Saturday, December 26, 2009

Once in a Blue Moose


Hello friends!

I just realized that next week will be a very special one, indeed! The moon will be full on New Year's Eve and that will make it "a once in a blue moon" celebration for my friends and family.

Being an inquisitive moose, I found out that a "Blue" moon happens when there are two full moons in a single month, but the phenomenon rarely happens to coincide with the last day of the year. It does happen every few years because the moon cycle lasts 29 days, so the extra days add up over time.

Do you remember where you were on the last day of 1990? It might be better if you cannot remember – the late eighties and early nineties had serious fashion missteps, especially for a moose like me, but that was also the last time there was a blue moon on the last day of the year! We can look forward to the next one New Year's Eve blue moon until 2028. Wow! That's a long time from now!

So will the moon impact your party plans to celebrate the New Year?

A moonlight kiss at midnight sure sounds romantic for a sappy moose like me and for devoted moose fan, I know that Corey has rustled up some great "Blue Moose" goodies down at the store.

The full moon does seem to bring out the wild side of most people, so be careful out there!

My next blog will be coming to you, straight from the year 2010! I can hardly believe it has happened again, all my resolutions from last year have been forgotten or long abandoned. But I promise that I will come up with a new list!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Perfect Christmas Tree!


Despite a lack of major snow cover in Mooseville, I have been searching for the perfect Christmas tree. What does the perfect Christmas tree look like?

The perfect tree has to be the right shape without any weird protruding branches, but that is just the beginning.

Height is very important, if it is too tall, you can get the angel on the top and if it is too short, well you will have a box of ornaments left when we are finished decorating. Now, I am not one to worry too much about my waistline, but the tree can’t be too wide because it will throw off the entire shape and the overall size must fit into your space.

I must admit that every year, I spend about a week walking in circles looking at all the trees. The first question might be be species. Balsam, Douglas Fir or White Pine. I usually try to mix it up from year to year, but sometimes I just find the perfect tree.

Chopping down the tree and getting it home are always the most difficult part of the day and then there is always the point when you get to the back door and the perfect tree is just too big. Believe me, there are a perilous few hours there and then we have to attach the always difficult tree stand.

Once the tree has been found and moved, decorating must commence. But there are so many questions. Lights – multicolored or all white, who will make the popcorn and cranberry strings without eating all the popcorn, how do I decide if it will be an Angel or a Star for the top this year, and the ornaments – how many is too many? And lastly, the perfect bows must be tied. Some folks like to add garland and tinsel, but too many of my bird and animal friends eat that stuff and it isn’t the best for the digestive system so I skip it.

The perfect tree is really a figment of your imagination, because each tree is perfect for one family, you just have to find your tree. I always have to laugh because, the perfect tree is usually the first one I saw when I started my search three miles ago, but that is another story.

Keep searching – your perfect Christmas tree is out there and waiting for you to bring it home!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Who invented those ear muffs everyone wears?

Can you eat another spoonful of stuffing, piece of turkey or just one more little sliver of pumpkin pie? If you can still say yes with enthusiasm, then waddle over to the fridge and dish up another plateful of Thanksgiving leftovers.

But if you are forced to answer no then you are officially ready to begin your holiday shopping. Some of you were out driving to the stores on Friday morning – I don’t know does four o’clock count as morning or is that still the middle of the night, but I digress. My point is you could have and should have started and finished your shopping at Mooseville from the comfort of your couch, wearing your fuzzy slippers and that goofy plaid bathrobe. Please take note – there will never be any photos of that and speaking of slippers, new slippers are never a bad gift idea, but they never seem to be quite as good as the old ones.

I hate to sound like an advertisement, but the reality is Mooseville has gifts for everyone on your list and can ship it out straight away with no hassles.

Dust off your Earmuffs!!

Farmington, Maine will celebrate Chester Greenwood Day on December 5. It is the only place in the world to celebrate the man who invented earmuffs. The festivities include a huge parade (11AM), a chili contest (12:30PM – 1PM) and then some “CRAZY” people will go swimming just for kicks in Clearwater Lake at 3PM. For more information and a complete schedule of all of the fun events for Chester Greenwood Day, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Even if you won't be able to attend the festivities, you should look up Chester Greenwood and see what a great inventor he was!

Thanks Chester! I only wish they made earmuffs large enough to fit over my big ears!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Moose Thanksgivings!

I apologize for not posting my column in a few weeks – I am still all goofed up from the time change and Corey has me very busy with the new store in New Jersey.

Have you seen it? Crazy ornaments everywhere! No wonder he is having that sale to try and get rid of some.

Let’s talk about the real news around Mooseville – Thanksgiving is this week! Who knew it could sneak up on us like a molting chicken, but that is another story.

This time of year, even a moose like me has to count his blessings! I survived another hunting season without a scratch, my cupboard is stocked with vegetables and the fireplace will be sure to keep my hooves toasty all winter.

I have also been thinking about the people in my life and that always brings a smile to my face! I wanted to send a special hello out to all of my friends in Franklin County, Maine.

Who are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? The hard question is – have you told them! Don’t wait! Just pick up the phone, call Corey, and tell him how much he means to you and he might even give you a discount on your next purchase.

Have a great Thanksgiving – remember if you have to start shopping early, Mooseville online is open 24 hours a day to meet all of your moose needs. www.mooseville.com

Sunday, November 1, 2009

What time is it?

Welcome to November and Day Light Savings Time. I know you are probably still wondering, what time is it? In case, you have forgotten, you are supposed to turn your clocks back one hour last night before you went to sleep. As the days get shorter, this was supposed help us to have light in morning when we try to pry ourselves out of those warm covers. But I do not really see that it makes much of difference for most folks in Mooseville, but for today at least, most people, including one perpetually late moose, do seem to get places on time or maybe even early. Shorter days and longer nights are supposed help us to save energy, but I am not convinced. If you go to church, you see that it is the one Sunday out of the year that the family that always comes in late is there on time!

Why on earth do we do this twice a year?

But once you figured out how to change all of your clocks especially those clocks in your cars – you won't have to think about it again until March when we will all spring-forward!

A friendly reminder to everyone – dig out your orange fashions, as deer hunting season kicked off yesterday and there are sure to be lots of sleeping hunters in the woods in the weeks to come. I am sure looking forward to seeing Tom Saviello at all those 4:00 AM breakfast "meetings" they have this time of year. This week's true rumor – Tom Saviello has announced that he will run for the State Senate of Maine next year.

But back to those "meetings," check The Irregular newspaper for times and locations, because you will be cranky if you get there and realize that you are all alone and there isn't a sausage in sight.

I have no idea what time it is - moose never wear watches! It's about day light!

I know one thing is for sure, it is time for me to get back to work! Yep - www.mooseville.com is where I do all my work!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

A few questions answered...

Hello Friends!

I receive a lot of email from the friends of Mooseville, and this week I thought I would answer some questions that I have recently gotten.

Has it snowed yet in Mooseville?
Yup! We had our first snow on October 13, but it didn’t last the day. We had some flurries the week before too. I, for one, am not ready for the white stuff, but even as the mayor I can’t control the weather.

Is it true that there was a moose born in someone’s front yard in suburban Minnesota?
Maybe.
I tried to get in touch with my Aunt Sally, but she is still mad that I haven’t sent her a photo of my Mooseville mayor’s inauguration. I will have to look into that one for you and will get have to get back to you.

What will you be for Halloween this year?
I can’t answer that – seriously! If I tell you, I won’t be able to be trick or treat incognito next week and score all those peanut butter cups. I have had some great costumes the last few years, but my favorite was the Moose from Mars, but this year’s is sure to be my best yet!

Are there black flies in Mooseville during the winter?
Finally, an easy question. No! But, soon I will have to start to complain about those stupid Cluster flies that insist on dive bombing the lights. I mean, really, don’t they have anything better to do all winter?

Do you have a question – well, I can’t answer it unless you send it to me, so do it now why don’t you.

Don't forget to check out all the good moose stuff on the website! www.mooseville.com.

Have a great week!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Moose In-laws are coming!

It is the middle of the week and I am trying to type up my column for the weekend, but I am a might bit distracted because my moose-in-laws are coming! You understand – there’s dad’s inspection of the wood stove, the cobwebs in the corner need to be cleared away and those leaves had better stay on the trees for a few more days despite the rain.

Anyway, when I am distracted, I always start with a Google search, just for a little something to get me going and look what I found this morning when I searched for moose…

"MOOSE, originally an acronym for Man Out Of Space Easiest and later changed to the more professional-sounding Manned Orbital Operations Safety Equipment, was a proposed emergency "bail-out" system capable of bringing a single astronaut safely down from Earth's orbit to the planet's surface." Here is the link so you can read all about it, straight from the source at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOOSE.

Now that will give you something to bring up in a random conversation with the moose-in-laws. Or maybe we could study the photos and build our own – you know, just a little project.

Hey Corey, maybe you could help me with this new product idea and offer a supply kit at the Mooseville store.

I could help you write the ad: “Everything you need to build you own MOOSE contraption for only $9.99” In the fine print we could add – It will be guaranteed to protect you from black flies and mosquitoes for at least 12 seconds or as long as your remain in the plastic bag and one size will fit most idiots.

Well, I guess I had better go for this week – but hey keep you eyes peeled on the website for this new MOOSE product, it might go straight to clearance!

Check out the new stuff at Mooseville -- www.mooseville.com.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Moose Leaves and Apple Pie

Well, after all of my adventures these last few weeks, it is good to be home.

I did get an email from the new bride who said she was celebrating her birthday in Rome, and as she put it “with her hubby.” Now that is just plain adorable, I would have to say!

The autumn leaves are in all their glory around Mooseville with shades so vibrant – it does seem to amaze and surprise me every year.

I found this great new website – www.mainefoliage.com which shows a map of Maine and details where the leaves are turning. You can even sign up for a weekly report from the forest rangers. The website also has a list of what kinds of trees create each of the colors. Did you know that white ash and witch hazel trees turn purple in the fall – have to go looking for some of them in the woods around Mooseville. And did you also know that red maple trees turn red and that sugar or rock maple leaves turn gold or orange. That is how you know which trees to get sap from to make maple syrup from!

There are lots of things to do around Mooseville – from apple picking and the Scarecrow Reunion in Phillips to the Fryeburg Fair, so I am likely to be keeping plenty busy. With all the apple events, I was just thinking that I sure do love a good apple pie!

So I thought, how about sharing a recipe with the readers, so you will have a reason to crank up the wood cook stove and warm up on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I am sure that I could be made available, if you just can’t manage to eat the whole pie by yourself.

Moose Apple Pie

Cheddar Cheese Pie Crust

1 ¼ cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of shortening
½ cup of grated sharp cheddar
2-3 tablespoons of water

Mix together dry ingredients, and then add water slowly to form dough.
Roll out two pie crusts on a floured surface.

Moose Apple Pie Filling
6 cups of apples (tart ones are best!)
½ cup sugar
½ cup of grated sharp cheddar
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
1 tablespoon of flour

Mix together all the filling ingredients and then fill the bottom
crust, add the top crust and be sure to put a few slits in the top.
Bake for about 1 hour at 375, just until the crust is golden brown and
the filling starts to bubble.

Thanks to my friend Amy for helping me out with this yummy pie recipe.

Have a great week – I will look forward to seeing you jumping in a
pile of leaves soon!

Check out our website www.mooseville.com and mention leaves in the comment section of your order and I'll throw in a surprise for you!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Continuing the Moose Road Trip

Hi Everyone! Brodey here, coming to you from Baltimore, Maryland.

I know, I have been one busy moose lately, but the work of the mayor of Mooseville is just never finished. I am here in Baltimore to attend the wedding of Robin and Mike – and boy was it one heck of a trip to get here. It all started with a walk down to Farmington and then my new friend gave me a ride down the coast.

Well, if you think a moose can stop traffic along Route 4, you should
see the back up I caused near the George Washington Bridge last night.

But I would have to say, I did sleep like a baby last night -
snuggled up under a down comforter in my hotel room.

For seafood lovers, Baltimore provides the opportunity to feast on
crab cakes, crab chowder and just in case you can’t get enough there
are giant platters filled with only crab and French fries. Every
restaurant seems to say that it has the best, but it seems impossible
to judge, so as a crazy moose – I opted for Mexican food instead.
So I am off to the wedding, a moose in tux with a tails and a top hat
– I only wish there were pictures to share!

Tune in next week for a little excitement we had in Mooseville while I was traveling...hint...it has to do with squirrels and such!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Live from Cape Cod!

This is Mayor Brodey Moose blogging to you live from Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

It is an amazing thing, every week or so, I get to tell you all about
the wonders of Mooseville and my crazy life as the mayor, but this
week I thought you might like to come along for a little Moose road
trip. I am spending the weekend soaking up the ocean breezes and even putting
a hoof in the cold waters of the Atlantic.

I did, however, get some strange looks - you know the ones - what is
that moose doing on the beach? But I just smile and wave and the
lookers seem to wander off eventually. They often, though, want to come up and take their picture with me! I guess it is not every day that they get to see a moose on the beach!

I also did a little fishing, but for future reference, it does help if
you put a hook on the end of your line. But as a vegetable-loving
moose, I find that it is just as much fun to dangle the string in the
water and dream away the afternoon. Besides, I do look extra
handsome sporting a fishing vest.

I have to head back to Mooseville on Monday because I got to start
planning for the annual Scarecrow Reunion held in Phillips, Maine
which will be held in early October. I think this year, I might try
to... Oh, I guess I better keep my idea a secret for now.

And next week, I will be heading south to Baltimore, Maryland and the
wedding of Robin Beck and Michael Maher.

I will try to get some pictures. You know I can be a little camera shy sometimes!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Labor Day and Back to School!

Labor Day, Back to School, and the promise of incoming pumpkins
decorations and a scarecrows reunion– what’s next? Sleet, Frost and
Snow!

Well as you know moose like me do not deal well with change and we have
a hard time with smooth transition, but I do love the cool mornings
and catching the sight of my breath in the morning. The leaves are
all still green and the grass continues to grow, but hurry up and
enjoy the last bits of summer sunshine.

I have not talked about the blackberries up in Madrid, Maine (that is pronounced Mah-drid for none natives that may not know!)! They are
so fat, sweet and juicy that they are falling off onto the ground, but be
quick to pick them because they never last long. I keep hoping for a blackberry
pie with a scope of vanilla ice cream on top. Now that is just like a
slice of summer heaven.

Do you ever wonder how one moose, say the Mayor of Mooseville, could
spend so much time talking about the weather and snacks? If you have
to ask, I will tell you how it is because inquiring minds need to
know. As the Mayor, I spend my days wandering about in Mooseville,
but really it is a quiet little place.

I might dabble in politics and chat with the local folks, but there
is not much newsworthy that goes on around town. I mean, really, do
you need to know what Larry, down at the Transfer Station, is up to
right this minute or what the special was over at Country Bumpkins
last Tuesday. Probably not so I just tell you about a few fun things that happen to me in my life!

I think everything in the neighbor’s garden pulled trough okay last
week when we had a hint of frost, even his tomato plants. I have
decided to make some green tomato pickles tonight; maybe I will even
have a picnic and enjoy the view from beside Toothaker Pond tomorrow. Until
next time, be sure to keep smiling like a moose!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Fall is on it's way!

Hello Friends. I hate to start the conversation, but after the cool temperatures at the end of the week, I think autumn has arrived in Mooseville. My neighbor, Mr. Barker, reports that he had 37 degrees outside his back door the other morning and that is just a moose wink away from a frost. But being the eternally optimistic Mayor that I am, I think we are in for a long and warm Indian summer despite the Farmer’s Almanac. Maybe if we all just believe, it will happen and we can expect sunshine and warm temperatures through September.

September will be upon us next week and many of the kids are already back at school. Is it my imagination or does the summer seem to get shorter every year? Anyway, watch out for those school buses and kids crossing the road. Gosh, driving is hard – with moose, deer and kids all convinced that they have to cross the road because the grass is always greener there. And soon those leaf peapers will be stopping in the middle of the road to take my picture. Can’t they just buy a postcard - the photos of my cousin Charles are much better anyway?

I thought today I would mention the five crazy women that live down the road. These women make such a fuss some mornings; it is hard to believe they haven’t ended up on the dinner table. It is a good thing that they live with a vegetarian. Oh, I guess it is prudent to mention that they are chickens. Anyway, I just want to say hello to the fabulous five: Nutmeg, Pepper, Violet, Marigold and Thyme.

I am trying to come up with a catchy slogan...I'll keep you posted! Check out Mooseville for all kinds of moose goodies!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Phillips, Maine Old Home Days!

Old Home Days Starts Today!

I apologize in advance, but I just couldn’t mention everything. For a complete list of events and times, please pick up a brochure at any area business. If you see Janet White, be sure to thank her for her hard work and tireless dedication to Old Home Days.
Here are some of my favorite events coming up this week:

Sunday (8/16) – Country Music at the Old Gym and a Golf benefit for the Phillips Public Library.

Monday (8/17) – Get ready for the busy week ahead!

Tuesday (8/18) – Cruise Night at Country Delight and a Talent Show at the Phillips Elementary School

Wednesday (8/19) – Cribbage at the American Legion

Thursday (8/20) – Flower Show, Golf Ball Drop and the Fashion Revue

Friday (8/21) - Everything Sale at the Old Gym, Lawn Sales Everywhere including a benefit at the Historical House, Craft Sale at Trecartin Park, Antique Appraisals, Train Rides, Food Sales, Bingo, a Street Dance and …

THE BIG PARADE - What Can You Do With Duck Tape
Line up for the parade starts at North Franklin Park and then it heads down Main Street!

Saturday (8/22) Plane Rides, Frog Jumping, Bathtub Races and Horse Pulling

Sunday (8/23) Breakfast with the Sandy River Flying Club, Bob Parker Children’s Parade and the Duck Derby
I have to say, I do love a good parade and every year, the parade seems to get bigger and better! I can’t wait to see what people do with this year’s theme. I have to say, duct tape is so important that I hope we don’t have a shortage.
Duct Tape – it is good wet or dry…it can do if you need stitches, a new bumper for the family car or just want to keep track of your remote control, not to mention fixing up the heating duct in the basement. And I would imagine that Earl and Lorraine Berry, this year’s honored couple, have used a fair amount of duct tape over the last 58 years of their marriage.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Swimming Moose and Obama's Second 100

What a week of fun adventures…
Hello friends! This week, I decided to go out to Mount Blue Pond to try a little bit of fishing. I thought a moose, especially the Mayor of Mooseville, could surely ride in a canoe. But, that first step into the boat proved to be more difficult than I had ever expected it to be and I decided that a swim would be better. Thankfully, there aren’t any embarrassing pictures to post on Facebook – Corey sure can be merciless with his camera!

This week’s garden report finally offers some variety, but still no hope for the grapes that haven’t flowered. I do love those green beans and, finally after a few sunny days in a row, they are big and yummy. Turnips, beet greens and peas are plentiful and the lettuce is super tender, thanks to all those cool rainy days.

I think that the rain must have washed away all the potato bugs because I haven’t seen a one! And there might be a tomato ripening on those pathetic plants, good thing they have sturdy cages to hold them up.

Obama celebrated his second one-hundred days last week and there still was no news about a Secretary of Moose, but I guess he may have had more pressing things on his presidential plate than my future political career. Maybe you all could put in a good word for me!

I did also wander over the Forks for a little rest and relaxation, but I had to take a rain check on the white water rafting after my canoe experience. The fine folks at Northern Outdoors do offer a nice place to visit, but I would have to say the hot tub doesn’t really appeal to a moose like me.

So I guess since moose are really good swimmers, I'll stick to swimming! Did you know moose can swim across an entire lake? Oh that reminds me of a joke...Why did the moose swim to the other side of the lake? To get to the other side of course! The swamp grass is always greener on the other side of the lake! Well on that parting joke, I will bid you farewell for now!

Check out the website -- www.mooseville.com

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Bunnies and Moose


What is a moose to do? Is it time to wander beneath the trees, hide in the tall grass or watch a thunderstorm race across the sky, but if you don’t know the right answer – all of the above will keep you busy this summer. I also love to swat the mosquitoes with my tail and stand near the road to have my portrait taken. Oh wait, I don’t have a tail so those mosquitoes just keep pestering me!

I wish you would send those funny photos of me and my neighbors to us here at Mooseville and if we look like rock stars, I might post it for everyone to see.

The summer is going by so quickly –it is only a few more weeks till Old Home Days in Phillips. This year’s theme makes me laugh because I just love Duct Tape and you can use it in so many ways. I can’t wait to see the parade floats look like – a creative bunch those Phillips folks are! The list of events seems to get longer every year – but this year I am looking forward to the Everything Sale at the Old Gym and wandering by the train tracks to wave at the people. I might dress up as the four-legged Ghost of Duct Tape just to keep things interesting.
I do want to send out a hello to Charlie – he is my new little buddy who moved up to Mooseville from Wilton. He thinks he is going to grow up to be a lion, but really he is just a rabbit with a big head of hair and likely won’t grow to be more than three pounds.

The garden seems to be emerging from the mud now, but after such a slow start, I am not sure if there will be any tomatoes. The potatoes seem happy, but it is hard for me to dig those up with two left hooves, so I am hoping for a little help. Charlie and I do love the carrot tops, but we have learned that if we eat too many carrot tops, there aren’t any carrots left for the winter! That was a tough lesson for both of us to swallow!

Well, I guess that is all of my moosely wisdom for today! Check out our website www.mooseville.com!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Happy Summer and Moosecellaneous!


Hello Summer!

This week we welcomed back the sunshine to Mooseville! It was a strange phenomenon – blue sky and warm temperatures, but it sure had everyone in good spirits, including me. Everything seems to be drying out and despite my optimism, I would have to admit that I am getting ready for the next batch of thunderstorms and clouds. The nice folks at the Farmer’s Almanac even went so far as to apologize last week for being right – but being right isn’t always a good thing.

In other news around the Moose state, the legislature decided to prohibit smoking in state parks, beaches and historic sites. The law, put forth earlier this year by Senator John Nutting, was passed just before most parks opened for the summer season.

As the mayor of Mooseville, I try not to be too political, but I am pleased with this new effort to reduce secondhand smoke for the animals and people who enjoy the parks and it will eliminate those ugly cigarette butts from littering our favorite places.

Now if I can just convince people to stop throwing trash out of their cars – there was already is a law against littering, so stop already will you! We don’t even have any fast food restaurants in Mooseville, but I am always stumbling over Burger King and McDonalds bags and wrappers. I do fancy those new Frostys from Wendy’s, but there never seems to be anything left in the cups except rain water and that is a real disappointment for me.

I also wanted to talk up the new section of Mooseville for a little bit. It's called Moosecellaneous! It is going to be growing into something for you to be entertained and have a good laugh when you visit! So if you are having a bad day, this will definitely be a place to go to help lift your spirits! It will have things that are not moose from fun signs, t-shirts, lights, oddball items and plush animals. Keep checking it out weekly for fun new products! Here's a link to it now!

Don't forget your sunscreen and have a great week ahead!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Doing the Moose Walk

Here we are on the verge of summer -at least, we are hoping that the monsoon season is coming to a close in the mountains of Maine. June was rumored to have been the rainiest in decades, maybe ever, so we aren’t hoping for a drought, but a sunny day would be a nice change of pace.
Family, Fun and Fireworks - I hope you had a great day yesterday to celebrate Independence Day!

The barbecues were fired up in Madrid (pronounced maaaa-drid - you have to draw out the a) for the annual picnic and they even had a deep fried turkey. Those ladies sure do put out a nice spread of snacks – salads of every kind, decadent cakes and pies and my favorite - sour pickles.

Micah turned the big 4 years old yesterday and he is convinced that all the fireworks are just for his birthday. And being four, you can’t argue with him.

There have been lots of photos in the news of my nephew Buckey. He is my sister’s youngest boy, but even he is having trouble competing with the news about Michael Jackson. Out of respect, I have been trying to learn how to do the moon walk, but having four legs rather than two makes it quite a sight. I will spare you the photos.

Do I like turnips? It is a question that has been on my mind for a while - you know one of those deep philosophical questions to consider on a long rainy afternoon. I would love to hear your thoughts on turnips or any other thoughts you might have for that matter.
Until next time – be careful with those leftover Sparklers!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Catch Up!

You have probably been wondering what happened to me these last few months… the new grass, the flowers and spring fever had me in the mood for traveling!

I know we live in a high tech world, where I could tweet my every move, but I decided that you don’t really need to know what I am thinking about in between mouthfuls and the answer to the Facebook question of what’s on your mind would likely be too scary.

I will humor you with a recap of my spring adventures. It might just keep you curious humans on the edge of your seats. In the heat of the April summer, I went to Massachusetts to welcome little Julianna – she will be a heart breaker in a few years. To get away from the mud and black flies, I dropped by to see Corey in New Jersey and took a little vacation at the Star Barn Bed and Breakfast. I do love Toothaker Pond for a relaxing swim.

Lately, I have been busy slowing the traffic at my favorite spots along Routes 4 and 16. June proved to be a cool and rainy month, good for growing bugs but somewhat challenging for tomatoes, so I have been checking the progress of the new asparagus.

Did you know they are building a new road up to Rangeley and they are straightening out the S – curves along the way? It is supposed to be done later this year, but we shall see…wasn’t it supposed to be done last year? If you are inclined to drive up to Rangeley, be sure you make a pit stop at the Bear Hill Variety store before you head north because it might take you the best part of an hour to get there from Madrid.

But as my mom always said, the road to a friends is never long…I look forward to your visit soon!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Hello there Spring!

Hello there Spring!

Spring has sprung around western Maine – grass is visible, albeit brown, driveways are muddy and the snow sure is melting after a handful of warm days.
I did visit my smart friends down at the University of Maine – Farmington and saw a row of brave tulips poking up near the library, can’t wait for those colors. It seems too soon for those, but who am I to say!
As the mayor of Mooseville, I haven’t had much to say politically of late, but I think we should all take advantage of the Spring to celebrate the “Day the Moose Sprung” day!
A day where you might sit on your back porch and relish in the sunshine and laugh at the cluster flies who are confused by the warm temperatures and the big snow bank that you created with all that shoveling over the railing. Or maybe, you might head down to Farmington and sit on the bench outside Java Joes and just wave at the cars driving by…it is fun for me! Or just maybe, you could live dangerously and wash that old beater of a car you drive – as long as the dirt isn’t holding it all together!
I hope you have a great week filled with sunshine! Ahhh…the joy of spring – I can lick the salt off the roadways and wander through the melting bogs…wait, I think I feel a haiku coming.

Spring moose temptations
Laugh at the camera-laden cars
Wander across the road

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!


I would like to send a personal thank you out to my friend, who shall remain unnamed, for telling me that indeed, “March is the snowiest month of the year.” Well thank you, Corey (oops!) for that bit of uplifting news. Snow is good for skiing and snowshoeing, but my mind has already shifted to spring like the clocks last week.

Well, let us move on to some happier news for this week’s post because spring is indeed just down the road a piece. In the coming week, we will all turn a bit Irish as St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around Mooseville. Moose can go green with the best of them. I even have a four-leaf clover that I keep as an emergency snack, oh wait, maybe I ate that one already.

Corned beef and cabbage isn’t really a meal fit for a moose, but if you are so inclined, please do enjoy this truly American version of St. Patrick’s Day feast.

I would also like to send a hello to my buddy George in Wisconsin. He spent most of last week in the hospital, but is home now and definitely “moose-ing” it up! So I thought I would take a minute to tell you about all the healthy leafy greens we have to look forward to as the snow melts. According to Prevention magazine’s March issue, romaine, watercress and spinach are great sources of vitamins, calcium and even iron. Who knew Popeye was eating spinach to help lower his risk of macular degeneration.

I hope you have all made the transition to Daylight Savings Time and are now waking up at a respectable time!

Daylight Savings Time!


Hello Friends! (oops I forgot to publish this one!)

After a long February vacation around Mooseville, I have returned to remind you about Daylight Savings Time. Last night, the clocks were supposed to spring forward in the middle of the night and when we woke up it was an hour later.

March is one of those ironic months. For example, yesterday I saw people wearing sweatshirts instead of coats, puddles of water and sunshine, but this morning there was a wet and sticky snow covering everything in Mooseville.

I still don’t understand the time change, because time it is doesn’t matter much when you are a moose who doesn’t wear a watch. I get up when it is sunny and go to bed when it is dark, but occasionally I do stay up to watch late night television but that is a story for another time. But the hardest part of the time change is remembering what clocks you have changed and which ones you haven’t.

While I have your attention, I do want to encourage you to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You could run down to the Phillips Hardware and I am sure Betty can fix you up with some new 9-volt batteries. Did you know you should replace your smoke detectors every ten years? I apologize for adding something else to your to do list!

Since you have absolutely no idea what time it is, I would recommend that you make yourself another cup of coffee, read all about the specials at the Mooseville store and have a great day!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Love is in the Air!


What a busy week it has been in Mooseville.

First we start with the bad news…Phil from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania predicted six more weeks of winter! But that wasn’t really that unexpected for moose around town who had predicted a blustery February and a snowy March, but then we can talk about the hints of April’s peak at spring. For Arizona Cardinal Fans, they lost the big game.

But now moving onto the good news, it was a great game! A couple of random guys made a fun commercial for Doritos and got a million dollars for throwing a snow globe into a vending machine full of chips.

Valentine’s Day is coming right up, so to get you in the mood for love, I thought I would include this recipe from The Best of Strong Cooking (Strong, Maine).

Recipe for Love
By Anne Baker

1 c. love
1 boy
1 girl
2 c. kisses
4 c. hugs
1 T. aggressiveness
7 c. “?!&%#$”

Set all on a park bench and stir well. Put among the trees and bushes with one faded lamplight, a full moon and a deserted area. Then add a pinch of luck from the matchmaker.

Now, like Christmas, I hate to have to remind you, but moose like women have expectations. These expectations revolve around chocolate, flowers and the sappiest card that you can bear to sign your name on the inside, plus a gift. So get busy, because it is on Saturday and Corey still needs time to get your gifts in the mail.

Don’t forget your first loves – your mom and dad, your goofy college boyfriend and your husband! Check out the special Valentine's Section at Mooseville!

Love is in air – isn’t life just full of moose-e-ness!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Winter Lingers On...

Is it cold enough for you? What about snow and ice, haven’t we had enough of that already. In Mooseville, the snowdrifts are getting bigger than I am, but the nights are getting shorter as we move towards spring.

I know you hate it when I am overly optimistic right! I can hear you now saying, “Brodey, it is only Day One of February.”

In the month of February, there are some exciting things to celebrate. There are holidays like Valentine’s Day and February school vacation and the Phillips Community Center is having an Ice Skating party with cookies and hot chocolate on the 17th. We get to celebrate the birthdays of Abe Lincoln and George Washington with Presidents’ Day in the middle.

However, before I get myself all excited about that we should talk about today – it is Superbowl Sunday! Turn on your television and chef up some chicken wings and nachos because I am coming over soon.

In case you live in a burrow and don’t know who is playing, count on me to keep you informed. It is the Cardinals against the Steelers. Almost as important as the game, is the commercials they will play during half time.

Speaking of burrows, I want to remind you about one very important thing that happens on February 2. According to the smart people at Wikipedia, “the largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.” Punxsutawney Phil will step out of his burrow to meet his adoring fans on Monday and there are expected to be more than 25,000 people checking out his shadow.

We hope it will be cloudy!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Resolutions Progress!

Well, friends, the New Year is two weeks old, so it seemed appropriate to check in on everyone’s resolutions and how they are doing. It is said that most people abandon their resolutions the first week, but friends of Mooseville are a special bunch so maybe you have been more successful and made it to the end of week two.

As far as I am concerned, you are probably anxiously awaiting the results of my sixth resolution, which was to start writing the first great American Moose novel. I may first have to revise my resolution because I am considering writing a memoir instead to give people a first hand look at my life.

I have been struggling with my title, so I wanted to find out what you think. So far I am considering two main options which are “Brodey Goes To Graceland” or “Brussel Sprout Forest: Brodey’s Memoir.”

Once I have gotten my title nailed down, then the hard work will begin…because as you know typing with two hoofs is a little bit of a challenge. I keep hoping that the fine folks at Dell will invent a hoof-friendly keyboard, but no luck yet!

I would love to hear what you think about my title ideas or if you have another suggestion that would be great too!

Have a great day!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Third Graders Moose Resolutions

Here are a few New Years Resolutions (Moose oriented of course!) from a total moose third grade class in Utah! They even called Mooseville and sang a song for us at Christmas time! Well, here are their excellent resolutions!

I will not Moose-behave!
I will listen to good Moose-ic
I will not get sent to the Moose RC (That is a place in the back of the room where they go for time out -- The Moose Responsibility Center. If that doesn't work they get sent tot he SRC Student responsibility Center and get in all sorts of trouble... so the Moose RC is a warning)

I will not Moose Around
I will be 10 % smarter than the object I am dealing with.
I will not grow a moose-stach until I am 16.
If something is mooseing -I will look for it before asking
No more Moose-le toe for me! *blush*
Someday I am going to Moose-issippi.
I will not be moose-chievous
I will not let my desk get Moose-y
I will try and read more Moose-tries
I am going to work out hard so my Moose-cles will be impressive
I will not moose a day of school
I will go to an a-moose-ment park this summer
I will not make any more moose-takes
I will listen carefully and write down the correct Moose-age
When I grow up I want to drive a Moose-tang

And there you have it!

Happy New Year!

The time has come to say goodbye to 2008 and welcome in 2009! I always resolve to eat less and exercise more, but quickly fall down on my plans…just as soon as the new spring grasses are starting to grow and I can stand the better part of a day in a single spot chewing happily away.

Nonetheless, I figured it was about time for another top ten list to celebrate my new year’s resolutions.

As the mayor of Mooseville, I resolve to:

10) Not to eat more than two or three gardens this year – but watch out because I am likely to fail miserably at this one.

9) Get satellite television, so I can watch all my fellow creatures on the National Geographic channel – it is a long cold winter in Mooseville!

8) Get a good haircut, so I don’t look too mangy in the spring.

7) Not make fun of humans – even if they are funny looking!

6) Start writing my own great American Moose novel.

5) Learn something new, maybe like parasailing or French cooking (I can’t wait to share the photos with you!).

4) Send a thank you note to Corey for helping spread the love of Moose throughout the world.

3) Visit Roger at Saddleback and take some skiing lessons from him.

2) Keep all my blog readers informed about important Moose issues!

And my number one resolution for 2009 is…

To try my best to stay out of trouble and have fun every day!


One of my friend's favorite quotes (I'm deciding that it is one of mine too!) was written in 1905 by Bessie Stanley of Lincoln, NE:

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction."