They’re back!

After raising their little two-bird brood and vanishing for a few days, our dove couple is back on our front porch.

Mama and Papa Dove have returned to the nest they built in my hanging spider plant a few weeks ago. They hatched a pair of chicks there before the entire bunch disappeared in mid-June. I thought for certain that they had moved on, but I was wrong.

So far, I haven’t been able to confirm that there are more eggs in the nest, but I feel certain that is the case. The adults have barely moved from their spots since they showed up again a few days ago.

It has been fascinating watching this little family grow, though it has been inconvenient from time to time. My poor spider plant has definitely suffered from reduced watering. I had intended to relocate it to a spot where it might benefit from some rain, but before I could make the move it became occupied once again.

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On Friday, The Times Leader released our annual Connections section, highlighting the members of chambers of commerce throughout Belmont County.

The featured chambers included Barnesville, Bridgeport, Martins Ferry and St. Clairsville. As I worked on that publication, it was refreshing to realize that all of the business districts in those communities are thriving compared to certain periods in the past that I can recall.

The chamber directors or board members provided their membership lists for us to work from. Not only did I have the opportunity to review those lists and see just how many businesses are involved with these important community organizations, but I got to visit each of them as well.

As part of compiling the content for publication, I traveled to each of these cities and villages to photograph significant sites in those communities and to capture images of various members’ signs and logos for our cover design.

It was inspiring to see the many storefronts offering professional services, merchandise, dining and entertainment throughout our region. From dentists’ offices to hardware stores, lumber yards, banks, restaurants and print shops, the variety of businesses that our local economy supports is impressive. That is especially true when you consider niche, or specialty shops, such as the Fat Apple bakery in Bridgeport, where one can find vintage candies of all sorts as well as enormous candy apples and rides and games for children to enjoy.

Other unique businesses I happened to notice include: Ebbert Farm Market in St. Clairsville , where fresh produce — including sweet corn on the cob — will soon be available; Kirke’s Ice Cream in St. Clairsville, where I must confess I picked up two cups of homemade ice cream to enjoy with my husband, Mike; Zontini’s Pizza in Martins Ferry, where one-of-a-kind flavor is available by the slice; and Main Street Barrel House in Barnesville, where meals and drinks are delicious and the service is fast and friendly.

Copies of Connections will be offered at local chamber office in the coming weeks. I urge readers to pick up a copy if your didn’t already receive one. That supplement is a great guide to all that is available across Eastern Ohio.

And if you don’t feel like looking up a neat shop or a delicious stop for dinner, venture out and explore our local downtowns. I think you might be surprised at all our area has to offer.