Yes, and hearing this accent reminds me of Julius Sumner Miller, originally from Mass (our science teacher would play him in class sometimes). There are differences between them, but, it's interesting to hear a continuity as you move northward through New England (I'm orig from RI). Not sure if this accent fell away in MA as the generations moved on. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E3szmCF8-L8.html
Tim, I absolutely love it. You are a man after my own heart. And I am definitely "from away". I had a couple of friends that grew up in Maine. I loved them both and both brought a unique perspective on life from a fish camp point of view. I, like you, see the universal truth (I am always looking for the funny) in everything. You nailed it. It is all about commonality and respect. I loved Bert and I. So much so, that I had to go to Maine just to experience the culture firsthand. I went up for Lobster Fest and then drove upstate to Acadia. I absolutely loved Maine. It is Americana at its absolute best, seemingly frozen in time. It is hardworking Americans showing the best of us. And with a little respect, you can learn from the local population. You learn fast that the locals don't like out-of-towners if they come in thinking they corner the market on how things should be done. I could live in Maine for the rest of my days and be happy. However, being From Away I will always be just that. I love the Downeast humor and get it even though I am not from there. Just makes me roll thinking about it. What a rich and beautiful culture. I was born in Nebraska. We are a bunch of German Lutheran dirt farmers that cut a town out of a cornfield. Cheers Mate, Gary