It seems odd to be starting this column by writing about nasturtiums blooming, but that’s what I am looking at. I had stuck some seedlings into a pot of geraniums before bringing it inside last fall. Now a vine covered with round green leaves and bright yellow flowers is offering a vision of warm summer color and vigor against our snowy landscape.
Fresh snow along the paths and highlighting branches is the more typical view. A lot has melted, for which I am grateful. It’s not so treacherous walking out to the woodpile or around the yard. I have heard that the beaches are clear, and we meant to take the dogs out for a good run, but breakfast at the airport, the fire department, and other chores have filled the day. Talley and Nan followed me back and forth when I was bringing in wood, so that must count as exercise.
I had forgotten to mention last week about the critical path left unshoveled when I wrote about Mike’s snowblown labyrinth. When we adopted Nanuk from Mari Harman, we knew she had separation anxiety, and have dealt with it over the years, but we still have to sneak out of the house when we want to leave her at home. There have been a series of subterfuges that work for awhile until she wises up. The latest is going through an interior door into our hallway (she just thinks we are going upstairs) and sneaking out our rarely used front door —our rarely used, hence uncleared with no path through two feet of snow, and the porch and steps slick with ice, front door. This story was included to make Mari laugh when she reads it, part of my Valentine to her, as I know she loves hearing about Nanuk’s antics and that Nan is happy and well. Happy Valentine’s Day, dear Mari, from us all.
Sue Hruby, West Tisbury’s representative to Cape Light Compact’s board, wants everyone to know about the rebate program for recycling the old refrigerators and freezers many of us have in our basements, often inefficient models relegated to chilling beer and providing extra space for leftovers at the holidays. Make your appointment before Feb. 15 to have it/them picked up free of charge, and a $100 check will be mailed to you. Appliances must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet inside dimensions, be in working order, and not your primary refrigerator or freezer. Call 877-545-4113 or go online: masssave.com/recycle. Lindsay Henderson is the contact person if you have questions: 508-375-6889 or lhenderson@capelightcompact.org. If you miss the Feb. 15 deadline, you can still schedule a pickup eligible for a $50 rebate.
I hope everyone in town will come to Ernie Mendenhall’s finally official retirement party. It will be this Friday, Feb. 13, 5 pm, at the library. Bring a snack or a sweet if you like, or just bring your good wishes. Ernie has been helping Joe Tierney settle in as our new building inspector. Now Ernie will have time to work on his cars, go sailing, or sit and read a book. Well earned, dear friend. Enjoy every minute.
If you get to the library early on Friday, Kevin Keady will be performing in the Program Room from 4 to 5. On Saturday, Feb. 14, you can make a valentine in the Children’s Room, the family craft for the day, between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. There is also a tween yoga class from 10:15 am to 11 am, and teen yoga from 11:15 am to noon. Don’t forget to take out extra books or movies, as the library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, for President’s Day.
School and the town hall are closed too.
The Heath Hen is having a special Valentine’s Day sale on Saturday. All red and pink items are 20% off. A beginner’s knitting class begins on Monday evening, 6:30 to 8:30, and other knitting and quilting classes are planned. Call Jan Paul at 508-693-6730.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum will open their new exhibition called “Victorian Secrets” this Friday, Feb. 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It includes undergarments from the museum’s clothing collection, and tracks the changes in styles throughout that period.
My summer friend Brooks Robards will be arriving on Tuesday to stay overnight with Mike and me and to read at the Poetry Cafe organized by Arnie Reisman at the Vineyard Playhouse. The program begins at 7:30. She will be reading poems from our book, On Island, and I will tag along to display some of my paintings from the book. Then we get to play all day Wednesday until she takes the boat to return to her winter home in Northampton and her husband Jim Kaplan.
A gentleman named Godfrey Muwulya gave the most amazing performance at the West Tisbury Congregational Church service on Sunday morning, then another with Sunday school students he worked with for only an hour before. He is here from Uganda, a musician, dancer, and teacher working at The Yard and with children at the Island schools. I hope everyone has an opportunity to meet him, to see him perform, and to see how he can engage children with his stories and songs.
Bring your hearts to the Linden Tree: Please join Sense of Wonder Creations’ young people this Saturday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, from 10 am to 2 pm and after, to place your homemade heart (make it waterproof if possible, or we can help with that) on the Linden tree on Main Street in Vineyard Haven (next to Capawock)tree, with your heartfelt hopes, dreams, or prayers for your family, friends, the world, or anyone that you know who is in need. Then it is up to you and universal love to make your Valentine promise come true. See you on Saturday. Write Pam Benjamin with any questions: psb@senseofwondercreations.org.
Saturday is Valentine’s Day, a special occasion to celebrate those we love. May we all love one another every day, not just on Feb. 14 — but chocolate, flowers, and extra kisses are always welcome.