A while back, but not so long ago that it’s a distant memory, Brooks had to write a poem in the style of Joe Brainard’s, I Remember. It was a simple but wonderful exercise in recalling memories—some were good, some were bad, some were monumental and others were simple, but clearly relevant in some way. His assignment got me thinking about all of you—my community. So, today, take a few moments to not only reflect, but to enjoy the present and to look forward to things to come. Take a few moments to be at peace with your thoughts and take a few moments to engage in conversation with friends and family. Engage in conversation that may bring tears of reflective emotion and laughter deep from the depth of your belly. Today, your challenge is to start a conversation with “I remember...”

I remember sitting at Great Grandma Bette’s Sunday dinner and watching the birds frequent the feeders on her porch that overlooked the marsh.

I remember the sandhill crane that spent a little time in the fields of Bliss Pond Farm five or so years ago. It was an unexpected and remarkable sight that all the birders, and regular folk alike, enjoyed. The conversations about this bird spread far and wide catching the eye of Allen Keith and Soo Whiting—my two favorite Chilmark birders.

I remember watching Capt. Scott McDowell and Capt. Jonathan Boyd leave Menemsha Harbor on a glassy calm, warm-breeze morning on Nov. 9 on their charter boats Lauren C and Mary Sea headed for their end of the season haul out at Niemiec Marine. They make the pilgrimage together, side by side, annually. Watching this always evokes both joyful and bittersweet emotions. Their trip was quick and they returned with Anette Cingle who trailed behind them on her center console.

I remember when Truman French and the brothers Pfortzeimer were just getting their MV Mycological mushroom business underway. Now I see them covered in musty soil laughing with each other looking happily accomplished.

I remember watching the USCG boathouse burn in 2010. It was terrifying, but also an emotional event which pulled out the best in our community.

I remember the USCG 47’ pulling to the dock and my favorite boys in blue hopping off for nothing but a morale boost. Jake, Seth, Ryan, Mason, Brody, Josh and the gang bring their smiles and brighten my day on a regular basis.

I remember getting an email from Tracy Thorpe sharing information about some really fun and interesting Zoom lectures going on at the library. Check out their website or email Tracy at tthorpe@clamsnet.org.

I remember the excitement in Allison and Sarah Flanders voices as they shared news of a pre-holidays pop-up shop of Saltrock Chocolates. You can find them with their assorted boxes of decadent chocolates available in the Menemsha Deli space Wednesdays and Saturdays starting Nov. 18. They’ll be open from 1-4 p.m. or while supplies last. If you grab lunch from Stanley and Lanette at Menemsha Fish, chocolates from the Flanders gals, fuel and a cold drink or hot coffee from the Texaco, you’ve pieced together a perfect afternoon or lunch break from work.

I hope to see you for a hello as you buzz the Bight.