Driving around the island Saturday morning after our Friday night of wind and rain, I found very few branches down, but several lakes had materialized. Finn O’Conner had a new lake in his side yard, and the school pond had hatched another lake around the fire hydrant. With warm temperatures, the small yellow flag was down, indicated skating on the school ponds (now plural) was not safe, but with temperatures due to fall, the ice may be strong enough for skating soon.

To prepare for that eventuality, students are asked to bring to school some kind of helmet to wear while on the ice. The teachers are also looking for helmet donations to keep at school for those students who forget theirs or do not yet have one. Please check your closets to see if perhaps you have one to donate.

While not yet skating the students have ventured into the snow both on snow shoes and on skies, looking around the school property at animal prints, learning which animals have been skittering around the school when no-one is there. Then, of course, many students have enjoyed the old-fashioned fun of rolling in the soft fluffy snow we had for several weeks. Perhaps after this January thaw, more snow will come.

Mounds of kelp on the road indicated that the sea had broached the sea wall at Hendricks Head especially toward the western side of the beach. No damaged appeared to have resulted. Strong southerly winds created lovely pictures of surf hitting the rocks both at Hendricks Head and at town landing as I watched on Saturday morning. Even in the aftermath of a storm we can enjoy the picturesque place in which we live.

With below freezing temperatures back on Monday, Jan. 15, about 150 Southport Memorial Library supporters attended the Souper Bowl luncheon at the Southport Town Hall, choosing among 24 different types of soups, a variety of breads, visiting with friends, and finishing off their dining with delicious cookies and cake. Donations totaling over $900 will support the children’s literature collection.

The Library Aides extend a heart-felt thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success, from making soups to setting up tables and to all those who braved the frigid temperatures to join us for lunch! A few quotes from the lunch crowd as they left for their home tell of the good times: “It was such a lovely day! I so enjoyed visiting with everyone!” “It was just as good as always! Thank you!” and “best event ever of the year!”

We hear that Kathy Barter continues to improve although she is still recovering at Maine Medical Center. You can continue to send cards to her addressed to the Ventilation Unit, Room 427, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME 04102.