I do not have a lot of holiday guests to report visiting the island. The pandemic put the kibosh on many family gatherings this season. But I can report there is a beautiful, almost full moon out there. I urge you to get out and see it before the rains return.

Some very nice people did stop at my door bearing gifts. Inez Montanile sent her daughter Kim with homemade strufoli. Samuel Armstrong of Vegan on the Vineyard brought some beautiful vegetables. Bob Dusa sent Santa Claus from Sea Glen. Santa had the  best homemade pizza. He also brought books, my favorite thing. Norma Sigelman gifted me with one of her beautifully crafted necklaces. No coal in my stocking this year!

You all know I detest changes. The bad news is my dear friends, Doug Johnson, Uta Kloss and their trusty dog, Fletcher, have retired. The good news is they have sold their Island Art Gallery and it will continue in its place on Main street. And, so sad for many of us, the Good Ship Lollipop in Oak Bluffs, the best candy store in the world, has closed its business. So many memories!

In better news, Leslie’s Drugstore will continue in its hallowed place. The Holmberg family and their wonderful crew will still be there for us.

Our Marine, Woody Williams, informed me that the V.A. has begun Covid vaccinations with the Moderna flu vaccine through the Providence health care system. Call your V.A. to get an appointment.

Get-well wishes go out to Thomas Cox who has a broken leg. And my dear friend, Kristen Kazlauskas, is recovering from foot surgery in Falmouth.

Our condolences go out to Mike Ciancio and his family on the death of wife and mother, Elaine Ciancio. And our deepest sympathy goes to the family of young Emma Hall.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Toby Danger Riseborough on Dec. 29. And on Jan. 2, Anthony J. Masi takes the cake. Many happy returns.