A January thaw brought almost spring-like weather, only stubborn icy spots, and shaded snowy patches remain of the lovely white Christmas that we had.  The trees have been stripped of their lovely frosting and the flow of water can be heard in the woods, culverts and from the canopy, heading to the sea around us, and deep into the aquafers, hopefully without too many byproducts that we use to combat the elements on the roads and around our homes. These are quiet times; routines are returning slowly as we celebrate the last day of the Christmas season. The tree remains, its lights cutting through the drabness of the day, still bringing a sense of wonder. 

There are a few things to tell you about; we will begin with the winner of the $25 gift certificate and two potholders from Southport Island Treasures. Aly Furber was walking on a beach in California with her parents when she got the call that she was the winner, despite the distance and setting. She was very excited and looks forward to returning to collect her prizes.  You could be the next winner, just fill out a ticket with your name and number when you are browsing or buying at the store, this month there is a table runner with a Valentines Day themed fabric on the back and chickens and roosters on the top side, reversible and versatile. The special collection continues to be for the gravestone restoration project.  Your donation will help preserve and beautify the peaceful resting places of generations of Southport families, a wonderful way to honor our history, and care for the community that makes Southport home.  Store hours are Monday-Saturday 10-4. 

You can continue up the road to Newagen and stop at the Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road and view the new exhibit of works by Sarah Wilde which will run for both January and February.  Known for her land and seascapes, this exhibition, "Inspirations," represents a different kind of energy. The paintings are inspired by places within rather than outside.  They have a contemplative quality emerging after years of exploring an intuitive and expressive approach to painting. Sarah hopes these works will offer a sense of serenity and calm, two things that we might all be seeking.  Hours are Tuesday, 9-4, Thursday 9-4, and 6-8, as well as Saturday 9-4.  Check out the shelves in the front with all the new fiction and non-fiction, in addition to the amazing selection in all genres, our library is a true gem.  On Tuesday and Thursday, the coffee table brings together a group for conversation, camaraderie, coffee and sometimes cake, or pie, cookies, tarts, whatever the baker feels inspired to make, Louisiana syrup cake is definitely one item this week. Ten is the time when people begin to arrive, join them, it is always fun. 

The Southport General Store will host their first in a series of Winter Suppers.  It will be held on Friday, Jan. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. and is Soup, Bread, and Book Swap. For $15/person you can enjoy unlimitedsoup and chowder selections with homemade breads, coffee, tea, and cookies.  The Book Swap portion of the event is easy; you bring your gently loved books, and swap them out with somebody else’s gently loved books, win, win.  So, consider warming up with friends over a bowl of goodnessat the Store, a pleasant way to catch up with everyone you may not have seen in a while.  All are welcome. Also, a reminder that, weather dependent, The Knitting Group meets in the dining room of the store weekly, on Wednesday 2-4 p.m. 

By now we all have some sort of calendar started for this 2026, paper, by the week, by the month, or the phone, or computer ones, however you keep track of time to come or time passing, the items I mentioned above might be things to pencil or type in, lest you forget.  If you turn ahead to February, circle Saturdaythe 7th, while I have no other details yet, it will be Southport Island Associations Souper Bowl at Town Hall. In the meanwhile, go through your soup recipes in case you want to cook for the event, or just start marking off the days until you can be wowed by the warm, deliciousness of someone else’s culinary efforts.  Last year was a great success with a vast variety of soups, I have no doubt it will be that way again. 

Sunday evenings are almost always beautifully still, tonight is no exception, light breeze among the branches, faint flutter of the flag, distant barred owls seeking mates, all wrapped in the early darkness that still holds on during the winter months.  Inside a hum of dinner preparation, no aromas yet, but soon to begin, the calm before a new week.  For many this holds work, schedules to be kept, errands to be run, children to be dropped off at school, the business of life. For some,days will be the same as others, one melding into the next with little or no change, no time outside, or much human interaction. If you can fit a visit, note, or a call into your days, these are the times to check in with friends, family, and neighbors, you most likely need no reminder for this, it is what most do anyway, it is what has always been done, the caring for our own, but there are others too, in the extended rings of our lives, still part of this community. So, reach out where you can, bring a little good, smile, give help if needed, and May Peace Be With You All.