I recently took 2 weeks off from Moosehead Marketplace, my first break since I started it 2 years ago.  I went to visit a daughter's family in Mississippi, another daughter's family in California, and son & girlfriend in Southern Maine.  I had hoped to stop at my youngest daughter's in Minnesota, but it didn't work out.

Our newest grandchild, Olivia, born a few hours after we arrived in California.

I miss my kids, a lot.  Friends put up with me lamenting on facebook about how it should be like my childhood, Grammy Vi and Grampy Jim across town, Grampy Leo in Rockwood, Aunts, Uncles and cousins all around.  My kids grew up here too with family, this is Grammy Vi with cousins Kaley, Becca, Stephen and Aimee.

I know why my kids have all left Greenville, for work.  They love it here, are crazy about coming back to visit, get out on  Moosehead Lake, climb mountains, visit with friends.  But they and their spouses don't want to work twice as much for half the money if they stay in this area.  Some of their professions are specialized, not even an option here.

Cousins on a trip to Quebec with Grammy Virginia.

Why is this woman complaining about missing her kids, I bet you're thinking.  Because, we're missing many of that generation here at Moosehead.  The young families who fill schools.  I've seen the change, I graduated from GHS with over double of the class sizes now.  It's not unique to  Greenville, Maine is aging.  

The powers that be are trying here, focusing on improving the area and marketing. 

It's still winter here, the state even extended the ice fishing season by 2 weeks.

And we get about 8 weeks of glorious summer, if we're lucky.  July and August.  Sometimes though, the weather is turning cold by the middle of August.  

Ok, so the point of this blog post?  Moosehead Marketplace is here year round, except for the rare occasions when I visit my kids.  Selling you products made here, and they make wonderful gifts.  Maine Mountain Soap and Candle crafts their wares right here on Main St., if you are in the area, stop in.  If you're not, order them from us, and you're still helping their family business.  The same goes for all the local producers, Northwoods Gourmet Girl, Moosehead Balsam Fir, Moose Bee, and so many more.  I buy the inventory, so as you help me build this business, I can reach out and buy from even more local producers. Please tell your friends about us, especially the ones who love Moosehead, like we do.  And a huge Thank You to all our customers!