The bare silhouettes of the trees now show themselves, most of the leaves carpet the ground, layers are required both in the house and outside as a chill begins to emerge and linger in the air. The first true frost has yet to come, but plants have withered, gardens have been laid to rest, winds continue to blow. Sunsets have been golden, early, and nights arrive quickly and are long, winter is at our heels, that is a certainty.

While hours have been shortened by most remaining businesses, the hum of community events continues, bringing us together in celebration and fellowship. 

On Thursday, Nov. 13 there will be a celebration of the life of Ruth Davenport at the Southport United Methodist Church beginning at 11:30 a.m. To read the obituary for this remarkable woman you can go to www.hallfuneralhomes.com there you can also extend a condolence or share a story with the Davenport family.

Also on that Thursday morning, around 10 a.m., the Southport Memorial Library will host the Tuesday, Thursday coffee table. Coffee is free, there is usually a baked good, and frequently good conversation, this past week there was also song, the reciting of poems, several jokes, and a lot of laughter, consider joining in this long-standing tradition, many linger until about noon, a pleasant way to spend some time.

Saturday, Nov. 15 will offer two events, the first being the Holiday Open Farm Day and Food Drive. This is being held at the Cape Newagen Farm from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free, festive, family friendly fete is open to all, and an opportunity to meet and chat with local farmers, Barters Island Bees and Southport Lavender who will be bringing their handcrafted goods for sale. Those goods will be in addition to the farms favorite alpaca socks, homemade body butters and locally grown yarns, as well as knitted hats from Vito, Sunny, and Tiny (those are alpacas, not knitters). There will be inside studio and outside tables with wares, light refreshments, and an outdoor fire to warm up.  Also, remember you can meet the baby alpacas, Apollo, Persey and Lola. It sounds like a perfectly enjoyable event for the season of giving, and in that spirit, you are being asked to consider bringing a canned item, or donation to support our local food bank to stave off food insecurity. Cape Newagen Farm will be donating 10% of all farm sales both in person and on-line to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry. Come shop for locally made gifts and support our local families.

The second event on that day will be right next door to the farm, at the Southport Memorial Library, and starts at 2 p.m. This will be an Author Talk with writer Marita Fairfield; she lives on Westport and is the creator of “The Merman’s Child” and “The Merman’s Hope.” Hear about the merman’s origin and how the story has grown over the years. Light refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase.

As we move further into the season giving, do not overlook Southport Island Treasures while searching for that just right gift. This thrift/resale shop is neatly appointed with all sorts of wonders, ranging from stationery, to beauty, housewares, décor items, clothing, jewelry, games, puzzles, and so much more, you are going to find something perfect for someone, or yourself. Make sure to enter this month’s free raffle, the table runner is stunning, white deer accented with black and gold it would bring any holiday table to life. October’s winner was Amy Harkins, this month it could be you. There is already a display of charming Christmas themed merchandise, December is going to be here before we know it. As Angel does each month, she is collecting to give back to the community, this month, as last and December, she will donate to the Southport Methodist Church. Stop in to browse, shop, enter, or give during her regular hours, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You will not be disappointed.

Most of today (Sunday) has been dappled gray, lighter moments, darker ones too, but gray overall. Not sure if this early sunset will have much color, but I hope to find out on my final walk for the day, sooner in the day than before, still beautiful, as being out in nature almost always is. I would be off kilter without time out of doors in this beautiful place. When I arrived, I prayed that no sight would ever become mundane, nothing has, my haunts give back to me every day, as do encounters with all that I pass on my wanderings.

May Peace Be With You All.