Any transplants from the west coast?

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by flycessna

... And though I have always been happy with whats avaiable here in Maine I was just always under the impression that california had the "best" produce Which I assumed was because of the climate and longer growing seasons. And I love the fairs!!

A slightly different selection of things are grown in California then in Maine:

Almonds [my family], walnuts [a sister], grapes [a sister], pears, figs, avocados, artichokes, rice, corn, pecans, pistachio, apple, apricot, peaches, cherries, olives, plums, grapefruit, lemon, oranges, and sugar beets.

[RMoore007]

I just made it one full year in Maine from CA. I was gone most of June and July though. Back in CA. They had some rain when I was gone. I didn't see any so I'm not too sure of that. You'd have to ask someone who was here.

This was my first fall in over 30 years. It was magnifique. I took lots of pictures. The winters are a blast. Really. You will get blasted everytime you go outside. But by some strange phenomena, you will get rather used to it. Even though you get challenged weekly and get thrown off your schedules by the white stuff, it somehow manages to give you a special kind of security and balance. I bought a sled in Jan. so it made all the difference this last winter. I don't know what I would have done all winter without it. I ride motorcycles so if I can't ride one of those, I need something to replace it.

The spring here was life coming back. In CA, the only thing you notice about spring is maybe the date. Just more of the same. It was nice to see the changing seasons again. I do notice that there are lots of preparations for the two opposite seasons, summer and winter. Lots of things on a to-do list that aren't neccessary in the west. So, if you are a homeowner AND a couch potato, this climate would not be desirable. You can probably save from the expence of a fitness club at least.

[flycessna]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

A slightly different selection of things are grown in California then in Maine:

Almonds [my family], walnuts [a sister], grapes [a sister], pears, figs, avocados, artichokes, rice, corn, pecans, pistachio, apple, apricot, peaches, cherries, olives, plums, grapefruit, lemon, oranges, and sugar beets.

I am a real fanatic about tomatoes… where are the best tomatoes Forest? Italy?

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by flycessna

I am a real fanatic about tomatoes… where are the best tomatoes Forest? Italy?

I will PM you.

[Beullah]

Originally Posted by maja

]Sometimes I find Yarmouth a bit too... No sugar in the school, mandatory carpooling, composting classes, co-op everything, recycling lectures, etc. Not that I don't embrace most of these things. I've been an almost vegetarian for over 20 years; I just don't talk about it and don't care if someone else is or not...prefer to not have these things shoved down my throat.

You're very lucky to belong to a school community that cares about their children and our environment. We, too, are Californians who plan on moving to Maine. We're looking at Southern Maine.

Your children's school sounds very much like our children's school in Walnut Creek (SF Bay Area).

I hear you about the schools in CA. The state has cut our district's budget by nearly 1/3 in the past three years. The district cut all sports district-wide. They were able to reinstate sports because parents donated a great deal of money, but Spring sports are on the chopping block if there's not a new influx of donations.

It sounds like an awesome environment for your children.

[maja]

Originally Posted by Beullah

You're very lucky to belong to a school community that cares about their children and our environment. We, too, are Californians who plan on moving to Maine. We're looking at Southern Maine.

Your children's school sounds very much like our children's school in Walnut Creek (SF Bay Area).

I hear you about the schools in CA. The state has cut our district's budget by nearly 1/3 in the past three years. The district cut all sports district-wide. They were able to reinstate sports because parents donated a great deal of money, but Spring sports are on the chopping block if there's not a new influx of donations.

It sounds like an awesome environment for your children.

Yes. The schools really are awesome here! I have heard that the Bay Area schools were good too; better than L.A. but with all the budget cuts, they too are suffering. Taxes are on the high side here in Yarmouth, but if you have kids in school, you definitely get something in return for them! Good luck with your move.

[maja]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

Reading what you have written, yet again, and I am amazed that you can sum it up as 'not perfect'.

The school had a pizza party to welcome new students?

Extra teachers!

Before school activities, after school activities!

The principal, the counselors, the librarians and teachers all know your children's names ?

[ I grew up in California, I attended a highschool with 3,000+ kids, I never met my counselor until it was nearly graduation. ]

All this, but Maine is not 'perfect'?

[ BTW we moved to Northern Maine and you described our experience with the highschool up here too. ]






Okay fair enough.

Forrest, I'm afraid you misinterpreted my post. I am old enough to know that nothing in life is "perfect." I don't expect it to be. Hope others don't either. We are extremely pleased with our move to Yarmouth, Maine. Glad to hear you are happy in your little corner of this beautiful state too. Have a good one!

[family first]

Thanks for all the responses. It's nice to see the varied experiences of those of you who have been in similar situations. Fortunately we live in a beautiful part of this state. It's just the baggage of this state that sometimes leaves me longing to move out. Oh well, at least I have inlaws that we can get back to when we really need a break.