Many thanks to Maureen Kinsey who took up the challenge and kept the Southport news flowing last week while Kit and I were in Vermont. Weather there was similar to here: warm, cold, snow, ice --- so much ice that the Trapp Family Lodge had to cancel the University of Vermont Winter Carnival, and I did not try to cross country ski. Son, Andy, and grandson, Will, had a good day of downhill skiing, and many of the extended family enjoyed the indoor pool, hot tub, and lovely mountain scenery.

This morning as I write the air is calm, but the sea is noisy, indicating the storm to come. The weather man tells us to expect nearly a foot of snow tomorrow, Wednesday, so maybe I will get to finish my book club book.

Last week’s column began with sad news, and this week’s column does also. Howard and Dee Wright’s daughter and Elizabeth Wright’s mother, Penny died last Sunday afternoon. Dee and Elizabeth were recovering from the flu, but were able to say good-bye to Penny over the phone. Funeral arrangements are being made.

Also, please note an obituary article about June Muriel Dingle (Brideau), 85, of Southport, Maine, who died Jan. 31, 2018.

Driving to the Southport Memorial Library today I was reminded of those horses mounted on a large spring that we used to ride as kids. Although our island roads do not have pot holes, at least not yet, the slight humps created by the freezing and thawing cause the rocking ride I remember from years ago.

The library is bustling with current activities and plans for the weekend. The men around the table were still supporting their Super Bowl teams, mostly Patriot fans who wanted several referee calls reviewed, but Peter Doelp was wearing his Eagles’ hat and was delighted when Donald Duncan displayed one of his many talents by changing a “useless little piece of paper” into a flying eagle, simply by folding and gently pulling on the tail to make the wings flap.

Jim Singer came in with their two large dogs, sharing with us the movie on his iPhone of Gracie, the Burnese Mountain dog, undergoing her water therapy which consisted of walking a half mile on a tread mill in a rectangular water tank at the Brunswick Animal Hospital. According to Jim she loves the exercise.

Weekend plans include a “History of Chocolate Presentation” just in time for Valentine’s Day. On Saturday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m., Sara Fahnley ,“the Candy Lady” will be giving an hour-long presentation about the history of chocolate, as well as samples of chocolates in different applications for everyone to enjoy. The event is by reservation only to ensure Sara will have enough samples for everyone! Please stop by the Southport Library or call to reserve your spot (207) 633-2741.

Sara will also have a variety of her Valentine’s Day chocolates for sale, all nicely packaged and ready to be presented as a gift! The assortment includes chocolate hearts, peppermint bark, Italian kisses, cherry cordials, and a mix of mini assorted Valentines candies – and much more. Sara has graciously offered to do this presentation free of charge, but she suggests you make a donation to the library if you wish. You can check out her website at http://andcandytoo.com.

After being all fire up with chocolates you can come again to the Southport Memorial Library at 3 p.m. for the Southport Island Association’s sponsored Winter Walk. Whether you are an SIA member or not, you are invited to walk, if you wish, nibble on goodies you and others will bring, and visit with friends and neighbors until about 5 p.m. A snow date will be the following Saturday, Feb. 17.

Finally, remember that the library has free passes both to the Portland Museum of Art and to the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, a good days outing when the weather permits and we need an escape from cabin fever.