All roads lead to Martha’s Vineyard. After an odyssey of almost three years, I am finally here. Nancy’s back and Vineyard Haven has her. I thank you all for your patience in putting up with my errors, missed deadlines, broken computers and the usual writer’s block. My mission was to take care of my mother till she died and I accomplished that. In the interim I had three major surgeries in 14 months and a lot of recuperation time.

Our friend Teri Praskach helped both of us during these emergencies. I would be remiss to not thank my many relatives and friends in the Old Country, most particularly the fine staff and people at Dunne’s Pub, my home away from home. They were all so supportive of me during very trying times. Special shout out to Vineyard seasonal resident, Tony Keogh, who spent part of his annual vacation on Martha’s Vineyard painting a landscape for me. You’re the best, Tony, and I shall miss you and the usual suspects more than I can say.

Feeling weak and unsure of my ability to make such a long drive with two dogs and one cat, my friend Damara Troiani introduced me to Uncle Joe. Joe very kindly drove me to the boat, spent one night on-Island (his first) and headed back by bus the next day. He is a great driver and sports stories abound. Alas, his team is the Buffalo Bills, mine is the Pats, but we got along anyway. You are always welcome, Uncle Joe Kelly.

Some things I heard about but had not personally witnessed yet: Union street going the other way; Mikado which I cannot wait to try on Dale Ferry’s very positive recommendation; newly erected affordable housing which is as it should be; businesses coming and going as always; and friends returning to the Island after exiles of 13 years or more. One of my Besties, Ria Cimeno, invited me to her lovely home for a homemade vegetarian lasagna. I used to think pizza was the best 3 a.m. snack and early morning breakfast. Last night I discovered it is lasagna. Fabulous.

Artist Bill O’Callaghan informs me that this is the last week of the Sculpture Walk at the Polly Hill Arboretum. Be sure to catch his fanciful work in this wonderful weather.

Island author Judy Campbell has another Olivia Brown mystery, Christmas in Crisis, coming out at the end of October. This is the 11th in her series. Watch for it at our libraries and local stores.

The Vineyard Haven Library has done just fine without me. I cannot tell you the many kindnesses they provided to my mother and me when we were both sick and housebound here for a year. Thursday afternoons are storycraft for kids. On Friday, Sept. 29 there is always a game time after school, for ages eight and up. The games run the gamut from Wii to cards to good old-fashioned board games. On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon our library gives informal lessons in learning to use ebooks. Call for an appointment ahead of time.

Get well wishes to Ria Cimeno who is having a procedure at our hospital today. I think I shall bring her some lasagna. Forgive me for not unpacking my birthday book yet but all should be in order by next week. Happy anniversary where it applies this week and you birthday people, you take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.