Stalactites hang down from the edge of our sunroom roof, looking like the icicle Christmas lights that have decorated porches around town through the holiday season. The sun is shining right through them, warming them. I am watching them begin to melt and drip onto the snow.
We still have our tree up in front of those windows. The lights still brighten our evenings. I kept them on all day Saturday as the snow fell. There had been an inch or two already on the ground; by Sunday morning a good foot or more awaited shovels and snowblowers. A sunny sky beckoned.
I had awoken about 6 am, and gone out to shovel the path from our kitchen door around the house to the dining room door, with some broad, cleared areas for the animals. Talley had looked at the back steps and recoiled at the prospect of stepping out on uncertain footing. Nelson had gone outside, and all that I could see of him was two ears, a long sliver of his orange back, and a tuft of tail. Nanuk was still upstairs, snoring peacefully on her dog bed.
Mike spent most of the day outside with his snowblower. He cleared our driveway first, then made paths to the wood pile and compost pile, and more clearings for the pets. Off to the firehouse. Over to check houses and clear driveways, to check on friends. By the end of the day, he was wet and ready for a drink and dinner inside our wood-warmed house.
I haven’t been off the property yet, so have no reports of views from around town. I’m sure they are all beautiful. Everything was canceled on Saturday, and snowplows worked all weekend clearing roads and driveways, so I assume all is as normal out there. I was happily surprised that there were not a lot of accidents. People must have stayed indoors.
I don’t have much town news either, as I spent most of the week off-Island visiting my new cousin, 6-week-old Sawyer Lawrence Rubens, who was on the East Coast for the holidays with his parents. A darling boy, very good-natured, engaged, alert. It is interesting to me watching how every day is different with babies; they are constantly learning new skills and making observations about their world. In just the few days I was there, he began making strong eye contact, grabbing and holding my finger, holding his hands up, and making pushing motions. His mother and I swore he smiled at us. Everything is new to him, every minute is new. Wonderful to watch and to be engaged in his baby-world.
On the way home, I went to Redding to meet my brothers for lunch. My brother Mike drove down from New Haven. Andy’s tree was the most magnificent ever, and we three sat under it opening our presents and examining and discussing every ornament, having a real Christmas together, and a wonderful time.
Then a quick stop to see my cousin Sally at Heritage before making the 8:30 boat home.
I was distressed to learn that Cheryl Stark and Mait Edey had died while I was away, both of them such rich parts of our Island fabric. My condolences to their families, and to so many who will miss them.
On a brighter note, Heidi Schultz is turning 90, and all friends are invited to celebrate with her this Saturday afternoon, Jan. 14. Join Heidi and Ronee and their family at the Howes House between 1 and 4 o’clock for the party. Heidi requests that you “just bring yourselves, stories, smiles, and hugs.” Her daughters will be here, and I imagine most of West Tisbury as well. Happy birthday, Heidi.
The Martha’s Vineyard Democratic Council will hold its monthly meeting at the Howes House earlier on Saturday, from 9 to 10:30 am.
The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School will hold an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 pm, for families wanting to know more about the school or who are interested in enrolling their children next year. Call 508-693-9900 for more information.
The West Tisbury library lists the following events this week:
Friday, Jan. 13, at 7 pm, Bodhi Path presents “The Role of Meditation in Healthy Aging,” led by Tsering Ngodup Yodsampa.
Saturday, Jan. 14, at 4 pm, Joanne Scott will read and discuss her book, “The Gr8 Unraveling Guidebook: A Guide to a Better Way of Living.” Copies will be available for sale.
Sunday, Jan. 15, at 4 pm, there will be a release party for David Stanwood’s new CD, “Six Meditations.” David will also perform a concert on the library’s Steinway piano.
The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 4 pm, there will be an opening reception for pastel artist Anna Finnerty, whose work will remain on view through the month.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 4 pm, catch a screening of the weekly episode of MVTV’s “MV Signs Then and Now.”
I think I’ll go outside and build a snowman before Mike gets home for lunch. With Iyla Bohan and Sawyer Rubens, and my cousin Jackie’s baby due this March, I had better start honing my skills to be fun for the new children in my life.