I've used this headline five times since I began writing this column about a year and a half ago. I guess you could call it a cop out but I don't always feel inspired to write about one topic each week. So, here it goes.

Waiting to get out of the Irving/Mainway/Circle K parking lot in early December, especially from Thursday through Saturday, is pretty nice. It shows that Gardens Aglow, the Boothbay Festival of Lights and the weather are working in our favor — in regards to the off-season economy. From what we're hearing, Saturday's crowds were spectacular for the Harbor Lights Festival and into the evening. Some merchants said it was better than some days in August.

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Speaking of the weather — I'm fine with a slow start to winter. A dusting here, an inch of snow there, temperatures not yet in the single digits ... but we all know the worst is yet to come. Monday's little blast of rain, ice and snow caused a few accidents around the peninsula. Hopefully we are now a bit more accustomed to driving in winter weather again (happens every year) and our vehicles are ready to handle the ice and snow. Be patient and be safe.

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The high school basketball season begins this Friday. After a long political season, I don't think I've been this excited about high school basketball starting since the days when I was coaching. Coach Tanner Grover has nearly all of his Lady Seahawks team members returning from their outstanding state final run last season. Coach I.J. Pinkham begins his 40th year as Seahawk boys basketball coach and will add to his state best win total of over 600 victories. Good luck to both teams and may you be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.