We have had great weather. Cool at night, warm and sunny during the day, the wind has subsided. So what do we want next? Rain. The ground is so dry and the flowers are screaming and the ponds are low and there are no puddles or water holes for the animals. Also, if you dig down the soil is like dust, so some rain would be nice.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Michael Calheta, June 25; Amber Cuthbert and Isabella Vaseliadis, June 26; Aiden Smith, Jordan Souza and Emma Waltersdorf, June 30; and to Abner Oliveira, who celebrates his day Friday July 1.

The big weekend is upon us. The landscapers are scurrying to get all the gardens done. The painters are finishing the trim and fences and contractors are finishing up houses. The town is starting to show red, white and blue, and I am sure the harbor is preparing for many boats to arrive. More people are here and familiar faces are showing up all over town to get ready for all the festivities.

It is always exciting as I am entertaining the Colonial Navy in my yard once again as I have done for many years now. My brother and nephew are members and now Doug’s inlaws are members of the Navy. They will be doing a concert on July 4 on the stairs to the Old Colonial Inn, at 2 p.m. The concert lasts about 45 minutes and always draws a great crowd. Then they are back for refreshments, then on to the parade which starts of course across the street from my house. Even though I usually work in the morning, it is always fun to see them, and enjoy the fresh little necks and Randy Walpole’s clam chowder.

The Edgartown class of 2017 will be selling drinks and food and fun stuff on the Fourth of July to raise funds for their trip to Washington D.C. They will be stationed at Cannonball Park as well as the Mini Park.

Also, the class of 2017 will be selling tickets to the 27th annual Edgartown Garden Tour and Tea. Enjoy the scenic view along South Water street, School street and Dunham Road, while strolling through the gardens of some of the most majestic homes in Edgartown. The date for the tour is July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. (rain date is July 14). Tickets are $20 and are available at the Edgartown School, Donaroma’s and the Edgartown Visitor’s Center. Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the tour at the Mini Park.

I wish you all a safe and Happy Fourth of July.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.

Send Edgartown news to kathleencase@comcast.net.