Hello, June! I certainly wasn’t expecting to still be using my heated throw, but here I am! It has been the best thing for staying warm when I really don’t care to turn the heat on or up. It does look as though there are some warmer days ahead.
Upcoming events:
American Red Cross blood drive is Friday, June 12, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM at the West Parish Congregational Church. This is a great time to donate a pint. Your gift can really make a difference in someone else’s life. Go to redcross.org to make an appointment. Make summer shine for patients in need. Donate between June 1 and June 28 to earn a $15.00 e-gift card.
The Whitman Memorial Library will be hosting Maine author, Jack Montgomery, on Thursday, June 18, at 10 AM at the library. Jack will be discussing his new book, From the Holocaust to Maine—Testimonies of the Survivors.
Ongoing: Line Dancing
There have been a couple of garden work sessions at the Locke Mills Union Church. Rosalie MacArthur has spearheaded the effort, and it’s looking great.
I’ve been trying to get back into reading more, so naturally, I go to the library when I want a good book. Pat, our librarian, always has a recommendation for me. I recently read Yesteryear, followed that with The Things We Never Say. Both books sucked me right in. When I checked the bestsellers list in the Sunday paper, I saw that those two books were in the number one and two places! That compelled me to read a bit faster, so I could return it for another reader to take out. I have a couple of library books awaiting me now: The Book of Guilt, and A Daughter of Fair Verona.
As a child, I went to the library often. I could walk or bike down easily. It was one of my summertime activities—reading. I read every horse story I could get my hands on, and knew right where to look for them. I had quite a few Trixie Belden books, and there were many Bobbsey Twin books in the house. Both my parents were avid readers (when they had the time). Our local library is a real treasure!
This is graduation week for Telstar, as well as many other high schools around the state. I am playing for graduation once again. I went to the first marching practice today, and it went quite well. On Thursday it will be more marching practice, and then the Coming Together on Thursday evening. Friday is a full day with practice, senior assembly, and graduation. I love seeing who the seniors are each year. They are still former students, it’s a challenge myself to remember names. The Yorks’ grandson, Seth Dupuis, is one of the graduates, along with Reggie Billings, grandson of Tammy Hoy. Some of them have changed significantly, while I had no problem recognizing others. It’s also great to see my old buddy, Tera Ingraham, as she teaches the seniors the ropes.
My sister and I hosted a lunch for a few relatives recently. Now that camp is officially open, that’s our go-to party place. My (I should say our) brother Michael, came over from New Hampshire. We were joined by Jim and Julia Bennett, Karen Bennett, Dean Bennett, and Cheryl Martin. Rick was unable to join us, due to his very busy schedule. Dave grilled the chicken, and we had a delicious meal prepared by Susan. Lots of great visiting. With Dean back in the area, at Market Square, he is really enjoying getting out and seeing people. His daughter Cheryl, who lives in Wisconsin, comes back often to help her dad and visit with her mom.
I had a brief visit from my sister-in-law Martha recently. It’s always so good to see her. She was on a time schedule, so we talked extra fast, and got a lot into a short amount of time. She told me of the passing of her cousin, Amanda Bowers.
I completed my flower purchases (for now) at Mountain Greenery last week. I have a gorgeous sea of colors waiting for me. The lupines are opening, and columbines about to pop. Lilacs are on their way out, while the rhododendrons and bridal wreath are just starting. After the shrubs are all done blooming, they will be getting some serious trimming. Lucky for me, I know an arborist!
Not much news on the nests—I’ve seen birds going in and out of both. I’m not sure about babies yet, but did see a couple of parents chasing a crow out of the area. Speaking of crows, they are very interesting birds. There is a group (how many to make a murder?) of four crows who hang out in the neighborhood. They particularly like hanging out in the large field on the other side of the street. Each takes its place, spread across the field, as if on patrol. When you observe nature, you do learn a lot.
Next Tuesday is Election Day, so please get out there and do your civic duty. I will be at the Woodstock polls from 8-12 AM that day. I am sure that we can ALL agree that we’re sick of the political ads on TV.
Please send me your news/events to: lalalindastowell@gmail.com
