KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

I know where the weather is coming from this week. Our cousins Ralph (Sonny) and Cindy Laurent have just arrived from Plaquemine, Louisiana. They drove the whole way in the rain and with the rain following them. So it is their fault.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Curtis Fournier, who celebrated his day Sept. 26; Ethan Creato, Brian Donnelly, Joao Goncalves and Andres Sanchez Roa, who all celebrated Sept. 27; Ellie Dolby and Lucy Ulaytt, Sept. 28; Samantha Hargy, Sept. 29; and to Elijah Bridgestock-Montoya, who celebrates his day today, Oct. 1.

Who can believe it is the first of October already? With that comes apple-picking, picking out the best pumpkins for the front steps (and carving them), and the smell of wood burning in the air.

But one of the main things is that it is the beginning of scalloping season for people with family permits. Then, as is tradition in this family, is to have the first scallop fry with the first batch of scallops. Then all the rest go in the freezer for a great winter dinner.

It was great to see Ruth Meyers up and walking around Monday. Ruth had a knee replacement five weeks ago, and she is making great progress. Keep up the good work, Ruth.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 15, when a Cultural Festival will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. It is a benefit for Adult and Community Education of MV (ACE MV) and a celebration of Ethnic Studies Week and Island diversity. The event features an ethnic food court, booths, vendors, displays plus a silent auction and a concert with performances representing local and global cultures.

Here comes the biggest, wildest 80s Dance Party, with deejay Jason Araujo: it’s at Nectar’s on Saturday night, Oct. 2. Tease your hair, rip your jeans and get out your glitter (there will be an on-the-spot 80s makeover on offer if you prefer) or come as you are. The $25 admission includes Flatbread’s pizza and salad bar, and proceeds benefit the charter school. The legendary silent auction starts at 6:30 p.m. and a live auction starts at 8; after that it’s dancing all night long. Pick up a bargain week in Virgin Gorda, chain saw work, a private Super Bowl party, a Colorado ski weekend, a fishing trip with Louis Larsen, a dream garden (bobcat work, landscaping, plantings), and Celtics tickets.

The Patrolmen’s Association gave their retiring chief, Paul Condlin, and his wife, Linda, a cruise to Bermuda for a retirement present. When they booked the cruise, they were not planning on Igor to play a big part of their vacation. But on the day they were supposed to get to Bermuda, Igor was due to visit also, so the Condlins flew to Florida not knowing what was going to happen and where they were going. Turned out the cruise line headed to the Bahamas, which was just as nice as Bermuda, and word has it they had a wonderful time. Now that they are home, although they are having a hard time getting their land legs back, Linda says she feels as if she is still rocking. Welcome home, we are glad you enjoyed your vacation.

Have a great week, and keep the home candles burning.