I have been enjoying the leaves. The ash tree in the front yard of this old place never changed as dramatically as the oaks and maples in front of the homes of my classmates. I was always a bit jealous. No striking reds and oranges, just the pale brownish yellow — “apple butter” my mom always called it.

I have learned to appreciate the color of the ash in autumn, the way the October sun shines through its leaves, painting the dooryard with a certain glow. I looked up the other day, and the branches were mostly bare.

I have settled into my new office in the old mansion on Commercial Street, aka Route 1, in Rockport. It is far quieter than my place on Camden Harbor, and with the window cracked, mostly all I hear is the leaves. Rustling, blowing down from the stand of old forest behind the place, floating past my window to settle on the lawn, once part of a great estate.

The mornings have become cold now. Dragging myself out of bed in darkness. Reading the news of the day on my iPad, the morning paper of the new millennium, glasses perched on my nose. When did that happen? I have been wearing contacts since I was 13, but suddenly I am wearing glasses again. They bring sharpness to the words on the screen, words which only rarely bring good news.

As the sun starts its slow rise over Sleepy Hollow, I shower, I dress, and I measure out two coffee cups of dry dog food — the expensive brand that seems to be the only kind that does not upset Conrad’s stomach. Adding a squirt of fish oil to each bowl, I remind Conrad to “have manners” and wait for me to spring his sister before eating. Belladonna has been happily snoring in her crate, wrapped in blankets.

Bella is the kind of dog who has two settings; completely passed out or tearing around the house, her active nose leading her to all kinds of trouble. She likes exactly seven people, my family, Ma, and Don. Everyone else can just stay away. I appreciate this.

Food gobbled, Bella knows what time it is, and she leaps into my lap. This time of year, when the sun hangs low in the morning, she needs her “pretty orange dress”, the reflective vest that goes over her leash.

I tell her, as I do every morning, that this is so she is not mistaken for a Pygmy deer, because she is SMALL. She wags her tail and snaps at me.

I have started putting a leash on Conrad, as well. Generally, he goes into the fenced off back yard when Bella and I go for our walk, but I realize he could also use the exercise, so he has been joining us recently.

After years of the same routine, Bella understands the ritual, and walks straight and with determination. Conrad, however, is still figuring things out, tripping Bella and I up, getting distracted by new smells.

The latest “walking book” playing through my AirPods, a pair of dogs trotting before me, I head up Beach Road, being sure to wave to the passing cars and trucks. I am trying to be responsible and wear my own day glow sweatshirt.

Above us hang the autumn leaves. Red and orange and “apple butter” yellow. The breeze blows them down and around us. Bella snaps at a fallen acorn. 

I have been enjoying the leaves.

Millerite Hike

This Thursday, Oct. 22, will be the annual Millerite Hike, commemorating that morning that the local followers of William Miller faced a sunny October day instead of the end of the world in 1844. Join Lincolnville legend Rosey Gerry for tales of Lincolnville’s past and the Great Disappointment.

I reprint here Rosey’s information regarding the hike to the Millerite Cliffs.

“When you ask? Thursday morning Oct. 22.

What time you ask? Be there by 6:45 a.m. Walk starts at 7 a.m. sharp!

Meet where? At the end of Maiden Cliff road off Youngtown Road.

Directions? If coming from Lincolnville center towards Camden turn left by Youngtown Inn go to top of hill turn right onto Maiden Cliff Road.

If coming from Camden, up 52 turn right onto Youngtown Road and follow directions above!

If coming from Lincolnville Beach area, turn onto Youngtown Road on your left and go about 2.5 miles and look for Maiden Cliff Road on left, Come up all way.

We will be parking in field on your left so plenty of parking!

How long will it take?….Takes about an hour to go up, and about half hour down. You spend the time you need once we've reach summit!  Usually takes up to 2 hours to 2.5 hours unless the end happens while we’re up there! 

Be aware sometimes side trips are offered for those who might have an interest!

What should I bring? Hiking boots, walking stick, water, tick repellent, camera!

Can I bring my dog or husband? Yes, but they must be on a leash, and no jumping on people!

If they bark a lot and nip please leave them home!

What are the rules? No political conversations, or hats, T-shirts, etc.

Enjoy the hike, and the great scenery!

Whom do I contact if I have question’s?

Rosey Gerry 207-975-5432…..roskari@gmail.com”

LCS-PTO Clothing Swap:

The Parent Teacher Organization of Lincolnville Central School continues its planning for the autumn clothing swap, on the 23-25 of October at the Tranquility Grange . This is an amazing event, and such an incredible way to upcycle the clothes you or your kids have outgrown, and get some new stuff. Leave your clean donations at the box outside the LCS front doors, and volunteers will sort and organize them for the October sale. Thank you so much to the Tranquility Grange for offering the space.

Library Happenings

Needleworkers will meet from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday. There will be a poetry circle from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, and Mah-jongg from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, 10/22, LCS students will be visiting after school to craft life sized puppets. At 6 p.m. join Louise Bakely for Introducing Homeopathy film followed by Q&A. Friday the library will welcome LCS grades K-2 for stories and activities, and Mah-Jongg will be at noon.

That’s what I got for this week. Be good out there, cook something for someone you love, or for someone you tolerate — heck make something nice for someone you don’t even particularly like. Things are tough out there for everyone. We need to look out for each other.

Reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Tuesday, October 20

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, October 21

Library open 2-5

Thursday, October 22

Library open 2-5 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Beginner’s Meeting, 7 p.m., Lincolnville Historical Society, 33 Beach Road

Friday, October 23

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 208 Main Street

Saturday, October 24

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, October 25

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway