New Year Greetings from Acadia National Park

Planning to visit Acadia National Park in the New Year? There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on this Maine Island during the winter , especially when the National Park gets a significant snowfall. And we have a LOT of snow this year....One more foot of snow accumulated again today, and more is on the way! "Let it Snow" !

Acadia has forty-five miles of groomed carriage roads that offer the perfect setting for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. My friend and neighbor, "Dr Bob" and his helpers lay down the ski tracks on the carriage roads whenever there is a new snow fall! You can also cross country ski or snowshoe on the unplowed park roads. If you're coming 'from away', you don't even have to invest or transport skis, poles, shoes and other miscellaneous winter paraphernalia . Ski equipment and other rentals are available in the local communities. (See link for Cadillac Mountain Sports in Bar Harbor)

Stop by the office to say 'Hi' when you are in the village...but be careful not to trip over my snowshoes and ski poles that are in the office entry. The village landing is directly across from my office and it is incredibly beautiful when the rocky coast is covered with new snow!

Hope to see you in '08! The welcome mat is always out at REALTOR® GramEpat's place!

"What's it all about"

Wondering
'What's it all about'?....


Time for a break!
Enjoy the holidays!

GramEpat

"When you walk, let your heart lead the way'

People are like tea bags

People are like tea bags. Put them in hot water and they grow stronger.

(To quote Dr.Lynn in the link above: some people are like tea bags: put them in hot water and they do grow stronger. Others, worn out, also like tea bags, tear and break, messily spilling their contents adrift in the boiling water.Try to make it through life with ease and minimal scalding)

According to a posting on a tea benefits webpage Enlightened tea drinkers are rediscovering the protective and revitalizing benefits of this ancient drink. Recent research shows that any tea derived from camellia sinensis has cancer-fighting properties. The leaves of this plant contain chemicals called polyphenols, which give tea its antioxidant properties.

Which tea offers the most benefits? Black, Green, Red or White?Black, green and red teas derive their leaves from a warm-weather evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contains polyphenols.

Sipping on a pot of herbal tea in the evenings, while I work on my computer is part of my daily routine.

But it's really not accurate to call it Tea. Most herbal teas in the market are NOT tea at all. They are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of some plants. The proper term for this type of beverage is "tisane". Although tisane does not contain as much polyphenols, it does promote other various health qualities such as relaxation and calming effects.
Ever wonder why the Chinese and Japanese have some of the longest life-expectancy rates in the world. …here’s the secret:

They drink a lot of tea! REALTOR® gramEpat

Where are you Kirmie?

"Where are you Kirmie?"

I have been searching all the stores in Maine this season for a little 'Kermit' frog. A small Kermie gift is no where to be found. 'Bein Green' you would think that I could easily spot him in a store. I find myself wandering around the shops, humming 'The Rainbow Connection" and wondering perhaps, after the holidays are over,

"Maybe someday we'll find him, the lovers, the dreamers and me ". GramEpat

It's Easy to Be Green: Cell Phone Recycling

Thinking of asking Santa for a new phone for Christmas this year?
It seems too bad that tens of millions of used cellular telephones are put in boxes every year, never to be used again. Phones are useful, and contain toxic materials. Why not consider donating your old wireless phone . It can be recycled.
Recycled phones go overseas to people who can't get regular telephone service, or to people in abusive relationships (the phones are programmed to call 911 only). Try to collect as many parts as possible.Phones or phone parts (like batteries & cords) are collected. Before you drop off your phone and /or at any Sprint PCS or Staples chain store, check with your local organizations to see if anyone is doing frundraising projects...or see CollectiveGood or WirelessRecycling.com for mailing information.
It's easy to have a green holiday.

REALTOR® gramEpat

"Let it Snow"

Planning to drive any distance this time of year in Maine? The Fema web site offers some good safety tips.
In the Northeast, you cannot predict the weather!Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia. Here are a few GramE tips to ad to the Fema list: Be sure to keep plenty of clothes, a blanket, bottled water, dry food snacks, a flashlight and emergency medical kit in your car. Don't forget your cell phone. the window scraper, gloves and a portable shovel. It would be great to also have a bag of kitty litter and/or bagged salt handy for icy situations.

Maine REALTORS ® If you are planning to attend the Portland Educational Extravaganza tomorrow, please drive carefully. REALTOR® gramEpat