I was really surprised. The first thing I saw last Sunday afternoon as I drove off the ferry was Santa Claus. Of course, that red suit makes him pretty obvious. He was standing by his motorcycle with several other riders, all gathered on the dock. Did I miss a month somewhere? I hope he was gathering toys for the holidays.

The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse opens this season’s first Wicked Good Musical Revue tomorrow and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, at 7:30 pm. Have fun with Molly Conole, Casey Hayward, Paul Munafo, Ken Romero, and Peter Boak.

Monday Night Movies at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse offers Hitchcock’s “The Birds” on Monday, Nov. 21, and “North by Northwest” on Monday, Nov. 28. Tickets are $5 cash at the door. I think these are better and more thrilling than a lot of the modern movies.

The Grace Preschool’s annual Turkey Run is Saturday, Nov. 19. Cost is $5 per runner, and benefits the preschool enrichment program. Meet at 9 am in front of Bunch of Grapes Bookstore and run to Owen Park for snacks and medals afterward.

I have seen a lot of elections. I have voted in most of them. But I never saw so many children upset over an election. They have suffered through months of so much outrageous campaign rhetoric that many were frightened when the results were not what their parents expected. Perhaps today’s children are also more aware of what is going on than I was.

I was pleased to see how gently my grandchildren were assured that they were OK. They would still go to the same school and live in the same place. Most everything in their lives would remain the same. The kids had taken some of the stories to heart, and were worried about how it would affect them.

We lived in D.C. for many years. Usually, the only ones very upset over elections were those who were appointed to their jobs. The U.S. Government, just like the U.S. military, can take a long time to make changes.

That does not mean we adults should not be more aware of what we did not like with the presidential campaign. Where do I sign up to limit the campaign to only three months?

Take a hike with the staff of The Trustees of Reservations along Menemsha Hills to the second highest point on Martha’s Vineyard this Sunday, Nov. 20. This moderate to strenuous hike is scheduled for 1 to 3 pm. Learn about the geology, and enjoy the fall colors with a view of the historic Chilmark brickyard. Take note that this includes walking on rocky beach and some moderately steep trails. Free, but donations are accepted. More at 339-927-8778.

Did you see that great, glorious full moon early this week? We humans need something special every so often to make us take a moment to appreciate the natural wonders around us.

The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society yet again this winter is bringing us live opera, ballet, and theater in cinema. See operas from leading opera houses and live ballet performances filmed at the Royal National Theatre in London. The 20th century musical “The Threepenny Opera” is (as advertised, with filthy language and immoral behavior) on Sunday, Nov. 20. “The Nutcracker” ballet is Sunday, Dec. 18, both at 1 pm at the Film Center. Tickets are $20, $17 for members, and I can tell you these shows will quickly sell out.

I hope you are looking forward to gathering with family and friends over the holiday weekend. It still gives me pause to see the local turkeys rudely strutting about my yard. The town ought to give us a special one-day permit to take one of those for our dinner this time of year.

You will love the Thanksgiving concert on Saturday evening, Nov. 26, at 7:30 pm at the Old Whaling Church, presented by the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society. Tickets ($20 each) may be purchased at the door on the evening of the concert (cash or check only), or online at ticketsmv.com. Students are always admitted free.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out on Saturday to Island artist Nancy Furino. Wish the best tomorrow to Craig Dripps, and to our county treasurer, Noreen Flanders. Monday belongs to Tracy Matthiessen, MJ Munafo, and Marion Burke. Happy birthday on Tuesday to Dan Cabot and Alexander Ray. Greg Coogan parties on Wednesday.

Heard on Main Street: Don’t worry about old age. I’ve heard it doesn’t last.