Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms still with us and those that are not, where might we be without the love, care, teaching, and nurturing of these incredible women, we thank you.

Spring continues forward, small step by small step and each day brings new blooms, more vivid green, showers and breezes that come and go with whimsy. Raucous jays are back at the birdfeeders and almost all others are arriving in pairs with quite the twitterpation among the trees, a great rejoicing. There is much joy to be had around the island as well, I will provide a few highlights.

The Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, will host the Coffee Hour on both Tuesday the 12th and Thursday the 14th, beginning around 10 a.m. Both days will feature a treat which you can check out on their Facebook page, and options of coffee or tea, but the best part is always the conversation and camaraderie. If she is available, Tech Time With Tarsha will be held on Tuesday 10-11 a.m., call to find out if she is there to solve your phone and computer concerns. Check out some new books and also the May-June art exhibit, "Magical Maine," which features oil paintings by Lori Lynn Hoffer. Her richly colored paintings are predominantly of floral and botanical themes, with some more recent Maine based plein air landscapes. A collection of her floral and garden paintings will be showing simultaneously at "Blooms, Birds and Bugs," the season’s opening exhibit at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens through mid-July. If you are curious about her and her work, you can find out more at lorilynn@waterlilydesign.com

On Saturday, May 16, from 10 a..m. - 2 p.m. the community, all ages, are being invited by the library aides and staff to help with the Southport Memorial Library Spring Clean. Book and shelf dusting, windowsill and register cleaning, spider web hunting, Magic Eraser(ing), shelf reading, toy sorting, pencil sharpening, marker and pen testing are just a few of the jobs. There will be a scavenger hunt, and name suggestions taken for our mysterious helper. There will be pizza and light beverages for the volunteers or you can pack a lunch, whatever suits you. You choose how long you would like to help, any time that you give will be appreciated. Regular hours until June are Tuesday  9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  If you have any questions regarding this event, or all things library call: 1-207-633-2741.

The Southport General Store is now open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. They offer the bakery, deli, pizza, prepared foods a full selection of wine, beer, and canned cocktails, some groceries, Take-out and catering. Stop by, check out who might be in the back room, pull up a chair and enjoy this community hub.

Also make sure to stop in at Southport Island Treasures to take in the new springy items and place your name into the raffle for the beautiful handmade succulent table runner, no purchase necessary. This thrift/resale shop is located at 608 Hendricks Hill Road and is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

If you like fresh seafood, more turf-oriented fare, just like having somebody else do the cooking while you enjoy the water views, with a good selection of drinks, Robinson’s Wharf is the place. They too have extended their hours and are now open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. They are also home to live music and this Friday, May 15 you can enjoy the Murky Water Band from 5-8 p.m. They are definitely a sing along band and can move you to dance as well. Go alone, with friends or family, either way it is always a good time.

Extended hours are happening here, across the bridge, but also in nature. Light remains with us until almost eight p.m. and the darkness that comes recedes again around 5:15 a.m. quite remarkable having that extra time to work outside, walk to take in the wonders all around, or just sit and let nature come to you, sitting quietly brings much more than tranquility, it brings trust from the creatures with whom we share this place. The first hummingbird came to the feeder, if yours is not out yet, get them ready, their incredible journey has been a long one. Bumblebees are busy, the queens are first, a few butterflies have also been moving among the wild strawberries, dandelions, and the P.J.M. rhododendrons. Higher up the osprey have been flying daily, life is returning all around us, treat it will gentle kindness, and May Peace Be With You All.