BRAD WOODGER

508-627-4216

(ibwsgolf@aol.com)

Thumper taught me that if I didn’t have something nice to say about someone, then I should say nothing at all. So mum is the word on today.

We are indeed down to one ferry — the smaller one. That’s the problem with boats; you always need to maintain them. They’re like streets that way, there’s never a good time to work on them. Wouldn’t matter if it was an early morning in Febuary, some traveller will always be put out: “Seriously?! You have to work on this now?!” I did ask Peter Wells if he was excited to have the big boat out of service and being serviced. He replied that he was happy, that he enjoyed working on his boats, and that his boats enjoyed visiting the big city. Their reward, I imagine, for many months of hard labor. And perhaps Peter’s too. I get the impression that the manual boat labor is preferable to the cerebral. Can’t say that I blame him.

Both Kim and I will leaving the Island soon. Maybe only to return to gather our possessions. Though our most valued one by far, our cat (still nameless, poor thing — but we can call him anything. Just not late for dinner!), is coming with. He’ll be in my care while Kim is in Australia (as specific as she’s getting with an address) and I am in the Berkshires. I don’t mention this to elicit farewell parade planning (no clowns please), but only in way of explanation of the slow emotional departure one may notice in my column. I should mention, however, that in honor of our exodus, we are being thrown a party at the Big Camp the weekend of Oct. 29 by The Good Riddance Boys. Also known as an estate sale. Kim and I will not be able to attend, as our gloomy visages may not be the best tool to facilitate the sale of the many fabulous items. Anyhow, we welcome everyone to visit. Perhaps the first and only time in our lives that we will extend such an invitation.

I have noticed that the deer are less startled and less inclined to flee when I approach them on my lawn tractor (Fergie, a small Massey Fergusen that was salvaged by Bob Bennett, but still proves most reliable), than if I approach on foot. They linger on the golf greens, sinking their hooves into the soothing soft soil, until I am almost upon them, before flipping their tails in the air and bidding me “adieu, good sir!” But regardless of how I introduce myself to them, there always seems to be some communication between them after they first spot me, and before hoofing it.

“Aw, darn it.”

“What?”

“It’s Brad”

“Where? Oh. There. It is him, you’re right. Gosh, I really don’t want to talk to him.”

“Niether do I! Just smile, act as if you don’t see him, and then on my signal . . . Run!”

I’ve been meditating a bit lately. Kim introduced me to a program at the hospital taught by Dr. Elliot Dasche, a fairly phenomenal man and teacher. Meditation is work, not the act itself really, but the process of examination. Fortunately for me and several other folks, Chappy was quite possibly created with the meditative process in mind. A more accepting, patient, kind place may not physically exist. Thanks Chappy.

We’re also fortunate to have another type of meditation taking place on the big Island. Jan Buhrman is offering a metabolic bootcamp at the Beach Plum Inn starting Sunday, Oct. 23. This is a great opportunity to meditate on one’s physical health, and reflect upon one’s diet. John Bagnulo, a deity in the nutrition world, will be joining Jan in Menemsha to teach and immerse students in the ways of healthy living through food. I had the good fortune to partake in John’s seminar at Kripalu in The Berkshires, and it was genuinely transformational. Both John and Jan are great people, down to earth, funny, and very knowledgable. You may visit Jan’s web site at kitchenporch.com for further information. It’s late in the game, but Jan says there may be a spot or two that she could make available. If you’re thinking of doing it, please do it. Like my meditation course, this seminar is one of those gifts that the Island attracts, and it is a shame not to avail ourselves of them.

I believe Lady Gaga’s house is nearing completion. The HVAC trucks are starting their pilgrimage up and down North Neck Road. As well as Timothy’s Specialty Hats trucks and Brenda’s Exotic Brassiere trucks. Kind of a tip-off that someone’s ready to move in.

My best to all and all of theirs.