This week past, Chet and Muriel have been sampling what St. Andrews Independent Living is like.

Pianist Muriel met violinist Shirley. Almost at once they made a date to play duets after dinner, and that was the first of several musical sessions.

Both guests have taken part in the thrice-weekly exercise sessions led by Sarah Gudroe.

Bridge happens in the Pinkham Dining Room on Monday and Thursday mornings. Jane Larsen of Boothbay comes to organize the games. People who live at the Village and other citizens from towns nearby also come to enjoy some bridge.

Monday, a vegetable gardener/bridge player brought small packages of green beans for each of the other players: a sort of bridge favor.

July ended with the monthly birthday party. This ice-cream-and-cake event honors residents whose birthdays fall in that month. Everyone is invited. People from the cottages are included, which makes for an even happier party.

Naomi, a cottager with nimble fingers, had provided cards she had made, for residents to fill out.

The planter boxes outside the Pinkham Dining Room are overflowing with flowers, herbs and vegetables, courtesy of all that sunshine, all the rain that have come this way in July. Bright cosmos and brighter zinnias vie with portulaca and nasturtiums for attention. More residents are needed to reap our summer crops.

One afternoon, Danny Beal entertained at St. Andrews Village, with his special brand of brio. After his performances, everyone is in a mellow mood.

August began with sun. Residents came out (literally) onto the balcony outside the Village library that first afternoon, to quaff iced tea, enjoy the sunshine and breezes and to chat happily with one another.

August then continued with rain! So far this month, there’s no promise of drought.