KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

We have had some beautiful days. Now we are getting some much-needed rain. But the rest of the week looks good so everyone should be happy.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Colin Hurley, who celebrated his day on Sept. 16; Megan Donavan on Sept. 17; Isabella Osborn and Vincent Paciello on Sept. 19; Thiago Brilo and Michael Megaraci on Sept. 20; and Amber Medeiros and Cory Medeiros, who celebrate their day today.

This weekend is officially fall, and you can tell. The derby is going full-swing and the lives of families are all scheduled around the tides and weather or both. I see more jackets and sweatshirts coming out, and all the buses are lined up in the parking lot as their passengers fill the town for a stroll down Main street and a place to go to lunch. The mums, asters and cabbages are in and the colors are so nice.

I received a note from Bob Bruguiere that said he is in Sweden picking up a new Volvo and is visiting family there for the first time. He said it was wonderful there, but very expensive. They are also going to start a journey by high-speed train to northern Sweden. It was a nice note and it was great to hear from them.

We went to Boston last Thursday and took Nene, our visitng friend from Germany, with us for a visit to our state’s capital. We didn’t know where to start as Ralph had a doctor’s appointment, so our niece Lori Noble and grand niece Sabrina came and showed Nene some things in the morning. Of course, Faneuil Hall was on the list. After lunch we decided to take the duck boat tour — it was very interesting and a learning experience for all of us. If you ever get a chance, treat yourself to a tour.

Congratulations to my husband Ralph as he is retiring from the town of Edgartown water department. He worked for 20 years with the Edgartown water department and then 20 years for the town after they took it over. He is exc

ited, but he has been pacing already. He will be working a bit at Coop’s Bait and Tackle, which is right up his alley. Now he will have time to do all the things he loves to do — fishing, clamming and hunting. Congratulations, Ralph, and enjoy your retirement.

I hate to say it but I am starting to see Christmas decorations out in stores. As of Tuesday, Christmas will only be 13 weeks away. Of course I have not been keeping as dutiful a count as my friend Sarah Townes. She started in June and reminds me every few weeks.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.