In light of all the recent accidents that seem to be plaguing the southern Kenai Peninsula, and, indeed, all of Alaska, the Betster thought this might be a good time to remind everyone of one word: patience.

It’s a lot tougher to practice than it is to preach. But it’s especially important in terms of the role patience plays in keeping us all safe on the road and elsewhere — especially now during tourist season when our roads are even busier.

The Betster knows the extra long lines at Safeway and the added time to one’s morning commute can be quite irritating. It’s almost enough to make a person wish the tourists would just “go back where they came from” and leave our idyllic, quiet Hamlet by the Sea alone.

But, we would do well to remember what an important, vitalizing role these visitors play in our local economies, and in the overall state economy. Whether we like it or not, Alaska needs these tourists.

So, while they’re here, we might as well practice our patience by giving the RVs a little extra time to figure out our roads. We might try to enjoy the morning ride to work or the evening ride home rather than rush and pass all the slower cars as fast as we can. We might give these visitors a little grace in our interactions with them, remembering that despite the hassle, they do do us some good.

Besides, no amount of frustration or minutes saved by passing a tourist on the road can be worth the disastrous consequences of a traffic encounter gone wrong. While this may be our home and they are only visiting, let’s remember that, because we know better, it’s up to us to set the good example and practice patience on the road, on the water and even in the air.

While you’re maneuvering around Homer in the next few days, take a gander at these best bets:

BEST FAMILY FARM BET: Thriving Thursday continues with its recent trend of tours this week with a tour of Homer Hilltop Farm with Carey Restino. Join Thriving Thursday at 6 p.m. at SVT Health & Wellness to visit the farm and explore its high tunnels. Carey Restino and her children, Liam and Thea, will show the group around their farm located above Homer on Diamond Ridge. The tour lasts until 8 p.m.

BEST BALLAD BET: Head on up the ridge for the Eighth Annual No Song Left Inside, a free community singalong. This is a community concert and potluck held outdoors at the Wynn Nature Center on East Skyline Drive. It takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday at the center and is ADA accessible. Bring your voice, your instrument and your joy. Sing to the trees, the birds, and whatever else is out there! Enjoy amazing trails, wildflowers, bird songs and dancing on the deck.

BEST BETTER OUTSIDE BET: You just might still have a chance to sign up for an Inspiration Ridge hike with Nina Faust, which is being held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. This is a Kachemak Heritage Land Trust Boots-on-the-Ground Experience. Learn about wildlife corridors, sandhill cranes and stewarding land all while enjoying a 3 to 5-mile round trip hike to the Preserve’s cottonwood grove. Detailed directions will be sent to registered attendees prior to the hike. Snacks, water, comfy walking or hiking shoes and a rain jacket are a good idea. This is a free event, but space is limited to eight preregistered people. To reserve your spot, call 907-235-5263 or email Amanda at CDA@kachemaklandtrust.org.

BEST ACROSS THE BAY BET: Ever wondered what goes on in the Kasitsna Bay Lab across the bay near Seldovia? Well, your chance to find out comes in the form of an open house being hosted there from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. NOAA and UAF invite community members to an open house to learn more about current research projects in Kachemak Bay. Scientists and students will be available with hands-on exhibits of research gear and results from studies on ocean changes, intertidal and kelp forest ecosystems, paralytic shellfish poisoning, ocean acidification, effects of oil spills, sea otter tagging and scientific diving. Facility tours will be available. Boats are welcome at the lab dock during the open house.

BEST BETTER TOGETHER BET: There will be a nonpartisan Rally for Alaska from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday in the parking lot of the Homer Legislative Information Office. The community is invited to meet there to raise their voices and signs together in protest of the significant proposed budget cuts. Please use the Homer Council on the Arts and HERC building for parking. Volunteers are needed to help organize. Call 299-1697 or email mercedesharness@gmail.com.

Fabulous fireweed Fireweed blooms on July 17 in the fields around Diamond Ridge Road in Homer, as Grewingk Glacier looms across Kachemak Bay. (Photo by MIchael Armstrong/Homer News)