First of all, thanks to Maria Doelp who did write the column both weeks while we were away. The first week she was whisked off for an unexpected overnight in the hospital before she could send the column in, and the second week the column was published under “The Southport Yacht Club.” The most important news is that Maria is well again.

Kit and I, along with Denis and Callie McWhan, roamed around Glacier Park and the Canadian Rockies, revisiting our little cabin in Glacier, the first home of son, Christopher, born there in 1964, and enjoying new sights in Calgary, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff. Snow, fog, as well as blue skies and white mountain peaks filled our pictures. Yet, always good to cross the Southport Bridge and settle into home again.

We have lost two of our Southport men recently. Jim Hunt was first a summer resident beginning in 1955 and then a year-round resident on Pine Cliff with his wife, Ann. Jim died at home on Sept. 22 with family gathered round. An obituary was published in last week’s “Register.” A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church.

Claude Clayton Parmenter, passed away on Sept. 24, after a brief illness. Born in Boothbay Harbor, he attended Southport and Boothbay schools. A graveside service was held at Oaklawn Cemetery, Route 96, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, on Saturday, Sept. 29. You can also find an his obituary online and in last week’s “Register.”

Bill and Elaine Fearnside, along with Debbie Tukey, traveled to Chesterton, New York, to attend the funeral of Linda Wertime Culver, a friend who Elaine notes, “died too young.”

Certainly not lost but working hard for recovery is our neighbor, Bruce Crosby, who is hospitalized at Mid Coast Hospital, working to regain his balance. You can send him a card at 123 Center Drive, Room 244, Brunswick, ME 04011.

A cute story comes from Nora Lally about Ramona Gaudette. Last week Ramona found a beautiful bouquet of dahlias on her table with no note, so she has no idea who could have surprised her so delightfully. To that someone, what a good idea! Have you fessed up yet? Ramona says she hopes you are a man!

A happy sight is crossing the Southport Bridge onto Southport and seeing to our right work progressing on renovation of the Thompson Boat House, a longtime landmark. Anne Thompson Maher tells me the structure will remain a boathouse with an apartment on the upper level.

The Friends of the Southport Historical Society will be hosting an end of the season party on closing day at the Hendricks Hill Museum, Sunday, Oct. 7 from 2 until 4 p.m. Jim Singer will give a brief presentation beginning at 3 p.m.

With an early Columbus Day this year many seasonal businesses are closing, and summer folk are closing up cottages for the season. The Gift Barn at the Island Store will be open for its final three days this weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some good shopping opportunities still exist with everything on sale. Wine is also on sale at the store Saturday and Sunday this weekend, as well as the Lucy T-shirts. Don’t go home without this good conversation starter.

Jeanette Ingersoll reports two bald eagles roosting on trees outside her home on the north end of Pratts Island. She was able to watch them for about two hours the other day, before they flew away. Also she had a prime view of the whales while they were visiting several week ago. I wonder what other wildlife will visit us this fall and winter.