It may have been the only kind of normal thing to happen this whacky winter of 2023-24. An early spring snow that turned into an ice storm, coating the trees and roads and cars with a slick glaze of ice.

The power was out for most of the town by late evening — the immediate Beach and Atlantic Highway toward Camden once again the notable exception. The lucky ones had generators that kicked on, but we have yet to take that plunge at Sleepy Hollow. We do have wood stoves, so warmth could be guaranteed, and it was already late, so there wasn’t much for it but to put another log in the fire and get to bed.

The wind howled, and all through the woods came the crash of trees as the ice built up and brought them down. The dogs were not happy, especially old Fritz, who lives downstairs and whose mistress was off at Don’s for the evening — one of those lucky few who never lost power.

In a world that is so dominated by electronics, just having the sound of the natural world seemed to me a bit off putting, which is a very strange thing as I write it. That the natural sounds of wind and rain would be what seems off. I think I need some more time off grid.

Morning brought a world glistening with ice, and photos of trees and power lines down all over the Midcoast. Even with the infamously spotty cell service, townsfolk were on social media, and email, and calling or texting. The CMP website just said “assessing” but that didn’t stop us making our own predictions. “It’ll all be up an’ running by this afternoon”, countered by “No way, it’s gonna be DAYS!” The optimists and the pessimists both had their say.

By the time I had chipped my car out, and headed up to Drake’s to get some caffeine and survey the town a bit, the line guys were already out, and I had a glimmer of hope that I might get a hot shower before work Monday.

The kids phones were pretty much dead by this time, so we actually played a board game together, something that has not happened for way too long. I won.

Then we gathered up the electronics, and headed to my office on Camden Harbor and plugged everything in. We grabbed lunch at the Seadog, marveling at this miracle of electricity, having been deprived for more than 12 hours at this point. And with all the phones charging in the office down the road, we actually talked with each other over our burgers. And not too after returning to our freshly charged devices came the text from Ma announcing power was back.

Social Media was full of references to the January Ice Storm of 1998. It was nowhere near that bad, when much of the state was paralyzed for upwards of a week. I wouldn’t know. In January of 1998, I was tending bar at an Irish joint in Cambridge. I do remember the January Bar Brawl of 1998, which also caused a lot of damage, but the culprit was not Mother Nature in that one- the blame could solely be placed on drunk college boys…

So it is Sunday afternoon at Sleepy Hollow, and the dishwasher and dryer are running, early 2000s rap and steam is spilling out from under the bathroom door. Outside, the last shards of ice are falling from the trees under the gaze of the late afternoon sun.

Hopefully if you remain without power, it will be restored soon. Thanks to the first responders and the line guys, who leap into action when things shut down. And thanks to patterns of nature for forcing this little family to shift from the routine, if only for a brief moment.

Library

On Wednesday, April 3 at 3 p.m. the Lincolnville Library will host a workshop with accomplished fabric artist Jane McLean. Participants will learn the process of telling a personal story, creating an 8” x 8” wall hanging using the Folding Star pattern. All materials will be provided.

The Indian Tent

The Lincolnville Historical Society is collecting memories of the Shay family’s Indian Tent for their archives. Any memories or stories you may have of the family or their business are being sought, and can be submitted to lhsstories1851@gmail.com. The Indian Tent was put up every summer for decades, at the site of the current Beach Post Office. They sold Penobscot made baskets and moccasins and all other manner of knick-knacks and tchotchkes, and I have many fuzzy memories of perusing their wares on a summer afternoon.

The Little Mermaid Junior

Led by LCS Music teacher Susan Iltis and the great Kim Murphy and assisted by numerous parent volunteers, the Lincolnville Middle School Musical performed two shows to a packed house last week. Unfortunately, the third show had to be canceled due to the weather mentioned above, but the first two were amazing. 

Featuring a massive cast, that had to have been quite a feat in itself to manage, these young actors performed with an intensity and professionalism that belies their young ages. Camden Hills High School is known for its theatrical productions, and they will be gaining some significant young actors next year, with plenty more talent staying behind for next year’s middle school musical.

Congratulations to all involved. I was in the back of Walsh Common Friday night, just grinning for the entire hour and a half.

Condolences

To the loved ones of Vivia Andrews, who passed March 14 in Florida, just four months after her husband Andy. In the words of their daughter Anda, “They are together again.” Vivia, you and Andy will be missed so much in this little town.

OK, Lincolnville, hopefully that was it for Winter, but you never can tell. Watch yourself on the ice, it will probably freeze up tonight. If you celebrate, Happy Easter, Ramadan Kareem! Looks like Passover is still a few weeks out- these religious holidays and their floating dates always confuse me. Whatever you believe, be kind, be generous, be good. Drop me a line at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

Monday, March 25

Special Town Meeting, 6 p.m. Lincolnville Central School

School Board Meeting immediately following

Tuesday, March 26

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

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

School Board Budget Workshop, 6 p.m., Lincolnville Central School

Lakes and Ponds Committee 7 p.m., Town Office

Wednesday, March 27

Library open 2-5 p.m. 

Planning Board, 7 p.m. Town Office

Thursday March 28

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, 6:30 p.m., Town Office

Friday, March 29

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

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Saturday, March 30

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, March 31

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 11:00 worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway