Normally I would be saying good morning as I begin the column, however, I will admit to having found it difficult to make my way to the work area at the end of my kitchen table. I have been distracted by the beauty of the island, the weather, and by a bit of upheaval to my routines due to visitors. None of these are bad things, especially not beholding the simple wonders of nature --the osprey, ducks, egrets, herons, gulls and terns around the waters in which I take daily dips, the spirea, queen Anne’s lace, black-eyed Susans, rabbits foot and yellow clover, a few lingering daisies that edge the paths I walk, and the constant breezes that bring the harmonious hum when joined with the tides that ebb and flow around us.

If you have been out and about, you may have noticed the brownness of the grass, or its bristle wire feel under your feet, the drought remains with us. We would need 1-3 inches of rain each week for the rest of the year to fully overcome the lingering groundwater deficits, something not in the forecast, so let us be collectively careful to conserve, and be aware of what a tinder box we are, mind the fire pits, burn barrels, grills, fireworks, and no cigarettes out the window, or any trash for that matter.

It is blueberry time, so we know summer is moving along. This last week of July holds some great events to enjoy, here are the ones I know of. 

At the Southport Memorial Library there are the wonderful year-round events and services, the coffee table on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 10 a.m. WiFi access, computers, printing, scanning, art shows, children’s room, and a vast collection to borrow from. In addition, this week there are two events, first is Chewonki Scales and Tails on Wednesday, July 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. This is in lieu of Storytime. This program works to dispel fears of reptiles by allowing attendees to examine snake skins, turtle shells, skeletons, and other unique reptilian artifacts. Using live, non-releasable reptiles, this program will compare these species and discuss their adaptations. Then on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. there will be an author talk with local author R. John Dingle. He will discuss his novel “Before The Devil Knows,” the latest in the Gus Wheeler FBI thriller series.

Now, a reminder to mark your calendars with a big red circle for the upcoming annual Book and Bake Sale to be held on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some, I have heard, plan their stay on the island around this long-standing fundraiser, it is not to be missed. What makes it so special is the community support in attendance and in the donation of homemade goodies to be sold. If you have a favorite recipe, please consider making it, listing your ingredients and dropping it off at the library between 3 and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, or from 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. on Thursday the 6th.

This week the Friends of the Southport Historical Society and the Boothbay Regional Historical Society are jointly sponsoring a talk by Don Carrigan, veteran Maine newscaster, on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m., Southport Town Hall. Carrigan has been a broadcaster for more than 50 years and he will talk about his career in television, and the changes that have occurred over the years within Maine’s coastal communities. He is a native of South Bristol where he lives in the house he grew up in. 

Now, back to next week and marking those calendars, this time for Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 5 until 7 p.m., when Southport Island Association (SIA) will hold its annual picnic. All Southporters, their families and guests, are invited to enjoy this community event. Ocean Gate Inn is the location, cost is $10 per person. Children under age 6 are free. Hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, condiments, lemonade, seltzers and waters are provided. Any dish - salads (starch, vegetable, fruit), baked beans, finger food, desserts you might bring to share are appreciated. Carpool if you can, and bring lawn chair(s). For more information, call or text Janet Duchaine, 860-484-9006. 

While not events, there are places to stop and support all around the island, The General Store and Barn for sustenance and a look at Maine arts and crafts, and if it is Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m., the Community Knitting Group. Then a bit further down Route 27 the Possibilities Antique Shop, open daily and filled with treasures of the past that might suit your current life.  If you venture on, turn left, have a meal at Cozy’s Dockside, or at the fork in the road head to 66 Pratt’s Island Road to the Elderkin Studio and be swept into the vibrant colors and familiar scenes. Head out onto the main road again, brave the traffic lights, the construction and enjoy the charm of the Southport Island Treasures thrift and resale shop, sign up for the raffle, be the happy winner of the month. Keep going for the stunning views off of Town Landing, seek quiet respite at All Saints on the east side or take in a good meal while watching the boats and swing bridge at Robinson’s Wharf, whatever you choose when you cross the bridge, remember this place is a home to many, not a destination, treat it thus and May Peace Be With You All.

Contact me at 717-380-1521.