2024 Calendar Letter

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome to our 23rd “Around Boothbay Harbor” calendar for 2024. I know, it seems like a typo. 2024! It doesn’t seem possible. When we first published our calendar in 2001, it was an unlikely project with absolutely no guess about how it would be received. Fortunately, through the years and with over 275 photographs, we have managed to keep pace with the years. Thanks to everyone who has made it possible to continue on, sharing the beauty of this magnificent part of the planet. We are truly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to occupy this space and enjoy the natural gifts of Maine.

Over the years, as the sights and sounds of the region have tumbled before us, we continue to come upon the unique and special gifts offered by the Boothbay region. I am often asked how is it possible to come up with unique photographs every year. You know, its hard not to. With all the seasons, the tides, the boats, and my curious nature, the opportunities seem all but limitless. You can visit the same spot time and time again observing the differences. The skies change. The waters’ stir. The activities expand and diminish. Critters advance and retreat. The winds blow. The weather is a whole story unto itself, and it is surely never the same. As Mark Twain once said, “If you don’t like the New England weather, wait a few minutes”.

For me, the weather is a big part of the whole picture here on the coast of Maine. At home here on Southport we can have one thing going on, and a short drive off the island may be all together different. Blizzard in Edgecomb, rain at Cape Newagen. Sunny skies here and downpour in Wiscasset. You just never know.

But the bigger picture is changing. I have mentioned in past letters how our winters have become less wintry. Such was again the case this past Winter. I don’t think I plowed more than three times here with our trusty Kubota. And the ground never froze, which for anyone who plows knows, can be a real pain. Lots of dug up driveways with piles of gravel in the yard! Not cool. Its not such a big issue for me because I plow with a bucket on the front and a plow blade on the rear. The adjustments are pretty fine so I can skim off the snow without too much cultivation. But not always! Still chunks of sod now and again.

We had a doozie of a storm in December out of the dreaded Southeast. High tides, big surge, gusty winds. Lots of damage along the shores with water inside buildings. Don’t get me wrong, it could have been worse. Look at what folks in the South and California got. Awful. We are pretty lucky I’d say.

Family stuff is moving right along. Mae and Ben still in Brooklyn. Mae misses Maine terribly and wants to come back but both she and Ben have work there. Perhaps in time something will develop, but for the moment we look forward to occasional visits and are happy for them. Ben’s family is in Texas so visits there are important too. We share and try to arrange visits home as often as possible. Sometimes we put on our big girl pants and visit them in New York, but not very often.

Morgan and Andrei are quite busy. Andrei has grown a significant car rental business with Turo. He is quite adept with automobile management and seems to have landed on a good niche. His cars don’t sit idle for long. While The auto industry is trying to figure out next moves, Andrei seems to have good insights regarding trends and developments. We are pleased for his success. Morgan is busy with her art and creative activities. And, we are pleased to announce that she and Andrei will be taking over care and operation of our beloved “Old Firehouse”. By the time this calendar hits the street they should be well on the way to a significant presence there. Watch for new MITCHELL & CO sign on your drive down Route 27 in Boothbay Center. It will be Morgan’s studio and a place for gatherings and shopping. Stay tuned. We are thrilled for family interest and new care for this historic community building.

Susan continues to be Susan. Lots of area need for in home care as folks travel along their various paths. She certainly does not lack in skills and knowledge after many years of experience. Dealing with doctors, hospitals, technicalities and life can be challenging. I’m about the same, whatever that means. My knee replacement surgery went well and I have adjusted. Climbing ladders and 100 yard dash have slowed. The knee let’s me know when I am in the “no go zone”! Sitting in one position for a long time, e.g., car and bus rides, airplanes— Not so good. I pray standing up! Not easy for a professional squirmer. I still can work my photo tools ok and look forward to frequent outings with the cameras. I ain’t done yet. Hope you enjoy this year’s batch of images. Welcome home.

With love,
The Mitchell Crew

As always, a portion of the proceeds from calendar sales will be set aside for “Teens to Trails” so young people can enjoy Maine. Yay!

Order this year's calendar here.