Is there really a good word this week? I am still reeling from the news out of the south and worrying about the very long term effects on the victims of the hurricane. All of my personal problems seem very trivial and easily solved, at this point. And for the first time, the exiting Labor Day traffic from the state of Maine, took a backseat as the lead news item.

I can now cross off “renew license” from my To Do List. The new digitally produced license arrived in the mail yesterday, about two weeks after my short wait at the license bureau. I really lucked out, for on the day I went, it was absolutely pouring and that must have discouraged renewals. This was at the Presumpscot Street location and I was ninth in line – only had to wait about 45 minutes.

One of my relatives was not so lucky. He got in line at the Maine Mall location, with the ticket number 105, at 10:30 a.m. and finally got his turn at the window three hours later. His wife went shopping, provided snacks and water, and noted the large sign posted which said No Bathrooms Available, directing those in line to use the Mall facilities. Kind of makes you wonder about losing your place in line. Such is the efficiency of state government, although we’ve been assured that this is a temporary situation. We’ll see.

The school bus is back on the road and kids eagerly wait and watch; we’ve seen a few screwy drivers actually pass the bus, pass these little tikes and wonder again, at what is so important to take such a chance. Some things never change.

Windham’s Historical Society main museum and the Old Grocery (across from Corsetti’s) in Windham Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 as the state celebrates Maine Heritage Day. All are welcome to stop by and take a look at old farm equipment, collections of school memorabilia, shoe-making tools, household items, and much more.

On Saturday, Oct. 8, the Society will hold its first ever Appraisal Day and Silent Auction. To accommodate everyone, it will be held at the library; hours are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be available, as well.

I’ve such a backlog of inquiries from summer visitors about their Windham families and other subjects, that it appears I’ll be on the genealogy trail all during the fall. This year I’ve decided not to do another calendar, but one of the other projects to be tackled is the editing and compilation of a many-paged paper on the North East Road. This is a history of families and houses and events written by local historian Charles Legrow and it covers the Gray Road, or Route 202, from the rotary to the Gray line. We’ll let everyone know when this will be available to the public. North East Road is the old name for this thoroughfare, and there will be photos of many houses which are still standing today. Should keep me busy!

See you next week.