The best place to be these days is in the house in the air conditioner if you can. We still need rain as the ground is so dry and when the hydrangeas are screaming for water you know it is time.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Diego Valentim, who celebrated July 27; Bianca Barbosa, Ryan Lauriano, July 28; Chloe Cook, July 30; and to Guilherme Silva who celebrates his day on July 23.

I can’t believe that it is almost August 1. This is the month that always had the most activities but people seem to be doing okay and keeping themselves busy. I have not been one of those to wander downtown or venture out of town so I don’t see all the activity that people are up to. I rely on pictures on social media or just hear it from customers that come into the nursery.

After testing negative for Covid, John Benoit has arrived from Louisiana, to his home here in town. He is joining his wife, Kathy, who has been here most of the summer. As usual, John does not do well sitting still so he has been puttering in the garden and doing little chores around the house. John worked at Donaroma’s one summer and kept the roses looking their best and he helped build the fish pond. He is also a part of the Dukes family as we worked together all those years ago and had lunch together. We had some hot spades games during lunch.

John will be here long enough to see grandchildren, Chloe and John Boccia, children of daughter, Kelly. They will be here for two weeks and then Kelly and Jason come on August 15 and will stay a week.

While I was talking to Kathy, she said that she and John were helping Margo Datz put stickers on postcards for her art show that will be at the Grange Hall on August 8, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you are familiar with Margot‘s work, you know her show will be amazing. If you are not, look at the paintings in the Steamship Authority buildings or the children’s room at the Edgartown Library and, of course, the painting in the front of the Whaling Church where you think you can walk through the door of many rooms.

I wish you all a great changeover weekend. Please be safe and wear your mask for everyone’s sake.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.