Now that Thanksgiving is over and left-overs are being stretched a bit longer, I am enjoying lingering over delicious food and memories of our first Thanksgiving celebrated in New York. It took one of my sons coming from Ohio only an hour longer than the other one who had taken a bus from Boston. Safely home and together. Now that we’re empty-nesters, these times together become precious; our walks with dogs and just hanging out. So much to be thankful for.

I went with Chilmark summer resident Emily Keating to see “Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs” and Robert Gober’s installation “The Heart is not a Metaphor” at The Museum of Modern Art. We ran into photographer/activists Cyril Christo and Marie Wilkinson. Cyril explained to Emily there is an important need for songwriters to write about environmental issues and hoped as a singer she may take this challenge up. Emily moved to Portland, Oregon, after she left the Island this summer and has recorded a new song while working in childcare. I have known Cyril since we were 19 years old and were the only daily attendees of films by photographers presented during a winter break at The New York Cultural Center.

Gay Head Gallery owner Megan Ottens-Sargent, an environmental activist and owner of Aquinah’s Gay Head Gallery has presented work by Cyril and his wife, Marie. To learn about their important work saving elephants see christoandwilkinsonphotography.com. Also we ran into Chilmark Planning Board member Jessica Roddy and her daughters in the Gober exhibit. We hope they had a wonderful holiday and visit to NYC.

While in NYC’s Beacon Theater, I ran into author and historian Sean Wilentz as we headed to our seats at the Bob Dylan concert. When I remarked that the last time I had seen him was when I enjoyed hearing him speak at the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival in Chilmark in August 2013, he replied with a beaming smile, “That was such a fun audience, I loved being there.” On that Sunday, August 4, Sean gave a fascinating lecture and played musical cuts from his latest book, 360 Sound: The Columbia Records Story. While cooking or curled up next to your wood stove or fireplace this winter you can enjoy watching/listening to authors speaking, and panels from the 2013 Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival and 2014 Author Lecture Series at mvbookfestival.com.

Hannah Maxner has returned to the Vineyard and is now running Netherfield Farm in Chilmark. The farm has full and rough board stalls available for year-round or winter boarding and training. Hannah will be teaching lessons for dressage and hunter/jumper riders of all ages and levels throughout the winter in the farm’s beautiful indoor riding arena. For more information, contact Hannah at 508-566-5235.

Come to The Chilmark Public Library on Wednesday, December 10, at 6 pm to enjoy a holiday concert by the Vineyard Brass Ensemble. Though admission is free, non-perishable food donations to the Island Food Pantry will gladly be accepted. And for boo- lovers, the Big Used Book Sale begins on December 10 and runs through Saturday, December 27, at 12 noon. Hardcovers, books on tape, and movies are $1 each, paperbacks are 25¢ each until Tuesday, December 16, through through December 20 when everything is two for the price of one and after that everything is free until the library closes on December 27.

Some of you may have noticed that Josh Aronie’s Food Truck has moved from Menemsha to its permanent winter location in front of the Chilmark General Store. Just don’t forget you can still do holiday shopping, get gas, and enjoy a meal in Menemsha: Stanley’s Menemsha Fish Market still has his full menu, perfect for take-out, and if it is warm enough you can brave the outdoors.