The second summer-like day this weekend was Sunday. It was welcome after the rains, though we should be grateful for those as well since we still lag at least 10 inches of precipitation due to last year’s drought. Conserving water is still very necessary. The culverts on the island are filling with marsh marigolds and forget-me-nots, the meadows with sweet white violet, the purple variety; dandelions, bluets, and wild strawberries. Long days are filled with birds of many sizes and colors, the buzz of insects and hummingbirds, the evenings host the peepers, the yips and howls of the coyotes, barks and screams of the fox, among the hoots of owls, Nature’s Kleine Nacht Musik.

The week gone by was a busy one. The Southport Central School took a field trip to the Hendrick’s Hill Museum. While not officially open yet, it should be a destination for you sometime in July-September, an island treasure trove.

The Southport Memorial Library had its first annual Community/Library Aides Spring Clean, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The volunteers that did come accomplished quite a lot and fun was had by all; the library thanks you. You can go Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday  9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  to see the fruits of everyone’s labor. The Coffee Table will be open to all on Tuesday and Thursday beginning 10-ish. Taste the baked good of the day, and enjoy lively conversation. Make sure to check out some of the museum passes available, the new and used books, as well as the current art show of Lori Lynn Hoffer’s vibrant floral and landscape paintings, many with Southport connections.

While driving to or from the library, or anywhere on the island, thanks to Gerry Gamage, you will once again be able to take in the veterans’ banners that he hung, mostly on his own. No small feat as there are over 180 here on Southport. There are some fun facts regarding the banners that I will save and share in the Memorial Day column. However, this opportunity should be taken to thank Jim Singer and Sarah Sherman-McGrail for being key members of the banner committee and bringing Southport to where it is.

There is hubbub beginning here and there, especially around the Southport General Store which is now open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Take care pulling in and out, especially as the road work begins on the 19th, and do be mindful of an older deaf dog that walks herself to the store, occasionally accompanied by some chickens, she is beloved, as are the broody hens.

More and more options for dining and views are coming. Newagen Seaside Inn is opening for the season on May 22.  Dinner service in the Pub begins that night and will also be open for a rare Saturday night on May 23.  As always, the Pub will normally be open for dinner Sunday-Friday 5-9. p.m. Reservations are suggested and can be made on the dining page of Newagen’s website.  Lunch service begins June 8 and runs 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.. Your favorite acoustic musicians return for live music in the Pub on Thursdays and Sundays.  During May and June, they play 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will be nice to have the Inn open once more. 

As mentioned previously, Robinson’s Wharf is open seven days a week now from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They, too, will have live music, both on Fridays 5-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. This Sunday, the 24th you will be able to hear the Laura Hudson Project, and the School Street Band will be the 31st. All the bands are stellar, so go enjoy the over 40-year tradition of good food and drink.

Cozy’s Dockside is not yet open, but much preparation for their season beginning June is underway, stayed tuned for dates and times, more to look forward to.

This almost hot day pushed out many more leaves on the trees. The ghostly heads of the ferns began the amazing shedding and unfurling, and soon the woodland floors will erupt with the ephemerals that we, or at least I, look forward to. Flowers of pinks, whites and yellows suddenly bring color and added texture to even the shadiest of places. Our eyes can feast upon their transient glory in the weeks to come, true marvels, then they are gone until next year. They become replaced by the showy blooms that crave the light and edges of the forest, the daisies and day lilies, lady slippers, if you are fortunate enough to find the elusive and endangered beauties that they are. Do tread lightly on this island, it cannot continue to bring the wonder around every corner if it is sprayed, mowed, trimmed, littered, and dug up, it is wild and wonderful, enjoy, and May Peace Be With You All.