Except, here on Kachemak Bay, the only storms a brewin' come naturally. Our council and mayor races? They're so dang civil, you kinda want to poke some of the candidates to make sure they're awake. Not even the local races for state House and Senate have gotten contentious. It's not like anyone isn't campaigning, at least if you go by the yard signs popping up along local roads like mutant pushki.

Is there hope for Homer politics? Does this mean we might actually debate civic issues like ladies and gentlemen? Oh, don't bet the homestead. Soon enough, somehow, somewhere, we'll be back to our usual selves.

Meanwhile, if you need some excitement in your life, check out these Best Bets:

BEST POOPDECK WOULD BE PROUD BET: Kachemak Heritage Land Trust has spiffed up Poopdeck Platt's old place off Klondike Avenue next to the Poopdeck Trail. To celebrate its new digs, KHLT holds a grand opening celebration and potluck starting at 5 p.m. Friday. Atz Kilcher plays music, and there will be a fire going in the big fire pit out back. At 6:30 p.m., the Pratt Museum invites you to gather round the fire as Deland Anderson facilitates "Stewardship: Then and Now," this month's community conversation.

BEST ARACHNOPHILIA BET: Bonnie Raitt. Eric Clapton. Bob Dylan. You can rate a musician by the other musicians who cite his influence. Spider John Koerner? He's got the chops, they all say. You can hear him play the blues at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Alice's Champagne Palace. Tickets are $18 for KBBI members, $20 general admission.

BEST DIRNDLS AND LEDERHOSEN BET: You don't have to hop a flight to Berlin for brats and beer. Ja, let the gut times roll at the 11th annual KBBI Oktoberfest starting at 6:30 p.m. at Beluga Lake Lodge. Tickets are $12 and include German fare a la carte and a stein of beer from Homer Brewing Company. Tickets are $12 at the door.

BEST SO MANY BOOKS, SO LITTLE TIME BET: Now that the tourleys are gone, the kids are back in school and all your summer chores are done, ah, it's time to get caught up on your reading. Get to the library early this Saturday for the fall Friends of the Homer Public Library book and plant sale and stock up on your winter reading. Proceeds benefit the library. The sale runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cleaning out your library? Drop off used books 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday at the library.

BEST SO MUCH TIME, SO LITTLE TO DO BET: Looking at a long, dark winter with nothing to do? Why not volunteer at some of Homer's nonprofit and government agencies? Monday at 2 p.m. the Pratt Museum, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge host a Volunteer Fair at the Alaska Island and Ocean Visitor Center. Volunteers can learn about opportunities at these five groups. Refreshments will be served and door prizes offered.