So much has been happening in our world that I totally missed telling you about Bow Van Riper’s presentation last Tuesday at our library. As the librarian at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, he has a good take on what helps make our history come alive. Last year the museum published “Island Stories” — this is about several of the wonderful items in their collection. I did tell you about that book. Want to know more? Visit the museum, or you can learn about some of the items, ten at a time, this winter at other libraries. Programs are free, and copies of this book will be available. The next presentation is at West Tisbury on Feb. 4.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution? I really am trying, but mine is not going well.
A friend in Maryland called with the news that she saw an article saying some of the most expensive homes sold in the U.S. were in Vineyard Haven. With a thought to taxes, I said I hoped that was not true. But it may have referred to our Island. We do have some very big houses, and yet there are also children without proper housing. How do we accept that on our Island, or in our country?
An artist friend wished us a happy new year. Then she suggested that if reindeer can fly, then surely so can pigs. What fun, but then I got curious. “When pigs fly” is supposedly derived from a centuries-old Scottish proverb. Remember “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”? In Chapter 9: “‘Thinking again?’” the Duchess asked… ‘I’ve a right to think,’ said Alice … ‘Just about as much right,’ said the Duchess, ‘as pigs have to fly….’
As our shopkeepers are beginning to take inventory of goods remaining on their shelves, it occurred to me that that plan would not be a bad idea in my house. I sort of keep such an inventory of the fridge and freezer, but not of most ordinary items. Sometimes I am astonished when I search the cupboards. Why did I need so much spaghetti sauce? Yet I ran out last week while the granddaughters were here. I can say it has been awhile since I needed to borrow a cup of sugar, but some staples do seem to disappear more quickly than most other household goods.
I will admit, though, that we are overwhelmed with paper clips, tape, and pens and pencils. Except for a few special pens that I cannot find. They are probably lurking with several others, hiding out from my grasping fingers.
I did find a runaway sock, hiding on the small shelf in the dryer. I am positive that dryers eat socks. No other way could we end up with so many odd ones.
The Vineyard Conservation Society invites you to walk on Saturday afternoon on the Frances Newhall Woods Preserve. Crossing town lines of West Tisbury and Chilmark, the 512-acre property provides one of the largest intact ecosystems on our island. More at almanac@vineyardconservation.org.
Other folks have said they were disappointed in the latest “Star Wars,” so I should not have been surprised. In the opening scene, where the prologue goes floating off among the stars, the writing jerked as if pulled on a string by a young child. Lucas was right about that scene. He did do it better. I was not impressed with this movie though I did especially like the next-to-last scene.
Our town has been lovely over the holidays. Thanks to all, shopkeepers, town, and residents. It will begin to seem drab when all the pretty lights and decorations disappear. I think I’ll leave mine up a while.
Vineyarders have been crossing the oceans for hundreds of years. Before GPS, ship captains used the moon, sun, and stars to calculate location and distance. Visit the new exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum to see some of the tools that helped mariners for centuries to find their way. On Tuesday at 4 pm, Mark Lovewell will talk about “Celestial Navigation” in the museum library. Mark is an amateur astronomer who will describes how to use the evening sky for navigation. A reception will follow. Members $8, others $12.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Judy Belushi Pisano. Tomorrow, wish the best to Allyson Wajda and Ned Orleans. Jerry Baric parties on Saturday. Sunday belongs to David Burton. Best wishes to Gay Nelson on Tuesday. Lots of candles on Wednesday for celebrations with Allan Davey Sr. and Donna Paulson. Happy birthday to all.
Heard on Main Street: Friendships are sewn one stitch at a time, like quilts. They will both keep you warm.
