If you’ve lived in Maine for at least one winter (or, even just for the past week), there’s a good chance you know what it’s like to lose power. It’s a total disruption in our lives. You wake up to see the oven clock blinking at 12:00. School is canceled and you have to keep the kids occupied, or maybe you usually work from home and now you have to find a coffee shop or library (that still has power of their own) to get things done. Sometimes, it’s just a simple annoyance like sleeping in because your alarm didn’t go off.

But beyond throwing off your whole routine, losing power can be dangerous. This week’s storm with near-hurricane force winds and the largest power outage in the history of Central Maine Power is a good reminder to prepare for the power outages that will likely come our way this winter. Here are our top tips for staying warm, safe, and entertained when the electricity goes out: Continue reading “So You’ve Lost Power – What Now?”

Summer is fading, and our Pine Tree State is still teeming with wildlife. We have been flocking to the beaches, we are hitting the trails – anything to get outside and enjoy the beautiful nature Maine has to offer. Even your own backyard probably has a lot to offer. Maybe you have a patio for outdoor dining, or a garden with beautiful flowers or even vegetables. Having some green space is practically a given when you live in a Maine home, and there are many ways for us to enjoy it. It reminds us of the natural beauty that surrounds us, and that we are not the only ones to inhabit it.

Wildlife sightings in a backyard are a treat (as long as it’s not a bear trying to sneak into your trash!). Bees helps gardens flourish, butterflies bring lively colors, birds showcase elaborate feathers and avian drama, and squirrels and other forest rodents will certainly keep your dogs busy. Even bigger mammals like raccoons, foxes, and deer can be seen in neighborhoods not far from Portland. Read on for our best tips to create a backyard space that feels like home to your critter visitors:

Continue reading “You’re Not the Only Resident on Your Property”