Farmers markets at this time of the year brim with mounds of bright red tomatoes with contrasting purple and variegated eggplants in their vegetable stands. And yet, in plant classification they are fruit and by botanical definition berries. Both are well known as edible, even though they belong to the nightshade family of plants, with some deadly relatives.

Cars zoom over Deer Meadow Brook on Route 215 and on the Sheepscot Road, but deep in the center of Newcastle there is no road or bridge, today, across Deer Meadow Brook, on the Old County Road. This is a part of Newcastle not often seen by the traveler. It is what makes Newcastle a two river town.

It’s funny how the beginning of summer brought such concerning drought and seems to be ending with so much water. To escape last week’s heat and humidity, I took a break at a favorite local spot, under the maple trees at Sheepscot General.

Earlier this year, I wrote what I believed was my last column for The Lincoln County News. After writing for nearly two years, I bade farewell to my readers and assumed that a door had firmly closed. However, after going three months without writing the column, I realized that I missed Backyard Wildlife. The door, as it turns out, was merely ajar. I’m pleased to say that I’m back and writing again. Like before, I welcome reader comments and feedback via the email account listed above.

Well, long time no see. I’ve been off on summer vacation enjoying our extended family and grand kiddos. My wife Paula and I are fortunate to have a place on Damariscotta Lake, and we made the most of it this past month.

Take a trip back to Maine’s past when you visit the Washington Schoolhouse in Round Pond. Throughout August, the museum at the 19th-century schoolhouse will be open on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. Visitors can imagine themselves learning as they sit in the lovingly restored classroom from bygone days.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Center estimates that the recent Northern-European floods will cost $9.25 billion in damages. By 2100, Europe’s flood costs could rise to $56.5 billion annually. Over the remainder of this century that totals $4.52 trillion.

It has been a few weeks since you’ve heard from the Nobleboro/Jefferson Transfer Station, so I felt like I needed to communicate with our customers.

For many months there has been much speculation and rumors flying around as to what is happening with the White Church. Everyone has been so hopeful that somehow it could be saved by and for the village, instead of becoming another gallery or kitchy store. Finally “every ‘I’ has been dotted and ‘t’ crossed” and the information can be relayed.