Winter is not done with us yet, deep in our hearts we knew that, so best to embrace the snowflakes that are falling as more moisture for the spring flowers that are beginning to emerge from the still cold soil. Walks this week have brought forth signs of life restarting, a clump of purple crocuses, bright yellow, pollen laden stamens gleaming like the sun itself, the simple green and white shades that make up the early snowdrops pushing through fall’s leaf cover, their tiny bells swaying, perhaps ringing, in the still harsh winds, heralding the coming season. Daffodil leaves sheltered along ledge edges have grown higher, coaxed by the warmth bouncing off the rock, now also with swelling buds, all promising color that we have missed during the starker months, beautiful in their own way as they are, we all await a full spectrum once again.

A relative quiet is still around us, mostly because the water is still not turned on. For those awaiting that, start up is guaranteed by May 1. If any of you do not want seasonal service for whatever reason, you should notify Boothbay Region Water District as soon as possible, or no later than July 1. If you do not do this, you will be responsible for all water charges, including the minimum charge. The BRWD is open Monday-Friday 7-3:30 and can be reached by phone: 207-633-4723 x110.

Despite the current calm there are some activities to mention to you. Tuesday the 24th is the coffee table at the library, a gathering to which all are welcome, a place to share stories, discuss events, solve world problems, all in good humor and occasionally with singing, recitation, and jokes in good taste, and a sweet treat. Tech Time with Tarsha may also take place from 10 to 11 a.m., however, if that is what you are interested in, you might want to call the librarian to see if she was able to be there before you set out. She has some exciting things happening in her life that might keep her from being able to give her sage advice regarding your electronic devices. You can also be part of the camaraderie of the coffee table on Thursday beginning at 10 a.m., while there you might want to select your game of choice for the last Game Night to be held that evening from 6 to 7:30, anything goes, trivia, board games, cards, one vs. one, bring your favorite, bring a friend, or the family, your competitive spirit and nibble on some light refreshments and play. Regular hours are Tuesday, 9-4, Thursday 9-4, 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. They are located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road and can be reached at 207-633-2741. Please note as you enter that there is a clipboard where you can leave your email if you are interested in getting updates on books and events at the library straight to your inbox.

Tuesday the 24th, 4-6, the Southport General Store is the now very popular Friends & Tacos. Build your own tacos from the community style taco bar, have a side of homemade salsa and chips, and learn a little Spanish. This wonderful way to enjoy dinner and company is $15/person.

Also at the Store, Wednesday the 25th there will be the gathering of the Community Knitting group. Weather permitting, they work together, support one another’s projects each week from 2 to 4 p.m.

Word has quickly spread that Robinson’s Wharf is now reopened, as the full parking lots will attest. Their hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11:30-8 p.m., with live music on Fridays from 5-8. This week, on the 27th will be the Dave Gagne Trio, great sounds and songs to listen to, or dance to, while enjoying some of the food specials and some tried and true recipes you might have missed while they were closed. Whether it is the food, the drinks, the music, or just an opportunity to sit with friends and neighbors for a while, head out and appreciate.

Despite the fact that the first day of spring came and went on the 20th it still does not look much like spring. However, as of Thursday the 26th you can immerse yourself in a variety of blooms at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation. While not happening on Southport, I am aware of several artists from the island that will be submitting work to the exhibition titled the Flower Show, so worth taking in the talent of those we share this home with. They are open Thursday-Saturday from 10-5 p.m. with this show running through April 30. If you would like to mingle with the artists among their work, and enjoy some refreshments, feel free to attend the Opening Reception on April 4 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

I include this reminder because it applies to many groups and organizations here on Southport, and while there is still time, deadlines can suddenly be right upon us, best to be prepared with the information necessary, or get it done early. It’s time to submit listings for the 2026 events calendar in the Boothbay Register’s award-winning Summertime Guide. The ever important, and firm deadline for all submissions is Friday, April 24.

All groups and organizations with annual or special events for the public should send information as soon as possible!

Brevity is essential. Each event listing should include: Name of the event, dates and time(s), address and location, a brief description, a contact name and telephone number, and website address. Please note, lengthy listings will be edited down if necessary.

Also please note: This deadline also applies to churches with special summer service times to be adjusted in the Church Services listings in Summertime and on the newspaper websites. Email all listings, and any questions, to lisakristoff@boothbayregister.com or call her at 207-633-4620, ext. 122. 

As the snow steadily falls many birds are still making their way to the feeders, downys, hairys, titmice, chickadees, juncos to name a few. Crows, too, have been arriving daily, sometimes raucous, other times just observing with their innately keen sense of curiosity, doves cleaning up seed on the ground as well as the first of what I know will be many chipmunks. It popped out of a grouping of stones just beyond the deck mid-week, tail high, moving at a good clip with a combination run and leap, seeming to be very happy to be out above ground for the first time in months, stuffing its cheeks with sunflower and millet from the raccoon raid the night before.

On the water this past week were several pairs of loons, Canada geese, mallards, shovelers, buffleheads, red-breasted mergansers, their shaggy crests being blown by stiff winds, and finally the red-necked grebes.

The owls have gone quiet as they sit on nests, but a few woodland hawks have been flying by the house, sharp-shinned, broad-winged, and what might have been a rough-legged. What I am most eager to see are the osprey, they should be back sometime around the middle of April, our official greeters, and guardians, as they nest upon the bridge, their return always brings a sense of well-being, and is another sign that a new season has arrived.

Some words by Leo Lionni, from his book "Frederick," for those of you longing for winter to end. 

"Who scatters snowflakes? Who melts the ice? 
Who spoils the weather? Who makes it nice? 
Who grows the four-leaf clovers in June? 
Who dims the daylight? Who lights the moon? 
 
Four little field mice who live in the sky. 
Four little field mice . . . like you and I. 
 
One is the Springmouse who turns on the showers. 
Then comes the Summer who paints in the flowers. 
The Fallmouse is next with walnuts and wheat. 
And Winter is last . . . with little cold feet. 
 
Aren't we lucky the seasons are four? 
Think of a year with one less . . . or one more!" 

Have a good week filled with color, hope, and May Peace Be With You All.