Clean up is in progress around the island. On Route 238 this morning (Tuesday) Asplunde men and shredding trucks were busy clearing the roadside of downed and broken trees and limbs. One neighbor had a large burn underway.

On our property Easter Sunday, our son, Andy, dutifully arrived with a chainsaw as I had told him no dinner until at least one tree or large limb is sawed up. Sons, Vlade and Will, helped stack the debris, some for the fireplace and some for the dump. What a task many of us have to avoid dead timber on the forest floor as drier weather approaches.

When Southport Clean-up Day arrives on Sunday, May 6, perhaps only cans, bottles and paper will be left for us to stuff in our bags and leave beside the road for the town truck to pick up. Remember that Gerry Gamage will begin cooking hot dogs at noon at the Town Hall on that day to give us fuel before we choose our area to clean, grab our plastic bags, and set out.

Lots of people news today. The Cheemas are back from their winter stay in Aix en Provence. Inder reports they saw Jack and Barbara Bauman who also were having a great time in France’s warmer climes.

Elaine Fearnside reports that they have just returned from New Mexico where they saw former Southport residents, Harry and Diana Esterly, who asked to be remembered to many friends here. They are well, but retired from running the guest ranch, which is now capably being run by daughter, Meris, and her husband. They have expanded the number of cabins and keep 20 horses available for guests. The Fearnsides also visited Carlsbad Caverns, but found the climb a bit challenging since the elevator was not working.

About 16 people attended the sunrise service Easter Sunday in Newagen at the Town Landing. The sun peeked out from the clouds at least momentarily, but generally the early morning weather was windy and cold. Returning to the Southport United Methodist Church for breakfast, people found bright, yellow daffodils flooding the spaces thanks to a fund set up by the Gardner family to honor Ruth Rhoads Lepper Gardner, a well-known artist and Southport resident. Three generations of the Gardner family came from afar to attend the Easter Sunday service.

From Karen Cronk — Ramona Gaudette learned how to overcome the strong smell of skunk. Awakening one morning Ramona had so much of that stink in her house that her eyes were watering and she thought the animal must have taken up residence. Son Stephen found the culprit under a shed attached to the house and is still trying to capture it, but in the meantime Karen suggested cups of white vinegar placed around the house, which did indeed eliminate the oder.

Meredith Mitchell called the Southport Memorial Library crew Tuesday morning to send greetings from Florida where she and Bob Conn now live. In addition she has sent many photographs of their wedding at the library and other good times there. She has promised to send her recipe for monkey bread so perhaps librarians Nora or Anne will bake some to share with all of us.

Last week we had news of Lynn Schafer’s summer cottage for rent as soon as the summer water returns. This week we have news from Cozy Harbor Road that the Seiferts’ Bed & Breakfast at 40 Pratts Island Road is already taking reservations for summer business. Usually they can accommodate two adults, but this year they are now offering a second bedroom to those folks who need it. Call the Seiferts (633-3546) for more information or check www.cozy-harbor.com . Those who know the location of the Seifert property know that it comes with lovely views of Cozy Harbor and the Sheepscot River.