These last two years have been full of change, and to keep the trend going, the library will be changing its phone number. If we’ve learned anything from all this transition, it’s how to be flexible. We know this process will take time, so we’ll extend it into the summer to allow everyone (especially us!) to get used to our new numbers.

Hello to all my friends. I gotta tell you, I am not sure what I think about all this ice and snow. My feet get cold and sometimes ice goes in between my pads. I don’t like that, but Mom wipes them down with a nice warm and wet cloth. That makes it feel a lot better.

The battle of Iwo Jima, fought on Feb. 19, 1945, during the closing days of World War II, is remembered by many of that generation and certainly by all the Marines who survived the assault on the remote Pacific island 650 miles from Japan. Now, younger Americans may not be aware of the determined struggle that pitted over 100,000 men, including 70,000 Marines, against 22,000 entrenched Japanese defenders who fought to the last man.

Driving a motor vehicle on public highways in Maine is a privilege and a serious responsibility. The ability to drive a car, truck or motorcycle widens horizons. It helps you do your job, visit friends and relatives, and enjoy your leisure time. It is the most important card in your wallet and a legally accepted form of identification.

I happened upon this picture and recognized a couple of the gentlemen. I am not even sure where it was taken or why. Gordon Fossett, the first in the back row, sure is young here. The Odd Fellows Hall perhaps? I would appreciate and love to know everyone’s names and perhaps where it takes place. Please shoot me an email if you can solve this mystery.

Two large snowstorms on adjacent weekends are likely noticed with a bit of concern even in Maine. First, we had the whiteout and then less than a week later another layer of snow with sleet glazing everything with a thick layer of ice. Icing on a cake is the final touch to enhance a delicious product, but a layer of ice that requires chopping with a shovel to remove the snow below is only bound to enhance frustration.

If you ask the average Mainer how they feel about the state-owned landfill serving as the dumping ground for waste from other states, you probably won’t find many that think it’s the way life should be.

My vegetable selection isn’t the most interesting in February. Gone are the days of Swiss chard and lettuce; I’m back to slinging cabbage, one of the longest lasting vegetables I’ve ever worked with. They’re like onions; if the outer leaves are discolored, just peel the layer off, and the cabbage is in perfect condition once more.