Driving around town can be a challenge with increased vehicular traffic, trucks towing trailers, mopeds, joggers, dog walkers and bicycle riders. I practice what I preach to the newly licensed driver in my family and I wait for a safe stretch of road to pass, for example, bicycles.

Just last year, while scrolling Facebook – which I check periodically like my email – I came across a friend’s video. He was ranting about the driver in front of him unwilling to pass a cyclist. The driver did not pass the group of cyclists for a long stretch of road because they were weaving in and around each other practicing truly unsafe behavior. The driver decided going 10 miles under the speed limit while waiting to safely pass was worthwhile rather than chancing what could prove to be a deadly choice. I know all this because I was that slow driver.

The other day, I caught up to a friend who was riding his bicycle on Menemsha Crossroad. There was traffic coming towards me so I, once again, waited for a safe spot to pass. I found myself in a similar situation with a vehicle tailgating behind me. This time, as I passed the cyclist in a passing zone, I was passed by a black Toyota Tacoma with Vermont plates. I was astonished by the frightening behavior and to be clear, yes, I was passed while passing. Please folks, think before you act. Reckless driving is, well, reckless.

Malia (Scott) and Chris Stanley celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Middle child, Theo, celebrated his parents with a six-feet-apart get together with his long time buddy, Brooks. Also partaking in the get together was the Stanley family’s new black lab pup, Beetlebung Wadsworth, AKA “Beetle.”

Sarah (Levy), Eugene, Sam and Josh Langner spent some time away from life in Newton at their Prospect Hill family home. I had the pleasure of seeing them looking quite relaxed, exuding a beachy vibe and indulging in ice cream. It was a perfect moment in a hectic day.

Captain Mike Hamilton of f/v Sinful had a productive tuna trip, returning to Menemsha with bluefin for the market. The crew included Craig Munsell, Derek MacIntyre and Johnny Nichols.

Colin Ruel and Nettie Kent offer viewing hours at Ruel Gallery from Friday through Sunday and by appointment. The overhaul on what was Roberta Morgan’s Harbor Crafts Shop was a labor of love and offers a clean and fresh environment for enjoying the couples’ creations. If you’re lucky, you may just spot Razmus and Wyld in the mix, too.

Matt Cooper was in town for a visit. His family home directly across from the end of Basin Road has a truly fascinating history including being both a bakery and a gallery.

Annie Treitman reaches out to share that although the Book Festival has gone virtual this year, they’ve got a super line up of authors for you to enjoy. Please check out all the details at mvbookfestival.com.

Harris Loeser has departed his Flanders Lane home to make way for his sister, Helen, and David Teitel to visit. Harris will return to his spot six feet away from the other members of the Squid Row coffee club later this summer. Just as an aside, Helen and Harris’s brother, Tom, a professor and artist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a friend of my cousin, Hilary Wilder. It’s a small world when you start looking.