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Washington County photographer and videographer Ryan Malagara captured this fairy-tale image of a raven above snowy forests this weekend. Malagara’s work confirms from the sky what we already believed from the ground — Washington County is a uniquely beautiful place. You can see more here. Photo courtesy Ryan Malagara / DEVI Productions

Nothing like a stretch of single digits to make the 20s feel balmy. 

Like many in Washington County, we heat primarily with wood. They say wood heats you twice — once when you cut it and again when you burn it. But I say it heats you at least four times, the additional two being when you haul it from your shed, and again when temperatures drop to the single digits, and you’re rapid-firing logs into the stove like a watertender on a steam train.

Still, I’d rather live with weather that’s too cold than too hot. I know this about myself because I’ve spent many summers in Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas, where they think nothing of triple digit temps, and I think nothing, because my brain shuts down.

I shared the below photo this week and while most of the commenters feel as I do, many understandably defend the glory of sunshine and heat that just happens to you, even without a chainsaw. One commenter’s husband says you can always put on more layers. She says you can always jump in the lake.

“There must be a happy medium,” she wrote.

I think it’s in California, I responded.

The weather in coastal California is idyllic, it’s true. While living in Los Angeles, I would bemoan the high prices of rents and real estate, but my friend Steve never let it bother him.

“It’s just the weather tax!” he’d say.  

I spent some hours with Los Angeles on my mind last week after news broke that the LA Times has cut its newsroom by 20 percent including, surprisingly, the position of its Washington Bureau Chief. In an election year. The same day, one of my sisters wrote to say her small town New Hampshire paper was closing its doors after 40 years. 

It’s old news, but not good news, that print news is struggling. Because listen, we need the press. 

Local teacher Sandy Parsons captured this wonderful sunrise photo showing blazing warm colors against the snowy backgrop that more perfectly reflects how cold it is today. On the flip side of the day, we’ve gained 39 minutes of evening daylight since the winter solstice. Sunset today is at 4:36 p.m. Photo by Sandy Parson

My personal interest in the news lies not only in reliable reporting, which I admire, but especially in its ability to reflect and, when done well, protect and foster communities.

Through one of my best friends, I have for many years followed the work of Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a neuroscientist at Northeastern University. In her book How Emotions are Made and her TED Talk, she teaches that emotions are not built-in, but built by the mind, which has, Barrett writes, evolved to run the body.

When the needs of the body are not met, the mind suffers, too, and Barrett’s shorthand for those needs is called The Body Budget — those basic things we all need to be well. They include food and water, ample sleep, physical movement, time in nature, and other humans, aka community.

Who knew? Potluck suppers aren’t only good for dinner. They’re good for you, period. And what’s good for you is also good for us.

Like a shared meal, good journalism can strengthen the ties of community.

We should support it where we find it.

A beautiful photo and moving words from Machiasport Harbor Master David Cale. “Had to race this morning just to capture this. Within 3 min all that color disappeared an turned to nothing but a gloomy gray sky,” wrote Cale. “Life can do the same so capture the best of it an hold on to it as long as you can because it can gone in a blink. Photos I take aren't just pictures they’re memories. One day we'll all be memories. Best thing about memories is it allows us to live for eternity. Chose what you do in life wisely an you'll live forever.” Photo courtesy David Cale

Here in Washington County we face most of the same problems found across our wider culture, and in some cases, more than our fair share of them.

But we also have more than our fair share of neighborliness, more than our fair share of helping hands, and more than our fair share of people who will go out of their way to say hello. Maybe, even, more than our fair share of potluck suppers.

And isn’t that great?

My husband and I came for Washington County’s rural beauty, but we stayed for its unique sense of place — its people, its traditions, its humor, its sense of family and the generous, often breathtaking way that it lives in community.

I’m here for whatever helps carry that spirit forward, even as we navigate change.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Too much time alone and indoors is a prescription for the winter blues.

Though it might not be apparent to the casual observer, winter in Washington County is chock-a-block with opportunities to socialize and culturize (I made that up) with our fellow Way Downeasters. Below is an incomplete list of things to look forward to in the coming weeks, and you can find more here in Artsipelago.

Fun for the kiddos! Open all month, held as a joint offering of Healthy Acadia and Porter Memorial Library in Machias. Click on the photo to learn more.

Groundhog Day Fun from 1 to 5 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 2, Porter Memorial Library will feature a raffle, plant swap, Fedco Seed Sale kickoff, children’s activity, home-made whoopie pies, and cooking demo with Healthy Acadia. The event takes place at 92 Court Street in Machias. For more info call the library at 207-255-3933.

Eastport Arts Center’s Open Mic Night, Friday, Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Those interested in performing may sign up at the event for a slot, 10 minutes maximum; shorter acts are also very welcome. A limited number of slots for participants with special needs will be reserved for advance signup. Please send any inquiries by email to info@eastportartscenter.org. Admission is free; donations will be gratefully accepted. Some refreshments will be provided free of charge; others will be available for purchase, with proceeds going towards sustaining events like these.

LIBERTY HALL PUBLIC SUPPER: This one is going to be special. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 10, when the town of Machiasport will host a fundraiser supper to benefit the restoration of historic Liberty Hall. The evening will also include a silent auction full of incredible items, live music, and a Fort O’Brien student art show. Click here to learn more.

A little Valentine’s shopping AND a chance to help local students! Details in image above.

CONTRA DANCE! Reversing Falls Band & Mike Fay as Teacher/Caller, live at the Milbridge Theater and Community Arts Center on Saturday, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.

VALENTINE’S DAY BAKE SALE: Can you bake something delicious, or purchase something delicious? Then I’m looking for YOU to donate to the Porter Memorial Library Annual Valentine’s Day Bake Sale, scheduled for the day itself, Wednesday, Feb. 14. All proceeds to benefit Porter Memorial Library! If you are able to donate, you can let me know by responding to this message, or contact the library directly by calling 255-3933.

I have a sister and brother-in-law who excel at action pistol shooting events. If they were closer, we would not miss this Mid-Winter Shoot at Pleasant River! And borscht with your entry fee? That’s cool, no matter how you feel about beets.

MAINE SPACE

In November I attended the 1st Annual Maine Space Conference in Portland, and then covered it for The Working Waterfront’s current edition. You can read the article here.

I’m sorry to report our beautiful Fernando has not returned home after going missing on New Year’s Eve. Thank you so much to a local reader who shared a game camera sighting of a previously unseen black cat. Though our search didn’t turn up Fern, it was nice to spend time seeking, and thinking of him. Who knows? Maybe he’ll still turn up. Stranger things have happened.

Now available on Apple Podcasts

I’m delighted to report that the Way Downeast podcast is now available everywhere, including Apple podcasts, which will simplify things for iPhone users. But you don’t need a subscription or a smartphone to hear the podcast; just click the photo below to listen for free on our website. Catch up now!

We enjoy sharing our love of Washington County, Maine, so much that we’d honestly do it for free. In fact, we do. But if you wanted to buy us an oatmilk latte for our troubles, we wouldn’t say no. You can donate by check to our new PO Box, by Paypal, or by Sripe!

Thanks!