - shot in the chest - DOA. Actually, the coroner got that one. Hubby helped find the shell casings. That's daily life here in Houston - not weekly, not monthly, not occasionally - daily. Last week, it was a little one year old girl who was killed by her mother - right here in our community of 8500. She supposedly 'fell off the couch'. Brad commented when he was telling me about yesterday's shooting that was the 3rd in two weeks JUST in our small area. He said shootings seem to be on the rise for us.

Thanks, but I'd rather not stick around to see what our stats are next year!

[mollysmiles]

El, do you remember when you were telling me that when you came to Maine last year that you couldn't get over how people talked to you? Just for no apparent reason other than the fact that you happened to be beside them in line, or you walked into a store and they were behind the counter or in an aisle.... when some friends of ours moved here that was one of the things the adult guy in the family couldn't get over! I remember him saying "People I don't even know talk to me! It's so strange! But it's good!!" lol.... Amy and Michael have become familiar faces now at the one of the local grocery stores, and they'll ask people "how'd you do with that tree you had to take down?" or, "was that truck in the parking lot a good buy?".... and the funny thing is, the customers do that with them too... "how'd you do on that test at school?" "did you get your driver's license?".... lol A&M don't know their names in some instances, but they're part of the community--and it goes for both sides of the border. I've learned Michael is famous for saying "what? no turkey or cream cheese today?" to the Canadian customers!

[Elcarim]

Oh yes. The kids even talk about that periodically still. Now, their comments are more like...."That lady sounded rude! That's not the way they sound in Maine!!"

Talk about a different lifestyle!

[OleTomCat]

I have been to Eastport once and it was so beautiful, it was jut after they filmed the movie there where they changed the name to Sunrise. I live just outside of Charleston SC. and I love it here, but I love to visit other places

[island mermaid]

Houston sounds a lot like here. This morning there are 2 schools under lock down all ready. Guns in school.

This place is disgusting.

[Elcarim]

Hey, can someone tell me if there is Pre-K in Eastport? I believe Molly told me before that pre-k is available to everyone there,(in Maine) unlike here where it's only for low-income families. I've never understood that! But anyway, my little man will be 4 in August, so I'm hoping they'll have something for him to do.

The girls are so excited since we've told them it's coming up quickly. They keep asking if they can start packing! I told them Aunt M would say YES!!!!! But......we have to get the rest of the ducks organized. I'm biting my fingernails already!

[mollysmiles]

hate those ducks... geez

yes, pre-K in Eastport for everyone

[Elcarim]

I know! I'm ready to shoot the ducks! But, we have to have enough money to actually make the move. We're getting there. I'm just so happy we don't have to wait for the house to sell, now!

And YAY! Pre-K! He's so stinking smart, I just hate for him to miss out on the early learning. I'm sure it will benefit him greatly.