Thankfully, we have had some rain. We have waited a long time and we also had some nice cool air. So now we will see what the rest of August has in store for us.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Alicia Guimaraes, who celebrated August 16; Emily Bordim, Maria Pizzico, August 18; Henry Banks, Victor Valentim, August 19; Heloisa Borges, August 20; Andre Mejia-Castro, who celebrates their day on August 21.

My niece, Debbie Dupont, was here visiting me and we had a great time even with the rain and wind. We did the Menemsha sunset with Edgartown Seafood lobster rolls and chowder. The sky was spectacular and the sunset was perfect. Yes, there were people there but everyone was respectful of each other’s space and masks were worn.

Then, the next day, it was the annual ride to Aquinnah and around the rest of the Island. It is funny once again how we take for granted our Island but this year it was special to be with my niece, who I had not seen since December, and getting out of Edgartown because we have all been in lockdown since March.

When we went by the Grange Hall, which was where the fairgrounds used to be, I could not help to think that years ago that area was about to be filled with carnival rides and games, the hall would be filled with all the projects people had been working on all winter, the back fields would be getting ready for the horse pull and horse shows, the old engines would be starting up, and the fiddlers contest would be soon getting underway. It was a crowded area but we saw everyone we had not seen all summer, and we had some great times.

I know a lot of people feed the birds and I wonder if they love watching the babies as much as I do. The mothers are patient as the babies watch them pecking at the food and want the moms to feed them. But the mothers just peck away until the babies take the hint and try it. Also, I kind of laugh as the mothers do not look their best. Their feathers are faded so they can nest safely but I also giggle as I think they are feeling ragged taking care of all those babies and trying to train them to flee the nest. I think it is nature at its best.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.