In spite of local predictions that repair of the Thompson Bridge over Decker Cove, leading up the east side of the island would take at least six weeks, the state's prediction that repair would only take two weeks turned out to be true. The crew worked in some very cold and difficult weather, but the bridge is now open. No need to attempt Plummer Road where during the detour several vehicles ended up in the ditch having to move over for a large truck or a wide snow plough.

As our neighbors left for a Christmas visit to relatives we took in the instructions as to how to keep their wood stove burning in case the power went out, but since the weather forecast for the week of Christmas sounded sunny and warmer, we did not think we would need this information. The weather was sunny and warmer except in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve when the wind and rain wakened me as it beat on the window and roof. Although our neighborhood power only blinked a few times, a tree down on Cross Road left five homes without power for a time on Christmas Eve day.

That wind and rain helped the crew clear the road and path leading to All Saints by-the-Sea so that people could safely reach the chapel for a 10 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. About 60 people braved the cold and were rewarded not only with a special worship opportunity, but also with the high tide sound of waves on the rocks and a nearly full moon to light their way. Many thanks to all who made the opportunity possible: Al Moses, Paul Noah, Leal and Will Brinegar, Cindy and Lowell Watson who helped clear away snow and ice, warm the church, and decorate both inside and out; Donna Griffin who provided vocal and guitar music; Kit Sherrill, celebrant and preacher; and Morgan Mitchell, Paul Noah, and Ruth Story, readers.

The winning names for the Southport Memorial Library's ongoing quilt raffle were drawn on the Saturday before Christmas. They are both Southporters: Susie Eastman won quilt #3 and Ella Beauregard, age four, won quilt #4. Thank to all who bought tickets in the support of the library.

Many people traveled great distances to be with families during the holidays. Perhaps one of the longest treks was made by the Rileys' daughter Megan and her family. They came from Manchester, England, to celebrate Christmas on the southern end of Pratts Island with mother and dad, Audrey and David Riley and brother Colin. Before returning home they spent a few days in Boston visiting friends.

The year ahead has some awesome civic responsibilities for each of us. If the law is not repealed, Southport residents will vote on our region's plan for school consolidation. At town meeting we will decide how the Pratt property in Cozy Harbor will be modified and used, and how much money we the Town of Southport want to spend during the year. In November we will choose leaders for our state and our country.

Many of us on New Year's Day, including myself, make resolutions to get more exercise, lose weight, really get to work on that long-standing list of chores, and other life improvement schemes. I suggest that we also resolve to stay informed from a variety of sources about local and national events. Scholar Os Guiness suggests that we need to live by a new golden rule, a civic golden rule, which says, "My rights are best protected by protecting your rights." We are all in this life together.