We got our first snow, in a manner of speaking. But if you slept past 7 am, you missed it, because as soon as the sun rose, it quickly disappeared. Maybe that will be it for the winter, but I really do not think that is a reality. Meanwhile, along with other families, this time of year our house is busier than usual. The new Lab puppy Chance is adjusting to us, and we to him. I would say it is a tie score so far, but both sides seem quite happy, and he does keep us on our toes, removing forbidden items from his mouth and trying to resist those soulful brown pleading eyes he flaunts when trying to get his own way. Just to add to the confusion, the flu has hit two of our household members, and I am the second victim. We are told it was fortunate we had received the flu vaccine, or we would be much sicker. After a few nights of trying to sleep through the violin-solo sounds coming from my chest that soon sounded like a string quartet, I am wondering what is much sicker? But we are on our way to better health in time to enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Remember when it seemed as if the winter break lasted at least two weeks? Well, if you look at the dates, you will see it is actually only six days of vacation from schoolwork. But kids always seem to enjoy these breaks, whether long or short. The school will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 21, for the Christmas holiday break. It reopens on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.
If you are looking for events to keep you or your children occupied during the winter months, one place you should look at is the Y. Registration for winter swimming lessons has opened up to the general public, and the lessons will run from Jan. 18 through Feb. 24.
I am writing this week’s column this Monday because that is the deadline for the Dec. 20th issue, but because the Times has some very early deadlines to meet the printer’s ability to get the newspaper printed by the Thursday dates. My deadline for the issue of Dec. 27 is 9 am on Dec. 19, and I must have my column sent in by Thursday, Dec. 27, for the Jan. 3 issue. By the time you read this, the Dec. 27 issue will already have gone to press, but if you hurry, you still have time to send in items for the Jan. 3 issue. Hope that is clear.
Reminder from the town tax department that 2019 real estate and personal property tax bills will be mailed by Dec. 31. 2018. For federal tax reporting, paid taxes for calendar year 2018 will be available online beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
On Monday, Dec. 24, at 10 pm, the Federated Church in Edgartown will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 10 pm.
Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas filled with moments of joy, and time spent with those you love.
We send birthday smiles to Bill Jones on Dec. 21, Rae Carter, Sandra deBettencourt, Bertie Madeiras, and Marie Fisher on the 22nd, Caitlyn Francis on Christmas Day, and Roger Schilling Jr. on the 26th.
Enjoy your week. Peace.
