Heard on Main Street: You’re wrong –– the Ten Commandments are not a multiple choice.
There are fewer Christmas cards this year, though more happy messages on email. But I enjoyed one of the best things about Christmas: hearing from old friends, especially those with whom I’d lost touch. Many years ago, when we lived in Maryland, we became close with a family who had children just a few years younger than ours. After we moved to the Island, we exchanged fruit gifts at Christmas for many years. As our kids moved away, both families decided to stop the gifts. After a few more years, we simply stopped calling or writing.
This wonderful old friend sent a card and a lovely long letter this year, now reporting on not only her children, but also on her grandchildren, now in college, and other good news. Hearing from her was a delightful and very welcome surprise.
I didn’t send many cards except to family members this year and also some special friends. And I learned a lesson. I now plan to send a letter after the holidays to some old friends that I do miss. And by that time, I will have more news on my own family.
After our lovely snow arrived, an old Island friend called with good wishes. He had been clearing the snow off his car. He came into the house for a rest because he was breathing hard. I shared something my mother was told many years ago. Her doctor said that older folks should wear a winter scarf outdoors and cover the mouth and nose on very cold days. That just slightly warms the air that you breathe in, which is then easier on your heart and lungs.
Note that the time change for the Kwanzaa potluck is now from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Howes House in West Tisbury.
Looking for a good deed to do for Christmas? Tisbury Beach Cleanup is Sunday, Dec. 28, from 11 to 1 pm. Rain date is New Year’s Day, 11 am to 1 pm. You can do the Tashmoo Cut, Owen Park Beach, or Tashmoo Landing. Or help “Tally the Trash” at 1 pm, at the Tisbury Firehouse. Helpers can get free coffee/hot chocolate, if you bring your own mug, and a regular donut from the Black Dog. (Or you can grab friends and a bag and clean your own favorite beach over the holidays.)
Celebrate First Night from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Vineyard Playhouse, at a family-friendly event ending with a traditional ball drop.
Mark your new calendar: On Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 pm, the Vineyard Haven Library presents an evening of music with local piano-guitar duo Jeremy Berlin and Eric Johnson, at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, upstairs at 51 Spring St. Free.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go to Liam Bruni on Friday, Dec. 26. Happy birthday to Toby Riseborough on Monday, Dec. 29. Steve Bernier and Jeremy Rockman begin the new year with birthday cake. Wish the best to John Chapman and Joan McDonough on the 2nd. Birthday greetings go to Romeo Bonelli on the 4th, Roberta Kirn on the 5th, Taylor Higgins on the 6th, and Judy Belushi Pisano on the 7th.
Heard on Main Street: If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
