Over the summer a small group of longtime friends have gathered on the Southport Yacht Club deck one day a week to enjoy lunch together, remaining sufficiently distanced, of course. During one luncheon date, the topic of parsnip soup arose, with the memory that Kit Sherrill often made such soup for the Southport Memorial Library annual luncheon. Since that event may not happen this winter, Kit was prevailed upon to create this soup for the current luncheon group, which he did last Thursday. The weather had cooled down so soup hit the spot. Thanks, Kit. This lunch group said “good-bye” to Toni Helming who has been in the family home at the end of Marr’s Point since spring, enjoying the “Helmsted” stay, but also waiting to be able to move into her new quarters at Gorham House, 50 New Portland Road, Apt. 318, Gorham, ME 04038. The move was delayed due to the rules concerning the coronavirus. But now she can unpack boxes of surprises, since having packed them so many months ago, she wonders what she will now uncover.

Although a number of summer families are staying on Southport this fall until the water goes off, water is not a problem for the hummingbirds or the osprey. The large nest on top of the Southport Bridge seems to be empty (don’t tell the state as they may again come to remove it), and most if not all of our hummingbirds have headed south. Sad to see them go, but fall is beginning to bring some brilliant color to compensate.

Thinking of time moving on brings me to Christmas thoughts because the Gift Barn at the Island Store will begin a 25 percent off sale on selected items Thursday, Sept. 24. I can think of a number of items that would make good Christmas gifts.

The Pub at Newagen Inn will continue to be closed on Tuesdays, but music will continue ther on Thursdays and Sundays. Over the weekend the Inn was busy with weddings, keeping to the mandated limit on numbers. One wedding was an elopement with the bride and groom saying their vows on the rocks with seagulls for a congregation. Another wedding had 17 guests and the third 30 guests. Thanks, everyone, for obeying the rules and helping to keep all of us healthy.

Congratulations to Leal and Will Brinegar who celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last Saturday. Perhaps you saw their picture on Facebook, posted by daughter, Beth Adaldo, as they renewed their wedding vows via speaker phone, prompted by their friend and sometime pastor, Kit Sherrill.

Thanks to the Southport Island Association and its many donors who have provided all school supplies, a new pair of sneakers, and a new sweatshirt for our students. The thanks extends to Medea Harris (and family) and Maddie Kaler for shopping for, and distributing all the aforementioned school supplies. They even went door-to-door to make deliveries. Thank you, also, for organizing a fun evening of distribution for the school families.

As I drive by the school during these beautiful days, I often see children playing in the field, having a great time yet staying the necessary space apart. How lucky we are to have outdoor space. Perhaps we should take up the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv,” which is the practice of enjoying nature even in the cold weather. They say “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes,” so we can bundle up, sit at the beach, or in the woods, or around a campfire, or take a walk no matter how cold it gets outside