Town Column : Edgartown
By Gail Craig
Published: December 31, 2008
Well, with a great deal of extended effort, I have managed to get an external keyboard to work on my laptop computer. About a week ago, something got caught under my S key on my laptop and, trained, seasoned computer professional that I am, I managed to break off the key when I tried to clean it. Do you know how hard it is to function, on a computer anyway, without an S key? It couldn't have been the X key or some other key that one rarely uses. It had to be one of the most often utilized letters in the English language. But I'm up and running now with my second, no, third external keyboard. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I hope everyone had wonderful holidays. It's such a busy time of year, but in the midst of it, hopefully everyone had a chance to take a breath and enjoy time with friends and family. Riley and Amelia were thrilled. My sister Pam was here with her husband, Phil, and daughter, Evie. Riley declared that having his family around him was the best part of the holiday. While I think some of that sentiment is slightly exaggerated, he is the one eight-year-old who genuinely does feel that way. He's an old soul. Of course, he loved his new light saber kit and other wonderful gifts, but for him, family really does seem to come first. For Amelia, as long as she has room to do cartwheels and handstands, she's happy. She did get some new skates and a skating outfit to add to her joy.
We spent a great deal of time at the ice rink last week. Riley and Amelia are always up for the opportunity to skate. So, on December 24, we, like many others, took advantage of a fundraising Skate with Santa event up at the Martha's Vineyard Arena, introducing Evie to skating, which she took to instantly. I don't know how much money was actually raised for the high school girls' hockey team, but I would declare the event a huge success. It was very Norman Rockwell, with holiday music playing, cookies and cocoa available to all, and Santa skating around the rink and stopping for photo opportunities when beckoned. The place was loaded with skaters. It was a very magical experience and the smiles and laughter really brought the holidays to life. I hope that it becomes an annual event.
We also ventured, again with many other skaters, to the rink the day after Christmas for a free family skate. Sponsored by the board members of the arena, it's a low-key way to give back to the community and celebrate the holidays. Again, snacks and cocoa were available and the crowd was happy.
Finally, on Saturday, we joined friends who had invited us to share the ice for an hour, as a way for everyone to get together over the break. It was a wonderful time as well. Everyone got some much-needed exercise to counteract all the junk food consumed through the week and enjoyed the small town feel of it all.
I would imagine that many people reading this have many plans to ring in the New Year tonight and tomorrow. There are many events going on and lots to do. Some revelers go out for wild exciting celebrations, while others prefer simple evenings at home with family and friends. I'll be on the low-key end of things. Whatever your plans, please be responsible. If you drink, don't drive. Take a cab or have a designated driver. Let's not ring in the New Year with any tragedies.
2008 has been a bumpy year for many of us. The economy is frightening. Lives are complicated. Everyone is busy. But, we are starting fresh tonight, starting a new year. We'll soon have a new president in the White House. Things may be looking up. So here's to 2009. May it be happy and healthy for all of us.
Cheers and Happy New Year!
