The vernal equinox has arrived, so we may officially welcome spring! The snowbank in the lee of our house is finally shrinking and the clump of snowdrops in front is bobbing its blossoms in the sunshine. It may be a bit early to think of bringing out the grill. However, it is not too early to think of an updated version of old favorites, some with a new twist in ingredients.

History may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but because there’s so much of it, everyone remembers something. For instance, if the topic of tragedies at sea is mentioned, the names of the same famous ships almost always come to mind.

Soon we will reopen the doors to the historic Lincoln Theater. While we have instituted several new processes and procedures for this time of COVID-19, this week we thought we would focus our column on our new ticketing process.

The Island sounds and sights foretell changes. Thinning ice layers. Dripping rain rolling off the roof lines. Less crunch more slop underfoot. The dog is always wet.

During these pandemic moments of joy here in the Villas, my new home, I would like to varnish them and keep them forever in my memories. The moments of gloom I want to paint with black paint to obliterate from my memory.

This is another one of those difficult subjects to write about in this column, because I’m not really sure how many readers it actually applies to. This happens on such a frequent basis though, I’m going to throw it out there anyways, just in case …

These words from an old column I wrote years ago about our B&B in Maine brought to mind the pandemic we are living in now. This is a time of growth, challenges, change, and connection. Each day we are facing new challenges, our schedules are changing, and we have a stronger connection with family and friends.