Jeff Allison asked me to write this week’s Buzz column. He is helping his dad, Bill, in Florida who is receiving good medical care and doing better. We have the family in our hearts and prayers.

I live here year-round and see seasonal comings and goings especially as The Blakesley cottage is opposite the Post Office and Phil and Karen's house. It’s a welcome change from the long dark winter to see folks returning and Linekin Bay filling up with boats for another season. My senses are stimulated by the sounds of pickleball, children's laughter and chatter on people's decks, which replaces the sound of snow plows and shovels clearing the snow. There is always a chance meeting with conversations and news of the next generation. Having lived here for 27 years we are lucky to see toddlers grow into teenagers and adults. There are the regulars who come to stay every year and those who come now and then like Jennifer Hodgdon and partner Zack, daughter of Alan who sadly passed away two years ago. They are glad to be away from the hazardous air quality caused by the wildfires in Spokane, Washington where they live. Jennifer retired from her job as computer programmer and volunteers by coaching children with disabilities and and is involved in an organization that locates housing for the homeless and people in transition in Spokane.

Karen and Phil are overjoyed to have David and Rachael together again at their home to celebrate Birthday Month. Let's all sing “Happy Birthday” together from our cottage. I think Al Roberts could organize such an event. Don't forget to order a crate of David's Blue Lobster canned wine guaranteed to remind you of Bayville whenever you are.

Andrea and Chris Neilson are finally moving back into their newly renovated house just in time for Labor Day and visits from Lucy and girlfriend Maddie Osborne and their two dogs from Austin Texas. Dan will be coming next week and is graduating mid September with his masters in sculpture from the Royal College of Art in London.

Rock Cottage drew the Lafferty and Stover families to Bayville once again. On July 22, the Lafferty family celebrated the life of Hilary who died in November after a long battle with cancer. The Bayville family, friends and neighbors gathered and shared memories of Hilary. Hilary’s husband Wayne and their daughters Kristin Gower and her husband Blake and Blake’s parents, Dr. Asland Lafferty and her boyfriend Enrique, and Megan Lafferty hosted the party. May I add that I was moved to tears hearing Megan singing an Adele song “Make You Feel My Love.”

The Stover clan arrived in August at full strength, Kit and Smokey, Emily, Rebecca and Jared Baker and their teenage daughters Caroline and Eleanor, and KC and Justin Kita and their 18-month-old toddler, Celeste, overlapped for several weeks. Celeste stole the show. She had many cousins and aunts taking care of her. Four dogs added excitement. Boat trips to Hog and Damariscove islands added to the family fun.

Some of folks often ask me what's it like in the winter. Lately there is less snow and temperatures are extreme, sometimes ranging from minus 10F to 40F in two days. My gladiola bulbs planted in the ground over winter have survived the last three years. Last December we had a storm surge that submerged the waterfront parking lot and parts of the Linekin Lodge lawn. Lineken Bay is a magical place as darkness sets in at four and with less light pollution, the stars are incredibly bright. People also ask me if I swim all year long. At 38F water temperatures I take dips, sometimes under the starlight sweeping off the ice that gathers at the beach. Seasons change and generations go by. Let us not forget to pass along some gems from the past to the next generation with the words of Bayville Song.

Bayville’s the place for you folks

When you’ve time for play

Summer will turn to autumn

Then we must say good day

Cheer up and don’t look solemn

There will be a time someday

When we’ll be together in Bayville

Down on Linekin Bay

and a BAYVILLE CHEER!

Hobble, gobble Razzle, dazzle Siss, boom ba, Bayville, Bayville Ra Ra Ra