Nauseated and upset with the world news, psyched about fall school sports, college and pro football starting, hoping the newspaper continues to get support for its digitizing project, wondering about when I can move forward on house repairs – I have been constantly thinking these past two weeks, which is why this column was missing last week.

I’ve come to not liking watching the national news on TV or reading it online – but I continue to do so because I am a type A personality – why do I put myself through this? Politics has sickened me for a long time and despite one time considering entering the fray – that was way back – I don’t see myself doing so in my retirement years. Arguing and defending my opinion against someone else is not my bag; I would rather keep my political opinions inside or spout them off across the living room to my wife.

Field hockey, football and cross country have me more excited than politics. As you might have noticed, I cover the Boothbay Region High School field hockey team for this newspaper. Full disclosure, I have a granddaughter who plays for this year’s team (she has for four years), but I have also been covering the sport for over 25 years – ever since my daughter played (she’s 41 now).

I am a bit worried about the future of the BRHS football program, especially with the school enrollment being lower than in past years. We do have a feeder program and that has helped keep the program alive but should the enrollment get worse, a storied tradition might end. Back in the 1990s, we wrote about the possible demise of the program but it survived and, with Maine Principals’ Association adopting 8-man football, hope is still there.

And the Patriots won their first game!

The high school cross country team, with coach Nick Scott at the helm, has been competitive for several years, winning many conference championships and individual titles. Scott keeps them “in the running” – pun intended – just about every year.

The newspaper digitizing project is moving along. Since the article calling for volunteers was published, we have received a few people willing to travel to Augusta to scan the page. Remember, should you want to support the project, contact Sarah Morley (207) 844-4630, or make a contribution through our website at the “YOUR HISTORY, YOUR STORY” link.

I recently painted a bedroom but the 36-year-old house still needs more repairs. Fall is here so I’ve told my wife (does she believe me?) that we (I?) will be getting them done!

Enjoy the last few days of summer. By the calendar, fall arrives on Monday!