Nature cruel in beak and claw, there you go. Mosquitoes have to eat so they can have more mosquitoes. If they exist only to fuel up swallows for their brief visit and return south, hey, maybe the insects aren't so reprehensible after all. Soon enough, dang it, the mosquitoes will die and the swallows will leave, and you know what that means? Another month of summer down the tubes.

So get out for this Solstice weekend and grab some fun. Once again there's probably too much to do, so don't just let these Best Bets be your only guide.

BEST KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE: Trying to get good rink ice in the banana belt is like hoping this year the Sox will make the World Series. Dang it, though, despite set backs, the Homer Hockey Association hangs in there. Help 'em out tonight at a spaghetti fund-raiser at Alice's Champagne Palace. Terrie Holder and guests perform. Admission is $5, or $20 a family and $5 for dinner. A no smoking event, all proceeds go to the Homer Hockey Association building fund.

BEST FORE A GOOD CAUSE BET: It may not be Augusta, but you can't beat the view at Kachemak Lynx Golf Course. Want to try out the course and need a good reason to sneak away from work early Friday? Homer Jeep Rental sponsors the Third Annual Solstice Weekend Charity Golf Tournament starting at 5:30 p.m. with a barbecue and golfing at 6 p.m. Winnings go to the top team's choice of local charity. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

BEST BOK TO THE BASICS BET: We do more than catch fish around here, ya know. Basil, bok choi, broccoli and other veggies that start with the letter B go on sale this Saturday when the annual Homer Farmers' Market opens at 10 a.m. on Ocean Drive. Get there early to get the best selection, because a lot of the stuff sells quickly.

BEST ARTS, MUSIC, ACTION BET!: Outdoor art at the Pratt Museum. Music across the bay in Seldovia. Plays at Pier One Theatre. Yeah, uh-huh, here at the best little arts community in Alaska, we have lots to do. Check out the arts calendar on page 20 for all the details.