I am having difficulty writing today, the weather is still so nice, though the gentle silent breezes of this morning are picking up and bringing their sounds with them, tuning up for the gusts that are to come with the next storm. The skies that had been brilliant blue are gradually losing their luster as they become veiled by, yet, thin clouds, the sun diminishing in strength, still warm and creating the shadows of the trees on the snows that remain from several previous weather events.

A walk into the woods helped focus my attention to tasks at hand, but not enough, so I filled the bird feeders. The turkeys had a raid while I was away this morning, and I want to be sure the intended feathery friends get their fill as they prepare for another burst of winter. I prepared a few other things as well, moved wood into the house and closer to the door, checked on the shovel I will most assuredly need, planned out some hardy meals, and now, perhaps now I can begin in earnest. The cats are resting after morning romps, the dog exhausted from following scents in the woods for an hour or so, running and leaping at full tilt with that infectious joy, so the house is quiet enough for words to flow, just the hum of the furnace that runs more than I think it should, despite its low setting. Also the tick of the clock reminding me that I have a deadline, that it is time.

Tuesday, Feb. 24 is what has become Tech Tuesday with Tarsha. Beginning at 10 a.m., for an hour, you can have your questions regarding phones and computers answered, get advice for troubleshooting, device maintenance, and other useful information. It is low key and fun, so, bring your device and join the table. It coincides with the coffee table group who welcome all to join for the sharing of news, conversation, jokes, tales old and new, rarely a dull moment, and there are baked goods to share. They also meet on Thursday so pull up a chair. Regular hours for all other library services and access to the fabulous assortment of volumes to take out are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, and 6-8, Saturday 9-4.

This Thursday evening, Feb. 26 will be Game Night from 6 to 7:30. It is Classic Board Games that evening. There are many games at the library, but if you have a favorite bring it along, perhaps some friends or family too. Some light snacks and beverages will be available while you enjoy some fun.

Also, on Tuesday the 24th you can enjoy the first Friends and Tacos at the Southport General Store. The community style taco bar, chips and salsa will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. and cost is $15 per person. They invite you to make a friend, eat tacos, and learn some Spanish. These taco nights will be held every Tuesday for the foreseeable future. Do not forget that the Community Knitting Group meets every Wednesday, weather permitting, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the dining area of the store. This welcoming group takes all skill levels and is free.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Town Hall, the Southport Island Association will host the Community Soup Potluck, Souper Bowl. This event is open to all and free, however, donations will be accepted and 100% of them will go to support the family who sustained a devastating house fire this past week. You are encouraged to bring a favorite soup or dessert, but just bringing yourself and an appetite is perfectly fine. As if the event were not going to be pleasant enough, there is an extra twist of fun, Take a Bowl, Leave A Bowl, it works like this. Bring a bowl to leave at the event and pick up a new bowl to fill with soup while you are there. Afterward you take your new bowl home with a full belly and heart. While you are there you can see friends and family, catch up, enjoy the company of the community, and the smell and taste of good soup and the sound of happy voices gathering to break bread together.

While we will be enjoying a good meal, there is still a good deal of food insecurity in our area. Angel at Southport Island Treasures knows this and is helping as she does each month by collecting for various organizations on the island and in our broader community. This month she has chosen the Community Fridge whose guiding principle is Take what you need and Give what you can. The Community Fridge is open 24/7 and is stocked through donations from local residents, restaurants, farmers, fishermen, grocers, volunteers, and community organizations. It keeps alive the tradition of neighbors looking out for neighbors, a truly worthy cause. In what remains of this month, you can visit the store at 608 Hendricks Hill Road during the hours of 10-4, Monday-Saturday. If you bring a non-perishable food item, you can fill out two raffle tickets for this month’s prize which is a soup gift basket. While you are there you should check out some of the wonderful items ranging from jewelry to home décor, and lots in between. Currently there are also whimsical Easter things to brighten up your rooms, or to begin gathering goodies for those Easter baskets, she also has the baskets. Drop in, you will not be disappointed.

Looking ahead, it is time for the Southport Town Hall Meeting to be held Monday, March 2 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The voting by secret ballot will be held between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on that same day, this is to elect (1) Selectman, Assessor & Overseer of the Poor for a three-year term, a Member of the School Committee for a three-year term, a Member of the School Committee for a two-year term, and a Boothbay Region Water District Trustee for a three-year term. Articles 3-60 will be taken up at 7:30. All the Articles can be found in the Annual Report of the Town Officers for Southport Maine, for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025. These are available at the Memorial Library, Town Hall, and several other locations.

Since I mentioned March, circle the 6th for some fun at the Opera House. The last Open Mic Night will of course feature some Southport talent, go and show them some love and maybe even sing along, the Newagen Crew should not be missed. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is $5 per person. In addition to that date circle March 17 -- Robinson’s Wharf will reopen and I hear that there will be music as well, so dancing and renewing our love for this gathering place and eatery.

Tonight, has brought the flying squirrels to the feeder. There is the proverbial calm before the storm and quiet remains inside and outside the house in the woods, no telling what will come tomorrow, whatever does, Nature will have her way, we will be bystanders, be cautious, check in on those around you as the day gets going, we seem to have moved from storm to blizzard conditions likely, a perfect Scrabble day if you have someone with you, or a whole day of PJ’s, books, handiwork, whatever keeps you happy while indoors. I know the dog will need out. I will revel in the whirl of flakes and then be happy for the shelter I will have again. Send out words of love and encouragement for those who may not have that, be thankful, share what you can, and May Peace Be With You All.