Part of me wants to be outside in the sunshine, pruning, raking, digging, but the other part of me wants to burrow deeper into the cave and my quilt. I’m just not ready for winter to be over yet.
Mariko Kawaguchi gave me a lovely gift of white and the palest pink hyacinth blossoms. There is nothing like that fragrance, now in a vase on the windowsill beside my sofa, the place where I write and sit. I love it when the hyacinths start to come into the nurseries, smelling of spring to come. Soon they will be outside. Then lily of the valley will come, the next wonderful scent to enjoy. Meanwhile, I’m content to be swathed in flannel and a down quilt, with my vase of hyacinths perfuming my living room.
The West Tisbury Library has a very special exhibition on the art wall this month. A collection of prints and drawings by Willie Huntington will be on display through March. Many pieces are borrowed from family and friends, and they include his final drypoint etching, “Chickadees and Holly.” It is an opportunity to see work from a career spanning six decades beginning in the 1920s and representing a deep love and careful observation of the Island.
Plan to come on Friday, March 2, at 4 pm, to hear the J.C. Trio’s concert in the Reading Room of the library. Jazz and art together.
Christa Fischer will lead a Creature Features Felting Workshop at the library next Wednesday, March 7, from 4 to 6 pm, for kids 10 years old and up. Please pre-register at the circulation desk or call 508-693-3366. There is a $5 fee for materials.
March is Mysterious Movie Month at the library. The first Monday Night Movie on March 5 will be “Strangers on a Train.” It begins at 7 pm. Free popcorn, too.
Virginia Carmichael will be at the library on Tuesday, March 6, at 5 pm, to talk about the book she co-authored with Robin W. Doughty, “The Albatross and the Fish.” The albatross family is the most threatened bird group in the world. The book details the threat to oceans, seabirds, fish populations, and the ecology, then discusses efforts by individuals, environmental groups, fisheries management, and the government working for seabird and fish conservation.
Welcome to town and the world to Angus Patrick Jasper Vincent, who was born on February 15 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Angus is the son of Cathleen and Ken Vincent, and the baby brother of Broden. I can’t wait to see him at the airport for Sunday breakfast with his family.
I forgot to wish our friend Ernie Mendenhall a happy birthday last week. Ernie celebrated his 70th on February 24. He makes 70 look great. Happy Belated Birthday, Ernie.
Fred Shaw from Boca Raton, Florida, sent me a reminder that his uncle, Tom Brennan, had a birthday coming up. Happy Belated Birthday wishes to Tom, whose birthday was on February 28. Hope you had a fun-filled day.
Super Tuesday is coming up. March 6 is the day many states across the country will be holding primaries. Registered Democrats, Republicans, Green-Rainbow Party, and Unenrolled (formerly Independent) voters are urged to vote at the Public Safety Building between 7 am and 8 pm. Anyone planning to be out of town that day may fill out an absentee ballot until noon on Monday at the Town Clerk’s desk at Town Hall. Call Tara Whiting at 508-696-0148 if you have any questions.
I just learned that Kathleen Brady died last Sunday. There will be a service on Saturday, March 10. I don’t know where or what time yet, but I will let everyone know in next week’s column.
My cat, Grace, has taken to sleeping in the sun on the steps outside our dining room. They face south and nestle against the house, a natural and protected heat trap made for a cat, that most hedonistic of animals. She may raise an eyelid if one of us steps over her on our way in or out. Or she may not. She is my guide and teacher for how to enjoy life “in the moment.”
