The apple blossoms have smelled amazing and are so beautiful. Let’s ho…

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The weekend was a busy one with moving some of our cattle to their summer field. When we first arrived to drop the cattle off in the luscious green field, there was a moose hanging out in the field pacing back and forth trying to figure out how to get out. After many back and forths, it finally decided it would have to jump the fence which it did without any damage to the fence. We’re hoping it stays away but it was kinda neat to see. Our home herd is five lighter for the summer.

Top priority currently is fence repair so the remaining cattle can go out on pasture. There is always so much to do this time of year and the deer sure were hard on the fence over the winter. At least there has been a breeze which has kept the bugs away. The ticks are out so remember to check when you come inside.

We’re hoping we can shut the outdoor wood boiler down soon but the nights still seem to cool down quite a bit. I’m thinking in the next week we’ll begin opening the pool up. I snuck a peek under the cover and it actually looks quite clear besides some debris on the bottom but it is encouraging.

Baking commenced on Friday and consisted of strawberry rhubarb pie and an old fashioned rhubarb cake which I had never made before and was quite good. I’ve attempted freezing rhubarb in the past but didn’t feel like it held up well so I may try again but use the FoodSaver and see if it makes a difference. If you have any good rhubarb recipes I should try, please feel free to share.

Just a reminder that the Town Office is closed on Monday, May 25^th in observance of Memorial Day. There are only 6 chairs remaining from the Grange Hall. If you are interested, get them before they are gone.

Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’ll happily add it to my column next week.

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Just a reminder that the bears are out and looking for food so be sure to bring your bird feeders in at night and secure all trash. The one in this picture was caught by a Newry firefighter and had just exited a fellow firefighter’s truck bed as they were able to snag a treat from the back.

The mornings are still cool but for a change of pace I decided to go for a walk instead of hitting the elliptical. It was nice and refreshing and I saw seven deer. It was neat to see those white tails flagging as they ran across the field and splashed down across the river. I’ll definitely be doing this again soon.

Tuesday night was Eliot’s first scrimmage and it was a great game. We left the house in t-shirts and having applied sunscreen but we really needed an umbrella and sweatshirts. It went from 81° to 61° in 3 hours. We got soaked and were cold but the kids did great. It started off with a bang and I have a feeling it’s going to be a great season. While drying off and warming up I made a list of things I need to pack in the car for future games: chair, umbrella, bug spray, and warm clothes.

Just a reminder that the Newry Town Office is closed today, Thursday, May 7, as staff is attending a conference in Bangor. Code Enforcement will be available. The Annual Town Meeting is Tuesday, May 12, at 6 p.m. at the Bear River Grange Hall. The town warrant and material can be viewed at newrymaine.org or picked up at the Town Office prior to.

That’s all for this week. If you have something to contribute, please send it to me at newrynews24@gmail.com. I can even include a picture, if you send one.

I did get to rake out my flower garde…

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With the propane tanks filled, we have done some grilling but I did resort back to a beef stew on the cold Sunday when I was under the weather. Pancakes with locally made syrup along with some sausage gravy were on the menu this past weekend. I also whipped up a couple of loaves of pumpkin bread in an attempt to use up my stock in the freezer. I think pumpkin tastes good year round and I definitely don’t save it just for the fall.

We took a trip to Colebrook, NH, to check out a Marketplace find. It was a lovely ride and thankfully it was before the rain as it was on some dirt back roads which were quite bumpy but not muddy. Eliot would love to live there as they are ATV friendly and he could do lots of riding. There were some beautiful views and lots of tree farms which was nice to see. I was hoping to see a moose but they were nowhere to be seen. It reminded me of childhood when we would bake up some pizzas on a Friday night, watch a movie and take a trip to Grafton and hope to see a moose on what we called a “moose cruise.”

I sure am thankful to my mom for running my kid to baseball practice and getting him where he needs to go. The game schedule came out and she’s willing to help me with that as well. I couldn’t do it without her.

Monday the office was closed in observance of Patriots’ Day and although I was feeling better, I still was not feeling great and it went from sunny with blue sky to snowing and no visible mountains so I stayed inside and did some spring cleaning. It really was more sorting, throwing, and organizing than anything but it made me feel good. It sure is amazing how much stuff we accumulate from old papers to gadgets we don’t need but don’t want to throw away as they are still useful. That closet is still waiting but I did do one shelf which is at least a start.

Just a reminder that the Select Board meets the first and third Tuesdays at 5pm. Agendas can be seen on the town’s website: newrymaine.org. Town meeting is on Tuesday, May 12, at 6 p.m. Just a reminder the office will be closing on Wednesday, May 6, at 4 p.m. and will be closed all day Thursday, May 7, for staff to attend training in Bangor. The code enforcement officer will be available.

That’s all for this week. Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’ll happily add it to my column next week.

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Saturday, we ventured to Lewiston for a birthday party at the trampoline park. All the kids had a great time and were able to burn off a bunch of energy which was nice. We’ve had birthday parties the last 3 weekends but I think we get a break next weekend.

I decided to host Easter Sunday lunch at our house. It consisted of ham, mashed potatoes, peas, squash, green beans, homemade rolls and pineapple upside down cake. I know my grandmother, dad, and mother-in-law are all smiling down on us getting together and sharing stories. We sure do miss all of them but they will never be forgotten.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee met on Monday and reviewed the Housing chapter and summary of the Economy chapter. Erica and Ethan from AVCOG are helping put together the chapters with feedback from the committee. They both bring so much excitement and really make the process easy.

A public hearing was held at the Town Office on Tuesday regarding changes to the Unified Development Review Ordinance that will be voted on at Town Meeting on May 12^th at the Grange Hall at 6pm. For more information, visit the town’s website newrymaine.org.

While this hearing and Select Board meeting were taking place, Beauty decided on this snowy day she would bring a bull into this world. That makes number 3. We’re waiting on one more and then a short break before the next bunch arrives.

That’s all for this week. Send me your news to be included next week to newrynews24@gmail.com.

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Baking consisted of an ice cream cake, requested for the birthday boy.

With the snow on Sunday, we decided to stay home and relax; although I really wanted to go to Maine Maple Sunday in Berlin, NH to Patry’s Sugarhouse. Maybe next year or it sounds like they may have some other events which might work out. I sure would like to try their maple butter on some freshly baked bread.

The next couple of weekends have more birthday parties on the books. It sure makes the weekend go quick when there is a plan. I guess I better make good use of my Fridays off. I still have yet to tackle that crazy closet as before it gets better it is definitely going to get worse as everything has to be removed. I have to be in the mood to take on a project like that or I will either keep everything or throw things out that I probably should keep. So for now, until the mood strikes, it will stay as is.

My hens have been enjoying the warmer days and laying steady and eggs just keep rolling in. Thankfully I have a bunch of neighbors who contact me and buy dozens at a time. It is nice to see them and visit. Sometimes we chat about baking or even getting our gardens started and what we plan to plant. Speaking of that, I better getting ordering my carrots and onions soon but I better add it to my to-do list as the days get busy and things get forgotten.

That’s it for this week as it’s time to do some laundry, go to work and then a meeting. Life sure is busy lately.

Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’ll add your news to my column.

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I wish the warm weather would continue but I’m sure there will be colder temperatures and probably even some snow or rain. I can, however, see our firepit, which is a great sign. I even sat out on the porch swing. I will need to dig out the cushions soon.

Daylight saving time sure does take time to get used to. I enjoy it staying light later into the evening but I’m a morning person so I’m missing the daylight in the morning.

Cooking was limited this weekend with corn chowder, biscuits, and pumpkin pie. I’m so thankful to have put up so many great vegetables that I am still able to enjoy and feed my family with.

My hens are enjoying the warmer weather and I’m getting a dozen or more eggs per day. Reach out if you’d like to purchase some eggs.

The Town of Newry has posted its roads. For further information, check our website at newrymaine.org or feel free to give the code enforcement officer a call.

Boat stickers have arrived at the Town Office. Register early so you are ready when you want to go out.

The next Select Board meeting is Tuesday, March 17 at 3 o’clock.

Enjoy the little things. Take time to be with your people as life is short and I’ve been reminded of that lately. Do what makes you happy. Make a plan as it is nice to have something to look forward to.

Send me your news to: newrynews24@gmail.com

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Last year for Eliot’s birthday at our house we had a group of boys and I vowed not to do that again. They are great kids but lots of energy and a bit rough. Birthdays during the cold weather are tough. I was blessed to have a summer birthday and outdoor cookouts were a great option. Now I must come up with a more suitable birthday option for this year. There is bowling or possibly just a couple of friends taking in a movie.

I’m thankful to have Fridays off so I will be able to chaperone the fourth grade field trip to the Maine State House and Blaine House. I think fourth grade has been my favorite so far with some amazing field trips that I have been able to attend.

Baking was limited this past weekend and I only managed to make a banana bread and some no bake cookies.

Just a reminder that the Select Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays, currently the time is 3pm.

Nomination papers will be available starting Monday, March 2^nd for a 3-year term on the Select Board. Nomination papers are available now for a 2-year term on the School Board and the Planning Board is still looking for someone to fill an alternate position. Please contact the Town Office if you have any questions.

Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’m happy to add it to my column.

I’m adding a beautiful picture of the blue sky, white snow and lovely barbed wire fence as a reminder that spring is right around the corner. These views never get old and I’m always stopping to capture another photo. I’m also thankful that we didn’t receive 32” of snow as some of my friends did in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

I have ventured out a couple more times on the snowshoes. It is amazing that it only takes a couple of thirty degree days to open up the river in spots. The sound of the river flowing was relaxing and I stood just listening and taking in the wonderful sights.

It may not be spring bu…

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I did make it out to snowshoe one afternoon during the week and one morning on the weekend. It sure was beautiful but my glasses getting foggy did make it challenging at times. At one point I just stopped and stood there closing my eyes taking in all the sounds of nature and the birds singing. Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the little things.

Filled cupcakes is still on the list of things to bake but it didn’t make the cut this week.

After searching the freezer three times I struggled to locate the pumpkin I had spent hours processing and putting up. I sure would love to have a walk-in freezer so I could organize things a bit better. Turns out a few packages of carrots had covered up my pumpkin but it was located and a pie was made.

Chocolate chip cookies are a big hit in this house, so I whipped up some of those as well as some cranberry orange muffins. Corn chowder with biscuits was a weekend lunch. I do enjoy winter as I can have the oven going and it warms the house up nicely.

Basketball at Crescent Park is coming to an end and it has been great. Kudos to Ms. Gould and Ms. Deiulio for coaching the 4^th and 5^th grade as they had lots of kids who participated. Also, thank you to the volunteers who helped referee the game, both middle and high school kids. It was fun to watch and I’m sure some of these kids are just beginning their basketball career and we’ll be watching them right up through high school.

The Newry Planning Board is still looking to fill a vacant seat for an alternate; if interested, please contact the Newry Town office or attend a meeting to see if it is something you may like to join. The next meeting is Wednesday, February 18 at 6pm. An agenda can be viewed on the town’s website: newrymaine.org.

Just a reminder that the Town Office will be closed on Monday for Presidents’ Day.

Please send me your news to contribute to my column: newrynews24@gmail.com.

Recently I read an article on creating a routine for better health. Although routines can sound boring, they can be empowering a…

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Friday, we had to make a quick trip to Mexico/Dixfield for an appointment and were a bit early so we stopped at Walmart for a few items. Eliot saw a whole aisle dedicated to pool supplies and wanted to know when we would open our pool. That was an interesting conversation as it will be May at least. Funny how they stock shelves so early for something so far away. This is an especially hard concept for a 9-year-old, although I always like to see the changing of stock to more spring/summer items.

The weekend brought extremely cold temperatures and the kitchen was kept warm with the stove on cooking up some corn chowder and biscuits one day and lasagna, bread and chocolate chip cookies the next day.

We did get several inches of snow and the Town Office opened at 10am to give staff time to clean up and get to the office. The Select Board will meet the first and third Tuesdays at 3pm until further notice. A calendar can be viewed on the town’s website: newrymaine.org.

Send me your news to be added to my column to newrynews24@gmail.com.

A new Mending/Repair Group is getting going in the Bethel area. Here is some info about it…

“We have recently come together as a Community Mending/Repair Group to share knowledge and other resources for fixing things that might otherwise go to waste. We recognize that the practice of repairing items is economical, and it increases accessibility. We gather monthly with our own work, we discuss ways to grow our ideas for this group. In these early stages, topics include establishing the most suitable place or places to meet, the time of day or night that’s likely to work for as many people as possible and the ongoing effort to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. People like you! If you’d like more information on how to become involved, see the contacts below. Betsey Cooper, phone (207)381-0713 or email awoodenhouse100@gmail.com. Robin Nesbeda, phone (978)895-2320 or email RNesbead@gmail.com.

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Over the weekend we ventured to Augusta. The first stop was to an equipment dealer because boys love to look at toys and Eliot has his heart set on a snowmobile. Next was The Red Barn for some seafood to celebrate our anniversary. The food was excellent and was ready quickly.

Next up was Sam’s Club which was absolutely crazy on a Saturday afternoon but we did meet a lovely elderly woman and her son from Canaan. She needed a little assistance and I was happy to help. We talked about where we lived and I told her we just came from lunch to celebrate our anniversary. She said her husband had passed away in the spring but they had been married for 70 years. She also had a dairy farm at one time and her son raises beef cattle. Sometimes brief encounters with people are so memorable.

Sunday was another road trip but this time to the butcher to pick up meat. The freezer is full once again and we have meat for sale. My chickens are also still producing a dozen eggs a day, so we also have eggs for sale. My dream someday is to have a farmstand where people can stop and buy meat, eggs, and vegetables seasonally. This is on the back burner but we’ll keep working towards it. For now, customers just reach out to me and we arrange a pickup time so we’ll continue on this way.

It is good to have plans and things to work towards. The ongoing project this year is to work on the barn. First jacking it and eventually siding but this is a big undertaking for a big old barn and it could take quite some time.

Make sure to check out the town’s website newrymaine.org to stay up to date on town business. Don’t forget the Town office will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.