The Real Spring

Yes, spring is here in Palm Beach and finally in East Hampton. Maine is still iced over, however, specifically in northern Maine, where my fishing camp is located. Here in Florida, my bird feeder has attracted a family of cardinals to the exclusion of smaller, less aggressive birds. The grass is yellowing due to a lack of hydration. Rain has all but disappeared. However, the beach near my home is still a delightful and quiet place for reading. Small things like that make for a lack of incentive to return to East Hampton where the weather is still chilly at the beaches. Maine has its own draw and once I am back in New York I will start going up to camp. The Maine spring is always a month behind. Hence, I will experience three springs: Florida, East Hampton, and then Maine. I am a lucky guy.

It has been a series of important milestones for me this past season. First, I finished and sent off to the publisher my manuscript of Leibisch’s Journey, the story of my father’s travel during the early 1900s before he came to America. Most recently, my article “A Grand Camp” was published in Maine Homes, Boats and Harbors magazine. In it, I recount the story of finding my fishing camp on East Grand Lake. It was a heavy writing load of work over the past season, but at least I have something to show for it.

As I look forward to traveling north, I am excited to prepare for an overnight camping trip with my friend Ted Strategos on an island in Spudnick Lake. A bit of Camp Seneca fantasy, I guess. Thinking of launching my Beetle Cat on Georgica Pond as well.

I also look forward to the annual outdoor Blueberry Festival in Kennebunk, where I show and sell my artwork and books to the locals and visitors. I have some special paintings to display this year. All good for a real spring.