The weather has been cold, wet and windy in Aquinnah most of the week with wind chills in the teens. It was nice to see a few of our distant relatives at the tribal building on Sunday while they were here to vote.

Have you been to the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop this past week? The shop was closed for five days for reorganization and redecorating.

Congratulations to Master Sergeant Kevin M. Devine who recently retired from the United States Army after a 27-year career that has taken him around the world, having fulfilled six tours of duty in the Middle East. They have recently resided in Vermont where Kevin has been an instructor at Norwich University. He is the son of Wendy Oliver of Oak Bluffs and Herbert Devine, Jr. of Falmouth. Kevin, his wife Tabitha, and their daughter Kylee will relocate to the Vineyard. Their sons Anthony and Derrick reside in Oak Bluffs. For now, Kevin is enjoying deer hunting on tribal lands at the crack of dawn. Mara Duncan is spending the winter at the East Pasture home of Victoria and Gardner Brown.

Mara originally came to the Vineyard in 1971 to cover the maternity leave for Nan Doty at the West Tisbury School. She has returned often, deciding on whether to spend her retirement years on the Vineyard or in Scotland.

Master ceramist Charlie Hoye has a new supply of his cups and bowls at Out House Pottery on State Road near the turn to Lighthouse Road. As you head to the Outermost Inn for lunch stop by and purchase a few in time for the holidays.

Kristina Ann Kestenbaum Williams Hook Leslie entertained friends at a post-election gathering on Sunday evening. After tripping over a few stones in the dark on the way to dinner, all were safely ensconced while sitting around the fireplace and watching football and waiting five hours for election results. The potluck dinner was delicious. Those present included Kristina, Carole Ann Vandal, Leigh Vanderhoop, Mara Duncan, Nick from Serbia, Chrissy Chivers, Micah Washington, Michael Sellliti, and yours truly.

Get well wishes to Neal Maciel as he recuperates from surgery at Falmouth Hospital.

John and Amy Macy were at their Aquinnah home over the weekend, dining with friends at the Outermost.

Members of the Station Menemsha Spouses Association gathered on Saturday afternoon at the home of MK1 Nathan Dlabaj and his wife Janay and their daughters Jessie, Christian, and Charley for a baby shower in honor of Rebecca Poe. Guests included Fatine Othmane, Carissa Smith, Jordan Ward, Ariel White and yours truly. Janay and her daughter Jessie graciously hosted the shower and provided an afternoon of laughter whiles feasting on delicious delicacies as well as a cake and cupcakes.

Get well wishes to Janice Rose who is recuperating from major surgery performed at Massachusetts General Hospital.

For the moment, we can all be thankful for continuation of our government in Washington, D.C. Many people fear another government shutdown with all the nonsense going on at the present time.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving as you share the day with your family and friends. Be thankful for the Wampanoag Nation that graciously welcomed everyone to their homeland 399 years ago.

Belated birthday wishes to Kayla Foster and her sister Daryn Foster, Janice Cook Sylvia, Melissa Vanderhoop Abram, Elizabeth Witham, Gary Cook, Jill Gross, John Hanavan, Susan Peters, Brad Combra, Fiona Brown, Molly Purves, Sarah Howes, Clare Ives and Ava Woods.

This past week Katherine Olsen observed her special day on Nov. 18; Mark Kokoszka on Nov. 19; and Conrad Noble and Junior Vinson on Nov. 21..

Kathryn Corjulo celebrates Nov. 22; Novella Vanderhoop White and Billie Diamond Vanderhoop-Shephard share Nov. 2; Kevin Devine and Peter Temple share Nov. 25; Kate Murphy Kausch parties on Nov. 27; and Alexander N. Dekoschak parties on Nov. 28.