All our kids come home! Gretchen Baer has returned to the home of her mom, Jacqueline Baer, for the month of July. Gretchen, an artist like her parents and siblings, runs a school in Sonora, Mexico, just over the border from her home in Bisbee, Ariz. I have collected art from her talented students. They do not disappoint. While she is here, Gretchen is offering her services to sketch and paint your Island home. Go for it!

Emily Klein has traveled back to her parents’ Island home for this month. She brought her two sons. Her parents, Bob and Elaine, are beyond thrilled. Welcome home, Emily.

Bill and Janet Stokes are at their home on Leonard Circle. We are expecting more of the old Lenny’s Loop group tomorrow. Stay tuned.

I met the prettiest young girls visiting my neighborhood on Sunday. They are Amanda and Claire from Georgia and California. They were busy chasing down turkey feathers and turkeys in my yard. I introduced them to some of my flock. But Broken Wing and Hopsy have not shown up for days. I am worried about them.

One of my favorite authors, Thomas Dresser, has published another book. da Rosa’s did the printing. It is available at Bunch of Grapes Bookstore and many Island locations. Schlepping Around Martha’s Vineyard is an idea that came to Tom via his late, great friend and co-author, Herb Foster. There are many wonderful suggestions and self-guided tours to Island marvels.

Speaking of my favorite authors, did you see that Native American writer Louise Erdrich has received a Pulitzer Prize? I have read almost every one of her books.

Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse is opening with Every Brilliant Thing on Thursday, July 8. Performances will be held at 6 p.m on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 18. This play will be held at our beautiful amphitheater. I’ll see you there.

Condolences to Brian Conway and his family on the passing of his mother, Rose Conway, who died July 5. She was a most beautiful and lovely woman. We shall all miss her greatly.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Tac Guam and Marsha Thurmond Prescott on July 6. My sister in law Nancy McPartlin Gardella claims July 13. And on July 15, Pam Alley takes the cake. Many happy returns.