Fourth Fatigue

Usually when I sit down to write this piece, I have a pretty clear idea of what I want to write about. But this morning…I’ve got nothing. As I write this, it is the day after the Fourth of July, and if truth be told, I might have overdone it just a bit on the holiday. So today I am feeling the effects. I don’t mean that I ate or drank too much; but I did possibly partake in too many adventurous and fun activities. I slept like a baby last night, but when I opened my eyes this morning, I felt a little tired. And by tired I mean that I felt like I was run over by a truck. Now that I am up and about, I am feeling a little sore. And by sore I mean that I’m having trouble walking.

I started the day yesterday by running four miles in the annual Four on the Fourth road race. After the race I felt euphoric and full of energy, and for the remainder of the day, I couldn’t sit still. Luckily, we spent the day at my brother-in-law’s camp, so there was plenty to do. After lunch I played football catch, then I swung on the swings, then I joined a game of Wiffle Ball. After that I took about a two-mile walk in the woods with friends, looking for and identifying wildflowers. And before all of that, I went on an off-road adventure in an ATV called a “Side-by-side.” It was incredibly intense, and I must admit that a couple of times I thought that I might die, trying to drive up steep dirt hills and over muddy ruts two feet deep. But then I realized that the universe would never let that happen; there are still far too many things that I want to do in this lifetime. I think I’ll start by taking a nap. But first I have a couple of hours of work I want to do in my garden today…

Speaking of Gardening

Mark’s Lawn and Garden now has a beautiful new display, which was created with help from the fourth-grade students at Steven’s Brook Elementary School. The Butterfly Gardens are planted with beautiful perennials and annuals and will feature native butterflies, which will be released to the wild once the season is over. Right now, a set of monarch chrysalises are on view, and a shipment of butterflies is expected for delivery this week. The gardens are open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Price is $7 per adult, $5 per child and a family rate of $20. Children under five and adults over 75 are admitted free.

Art Events

Be sure to check out the Chickadee Quilt Show, July 11 and 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Stevens Brook Elementary School. The quilts that will be on display are truly works of art. There will be food, raffles, a craft “yard sale,” vendors, a Chinese Auction and workshops. I love this event, because it includes so many fun things and is such an inspiration for people who love to make things.

Afterward, head over to the Fiber Arts Cottage, which is participating in Maine’s annual Row-by-Row challenge. The proprietor, Theresa Hammond, created a stunning quilt applique?, which is on display in the store. The pattern will be available at the store, and a materials kit can be purchased as well. Store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.

Art in the Park will take place in Shorey Park on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The rain date is July 19. There will be various artisans selling their work. There are so many beautiful pieces at this event; it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Good Eats

Whenever my grandma made a macaroni supper for me, I would refuse her offer for more after having three bowls. Then she’d say, “What? Are you cutting back?” She’d be happy to know that an all-you-can-eat spaghetti supper will be held at Grace Christian Church on Pinhook Road, Saturday, July 11, from 5-6:30 p.m. In addition to the spaghetti, the menu includes salad, rolls, pie and drink. Cost is by donation.

Support Our Loyal Friends

The Harvest Hills Animal Shelter is hosting a 5K race on Sunday, July 19, at 9 a.m. It starts and ends at the Bridgton Veterinary Hospital on Route 117. Pre-registration is $15 or $20 with a T-shirt. Race day registration is $20 or $25 with a T-shirt. Do it for the kitties! And the doggies.

B-I-N-G-O

Every Thursday through Aug. 20, St. Joseph Church, 225 South High St., will offer bingo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Early birds can play at 6:30 p.m., and regular play starts at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

P.S.

We apologize for any confusion regarding my “Inside Bridgton” column from two weeks ago. There was a mix-up with the header, so it appeared that former columnist Carrye Castleman-Ross was writing the column, but it was, in fact, still me.

The new Butterfly Garden at Mark’s Lawn & Garden on Portland Road in Bridgton is a dazzling place.Photo courtesy of Matthew Campbell

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