As I mention every year at this time, Earth Day is a very special day for us. Not only is it a time to honor this beautiful blue planet we live on, but Earth Day is also my daughter Shannon’s birthday. As Earth Day is Sunday, the weekend will be filled with special events—a local foods potluck tonight; a special meal for Shannon, along with cake and gifts, of course; and most probably a movie at Railroad Square, either The Secret World of Arriety or Coriolanus. (Being the birthday girl, Shannon will decide.) And, as if all this weren’t enough, we’ll be sliding in a trip to the Red Barn, a local restaurant that not only has some of the freshest fried seafood in Maine but is also one that actually pays its help a decent wage. And they’re thriving, the owners included!

I hope to take plenty of pictures to share on the blog.

In the meantime, I want to wish readers a very happy and thoughtful Earth Day. While I’m a firm believer in societal action, I think that individual choices matter, too, and it does no good to spout environmental platitudes while at the same time crunching through resources as though they are infinite. We all must examine our own habits of consumption, and my own simple goal is to bike more and drive less. In hilly central Maine, this can be quite a challenge. Busy lives also make it difficult, and, at times, even in Maine, the traffic can be daunting. Nevertheless, my plan is to use my bike as much as I can, not only for pleasure, which it certainly is, but for transportation as well.

Accordingly, on Thursday I pedaled to Wholesome Holmstead, about 6 miles away. For the potluck, I decided to bend my “no meat” rule and buy Wholesome Holmstead’s ground beef and sausage for my chili. (I still haven’t hit upon a vegetarian recipe that I really like.) Wholesome Holmstead’s meat is as local as can be, and the animals have a good life before they are slaughtered. A compromise, to be sure, but not a bad one.

And what a pretty ride. The grass was green, the birds were singing, and, yes, there was one challenging hill, but I am happy to report that I did not have to resort to grampy gear. When I came home, lunch sure tasted good.

Again, happy Earth Day to all. Stay tuned for pictures.