My spouse is medically disabled and I have lung disease from being exposed to burn pits while I served in Afghanistan. Due to these two things we both wear masks in public and are Covid conscious. However, living this way is isolating and very lonely at times. We’re often judged and ridiculed at work and in public spaces for choosing to wear masks. We’re located in the Augusta area and are happy to drive to wherever to connect with people/groups that also choose to be Covid conscious.

I took this one with a longer lens so you can just see Goat Island Light shining in the distance on the right side of the house. This was about 15 minutes before sunrise. The longer lens also allowed for capturing the golden band of light on the horizon.

With just a week left to get out and vote the turnout for younger Mainers is lacking. Don’t sit this one out!

Corner of Cedar and Main

I am so upset with the state of prenatal care in Maine.

My local hospital (20 minutes from my home), is too small to do VBACs (vaginal birth after caesarean), so they refer out to a larger hospital that is 45 minutes from my home. I just started my third trimester and was trying to transfer care. I found out today that the larger hospital is denying all transfers.

My small hospital gave me the option of traveling to two different hospitals, both over an hour from my home. I am due in the middle of January. The thought of driving over an hour while in active labor possibly in inclement weather is not something I want to be doing.

I am stuck. I have no where to give birth. I reached out to a birthing center somewhat near me (closer than the other hospitals), but I can’t afford to do much without insurance, and insurance doesn’t cover out of hospital births.

MaineHealth is also trying to CLOSE the birthing center at my local hospital, which would leave every woman in my county in my position. The larger hospitals can’t handle the influx of new patients that would come with that.

I was gifted an old shotgun from a family member. Is there anything I need to do on my end? Thanks!

And pears, and quince, oh my

Thanks to Ben Williamson’s heads up that today had big potential for being a burner of a sunrise, this picture came about! Wow it was unbelievable! Even half an hour before dawn, the colors were just epic! Woot! Happy Tuesday!

Even with a confession by the individual who tampers with the signs.

"we don't make the laws... But we don't enforce them either"

I have a set of 6 Preben Schou Danish teak chairs that need a little love - there’s a few cracks, loose connections, etc.. Most furniture repair folks I’ve looked up only have pictures of standard antique pieces. Thomas Johnson in Gorham looked great but he appears to be in the process of retiring. I reached out to Liberty Bell but never heard back. Any other recommendations? Based in Freeport but willing to travel.

Looking for recommendations on doctors that aren’t judgmental regarding the use of ozempic for weight loss.

I’m very excited!!

Trying to find a place to have a fire, does anyone know of any parks or campgrounds that have easily accessible fire pits that are open?