What’s that saying, “April showers bring May flowers?” Thus far May hasn’t exactly lived up to those words, but she’s working on it. Pandemic gardening is well underway for many and the rain has been proven to be an asset, but the chilly nights and blustery winds have been a challenge. I’ve heard from a few folks that backyard garden greens have made it to the dinner plate along with some radishes. Actually, it’s only the Oskan family — George, Katie, Ella, Piper and Gwen — that mentioned radishes, but I’m guessing there are others.

Local eateries are working diligently on plans to reopen with takeaway service. Within the next couple of weeks opportunities to place an order to pick up and take home to eat leisurely with your family should be available at the Chilmark Tavern, Menemsha Galley and Menemsha Deli in addition to Menemsha Fish Market and Larsen’s Fish Market who have already been providing their services. Dining-in looks like it may not be in the cards this summer, but partaking in some of your favorite bites will still be an option. We all need to have a little patience and live life just a little more flexibly.

Beetlebung Farm is getting ready to open their farm stand with Robin and Julia at the helm. Mermaid Farm, Allen Farm, North Tabor and Grey Barn continue operations with new things appearing in their stands almost daily. Be sure to pay attention to signage as Covid-19 has caused some operational changes.

Tim Carroll celebrated a birthday last week. Although a birthday party wasn’t in the cards he celebrated with friends and family through their calls, texts, emails, drive-bys and drop offs of gifts.

Also celebrating quietly and locally were Peter Knight and Jonathan Rich.

A friend from afar, but not too far, Marshal David of the boat Echo who has frequented Menemsha Harbor each summer for decades celebrated his ninetieth. Normally, Margaret Maida and, perhaps, some others would have ventured off for such a celebration but the fanfare was a compilation of phone calls and a long string of cars honking with passengers yelling out birthday wishes.

Station Menemsha was a very special place last week with some significant awards being handed out. Congratulations to Joel Behr. He received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his extensive work in the community. Brody Schilling was awarded the Commandants Letter of Commendation for his efforts identifying, diagnosing and correcting a casualty while underway.

Are you interested in putting pencil to paper and curious about techniques used to turn scribbles into art? Then sign up for the virtual art class with Tifiney Shoquist to be held through the library on Saturday, May 16. Email Tracy at tthorpe@clamsnet.org for a materials list and details.

There’s also a virtual lecture series on May 20 and 27 with Philip Weinstein about James Joyce’s Dubliners that should prove to be quite interesting. Ask Tracy about this as well.

I’m thankful for my community members who have stepped up to make life a little easier during these challenging times. I give a little extra shout out to Delilah Meegan who has willingly offered her time to assist others. She is smart and savvy and can attack nearly any problem with positive results. Thank you Delilah.

I’m also thankful for the two humans who made me a mom. There are moments we moms wonder if we’ve done a halfway decent job raising our offspring. Some moments leave me with my head hanging low, shaking from side to side saying to myself, “What on earth did I do wrong?”

Fortunately, these moments are few and very far between, but nevertheless they are there. Then other moments bring me true joy like Mother’s Day evening when I invited them to join me for my nightly walk and both said yes. While driving, that classic ‘73 tune by Dobie Gray, Drift Away, came on the radio. I was pleasantly surprised that both know and willingly belted out the lyrics. It was a moment I realized I’d, somehow, done something right. May all of you, moms or not, find little moments that make you smile and feel the same way I did.