Almost
Washington County is a natural beauty all year long, but if it did have an awkward phase, I think it would be now. This is the seasonal darkness before dawn, when every yard is a soggy, yellow mess, when the ATV trails are closed for mud season, and when no one wants to feed the wood stove anymore.
But when this phase is over — wow.
My Mud Season Blues lift each year when the sun’s path northward once again makes it visible over the cove in front of our home. For one or two exciting days, we see it rise directly between two islands.
The days are getting longer now, and there are other signs that spring is nearer than we think. Just today, Machiasport photographer Tanya Decatur sighted two ospreys who have returned to a nest along the Machias River. You can see her beautiful visual evidence below.
I’m sure they wouldn’t make the trip all the way from South America to Maine if they didn’t believe winter was over. Tanya recorded their arrival on April 7 last year, too. In my experience, our Bucks Harbor ospreys arrive a little later than the Machias River clan. But, they could be here within the week, and I think that calls for a celebration.
Maybe even a little cake.
While we wait for the world around us to turn green, savvy local gardeners are taking matters into their own hands. My neighbor Rhonda, who could teach me how to survive on a deserted island using only my wits, a canner, and some knitting needles, suggested this week is a good time to start making some seaweed tea to use as garden fertilizer this season. I plan to take her advice.
I’ll ask my neighbors for some washed up rockweed which I will then, per Rhonda’s instruction, put in a large bucket or tote with a lid, cover with water, “and let it cook for a month or so.”
You’ll know it’s working when it starts to smell like your worst nightmare. Then, once the smell subsides, it’s ready to use as a liquid fertilizer.
Meanwhile, as we wait for warmer weather to arrive and with it, all that reassuring green grass, there are events we can attend to draw those Springtime feelings closer, with or without green grass.
In celebration of Easter this weekend, on Saturday, April 8, Porter Memorial Library will host its popular annual Easter Egg Hunt, which could even have a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny! You’ll find all the details here.
The bunny will be hopping tomorrow, also making an appearance at Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport. You’ll find all those details here.
While you’re out and about with the kiddos, consider stopping in Machias for this first-of-its kind event, a Play Fair in Bad Little Falls Park! The event is timed to coincide with the Week of the Young Child, and will feature live music from Duane Ingalls and Gary Lamb, light snacks, free coffee, and lots of creative play, a story walk and nature play, mural painting, and a makerspace.
The event is hosted by Ok Play, and sponsored by Machias Savings Bank and MaineAEYC. Half of all donations to the event will go to support the We Care Community Baby Center in Machias, an organization that does wonderful things for local families.
I can’t say enough good things.
The Washington County Almanac website is still under construction, so please ignore the mess. But for someone who has no experience with page building, I think it looks pretty great. Please come back for weekly updates, and more website renovations.
And Happy Easter!
SCD