Town Column : Tisbury
By Kay Mayhew
Published: February 5, 2009
Michael and Kris Jampel report that the southern half of Lake Tashmoo has frozen over, which has made it possible to spot the otters again. Their note said: "We had not had the pleasure of seeing them for 11 years. The otters are making breathing holes through the ice and sitting on the surface to eat. We watched one eat a large eel by sucking the contents of the eel out of its skin and discarding the skin in very much the same way we get the lobster meat out of the little claws. He didn't seem to mind us watching."
The Jampels say that they are heating with a wood stove this year and spending untold hours keeping it charged with wood. It does give off a welcoming warmth, which makes them appreciate and respect winter more than if they just turned up the thermostat.
Perhaps my husband will be back home by the time you read this. Last week he slipped on the ice and now he has a new hip. Our local hospital and the new doctor did a fine job getting him back on his feet, or sort of. He will be learning all the nuances of living with a new hip now.
There have been many other Islanders needing repairs after accidents on the ice. Our good wishes go out to you all. We are finding that many are offering very useful suggestions to coping with the recovery process and all the various equipment. One older lady entering church on Sunday morning also offered humor. She suggested that, with so many folk using walkers now, perhaps the church needed a rack for walkers, just like a bike rack.
Ernie Davis, nicknamed the "Elmira Express," was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. As such, he became a popular spokesman for the civil rights movement. A movie about his life will be shown at the library on Sunday at 2 pm in celebration of Black History Month.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out tomorrow to Rosemary Brown. Her daughter assures me that she is not getting older - she is getting better. Rosemary has moved from Havenside to Woodside Village, and she is getting to know her new neighbors. We are happy to report that her son who lives far away still enjoys our newspaper by checking out The Martha's Vineyard Times online.
Warm wishes go out on Saturday to Dan Harnen. Monday belongs to Joan McDonough. Happy birthday on Sunday to James O'Donnell and Jainaba Burton-Sundman. Wish the best on Monday to Judy Pachico.
Heard on Main Street: We have been used to winter temperatures in the mid 40s. Now we are talking spring when the sun warms us up to 40 degrees. Is this global warming?
