Our first dusting of snow. I love to see it come, love to see it go. I stand by New England weather as long as I don’t have to go out in it. And this has more to do with fear of falling than fear of freezing. I also stand with my team, the Patriots. And I stand with my other team, Team Turkey. I had 27 of the feathered darlings visit for Sunday supper. Eight greeted me this morning for breakfast. And, yes, I am on their schedule now. Breakfast is 7:30 a.m. They are so happy to greet their Missy G.

All roads, or should I say, all boats, lead to Martha’s Vineyard. Many friends and students are returning: Grace Burton-Sundman, Noel Macy, Emma HallBilsback, and a host of Island-raised kids returning for the holidays. Grace Lillian’s visit was a brief return from Rotterdam where she now lives. She flies back tomorrow but she was most appropriately here for St. Nicholas’ Day.

Emma is returning early next week and she is looking for a ride from Boston to Woods Hole on Monday. Let me know if you can help. Noel returned to Southie but will be back. He had a preview of his mother’s exquisite home decorations for the season. Noel’s mom is a talented artist, Lowely Finnerty. Another great artist about town, Louisa Gould, is at the annual Art Basel in Miami. As always, Louisa has sent stunning photos of the exhibits. Check out her gallery on Main street for lovely gifts.

Devoted fisherman, Wes Stokes, in his first Island winter in several years, has created a wondrous tree on his home porch. Drive slowly around Leonard Circle to see a glorious tree made of fishing poles, all lit up with magic. I am constantly in awe of the talent on this small rock.

Good news and bad news for the Corr-Dolby family. The good news is their new puppy, Charlie, is arriving as we speak. The bad news is Sandie Corr-Dolby has sprained her ankle. The nurse needs nursing. You know what to do.

My nephew, Jonathan Gardella, played first viola in an annual concert by the Southwest Florida Youth Orchestra on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Jon is nineteen now. His love of music has helped him through his many challenges with autism. New research has shown that memories of music cannot be lost to dementia, Alzheimer’s and other illnesses. This is great news and the caregiving work I have done bears it out.

We will miss so many this holiday season. Not only our friends who have passed but also our friends who have moved away. Shoutout to those we think of: Doug Peckham and Barbara Pope Peckham in Nebraska, Holly Nadler and Cynthia Mascott in California, Paul and Michelle Linderson, Marc and Robin Whitley O’Donnell, and Peter Sawyer in Arizona, Ashley, Sam and Jude Byrd in Texas, Larry Trogden caring for his folks in North Carolina, and Sara Brown wherever she may be. Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay in touch!

Healing prayers for dear Jennifer Gardner.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along with the beautiful Mary Carlson, daughter of Carole Flanders, on Dec. 11; Cheryl Gebbia shared the same date. And on Dec. 14, Chyenne Ward takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Vineyard Haven town news can be sent to iklean@yahoo.com.