Another week of winter, the first one of February in the past, hopefully you had some high points and were able to enjoy the company of others at some event, or the solitude and quiet that our hometown can bring, either way we move forward. It is good to sit down to write in the coziness of my little house, with only the whir of the heat, and snoring of the dog. Seeing the white expanse outside, the small cyclones of snow being formed by the wind, the bending of the trees, I realize how fortunate I am to be sheltered from the cold, I give thanks for this and many things, including those of you who will be making many of the things of which I will write available to all of us.

I suppose chronologically might be best, so, this Tuesday, the 10th, you can begin your day at the Southport Memorial Library, it opens at 9 a.m., but at 10, you can both enjoy the Coffee Table, and technical support from Tarsha Damore. She has kindly offered to lend her expertise with iPhones and computers for an hour each Tuesday, so bring your queries, befuddlements, or novice confusion, and allow her to bring some clarity, and provide answers. The Coffee Table, which also meets on Thursday around 10 can provide the conversation and laughs to get you off on the right foot for the day, or the days ahead, coffee is free, hot, and there will be some sweet treats as well, Tuesday will be Tres Leche Cake and Thursday will be elevated Rice Crispy Treats, drop in and enjoy.

On Thursday the 12th, the library will be hosting the second of the Game Nights, 6 to 7:30 p.m., this will be one-vs-one games. While they have many games to choose from, you are encouraged and should feel free to bring your own favorite games to play. Light snacks will be available. So, while it might not be the Olympics, bring your competitive spirit, good sportsmanship, and let the games begin. The library is located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, and regular hours are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. If you need a ride to Game Night contact the librarian at 1-207-633-2741. 

The next three events are a bit in the future, I will mention them again in another column, but it is good to get things on your calendar, we all get busy, and it is nice to look forward to an event. First, Friday, Feb. 20, 4-6 p.m., the Southport General Store will hold the next event in the Winter Supper Series: Baked Bean and Book Swap. This is a cozy, community-style buffet and will feature three different bean dishes, cornbread, tea and coffee and dessert. The staff at the store is looking forward to seeing you and asking that you grab a bowl, pull up a chair, swap a book, and make a new friend. The Book Swap is simple. Bring your gently loved books and swap them out with your neighbors’ gently loved books. The cost for this event is $25 per person and that entitles you to unlimited beans, bread, coffee, tea, snacks, and desserts. If you are unable to stay, you can still enjoy the food, To Go is available. 

Next up also takes place at the Southport General Store. Beginning with Tuesday, the 24th, and every Tuesday after, you can attend Friends and Tacos from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a community style taco bar with all the trimmings and chips and salsa. A nice opportunity to meet some friends, eat some tacos, and I have been told, learn some Spanish. Cost for Friends and Tacos is $15 per person. Regular hours at the store are Monday-Friday 7:30-4:30, and don’t forget the Community Knitting Group meets there each Wednesday from 2-4, weather permitting.

Then, wrapping up the month on Saturday, Feb. 28, will be Souper Bowl, a free community potluck lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., sponsored by the Southport Island Association and held at Town Hall. More details will follow, but based on last year’s success, I would make sure to mark this one down. In the meanwhile start thinking about the soup you might want to make and share, I know we all have some family favorites, or want to try a new recipe that sounds intriguing, so, get the pots out, chop, sauté, stir, boil, simmer, blend, season, make the windows steam up and the aromas swirl through the house, the ones that bring the cooks in your past back into your hearts, minds and kitchens, have some fun, and then plug in the Crockpots, keep it all warm and share with friends, family, and strangers alike, food at a table brings people together.

In the spirit of sharing, Angel at Southport Island Treasures is collecting for the Community Fridge. You can make a monetary donation, or if you bring in a non-perishable food item, it will qualify you to get two free raffle tickets for this month’s drawing which is for a gift basket with two bowl cozies and many other goodies. Drop by the store to support the Fridge and check out the prize. Last month’s winner was Corinne Cusumano. She took home the lovely reversible table runner and will be ready to set the Valentine table with the heart side, and then roosters and hens for an Easter theme. The store inventory changes frequently, and variety is wide, clothes, home décor items, jewelry, stationary, kitchen items, and so much more, go and browse, also get a piece of fudge. A perfect winter outing, the shop is warm in temperature and will warm your heart. It is located at 608 Hendricks Hill Road and hours are Monday-Saturday 10-4.

I began with the dog snoring and am ending with the cats beginning to circle about reminding me that dinner is not that distant. They are not wrong, but the rule is Mama goes away with the dog first, and it is only when she arrives back that food will be dispensed to one and all. Due to this rule, I arrive back from the walk and find cats looking out the windows and directly inside the door, the cacophony begins almost immediately. They use what little strength they have left after being near starvation to complain of tardy, slow service, their dramatics amuse me and bring laughter, they do not make the food come faster. The dog is just joy-filled, leaping high into the air as the cups of food hit his bowl. He is easily pleased, as he will be momentarily when I begin layering up, getting his leash and my keys. Whether you need the dramatic, or the simple things to find pleasure, may you find some this week, then share some of it with someone else. The cold has kept many indoors, so call, drop by for a sit down, offer a ride, lunch, perhaps write a card, whatever it may be, it can mean a lot. 

May Peace Be With You All.