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[GraniteGirl]

Originally Posted by Marge

And aren't you a little overdressed for a Makita Girl?

Hafta wear all dem gadgets else OSHA gets miffed.

[dgunnels]

Well, everything Adriana said about Cedar Key is true. Especially about the condo development. PRetty soon the locals are not gonna be able to afford the taxes on the houses that their grandaddies paid off. Just more business as usual in FL.

[Bill Vincent]

That kind of crap isn't relgated just to Florida. The same exact thing's happening up here. I've got an exgirlfriend whose dad built his home (along with quite a few others) in a place up here called Cape Elizabeth. It's probably one of the most scenic pieces of coastline up here in Maine, including Two Lights State Park. His house was completely paid for, but because of the out of staters moving up here voting up the property taxes to get out the "riff raff", He couldn't even afford to keep up the taxes on the house-- even with no mortgage, and ended up having to sell out. His story isn't even close to unique, either. The same thing's happening all THRU southern Maine, especially on the shoreline.

[JTG]

Over in Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula it is happening also.
The rich keep getting richer and the squeeze gets tighter and tighter to average Joe citizen.
JTG

[dgunnels]

Anyone in favor of population control yet?

[Deane100]

Bill,

Cape Elizabeth is a fantastic place; I really enjoyed visiting there while I stayed in portland for several months. It really is amazing just how expensive Maine is to live(13% state/income tax) makes it the highest state in the country. I've been scouting the area to build a modest timber frame cottage but may have to look over the border in NH because Maine is rediculous.

Seems north of Portland; Bath Brunswick, etc. and western ME are more reasonable. I can't get over how some people think their shabby trailer on 1/2 acre is worth 185K. I think Southern ME is primed for a substantial reduction in property values for some time to come; there aren't enough quality jobs to sustain the fever as of late.

I've also kept an eye on Nova Scotia. The benefits of being a non citizen owning property there are great. Have things regarding the ferry to Yarmouth been worked out? Last I heard the Portland company wasn't holding up there end of the bargain(maintainence of port) and the cat ferry's owner thought of offering a route from Boston. It would be terrible for Maine if that happens. Then again Nova Scotia would be the easiest place to make millions in real estate.

Can't believe the game last night, still hurts. Lived in NH for 17 years and still a die-hard Pats fan. At least I won't see every redneck with a NASCAR, git her done and Pats bumper sticker on their redneck trucks. What's up with that???

[John Bridge]

I don't think that's Adriana. I don't recall her having that little mole on her right arm.

[Bugman]

One thing that happens along the coast of SC is that a family managed to scrape together enough money to buy a piece of property on one of the barrier islands or along some of the tidal creeks way back when that land was considered almost worthless. Now, after many generations the estates have never actually been settled and the land is held by a large extended family. A few still live on the land and others may live in other states. Finally, one family member will decide they want to cash in their interest in the property. It ends up that the whole property has to be sold because it is so valuable now that those living on the land can't afford to buy out the rest of the relatives. It's really kind of sad. Of course it gets bought by a developer and more expensive houses/condos/etc. get plopped down on some of that land.

[Bill Vincent]

there aren't enough quality jobs to sustain the fever as of late.

Sure there are. All southern Maine is, is a bedroom community for Boston. Anything from Portland on down is fair game, and the proof is in how many people are moving up and literally buying out Scarborough and Saco. They're next.

I can't get over how some people think their shabby trailer on 1/2 acre is worth 185K.

They think it's worth that much, because it is. As my father used to say, something is only worth as much as people are willing to pay for it. Guess what? They're willing to pay that much for it!! STARTER homes here in Bridgton, where I live-- 1500 foot ranches on a 1/2 acre-- are going for 250K. Back in 85 my brother in law, who lives about 1/2 way between Ellsworth and Deer Isle, bought 7 1/2 acres, including 400 feet of shore frontage in an area called Naskeag Point, for 7500.00. 2 years later, some guy from Mass came up and offered him almost a million for two acres, including all of the shorre frontage. He turned him down. That same property right now is valued at almost 3.7 mil. He's a shop foreman for a boat yard up there (neat story there, too-- the owner of the boat yard is EB White's grandson), and it's all he can do to pay the taxes every year on it, but he's keeping that land as his sons' inheritance.

Have things regarding the ferry to Yarmouth been worked out?

Yeah-- they've been running the Cat both out of Portland and Bar Harbor.

[flatfloor]

all he can do to pay the taxes every year on it, but he's keeping that land as his sons' inheritance.

That's ridiculous he should sell and enjoy it. There will be plenty left for the son.

[Dave the Tile Guy]

I just bought myself a new camera:



Man, do I LOVE this thing!! Just got it in the mail from Ebay last night and have been snapping like mad all day. Now I'm looking at a good 70-210 Zoom...a 430 Speedlite...and an extra battery grip!!! A new hobby to spend all my money on!!

Couple of pics I just took:

[catamount]

Dave - is that the Rebel XT? Have the 35 mm Rebel, been thinking of adding the digital (interchangeable lenses, dontcha know). BTW, we have a silver tabby the twin of the one in your pic! Great cat.

[Jerry L A Tile]

Beautiful pics man. Very clear. Is it a 10 mega pixel or what? How much manual lens zoom is there,12? Very nice.

[Dave the Tile Guy]

Cat; Yes thats the XT. Just bought it off Ebay from a Photo store in Ontario for $525 (shipping inc) with the 18-55 lens.
And kitty is "Needles". Her nails are just like needles..so bad she can hardly walk on a blanket without it sticking to her feet lol.

Jerry...The XT is an 8.1 Meg. The zoom was at about 55mm...equivalent to about a 75mm conventional 35mm camera. This is my next purchase for the camera: Canon EF 70-200 f/4

[Hamilton]

I finally figured out how to use the macro feature on my digital
camera. Took a couple shots today. Hopefully with a bit of practice
ill get better with it.