One of the most delightful aspects of living in rural western Maine is the ebb and flow of the changing seasons. Each quarter of the year has its own characteristics, from snow to rain to Opening Day to colorful gardens to late summer sunsets to foliage. And then back to snow again to start the cycle all over.
Most months have an annual event or two that you look forward to attending. It is a way to see friends, to catch up on local news and very often support a non-profit organization trying to make money to fund helpful projects. It is a way to mark time from one year to the next.
2020 started out like every other year with snowmobilers, skiers and ice fisherman enjoying the winter weather. But suddenly in March things started to change, slowly at first and then rapidly. No flights permitted from certain countries and then the NBA and NHL suspended their season. Spring training ended with the hopes that the schedule would start again in May. And then there were the 'Stay at Home' orders with most businesses required to shut down. Countless meetings on Zoom as we worked from home Everyone agreeing to Flatten the Curve.
But then the weeks dragged on. The Boston Marathon postponed and later cancelled. Our annual trip to DC for Legislative Meetings cancelled and conducted remotely. Summer camps closed. The Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library closed down with its re-open date still uncertain. The Arts and Artisans Fair was cancelled as well as just about every festival throughout the state. The entire schedule for the Brick Church for the Performing Arts schedule GONE. The Lovell Old Home Days 5k Run and Parade was cancelled. And now the Granddaddy of them all: the Fryeburg Fair. No Maine Association of REALTORS convention at Samoset. No concerts at Stone Mountain. Saco Valley Fire Department canceled its August Chicken BBQ. And on and on and on. Our neighbor couldn't make this up in one of his novels.
One benefit of living in our western Maine town is the easy access to the outdoors. We can go for a nice walk by opening our front door. I can split wood and add to the long stack or pull weeds from the garden. Not sure how people, like our daughter, are surviving in places like Brooklyn.
I am confident that we will survive and prosper. It may not snap back quickly but before long we will return to some sense of normalcy. Until then, let's respect each other and work together to get there!