CentralMaine Sunday

J.P. Devine - July 17, 2023

J.P. Devine - July 9, 2023

J.P. Devine - July 2, 2023

J. P. Devine - June 25, 2023

J.P. Devine - June 18, 2023

J.P.Devine: There's always something — June 11, 2023

J.P. Devine mulls an expression that was ingrained in his life by his mother, who used it like a wash cloth or toothbrush.

J.P. Devine: Everything but the kitchen sink — June 4, 2023

Mulling mountains of debris, J.P. Devine recalls the cast-away collectables of years past. 

J.P. Devine: Until the break of day — May 28, 2023

This Memorial Day, J.P. Devine remembers the adventures of his brothers in the Irish way while keeping their pain and secrets hidden in his heart.

J.P. Devine: Searching for the password to nonagenarian.com — May 21,2023

Pondering whether there's a manual or an app for 90-something-year-olds, J.P. Devine mulls what it means to belong. 

J.P. Devine: Happy Mother's Day — May 14, 2023

As J.P. Devine marks Mother's Day, he's also thinking of Hollywood writers who are striking and his own family working in the entertainment industry.

J.P. Devine: Sorry for your loss — May 7, 2023

In the wake of a fire that destroyed The Last Unicorn, J.P. Devine remembers his own history with the landmark Waterville restaurant. 

J.P. Devine: Ends tomorrow — April 30, 2023

Coming across a foreboding ad in the mail, J.P. Devine reflects on the celebrity company he keeps now that he's a nonagenarian. 

J.P. Devine: Banned! — April 23, 2023

Outraged that his own book hasn't been added to the banned list, J.P. Devine mulls the trend and what's behind it. 

J. P. Devine: Tales of April — April 16, 2023

It’s hard to be funny when April’s usual annoying showers suddenly become dark twisting clouds of hurt, J.P. Devine says. 

J.P. Devine: How you want ‘em? — April 9, 2023

Eggs are everywhere this time of year, and their importance to our society is priceless, J.P. Devine says. 

J.P. Devine: Is everything all right? — April 2, 2023

You’re probably wondering what these “Golden Years” are, and when they’re coming, because whatever this “all right” we’re living in now isn’t “all right” at all, J.P. Devine says. 

J.P. Devine: Apocalypse Now — March 26, 2023

Waiting for the white apocalypse, J.P. Devine recalls the romance of moving to Maine all those years ago. 

J.P. Devine - March 19, 2023

J.P. Devine: What a drag — March 12, 2023

A history lesson on the term "drag" brings us back to men appearing in women’s clothing in Shakespeare’s plays, J.P. Devine says. 

J.P. Devine: Balloons, it's a long story — March 5, 2023

Balloons can be a metaphor for so many events, small and great moments in our lives, J.P. Devine says. 

J.P. Devine: A tribute to 'Senator Cy' — Feb. 26, 2023

J.P. Devine remembers Cyril M. Joly Jr., his brother-in-law with whom he shared a mismatched and bumpy friendship that lasted until the day he passed.

J.P. Devine - February 19, 2023

J.P. Devine: Cold enough for you? — Feb. 12, 2023

Recent bone-chilling weather has J.P. Devine remembering his service time during the Korean War and the deeper cold within the human soul.

J.P. Devine: A hundred, you say? — Feb. 5, 2023

J.P. Devine ponders the path toward joining centenarians.

J.P. Devine: Tarzan and licorice — Jan. 29, 2023

J.P. Devine is triggering memories to avoid the turbulent news pouring out of Washington, Hollywood and Congress.

J.P. Devine: No tooth fairy for you — Jan. 22, 2023

Joking around in the dentist's chair will put a smile on your face, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine: A whisper to breathe — Jan. 15, 2023

In the stressful moments of life, J.P. Devine recalls the clarity that comes with taking a deep breath.

J.P. Devine: The ice Maine cometh — Jan. 8, 2023

Columnist J.P. Devine recalls the exact moment everything stopped and the ice storm forced them to seek shelter.

J.P. Devine: What just happened? — Jan. 1, 2023

Surrounded by emptiness after Christmas, J.P. Devine ponders an aging ornament and what's lasting in his own life.

J.P. Devine: What it's all about — Christmas 2022

J.P. Devine reflects on what Christmas is all about.

J.P. Devine: The one about the shoes — Dec. 18, 2022

When you live long enough, J.P. Devine says, your pockets are full of Christmas stories like the shoe fund for actors who only have sneakers.

J.P. Devine: The Tinsel — Dec. 11, 2022

Recalling how his brother Kermit loved tinsel, J.P. Devine hears whispers of the past.

J.P. Devine: Santa Claus is coming — Dec. 4, 2022

Christmas memories and a surprise spring forth from a box containing yellowing songbooks with the “standards," J.P. Devine says.

J.P.Devine: The cutting of the ribbons — Nov. 27, 2022

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are a reminder of the happy, bright future ahead for the living, as well as the shadows of the past, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine: Thankful for the (Irish) memories — Nov. 20, 2022

An old family photo has J.P. Devine reminiscing about coal, too many potatoes and a pony.

J. P. Devine: On becoming Felix Unger — Nov. 13, 2022

Leaning into his feminine side, J.P. Devine has developed an insane passion for neatness.

J.P. Devine - November 6, 2022

J.P. Devine - October 30, 2022

J.P. Devine: Where are the statues? — Oct. 23, 2022

Waterville is looking more and more like a bustling city, but it is lacking statues of iconic local personalities, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine: Coffee in a cardboard cup — Oct. 16, 2022

Pondering his relationship with coffee, J.P. Devine recalls the changing faces of those who serve and are now known as baristas.

J.P. Devine: Anniversary Waltz — Oct. 9, 2022

After 61 years of marriage, J.P. and Kay Devine venture out to the new restaurant in downtown for a risky ride with a sweet payoff.

J.P. Devine: And clean underwear ... — Oct. 2, 2022

No one wants to die "on the street," but if that happens you'll want to be wearing a clean pair of underwear, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine: Indian summer? — Sept. 25, 2022

As the temperature drops, J.P. Devine is thinking about adjustments.

J.P.Devine - September 18, 2022

J.P. Devine: Sign of the cross ... A Netflix special — Sept. 11, 2022

It's the end of August — Virgo country, J.P. Devine says.

J.P.Devine - September 4, 2022

J.P.Devine: Then there was Sara - Sept. 4, 2022

Running a lemonade stand in Waterville, Sara Johnson continues the deeply American tradition of earning a little money on the side, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine: What’s your sign? — Aug. 28, 2022

Mulling the meaning of astrology signs, J.P. Devine remembers the time his life changed on the spot.

J.P. Devine - August 28, 2022

J.P. Devine: Ties and Tablecloths — Aug. 21, 2022

Pondering the meaning of 'fine dining,' J.P. Devine realizes the truth is in the details ... and who you date.