Lisa Sicard

Lisa moved from Southern New England to the rural mountains of Maine in 2020 with her husband. Drawing from her hands-on experience with slower-paced rural living, she shares the beauty, honest realities, and simple pleasures of life in the Maine woods, along with their rural travels across the United States and abroad.

Maine political signs 2026 mid term primary

2026 Midterms in Maine CD2: Political Signs Are Popping Up Again in Our Rural Towns

Rural Area Living / By

As we head into the final weeks before the November 3 general election, political signs are starting to appear again along the back roads of Western Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Early voting is already open, and while the overall number of signs still feels lighter than in some past cycles, a handful of candidates have

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rural voter turnout 2024

Rural Voter Turnout 2026: What We’re Seeing Before the Midterms

Leave a Comment / Rural Area Living / By

Rural voter turnout surged in 2024, driven by economic pressure, candidates who spoke more directly to rural concerns, and grassroots efforts that felt personal rather than distant. In our small rural town in Maine, turnout jumped from the usual 600 to 887 people who voted or cast an absentee ballot. Now, heading into the 2026

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wearing orange during hunting season

Wearing Orange During Hunting Season: Simple Rules That Keep Us Safe

Rural Area Survival / By

We still remember the thud of a distant rifle while walking the dog along a dirt road one frosty morning. A truck slowed down, the hunter waved, and we realized our flannel shirts were a bad choice. That close call changed how we show up outside from October through December, especially during firearm season when

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cost of a heat pump in Maine 2026

Cost of a Heat Pump in 2026: Real Maine Prices

Rural Area Survival / By

In 2026, most homeowners pay about $4,000–$6,500 for a single-zone mini-split and $8,000–$22,000+ for a whole-home or ducted system before rebates. In western Maine, cold-climate equipment, travel labor, and electrical upgrades push jobs toward the high end. After Efficiency Maine rebates, many Maine homes net $1,000–$9,000 off, depending on income and number of outdoor units.

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