I do hope that all the ospreys have returned to their traditional spots across the island by now, and that they are rebuilding, repairing and perhaps expanding nests for the next generation. It is a delight to hear their call and admire their flight. Here in Pennsylvania, spring has moved forward with gusto, the roads covered in the already fallen petals from Bradford pears and ornamental cherry trees, white and pink carpets. Red buds have gone to leaf, hosta leaves unfurling, ferns and Solomon’s seal well over a foot tall, and azaleas now blooming. Wrens have already begun to feather their nests. I have been amazed, but I am very much looking forward to the flora emerging on Southport, by now there should be the pale green beginnings of the day lilies, perhaps coltsfoot and some of the flowering trees, by weeks end I will know for certain. 

Word came to me that the Italian Dinner at the Southport General Store wrapped up the Winter Supper Series with a full house of familiar faces and friends. I was sorry to miss it. The amazing staff loved serving and chatting with each and every one of you.A thank you goes out to Kyle and Sean from @southportislandfarm for sharing their micro-greens with guests and helping elevate theevening.Everyone at the store isvery excited about this coming year, and they will be announcing new events, workshops, festivals and menu items very soon, I will be sure to let you know what I might hear. 

I havevery much missed the Southport Memorial library while I have been away, especially the coffee table. If you do not know already, there is a coffee hour on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 until it ends.  On Tuesday there is most often Tech Time with Tarsha, from 10 to 11 a.m., but not this week; she has business to attend and cannot assist with phone and computer problems as she normally does.When she is able, she is really amazing, knowledgeable, patient and kind, the perfect combination when navigating some frustrating tricky, techie issues. 

The regular hoursfor the library are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4.  On the next two Thursdays, the 23rd and the 30th, from 6 to 7ish, two events to usher in spring will be occurring. This week, the Succulent Social with Andrea Peaslee from Harbor Blooms Floral Shop (located in the Small Mall).  It would be nice if you could bring some succulent cuttings to share, though Andrea will bring plants. You will need an old teacup, though severalwill be available thanks to Southport Island Treasures, a unique deep dish, or other small, interesting container, and together with friends and family you will learn how to make your own mini succulent garden.  Refreshments will be served. On the 30th you can enjoy the Southport Seed Swap brought to you by the Bloomin Babes, a casual but savvy garden group that meets at the library.  Come swap your seeds with neighbors, you know you are not going to need the fifty tomatoes, or peppers, you might want to try something you have not tried before, this is a nice way to get some variety, and not spend any more money.  Come enjoythe company and refreshments from 6 to 7, just in time to start the seeds and have them ready for your garden. 

Hopefully the fundraiser for the sixth-grade trip is going well at Southport Island Treasures, if you have not checked out the fish pillows, selling for $20 each, you should try to make it during the store hours, Monday-Saturday from 10 to 4.  If you don’t need a pillow, you can still place a donation in the Mad Money jar at the counter, anything you put in will go directly to the students for the trip, this does go through May, but now is a good time, plus you may want to check out the other awesome items and sign up for the free raffle, I try to make it a weekly outing. 

Perhaps you’d lunch before you head over to the West side shop; we are fortunate to have two options right now, the General Store, and Robinson’s Wharf which is open 11:30-8 Tuesday to Saturday. You can of course go for dinner as well, nightly specials, the favorites on the menu and a well-stocked bar too.  Murky Water will be back this Friday, the 25th from 5 to 8. There is nothing like some live music to kick off your weekend. 

I had plenty of things to kick off this weekend, the wedding that I came for occurred with my son as a bridesman in full kilt, quite the event with a singing priest and bagpipe hymns and then a reception. Tt has been a while since I was in the midst that kind of energy and it was most enjoyable, but it is time for me to head home. I love the rolling hills here, the lush farmland that will very soon be yielding strawberries, corn, lush tomatoes that will be sold at farmstands everywhere, none more than a mile away and at very reasonable prices, I will miss that, I always do, but home is home. The blush from the cold and sun is out of my cheeks, the lingering scent of pine in my jacket which I have not needed is almost gone, I long for views from the beach, the salty smell of the air, so I know that when I cross the bridge I will feel a sense of joy, I will leave all else behind, and be home again. I look forward to seeing one and all and hope that Peace Will Be With You All until then.