This past Monday, Homerites young and old took time to remember the veterans who gave their lives for everything we enjoy in this country — and, by extension, the Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea — today.

And wow-ee, what this Cosmic Hamlet has in store for us this summer!

From daily nature tours offered by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, to the weekly Kachemak Bay Running Club 5-kilometer runs, there’s something to get everyone outside this season.

If the balmy temperatures and crystal clear skies gracing Homer over Memorial Day weekend weren’t enough to get you in the summer mood, maybe these Best Bets will:

BEST DRAMATIC BET: It’s not too late to catch the first production of Pier One Theatre’s season, which kicks off a summer and year of fun. “Waiting for Godot,” by Samuel Beckett plays all weekend starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Pier One Theatre. Tickets are $15 for general admission. Directed by Peter Sheppard, “Waiting for Godot” tells the story of two men waiting for a mysterious figure by the name of Godot, encountering other characters along the way.

BEST FISH ON BET: There’s no percentage in talking politics here in Best Bets, but hey, who doesn’t love salmon? Snack on wild salmon from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at WKFL Park for Fish First Friday, sponsored by Cook Inletkeeper. Learn about the Stand for Salmon ballot initiative and become better informed about the issue.

BEST ART ON BET: Speaking of First Friday, don’t forget the fabulous art opening in shows from Pioneer Avenue to Old Town. We’re lucky to have awesome talents from Homer, Seldovia and elsewhere in Alaska. And what better time for an art crawl than a sunny summer Friday? See page 13 for the listings.

BEST BOTANY BET: Connect back to the natural with “The Wild Epicure: Edibles from the Trail, Field and Woods.” This class will be hosted by the Homer Folk School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 66665 Fry Court in Homer. The cost is $50. This class will guide students to identify at least 12 wild edibles, their nutritional value and various methods of preparation: potherbs, field snacks, salad additions, teas, vinegars and drinks. Students will also prepare a salad, dressing, salsa, soup and tea from wild edibles.

BEST BETTER TAKE A LOOK BET: Yet another opportunity to get outside presents itself with the Homer Native Plant Society, which will host “Lichens and Mosses on the Calvin and Coyle Trail” with Ed Berg from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Each year, Ed leads a walk on this short 1.5-mile trail to look at the amazing plant life — even in a cold spring like this one. The trail passes through a spruce and alder forest and wetlands that contain many mosses and lichens. A hand microscope is good and rubber boots are essential. For details, email jwoodring50@gmail.com. This is a free event.

The grave of Vietnam War veteran John J. Lind is one of dozens of graves for veterans decorated by American flags on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery, Homer. Veterans buried there have served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. (Photo by Michael Armstrong / Homer News)

American flags decorate the graves of veterans on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery, Homer. Veterans buried there have served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. (Photo by Michael Armstrong / Homer News)

Members of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hold flags on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery, Homer, for services there. (Photo by Michael Armstrong / Homer News)