Update: Searchers for missing hiker spot tracks | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Update: Searchers for missing hiker spot tracks | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.

Sabattus teens express pride in their veterans | Lewiston Sun Journal

SABATTUS — Erin Black thought she’d be OK introducing her dad, two uncles and an aunt to her school. But moments in, her throat closed and her words ceased.

“I don’t know what happened,” the 14-year-old said later, still choking back tears. Her dad, Gary Black, stood nearby. His eyes were red and puffy.

“I never get a chance to tell them how proud I am,” Erin said.

That’s what the annual Memorial Day service at Sabattus Central School was meant to do.

Fathers, grandfathers, cousins and friends — veterans all — stood by while their eighth-grader introduced them. The intro included years served and where. Then, the kids spoke about why they were proud.

Erin Black called her dad “an American hero.”

Click on the link for the rest of this story by Daniel Hartill in the Lewiston Sun Journal.

Unemployed must wait for benefits | Bangor Daily News

Unemployed must wait for benefits – Bangor Daily News.

Acadia closes Beech Cliff area to protect nesting falcons | Bangor Daily News

Acadia closes Beech Cliff area to protect nesting falcons – Bangor Daily News

For more information on trail closures, visitors may call 288-3338 or go to www.nps.gov/acad.

WWII POW, Korean War vet to share unrivaled story | Bangor Daily News

WWII POW to share unrivaled story – Bangor Daily News.

Coffeehouse observation No. 143

It’s bright and sunny out for the first time in years – or so it seems. I’m inside a nice cool, dim coffeehouse enjoying a Red Eye before continuing the job search. Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend everyone. … And don’t forget that this weekend is to remember those who have fallen in defense of this country. It’s not just about burgers and hot dogs.

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Hot days break, tie old records in Maine | Bangor Daily News

Hot days break, tie old records – Bangor Daily News.

Motorists warned to beware of moose in Maine | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Motorists warned to beware of moose | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.

To quash rowdiness at Old Port bars, Craig says bartenders can send text warnings | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

To quash rowdiness, Craig says bars can send text warnings | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.

Coffeehouse observation No. 142

The words “free golf” may be the only two-word combo that is better than “free coffee.” But I had free coffee two days in a row. That may not beat free golf, but it’s not bad!

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Maine Turnpike will be busy this weekend | Bangor Daily News

Maine Turnpike will be busy this weekend – Bangor Daily News.

US energy secretary to visit UMaine wind program | Bangor Daily News

US energy secretary to visit UMaine wind program – Bangor Daily News.

Salmon return to Penobscot River in record numbers | Bangor Daily News

Salmon return in record numbers – Bangor Daily News.

Rockland won’t use taxpayer money to fund Lobster Festival | Bangor Daily News

Rockland won’t use taxpayer money to fund Lobster Festival – Bangor Daily News.

Maine oil booms on the way to help Gulf spill | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Maine oil booms on the way to help Gulf spill | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.

Coffeehouse observation No. 141

The guy at the next table at the coffeehouse has an interesting collection of tattoos, including the word “HOPE” across the knuckles of his left hand and  “LOVE” across the knuckles of his right hand. I suppose that’s a bit of tough love and hope.

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Launch the Maine Stuff in My California Apartment series: Maine stuff in my California apartment No. 1

This is the first photo in an irregular series called "Maine stuff in my California apartment." It includes a book of a history and heresay and a cookbook to mark Portage, Maine's centennial. And a cookbook to mark the centennial of the local Catholic Church parish.

This is the first photo in an irregular series called “Maine stuff in my California apartment.” It includes a book of a history and heresay and a cookbook to mark Portage, Maine’s centennial. And a cookbook to mark the centennial of the local Catholic Church parish.

I’m launching a new feature today on Letters From Away. I’m calling it “Maine Stuff in May California Apartment.” From time to time, I will photograph and share stuff from Maine or related to Maine that can be found in my California apartment. Um, I suppose you probably figured that out from the title of the series.

Most of the Maine Stuff may seem insignificant to some, but it is my stuff and it means something to me. I suppose it means something to me because the Maine Stuff helps me maintain my tie to that emerald jewel of a state.

I’m not sure how often or how regularly I’ll post Maine Stuff photos on Letters From Away, but the other night I took about two dozen photos of Maine Stuff and I didn’t even leave my living room, so there is Maine Stuff aplenty in this apartment. Look for at least one new Maine Stuff in My California Apartment at least once a week.

Enjoy! Or not. It’s your choice.

Today’s photo shows three books found in my California, a book of history and heresay and a cookbook marking the centennial of my hometown of Portage located on Portage Lake in Aroostook County and a cookbook marking the centennial of the St. Mark’s Parish and Missions. Portage turned 100 last year and St. Mark’s – including Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Portage – turned 100 in 2002. Fun stuff in the history book and yummy stuff in the cookbooks.

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Coffeehouse observation No. 140

I’m sitting at a booth table at Exotic Java and on the couches near the large front windows are two guys in their mid-30s to mid-40s – I’m guessing from their conversation that they work in construction or something similar – and every other word out one guy’s mouth is @#$% this and %$#@ that.

I used to curse like a stevedore when I thought it added something to the conversation. And even when I knew it didn’t. I now feel that in almost every case cursing isn’t really necessary. Except maybe in golf and when you stub your toe getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Then it’s OK.

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Coffeehouse observation No. 139

Ah, coffee. That aroma. That deep brown steamy liquid comfort. That flavor. That POW to the senses. Coffee, you are the perfect elixir.

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THE ROAD TO CANADA: A few hours up, a few decades back | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME

THE ROAD TO CANADA: A few hours up, a few decades back | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME.