As the saying goes, the temperature went from 42 degrees to 22 degrees like it saw a state trooper. I think I moved to the wrong Island.

The pets are certainly confused about the time change and so are my turkeys. While I had them all set on certain feeding schedules, they seem to think this is now a 24-hour, seven-day cafeteria. My little Silvio is taking his meals approximately twelve hours apart, at 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. I guess I need to teach him to open cans.

Speaking of pets, many of my friends have recently seen their fur babies cross the Rainbow Bridge. Condolences to Susan Woods on the passing of her devoted companion, Blue. Tamma Cimeno said goodbye to her precious Harley. And my son, Chris, daughter in law, Lilly, and kids, Corbyn and Dominic, lovingly party with Hootie. May they all cherish the memories of these wonderful family members.

Bill and Jan Stokes, our seasonal residents on Leonard Circle, called to report on Bill’s great progress since his open heart surgery in Connecticut. It won’t be long before they are back on Lenny’s Loop planting their beautiful summer flowers.

Sabrina Luening was on everyone’s minds, lips and hearts at the big benefit in her honor at the Cardboard Box last Saturday night. The food, the fun, the music went on till last call. Thank you to all who participated and sang for Sabrina. If you could not make it to the party you may still donate on her GoFundMe page. We wish Sabrina and her daughter, Ella, the best.

For years at this newspaper Lauren Martin was my delightful editor. Her husband, Mike Seccombe, also wrote for the Gazette. They returned to their homeland, Australia, with their two children and are continuing their lives there. I am awake most nights worrying about them and my dear friend, Rhonda Griffin, as that continent deals with years of drought and, now, raging fires. Many have had to evacuate.

Tales of heroic firefighters abound. The precious wildlife population is suffering. I am open to all suggestions of how we can help our Australian friends.

Speaking of friends, I thank jeweler, beader, crafter, neighbor and Renaissance woman, Norma Sigelman, for kindly solving an intricate beading problem for me. You will be able to see Norma’s soaringly imaginative work at many of the holiday shop venues here on-Island. At the same time, be on the lookout for the work of Susan Shea and Joan LeLacheur. I believe in shopping local. Local entertainment is no problem with our gifted Island population. A Wicked Good Musical Revue returns to the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. When you are at the theater, be sure to take in the art display by Cindy Christian. I’ll see you there.

I am heartbroken to learn my three steadfast friends, Doug Johnson, Uta Kloss and their canine co- worker, Fletcher, will be putting their Kennedy Studios, Island Art Gallery on the market. These three have seen me through tough times while providing beautiful art, exquisite framing and peace of mind. Stop in and wish them well.

I finally got out to Drop-In Poetry at our library last Saturday afternoon. I was in the presence of amazing talent. I must say, the highlight for me was finally meeting our Island’s first poet laureate, Lee H. McCormack. He read with another famous Island poet, Don Nitchie, whose work I had admired for years. It was a friendly, fun group. I hope to be at their next meeting.

If poetry is your thing, join me at the Carnegie in Edgartown this Saturday at 2 p.m. Island poets Arnie Riesman and Holly St. John Bergon will be delighting us with their work.

She will always be Honey to me. Honey Campos died last week at 90 years of age. She was always so kind and knowledgeable at her many years of service at Shirley’s Hardware. Our condolences to her large family and many friends.

Get well wishes go out to Angel J. Pinto who is under the weather. This is one of my most dedicated Patriots friends and a dynamic mother of two great boys. Get well soon.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along my two favorite role models last week. Joni Mitchell celebrated on Nov. 7 and Kara Nadine Best hit a major marker on Nov. 8. And on Nov. 14 John Gardella and Mardell Francis take the cake. Many happy returns.