The frequent snowstorms have created a Christmas card scene on the Point, blanketing the tree branches, roofs, and even chimney caps with soft white snow that remains for days, due to the low temperature. It's lovely, and on sunny days, the brave ones who bundle up and take a walk get to see that winter has also covered the islands with a softer outline.

On the other hand, the traffic snarls, fender-benders, and other hazardous driving conditions have made it difficult to navigate and the storm cancellation of anticipated holiday events has been disappointing to participants, organizers, and attendees alike. Even one showing of "The Magic of Christmas" at the Merrill Auditorium had to be cancelled.

We have hearty souls here that get to work, regardless of the weather. The builders and carpenters, lobstermen, road crews and plowmen, postal and hospital workers, shop owners, restaurant staff, home delivery drivers and emergency personnel all brave the elements with loyalty and heavy jackets. Retirement allows us to sit inside by the fire and watch the snow falling or dumping down, but we appreciate all the services that remain in place. Like anything else, there is an up and down side to snowy weather, which is predicted to continue!

Recently, I met my sister and daughter in Freeport for lunch and shopping on a snowy day. We found a unique "green" gift in LL Beans being demonstrated by the sculptor. He sold metal bowls, tuneful bells and clear Christmas balls filled with leftover filings to create a sparkly effect on your tree. These were made from oxygen bottles left by climbers on the slopes of Mt. Everest in Nepal. Apparently this waste material had caused international concern over pollution. Seemed like an interesting creative solution to me, so I purchased one ball for uniquely creative friends of mine!

In North Freeport I stopped into the Frost Gully Gallery which was displaying Dahlov Ipcar's work, a vivid world of brilliant colors, ever-changing shapes through which delightful animals cavort in high spirits. The artist is a local Maine woman, 90 years old, and most of this current exhibit was created in the last two years!

I left the studio in stormy weather, with a heart full of joy and delight. The show will continue until December 28 th .

Thanks for the wonderful Christmas greetings that arrive every day. I heard from Kitty Anagnost who reminded me that she has the CDs that John King made, based on the OP book of the older cottages. She would be glad to mail them out to anyone who sends a $20 check made out to OPCT, as a donation to the Ocean Point Colony Trust. By the way, we grew up with John and his brothers in the summertime, and he is now wintering in his cottage across from Kitty and Jim's cottage. Another hearty resident has joined us!

May you all have small pleasures and restful moments during this wonderful season of hectic joy! Enjoy the friendships and family love that make the season special. We send you our best wishes for the New Year ahead.

Contact me at: (207) 633-3669 or e-mail: waldman1@roadrunner. com .