“The Gardens” is a chapter in PAGES FROM A JOURNAL, a compilation of columns written more than 40 years ago by gifted wordsmith and local treasure Joyce Butler. Reading this (and I have countless times) reminds me why I love gardening.

Videoconferencing platforms take us to funerals, weddings and graduations. I miss the real thing.

Maine’s black bear population is approximately 36,000. One of them has moved into my ‘hood. And he REALLY likes it here.

Re-entry after the long quarantine has not been without fractious moments.

In New Hampshire, the “live free or die” state, nail salons are open for business. Unlike….. And so…. I went.

Gleanings of the garden.

With everything on hold for the past few months, I didn’t mind postponing a dentist and eye doctor visit. Delaying an oncology checkup was another matter.

We’re starting to walk out the door now, rejoining the world. We’re masked, gloved and toting an enlarged vocabulary. Some new words, some old words with new significance, both comprising my coronavirus ABCs.

We’ve lost so much during the Covid-19 pandemic, but what I miss most are hugs.

Staying inside the house is a good way to thwart the virus. But look what else lurks outside.