Happy Memorial Day to everyone! Right on cue, the lilacs are budding and the lilies of the valley are popping up. The long weekend starts the beginning of camping season for many, as well as getting camps open and ready for summer. I am assuming that the annual Memorial Day celebration will take place at the usual time (1:00 PM) at the monument in front of the library. I tried to find out exactly when, but all attempts failed!
I remember as a child, that I was allowed to go swimming on Memorial Day. It was often hot, and of course, the bugs would be out in full force. Also, the water was COLD!
Coming right up this weekend—Low Commotion Tuba Ensemble will be performing at the Deering Memorial Community Center in South Paris on Sunday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. The concert is by donation with all proceeds going to the Organ Restoration Fund. This would be a great way to spend Sunday afternoon!
Coming up at the First Universalist Church of West Paris—The Reverend Scott Campbell will be delivering the sermon entitled, “Ain’t She Sweet?” It tells the story of a woman who battled with depression throughout much of her life, but how knew a deeper inner truth in the end.
First Universalist Church of W. Paris Annual Rhubarb Festival is June 6th
West Paris – The First Universalist Church of West Paris will hold its annual Rhubarb Festival, and White Elephant Sale on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church, 208 Main Street, W. Paris. The Rhubarb Festival is one of the church’s traditional events which features everything rhubarb, including homemade rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb pies, cakes, cookies, fresh rhubarb, and more, and all prepared by church members and friends for this important annual fundraiser. Pies are $18 each; other rhubarb treats will be individually priced. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., no ‘early birds’ and no pre-orders. For more information, please contact Marta Clements, 207-674-2143, mclements96894@roadrunner.com.
Check out the Facebook page of the Bethel Outing Club. They will post a weekly schedule of hikes planned. They plan to have opportunities for people of all ages to meet up for a walk or hike 5 days a week.
Last week I wrote about renewing my passport on line. I was quite surprised when I was notified I would be receiving the new one on Monday, May 18. And, it DID show up then! It has a different look from my old one, with American scenes throughout. I’m just thrilled that it arrived so very quickly.
Observations from the patio
On a recent afternoon, I sat out on the patio for several hours, just enjoying the beautiful weather. I have discovered 2 nests that are currently inhabited.
In this photo of one nest, you can actually see the tailfeather of the bird sitting on the nest. I haven’t seen what bird it is. I know that there is a grackle family in the other nest. And then there is the chipmunk—his nest is under my garage. I spotted it carrying grapes from my compost to its home. It made numerous trips back and forth, one grape at a time. These are just a few of the everyday goings on near the bog. Nature is truly the best TV.
My flowers are getting taller and more buds and blossoms can be spotted. All of a sudden, the lilies of the valley are ready to flower. I was really pleased to discover that a couple of plants I had moved last year, have come up in their new spot. One is a pasque flower, which has delicate foliage and a purple blossom.
I finally escaped to my friend Jane’s in Fryeburg. We were way overdue for a visit, but between an unexpected puppy, weather, and each of us getting sick at different times, it was tough. We gave each other Christmas and birthday gifts and ordered Chinese takeout. One of the highlights of the visit was a trip to the Brownfield Market. Jane and Abby have talked about this store for ages, and what great deals can be found. Run by Mennonites, it has nearly everything you might want (size wise it reminded me of Trader Joe’s) at a grocery store, but definitely not every brand. Products can vary from visit to visit. What got my attention right away was raspberries for $1.25 a pint.
It was a fun outing and I also saw Abby’s goats. Here are a few grazing in the pasture.
In a quest to find an open restaurant Sunday afternoon, Dave and I landed at the Millbrook Tavern. We arrived between 4:00 and 5:00, and discovered that Happy Hour was from 3:00-5:00. We each got a burger and fries for $10. There were other food and drink specials which were very reasonable. If you’re looking for an early, inexpensive and decent meal, you might want to try it out.
The Whitman Memorial Library held its first cookbook dinner of the season on Monday. All recipes were from James Beard cookbooks. I made a garlic and gruyere bread and Dave baked a delicious apple cake. I do think it was one of the most delicious meals we’ve shared. The next dinner is scheduled for Monday, July 20, and the theme is Mediterranean.
In other library news, Jack Montgomery, author of a new book about the Holocaust victims who now live in Maine, will be doing a program at the library on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 AM.
The other day I went outside to sit in the sun, because my house was rather chilly. Within maybe 15 minutes I had four others sitting with me. I love me a dooryard visit, and that’s just what happened. It was especially great to have my nephew, Ben Hutchins, stop by. He stopped because I was outside, therefore he knew I was home!
This Wednesday, my sister and I, along with Jim and Julia Bennett, and Rick and Karen Bennett, will be traveling to Augusta, where Dean Bennett is to be recognized for his lifetime achievements. He, along with others, who were recommended for this award, will be the honorees. I’ll have more to report on that next week.