There is green everywhere the eye can see: on the ground, in the treetops, and even on my television, as the Celtics continue to trailblaze past anyone in their path. I really hope they win the championship, but I’ll be honest: I can’t wait until fast-paced, late-night basketball season is over and we’re back to lazy Sunday afternoons, nodding off to Red Sox broadcasts on WEEI. Much more my speed.
Jane and Dick Barbini took the whole fam to Storyland in Conway, N.H., last weekend. Son Ryan and his wife, Chelsea, grandkids Taylor and Phoebe, and daughter Lisa were all in attendance for fun times on a sunny Saturday. Jane reports that fun was had by all, which is quite evident from the photos I’ve seen, and that Taylor’s absolute favorite part was the rollercoaster. Looks like we’ll soon have a daredevil on our hands.
I’ve had some very sad news this week. Bob Darlington has fallen ill with lung cancer. He’s at home under the care of friends, the VNA, and Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. He’s hoping to be able to return to work at Stop and Shop and to helping at the town dock. He would love to hear from his friends on the Island and off. One way is to visit his new web site at caringbridge.org/visit/bobdarlington. This news first came to me from John Klein, who spoke of how Bob taught his son to fish down at Memorial Wharf. Let’s hope to get Bob back on his feet so that he can teach generations to come how to wield the rod and reel.
Windemere will be holding an auction June 11 from 6 to 8 pm at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury to benefit the resident activity programs, providing funds for visiting entertainers and outings. Up for auction will be a trip to France, sailboat ride with lobsters and champagne, day trip for two on a Black Dog tall ship, your name as a character in a book by Cynthia Riggs, and more. As far as I’m concerned, Windemere is an organization that transcends town lines, and we should all participate in its support.
Congratulations to Edgartown school student Raven McCormack, who will be performing in “My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life” at the Vineyard Playhouse on June 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 7 pm. The show is recommended for children five and older and mothers of all ages.
Jackson and Julia Crocker will both be hitting the double digits on June 15 when they turn ten years old. Jackson and Julia’s grandmother Joyce, great aunt Janet, and big brother John will be visiting to help blow out all those candles. Their mom, Jean, is amazed at how fast 10 years flew by.
In other birthday news, Owen Hess celebrates June 15 and Kevin Searle on June 16. Belated birthday wishes go out to Kate Conde, Lucas Butynski, and Denise Searle.
I had the pleasure of taking Denise out for an early birthday dinner this past weekend while her husband, Jon, and daughter, Emma, were off-island with Paul and Sarah Pertile rocking out to Taylor Swift in concert. For Denise and me, it was a quiet night of delicious foods and pink cocktails, while Jon reports that he is still trying to recover his hearing from the excellent music accompanied by screaming fans. Sounds like the girls had a great time.
My grandparents, Ted and Floss Morgan, were in New Orleans for the 10th anniversary of the opening of the National WWII museum and in remembrance of the 66th anniversary of D-Day. My brother, Chris, and father, Michael, also made the trip down to commemorate this historic event. My grandparents will continue their tour of the southern states with a visit to San Antonio, Texas, to spend time with more of the far-flung family. They will be back on the island before long.
In other military news, Gavin, my K9 nephew, is back from puppy boot camp. He shipped off a week ago to learn some manners and he is happy to be back home, where he now walks patiently by his owners’ sides and no longer jumps or bites in greeting. Rest assured, he is still as cute and playful as ever, but his joy is just a bit more contained.
Have a great week!
