Having just returned home from the 4th of July parade held this morning at nine, I am filled with a sense of joy that this community brings.  Neighbors and friends gathered to see the fire trucks, decorated cars, the “pirate ship” filled with children, bicycles with flags, bunting, streamers ridden by enthusiastic kids, strollers, walkers, it all is a reminder of small-town wonder and goodness.  Walking back to the car provided one more bit of happiness, a pen with alpacas from the Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm. If you have never been, you should make a point of going this summer.  Anne and Mike have been alpaca owners for 14 years and have provided tours and treks for 10 of those. They are Midcoast Maine fiber producers, offering farm raised yarns and family friendly farm experiences, which include:  Farm Tours Wednesday-Sunday, Alpaca Trekking Adventures on Thursdays and Fridays, and Private PACA Lunches offered on Wednesdays during the month of July.  For more information, or to book your visit you can go to:  www.capenewagenfarm.com  

The Fourth is always a busy day that deserves a worthy end. Bobbing on the in-coming tide is remarkably soothing, looking out over the horizon leaves all the noise of a day behind, no matter how loud it was, even if the beach is busy, and it is getting filled with more and more people, all of it literally washes away as you focus on the ripples, the building clouds, the mist veiling the further islands, comb jellyfish luminescing, tranquility comes, even as the busy season begins in earnest.  

One of the other benefits of beach time is seeing the sailboats coming out of Cozy Harbor, or Cosy as Gus Pratt preferred, filled with the students from the Southport Yacht Club, learning the art of faring the sea from their sailing program which has been in existence since 1923, one of the oldest in the area. I may be the least nautical person on the island, have yet to see the island from the right side, by that I mean the water side, but I have a great appreciation for the boats and those that navigate them for work and pleasure.  I can only imagine the wonder of all the coves, they are in abundance, a lacey frill on a map which I have studied a good deal. 

Speaking of sailing, on Monday, July 14,  7 p.m., at Town Hall, Friends of the Historical Society will sponsor a lecture titled:  Sailmaking with Sherm Brewer. Sherm, who learned the craft of sail making at the loft of Nathaniel Wilson will speak of his experiences in the profession, and the local history of this trade.  The event is free and open to all interested.  

If you are a knitter and want to build on the ribbed hat, you might want to add this to your calendar. July 16, 9 a.m.-noon, Knitting Next Steps:  Cabled Hat Workshop.  You will get everything you need – a skein of Maine raised wool, a pattern, double pointed knitting needles, cable needle and instruction. You can register online:  SouthportGeneralStore.com 

Perhaps you are one of those incredibly skilled knitters that can do that flawlessly and still enjoy something else at the same time, if so, bring your project with you, or if not, bring yourself, but do not forget the author talk at the Southport Memorial Library, Thursday, July 10, 6:30 p.m., where C. W. Wells, aka Charlie Britton will talk about his new book "Lobster Trap" and elaborate a bit on his craft and art and how he manages to write his fun, well-crafted and page turning books.  This will be free and goodies will be offered. 

Most of you may have already marked your calendars for the annual 2025 Lobster Roll Lunch and Cookie Sale hosted by the Southport United Methodist Women at the Southport Town Hall on Wednesday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, if not circle that day in red, it is not to be missed.  A sumptuous lunch that includes a quarter pound lobster roll, chips, homemade cupcake, and iced tea or lemonade, all for only $30.  There is plenty of parking at Town Hall, 361 Hendricks Hill Road, or across the street at the church.  If you need some extra desserts to keep on hand for company, grandbabies, or yourself, do the Cookie Walk, also at Town Hall.  $8 per box, and pre-order $5 per box of 15 cookies. When you read this, you will still have time to pre-order cookies, this option runs through July 13 at:  http://tinyurl.com/SUMCcookies2025  

Gone are the ephemerals, the Lady Slippers back to their unassuming selves, withered, and less prone to disturbance, in their stead we have the fox gloves, the lingering daisies, bird vetch, yellow loosestrife, and soon to burst onto the island, in every nook and cranny, the day lilies.  What a sight they provide with their flashy orange blooms atop the long stems, perfect for dancing with the zephyrs that grant us cooler air than most other places, even during muggy times.  I await these lilies each year, like all the flowers here, they are like familiar friends and arrive at their own special times, adorning this already beautiful place with an extra pop of color, texture, or scent, they all add to the essence of Southport.  Until next week, Peace Be With You All.