It's Bill, 8/31/25: Deb's Porch
- Desmond Haskell
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
Living on the Edge of the World
It’s no accident that I settled on West Quoddy Head, an extreme point by any standard. I’ve always preferred the end of the line—away from whoever and whatever. Being at the end of the road requires that, to get in touch with civilization, it is necessary to turn around and proceed toward the bright lights.
For me, that means turning right out of West Quoddy Station onto South Lubec Rd and heading 6–7 miles to Lubec.
A Community Discovered, Eventually
Well, after 25 years, I’ve gotten to know some folks—and they’ve gotten to know me. Once in a while, they remind me:
“Hey Bill! Where the hell ya’ been? I see you driving by, why don’t you drop by sometime?” Sooner, usually later, I figure this out.
Bud Showed Me the Way
Bud showed me the light. He sold his house and stayed with us a while. One day I asked him how’s he doin’?
He said he goes to Deb’s about every afternoon to sit on the porch. In fact, it was a bit after 4 and Bud was heading to Deb and Paul’s. He told me Happy Hour starts there about 4–4:30 on most days.
I think you see where I’m going with this... to Deb's.
The Porch Life
More precisely, on my way to Lubec—around 4 or so—I end up on Deb’s porch. BYOB.
Their old farmhouse has a porch facing the water. Door in the middle. Small wicker sofa on the right looking out. Further on the right is Deb’s chair, ruling over the length of the porch. On the left are two chairs facing out—the first one is Paul’s, opposite Deb’s is a chair facing her.
In the middle of the porch is the door to the kitchen.
The Sign Says It All
This sign is prominently placed on the right, eye level:
Porch Forecast
SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF VISITORS
FREQUENT GOSSIP AND LAUGHTER
AFTERNOON NAPS MAY OCCUR
DRINKING MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES
I don’t think there’s much more to say. That’s what we do—smiling all the time.
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