West Bethel

Last Wednesday morning Jake and I saw two turkeys in a field at the top of Paradise Road, a tom and a hen. That was a surprise, even though I know there is a lot of open land and undeveloped wooded area in the vicinity. We are gradually discovering old wagon tracks and backcountry ski trails that make for good walking in the early morning hours.

We’re hearing robins first thing in the morning, singing their wake-up call. Then the hermit thrushes chime in with their reverberating trill that seems to carry for miles. Later in the day the phoebes’ insistent “fee-bees” fill the air, along with the irregular rat-a-tat of the yellow-bellied sap-sucker. Mike is starting a small raised-bed garden out behind the garage. We can’t quite give up our lettuce, tomatoes, and beans, not to mention peppers. We’ll see what succeeds with the least amount of effort.

Every time I set out to walk up the road or down it towards the village, I manage to meet someone interesting to chat with. That is the biggest difference between walking on the Flat Road and walk-ing in town. On the Flat most of the traffic is autos, while here in town there are many walkers. However, we still miss the forest road for perambulating.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Crockett were a very happy couple at their wedding on April 23 in Portland. Laura Pivin and Patrick exchanged their vows at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with a reception immediately following the ceremony, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. According to grandmother Linda Westleigh, there were guests from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Florida, many of them staying there at the Holiday Inn.

Linda said that Laura was absolutely beaming throughout the festivities. The Crocketts left on Sunday for Puntacana in the Dominican Republic (the nice side of Hispaniola!) for their honey-moon. Linda said everyone took great pleasure in the joyous celebration, after a year of several sad occasions.

Caden Scott Costello, son of Annie and Brandon Costello (Laura’s sister and brother-in-law) has been home for more than four weeks and is doing very well. He and sister Maddie came to Portland with their parents, but missed the adult festivities. Two very good friends of Annie’s, Carrie and Chelsea, took a room at the Inn and baby-sat the two children, so that Annie and Brandon could enjoy themselves without worrying. Friends like that are pure gold.

Rosabelle Tifft writes that Senior College has an event coming up on Thursday, May 6, from 4:30 to 6 pm at the Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge in Newry and anyone interested is invited. Polly Ma-honey, Registered Maine Guide, will present a slide show and share her experiences of a trip through Mongolia on horseback. Admission is free. You are also invited to stay after the program for a potluck supper. If you plan to stay for the supper, please bring a dish to share. To reach the lodge, take Routes 2 and 26 to Newry for six miles and continue on Route 26 North for seven more miles. You’ll see the lodge on the right at 1513 Bear River Road. If you want more information, call Bonnie Pooley at 824-2236.

We hear tell that asparagus tips are peeking through. We have a huge cherry tree in full bloom and raspberry bushes leafing out. The daylilies, irises, pulmonaria, and Jacob’s Ladder that I’ve transplanted are all getting established in their new location. We have much yet to do in the yard and garden, not to mention the dozens of unopened boxes upstairs still to be dealt with. All in good time!

Be in touch with your news and views: dhoeh@megalink.net; 824-2917.