I can’t believe it’s September already! August was a wonderful month; lovely warm days, cooler nights, and just enough rain. I’m sitting outside as I write this (Monday), and it’s a perfect day.
I can’t help but observe things around me outside, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the top of this Eastern White Pine is loaded with cones! I can even see the pitch, which sparkles in the sunshine.
Some years there is pitch everywhere, making it tough to be on the patio. That is not an easy thing to clean up. When I was a kid, and playing outside all the time, I would often come home with pitch somewhere on me. My mother would get the can of Crisco out and that would do the trick.
I had a great visit with my friend Jane. We spent quality time outside, and enjoyed visiting. I’m so very thankful for this friendship which has lasted since our college days. Like most “old friends,” we pick up where we left off.
The West Paris Universalist church will reopen the Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 13.
It was Saturday morning, when we were sitting out in the yard—Dave told me to look—and there was an all white hummingbird, zipping around and going to different flowers in the garden. I immediately grabbed my phone and went toward it, hoping to be able to catch it. Amazingly, I managed to capture the whole bird, as it was enjoying a bee balm flower. We watched it for a very short time, as it flitted about. Another hummingbird began to chase it, and then it took off. I felt very privileged to have observed it with my own eyes!
I posted this photo on the Maine Birds Facebook page, and it got a lot of attention there. It is a very rare thing to see one of these! It’s really all about being observant and watching what is around us. There is a lot going on on many different levels. I see hummingbirds on a daily basis, since I have a lot of blossoms in my yard. It would have been so easy to miss, but luckily, we didn’t!
My cucumbers and summer squash are still producing. The Sun Gold tomatoes are just starting to give a hefty handful daily. They are simply delicious.
School is back in session. My grandson Zack doesn’t start until this week, unlike many other districts, which returned last week. Grandson Josh is starting at CMCC, along with two of his friends. Ben is still at Charlie’s Subaru, and continues to learn more as he is sent to classes in Massachusetts.
Remember—this is coming up—soon!
Condolences to the family of Wally Ritz, who passed away last week.
My neighbors, the Franks, are having a sale at their house over Labor Day weekend, if anyone is interested. I keep thinking I will have one of my own, but I know the work that goes into it, and I’m just not that ambitious.
Last weekend, Sarah and Colin, along with three friends, Travis, Lex, and Cam, stayed at Hathaway’s Hideaway. They took a ride up to West Bethel to take a look at the Makerspace, where Travis will be a teaching a class on September 10. He will be instructing a class on making a “ditty bag.” Travis has taught numerous quilting classes in the Portland area, and is an avid sewer. I was a little surprised when he said the class was sold out, and that there are 8 people in it. Those taking it will have a great evening with T-Bag!
It’s that time of year when the monarch butterflies are hatching out and making their presence known. I have not seen any monarch caterpillars this year, but have seen the butterflies.
I just got word that my wood will be arriving on Thursday. Fun times!
Now to get the shed cleaned out and ready.
Every time I drive through town, I admire the new sign in front of the library. It’s such a great addition, and very easy to see. The last cookbook dinner at the library will be held on Monday, September 21, at 5:00. The theme for this meal is gourmet.
I happened to notice that the Franks had a visitor this morning--Christopher Spanks and his dog, Larry Bird. Larry got out of the VW bus and had a very vigorous play date with Bella. They played tag and had a fine old time running around, doing what dogs do. I thought it only fitting that I took the opportunity to photograph the two new friends. I should also mention that Larry is running for Mayor of Bethel, so get your vote in!
Enjoy these beautiful September days! And please send me any news or events: