It is almost 40F, a stunning afternoon, and I will freely admit that writing indoors is not what I want to be doing, despite the fact that I had an amazing walk just about 20 minutes ago, I have heard what tomorrow is to bring, and I want to miss none of today, but the dog is currently tired and resting, so now is a good time. The week had it all, a false spring that brought everyone out of their homes to marvel at the sun and walk anywhere and everywhere; who knew there were so many were here. I rarely see more than one or two others on my walks around the island, but on that day many around each curve in the road. Then there was snow, fog, drizzle, gusty winds, we had it all, the temperatures remain mild, just enough to bring forth the daffodil leaves. When I checked after the big melt, the first snow drops I normally find along one of my wandering routes were just beginning to emerge, today will give them another boost. Water left from the melted snow is forming the dark, but shallow vernal ponds all over the island. I love these lush jewels, moss vibrantly green, the water still and ebon, they do not stay with us all year, but long enough to provide the perfect breeding habitat for some amphibians and invertebrates. It is still to cool for the newts and salamanders, but soon, it is such a joy to come upon them and observe, I cannot wait for them and the sounds of the wood and tree frogs, and of course the peepers. Some of you on the east side already heard some from the ponds over there. While we might need to wait for some more signs of spring, we will have things to keep us all busy, if we choose to be so.

Tuesday, March 17th will provide you with many options, or of course you can do them all. Beginning the day will be Tech Time With Tarsha at the Southport Memorial Library, she will be at the coffee table from 10 to 11 .m. to guide you through issues you might be having with your phone or computer or just help you become more familiar with your devices. It has been a lot of fun to date. The coffee table will also have a sweet treat to offer on that day, and on Thursday the 19th as well. Please note that the Game Night series will take this Thursday off so the Book Group can meet, but it will be back on the 26th from 6 to 7:30. Regular hours for the library are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4 and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4. It is the heart and hub of our community; our amazing librarians would be happy to see you and help you check out the new book by Southport’s own C.W. Wells (Charlie Britton) “Half-Shelled.” Here is the synopsis from Amazon: “Ellie Beal has survived cheating men, a mountain of debt, and more hangovers than she cares to admit, but nothing prepares the Spring Harbor oyster farmer for the day the State of Maine slaps her with a court order shutting down her livelihood. Accused of illegally selling oysters “off the grid,” Ellie vows to fight back. Trouble is, she’s broke, and her only employee is a 20-year-old horndog who calls her “Babe.” Enter Viking Raeder—a brooding marine scientist with his own bruises, both literal and professional. When a freak storm nearly kills him and a pair of mysterious men begin snooping around Ellie’s farm, the two are dragged into a dangerous web of corruption, sabotage, and political greed. Wickedly funny, Half-Shelled is a salty, high-octane tale of survival, small-town secrets, and one woman who refuses to surrender.” 

I will put my name on the list to check it out. 

Tuesday, March 17th will also feature Friends and Tacos at the General Store. This event goes from 4-6 and costs $15 per person. The Community Style Taco bar has been overflowing with goodness and it has become a favorite place to be for Tuesday dinner, asi que ven y unite a la diversion (come join the fun). 

Also happening on Tuesday, March 17, the reopening of Robinson’s Wharf. Their hours will be 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. This St. Patrick’s Day opening will feature live music by Holy Mackerels from 5 to 8 p.m. Don your green, get a good meal, or beverage of choice and if you are so inclined, dance, it is hard to resist. Give everyone a big welcome back.

Moving on to Wednesday, March 18, you will not want to forget the Community Knitting Group that meets from 2 to 4 p.m. in the back room of the Southport General Store. The group is kind and welcoming, no matter where you are on the proficiency scale, complete beginner to someone who can knit without even looking at their project, magic and familiarity, I used to love watching my Oma doing that and wonder at whatever she was working on emerge below the clicking needles sometimes two, sometimes four, always incredible. Get a warm beverage, pull up a chair and have a nice chat while you work on your project. 

Friday the 20th you will have another opportunity to hear some live music at Robinson’s, this time enjoy the Murky Water Band. Restaurant will open at 11:30, music will be from 5 to 8.

Lists of summer events and opportunities have been arriving in my mail box, and since we have a bit of time until then you might want to consider one or two. The Friends of the Southport Historical Society already have many great speakers lined up and the ice cream social served from Gus’s lunch counter will be on the 4th of July. The Hendricks Hill Museum will reopen in July, always worth a visit to see the historic home, and the boat house, which has a new addition, the Alice, an 11-foot, 1900 classic Maine peapod built by Charles Orne who was born on Southport in 1861. As with all but one item, the Alice was donated to the museum. You can find out so much about the history of the island with a visit which can be self-guided, or with a volunteer docent. If you are interested in being a docent during the summer, just a few hours a month, or a regular weekly shift, whatever suits your schedule, you can contact the Southport Historical Society/Hendricks Hill Museum. They offer exceptional training that is informative and fun, volunteering there gives you a chance to preserve and share Southport’s stories and heritage. Something to think about while you wait for true spring to arrive. 

As always, I edit what I wrote the day prior, before pushing the send button, and today I could in fact write a lot. Dark, dreary, torrential rain, heavy winds, I hope that I have enough books to keep me busy, if not perhaps this might be the day for that needlepoint I am having such trouble finishing, or writing, but chances are I will need an outing, a walk, we all know there is no bad weather, just bad gear, muck boots and a rain slicker should do. Rain or shine there is still wonder to be found. I certainly enjoy looking for it from the ground around my feet to the waving trees above, it all fills me with life. Keep yourselves well this week -- some nasty germs going around -- enjoy events, friends, family, or solitude, and May Peace Be With You.