Driving home from the Chilmark School one afternoon last week, Iyla and I noticed the changing colors: beetlebungs as dark as Homer’s “wine-dark sea,” one fiery red maple tree, and others in those vibrant shades as we drove along South Road. I asked if she had noticed the darker mornings and evenings. She had. The chilly mornings, too, and leaving the house wearing layers to be taken off by midmorning, reversing the process by late afternoon.
I finally got up to the library to see the quilt show. I had some respiratory bug when the quilters had their opening, and I didn’t want to be around other people. I’m disappointed not to have told them in person what a gorgeous collection of work they have on display. I am amazed at the variety of fabrics, colors, designs, pieced or appliqued, pictorial or pure abstraction. Not unlike any type of art, the possibilities are endless. Do go to the library to see this show. It will be up until the end of October.
Early voting continues at the Public Safety Building through Oct. 30. On Saturday, Oct. 24, hours are 9 am to 5 pm. Next week, polls are open 8 to 11 am. Vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, between 7 am and 8 pm.
The Up-Island Council on Aging is looking for volunteer drivers for an up-Island shuttle program for seniors. Call the Howes House for more information: 508-693-2896.
Kudos to Brynn Schaffner, the West Tisbury Fire Department, and the up-Island Boards of Health for the vaccine clinic at the Public Safety Building last Sunday. There were no long lines, and there were plenty of people taking information and giving shots. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly. There was even coffee and muffins. Thanks to everyone for making it so easy.
On our way home, Mike and I stopped at the Ag Hall to watch Iyla ride in the horse show. She and her horse, Enzo, have been working so hard together. Their effort showed; they won a blue ribbon, and two red ones.
There will be a concert called Fire and Song at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown this Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 pm. It is a fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition and the Martha’s Vineyard Living Legends Project. Pianist Joel Martin will perform classical, jazz, and pieces by Komitas, the Armenian composer Martin has studied for several years. He will be joined by vocalist Theresa Thomason, whose work is rooted in gospel and African American musical heritage. Tickets are $60, or VIP tickets for $100 that include special seating and a reception with the musicians. For more information: projects.yvomendez@gmail.com.
I was at Ghost Island last week, and I was surprised to find some late orange nasturtium flowers tucked beneath a row of zinnias. Nasturtiums are my favorite summer flower. My little bouquet may be the last for this year. There is nothing prettier than a few bright flowers and leaves in a glass jar, a simple and perfect ornament for my windowsill.
