Changes of all sorts seem to be the topic of discussion throughout the region these days — golf course, Boothbay Common, area restaurants, renovations to existing facilities, and on and on.
For me, one of the biggest markers for change on our peninsula happens each year about this time, like the swallows returning to Capistrano. The return of seasonal water marks the true arrival of spring.
Our water company employees scatter out, somewhat methodically, along dormant black pipe paths delivering new water to hundreds of homes, seasonal and not. We even get some!
Our well water is an aromatic and delectable mauve orange brown. Even after filtration it turns our sheets earthen and my wife's hair purple. Our sinks and toilet bowls require multiple applications of rather unpleasant cleanser, which cannot be good for the septic machine. We are happy for the change of water.
Following closely on the tails of the water people comes the frantic clanging of pipes, readmitting summer water to seasonal residences, aka, “The Plumber's Polka!”
As we drive along the most traveled roads in the area, panel trucks, vans and the occasional pickup can be seen emerging from side roads, trails, and paths. Out of the woods and down paved thoroughfares come Arsenault, Poitras, Townsend and Walsh crews, once trainees of plumbers like Tom Prouty, Oscar Noah and others. The "rehookers" connect us to the source. Change is in the air.
Soon the arteries of our new water will be pumping into tubs and showers and toilets and sinks in cottages closed up for months. People from everywhere can now enjoy the official reawakening of our region. Hundred-year-old cottages greet returning guests and new friends. It is renewing the old we can count on with little or no need for conflict resolution gurus.
It's change we can truly enjoy.