In the latest edition of Pursuits magazine, our feature "More Than a Pigeon Perch," takes a look at this local landmark, The Hiker, a statue by Theo A.R. Kitson.

It's a monument to the Spanish American War fought in Cuba . . . from the conflict itself ("Remember the Maine") to questionable journalism, Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, and medical breakthrough, it's layered with meaning.

You may have heard of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, but do you know who Dr. Walter Reed was? This statue holds a clue.

At least 50 copies of The Hiker were cast and are located around the country.* We're looking for the others. This one is in Portland, Maine, is there one in your community? Post a comment and let us know.

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*Because all 50 copies of The Hiker were cast by the same foundry and placed in different areas of the country, the statues are being examined for the effects of air pollution and climate based on location.

A few weeks ago we visited friends on the lake . . . it rained. So we shifted gears, played cards, and we had a blast. We cooked, we ate, and we laughed . . . a lot. It may not have been the weekend we planned, but it was fun.

Our forecast for this weekend calls for rain again. If it's raining (or not) where you are, challenge yourself with some friendly competition or to try something new:

1) Plan ahead and stir up some goodness. Visit your local farmer's market and buy something you're not familiar with (collard greens, squash, eggplant?), or grab some in-season fruit (peaches maybe, or blueberries), find a recipe, and stir up some goodness.

2) Board games and cards. Get a competition on and see how well you do. Win, and you may be challenged to a rematch.

In our Calendar of Days, today we celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with the suggestion to take in a summer concert.

We did that last night and caught Jerks of Grass on the Eastern Promenade overlooking Casco Bay. We kept it simple and headed out after dinner, some people brought elaborate picnic food, while still others grabbed something from the food trucks at the top of the hill. What a nice way to spend the evening.

BRICK STORE MUSEUM, Kennebunk, ME
Before I even entered the venue or paid admission, I had my Steampunk name: Princess Lillie Edgar-Goldsack. Part fantasy, part science fiction, it was a fitting introduction to the Steampunk Fair held at the Brick Store Museum last Saturday.

Steampunk is a combination of costumes, jewelry, art, science fiction, and fantasy with influences from a Victorian aesthetic and Industrial Age steam-powered machinery. The fair included a group of talented artists and interesting characters. Here are two that caught my attention.