One of the things I ABSOLUTELY love about Maine is fresh blueberries. The 'cool' thing is that they seem to grow everywhere. We have discovered them in several unlikely places ... like on top of Mount Batty where tons of tourist go. I guess most people don't know what the bushes look like.

Blueberry pie has always been my favorite - even growing up in South Florida where blueberries came from a can. And I can make myself 'sick' on blueberry pancakes. The corner store near my house makes the best! This is a real problem for me - seeing as my cholesterol level is 'through the roof'. "Thank God" for Simvastatin!

In Maine the delectable berries are 'in season'. They are available at make-shift stands alongside every major highway, and I can't pass them by! Josey and I even went to a Blueberry Festival a few days ago where we saw blueberries marketed every way imaginable. I spent all my pocket money there, and came home with a belly-ache. Anyway, the season will be over soon and I will be back to raiding my freezer-stash for blueberries. Guess all good things must come to an end ... at least in THIS life.

Billy's questions for MI-5

1) Do you use some form of PDA (personal digital assistant)/MP3 player/smart phone for contacts and calendar items? If so, what is it, and what do you use it for? If you don't use some sort of digital calendar, what do you use?
*I got a Sony PDA when they first came out - complete with Microsoft Office. Found it a hassle to keep track of. Then I got a fancy phone that could do almost all the same stuff. But these days I am simplifying my life. Now, I have reverted back to the old-fashion desk blotter calendar and a pencil. But I DO still use the calendar on my Motorola Razor cell phone.

2) Do you use any sort of MP3 player? If not, do you use anything for "music on the go"?
*I have an old 256 meg MP3 that I seldom use. I rigged it to play in my motorcycle helmet, so I could listen to some tunes while on long rides. But only used it a few times. I guess I never REALLY got into personal listening devices, I find them too inconvenient. Maybe if I had some wireless earphones ... yea.

3) Do you have a favorite application you run on your PDA/MP3/smart phone? What is it? If you don't use one, how about some cool application you like on your computer?
*I LOVE Windows Media Player. I constantly used my computer in church (back in Virginia) and it was always connected to the PA for videos and background music. We even occasionally used it for performance.

4) How about a favorite game on your widget? If you're non-widget-ized, what games do you like to play on your computer?
*I'm not a game person. I never play computer games. My son is a game 'freak' and plays all the online stuff. He's up on all the latest techno, but not the Old Man.

5) Most little gadgets have a way to personalize them, like a cover or faceplate or something. What's on yours? If you don't own one, tell us about something else you've personalized.
*I used to paint cars and once painted (airbrush) a mural on the side of my own car. It was a scene of Calvary where Jesus died for my sins. You seldom see religious art in that venue, so I thought it made a strong statement about me and the life I now live.

Olympic Inspiration

"HOW INSPIRING!" That was my comment after recently reading about some of the Olympic athletes. Yes, athletes are talented and no doubt, 'gifted' individuals. And they are often given preferential treatment with plenty of 'perks'. But they are also gutsy, disciplined, and very determined individuals.

I remember several years ago meeting Greg Louganis when he was preparing to dive (again) in 1988 games at Seoul, Korea. The US Dive Team was training the last few weeks in our area of South Florida. There was a mechanical issue with the diving pool and half the water drained out in one night. As a Driver Engineer with the local fire department, the following morning I was called upon to refill the pool with a fire pump. I remember apologizing for the color of the water - as it was not exactly the normal 'crystal blue'. Against the pure white Marcite of the pool bottom, this water looked something like weak coffee. As I apologized Greg just chuckled and said, "That's OK, its probably about the color of the water we will dive into in Seoul." I thought, "Now that's a professional."

But that's not what really 'got' me. The fact is that these American icons of success were out "at the crack of dawn" training every morning ... and training HARD. These 'famous' people who seem to be on top of the world with wealth and power were not laying up in the bed at 6am. They were out giving it all they've got! When most are hitting the 'snooze button' for the second time, these folks were already spending every ounce of energy to build just a little more muscle, or refine one more minute detail of technique. They were determined to be the very best they could be.

The moral of this little story is, "success usually comes at a great price." Inspiration from others only helps us realize possibilities. Determination and a will to strive for improvement is what will move us toward success in life. I am reminded of a great Biblical character whom said, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" (Nehemiah) A more modern character said it this way, "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." -Tommy Lasorda

Its Hard To Believe

Its hard to believe I will never again go back to this haven in the Virginia mountains . Josey's mother, Helen died in February and her house was sold last month. The last of her furniture is being moved out this week - and that makes it final.

I always cherished our visits with her, and I absolutely LOVED hanging out a her place ... nestled in the most beautiful valley I have ever seen. The natural beauty was something to behold. And it was a very peaceful place. Though she only lived there 8 years (I think), I will always have pleasant thoughts about the times we visited there.

Helen lived in a few other places - all of them reflecting her keen eye for decorating. And they were all in great locations. But there was something very special about the mountain cabin. I remember conversing with Jos about 'why' her mother might want to move to "the middle of nowhere" to live by herself. We were perplexed by the decision ... that is, until we spent some time there.

I don't know what 'exactly' it is about this particular place that evokes powerful feelings in me. I know the view of majestic mountains so near always stirred my soul. But maybe its not REALLY about the place at all. I think 'maybe' its about the strength of the woman whom chose that spot to live out her last few years. Her bravery to face her own mortality was quite remarkable. Helen, YOU WERE TRULY AMAZING!

Amy's "all about where YOU live":

1. If I were coming to visit you- what time of year would you suggest?

Having just moved to Maine a year ago, this is a tough set of questions. But I don't think you can beat the end of summer for a visit to Mid-coast Maine. Many of the vacationers have gone back home to work, the weather is still beautiful, and most places are still open for business.

2. Any specific things you would suggest I visit while there.

For food I would recommend the Cod End in Tennant's Harbor. Its a wonderful blend of 'old Maine' culture and excellent seafood. For a view of Maines coastline I would recommend the Owl's Head lighthouse and/or Mt. Battie. My next favorite is the Camden Harbor when all the tall mast schooners are in port ... that's a beautiful sight!

3. Where should we eat?

OK, besides the Cod End I would recommend Primo - on the border of Rockland and Owl's Head. The food is 'outstanding'! (& 'pricey') Its a great place for a date with that 'special someone'.

4. Is there anybody I should meet?

I find some of the 'locals' very interesting. Richard Wall is probably the resident authority on lobster fishing, and a great guy too. Bill Batty is "the man" on the Mid-coast music scene. He always knows what's cookin' ... and where its being served. Then, one could always stop by the Key Bank of Rockland for a visit with my wife. Everyone should meet HER! (Are you reading this, Honey?)

5. Where else should I visit in your state?
I'm partial to Harmony Bible Church in South Thomaston. There are some wonderful people there, and its usually an 'inspiring' place. Next would be Acadia National Park. The high rock cliffs overlooking the ocean are awesome. Depending on the time of year, you are likely to see a few seal frolicking in the surf. And the view from the park's Cadillac Mountain is "breath-taking". Can you tell ... I just LOVE the coast of Maine!

Paddyquest - MI - 5

1. The first song I remember hearing on the radio (I think) was "Hang On Sloopy" by The McCoys. I think the song came out in the mid-sixties and was aired about every 15 minutes on local AM stations. Ha! FM in those days? ... not!

2. I wouldn't say radio played a "big" part in my childhood. But I do remember listening to WQAM out of Miami, Florida for a time - almost exclusively. It was 'pop music' ... and it was cool.

3. As soon as I could afford to buy music, I began purchasing vinyl albums for specific listening. By that time I was into the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Zepplin - and the likes. I was a pretty rebellious kid and looked for something to stir up the ol' teenage 'angst'. Hard rock fit the bill.

4. My special "radio moment" may have been when I realized that the girls often enjoyed a different type of song than I. I suppose I was recognizing the 'romance factor' in different genres of music.

5. I have tried MP3s and other portable devices, but just don't care for them. I DO listen to radio ... usually streaming over the internet. Guess I just like the clean sound of digital music in a controlled environment where I can hear all the little nuances.

MI-5 jive

1 The most vivid childhood birthday memory; I must say, I'm drawing a complete 'blank' and don't remember details of a single one. Birthdays were not exactly a 'big deal' around our house. We celebrated with a home-made cake and a few small gifts - but nothing that burned life-long memories.
2 My favorite birthday moment may have been the day I turned 18. That started the 'age of adulthood' (& legal drinking age) in my home state. I felt so liberated - to go wherever I wanted. It was really exciting for about a week ... and certainly not all it was cracked up to be.
3 My favorite adult birthday came two years ago when my wife made arrangements for me to get a new motorcycle on my 50th. She said, "I want to do something very special for this year, go pick out a new motorcycle." COOL right! YEA ... I'm still diggin it!
4 I never had a "theme birthday" - that I know of. As I said, my childhood is somewhat of a 'blur'. But details of that will likely be an answer to another MI-5 question.
5 OK, the thing about turning 18. I have a brother 7 years my senior. Occasionally he would take me with him to hang out with friends. I thought they were 'so cool'. They sometimes went places where 'under-aged' kids could not go. I REALLY looked forward to the day I could go in those places. Turns out, I didn't like those places 'at all'. Funny how life is.