I was able to bail Nonna out of the United Hebrew of New Rochelle rehab facility on Monday. Heartfelt thanks go out from us to her entire team that put her back together and polished her up for a Vineyard summer. Michael Bobrowski, her social worker, goes above and beyond for every person under his care. Home we are, a few home visits of physical therapy, and we are on the road again to join you. Polish up your martini shakers!

The great surprise for Nonna on her release was the news that my son, Christopher Leigh Clark, his wife, Librada (Lilly) Clark, and their two sons, Corbyn and Dominic, were headed from Rockford, Ill., to our storybook Island. While we would have been on Island to greet them, Nonna’s medical incident kept us here a bit longer. So Chris and Lilly arrived in White Plains at 2 a.m. Tuesday morning, slept, and then we all had a morning of breakfast, horseshoes on the lawn and discussing the boys’ adventures with them before they had to depart at noon to make their evening boat. How nice to see everyone, and how well the boys looked and how happy they are! Now my little family is on your turf and I hope you have a chance to see them during their vacation.

I certainly hope I’m back in time for the book festival, all free and interesting events. The festival commences on August 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Harbor View Hotel and runs till 3:30 p.m. that day. This will be a program of panel discussions. On Sunday August 2 the fun continues at the Chilmark Community Center in tents on the lawn. The authors’ talks include Erik Larson, Laurie David, Barney Frank, Patty Marx, Susan Minot, Bob Ryan and Steven Satterfield among others. Check out the lineup at mvbookfestival.com. I thank all the people who have worked so hard to bring this great event to the Island.

Before that happy event you may enjoy the art work of Colin Ruel, Wendy Weldon and Charles Gibbs at the Field Gallery. The opening reception is this Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m. Three great artists in one convenient location.

Welcome to Wes Stokes who is visiting family on Lenny’s Loop and no doubt catching fish everywhere.

Oh, what I would give to have Ernie Boch here to deal with my Toyota tribulations! As I would drive to visit Nonna in New Rochelle I kept passing Mamaroneck’s Toyota City. My truck had been recalled for a problem the exact same week my body was recalled for many problems. Free total replacement or fixing of a rusty frame. I made an appointment, took it in and, thank goodness, I had not returned Nonna to the Island in that truck as the frame was all holes. My Toyota Tundra king cab with the iklean license plate is in dry dock for four months. I have a rental for four months. This has never happened in my lifetime. Better safe than sorry. Of course, I keep leaving a store and looking in the parking lot for my truck that isn’t there. I’ll have to affix a flower to the antenna of the Kia.

Confidential to Lyn K: I am reading John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas, very cute and unlike all his other books. Iole is reading Till Death Do Us Part, a true story by Vince Bugliosi but before his involvement in the Manson case. What are you reading?

Anniversary bouquets go out to Joe and Shirley Sullivan on July 20.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Christopher Leigh Clark, Daniel Van Landingham, Jay and Dana Bangs, Jessica Slocum, Barbara Masters, and Duncan MacMullen July 17. July 18 is shared by Margaret Tileston and Paige Donovan. July 19 honors Kenny Hayes. July 20 shines on Jane Crews, Carly Ann Miller, Gabriela Silva, and Danielle Jacobs. July 21 honors Brian Hurley. July 22 is for Katherine Anderson, Jenny Lehman, Nicole Christopher, and Bekki Willems. And on July 23 Sapna Bahal and Tyler Burt take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.