Hazy, hot and humid are the words of the month. The air conditioner is running constantly and no windows open. It is going to be interesting to see what August brings.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Tyler Batchelder and Veyda Pearl, who celebrated July 18, Talia Young on July 19, and to Judah Levy, who celebrated his day July 20.

It is hard to believe that it is the end of July. Usually, we are getting ready for the busy month of August as it usually includes Illumination Night, the fireworks and the fair. Thankfully, the Fair will happen this year. I have a friend who is a judge in one of the categories and she is looking forward to seeing the exhibits, as we all are. It will just be nice to have a piece of normalcy this summer.

We are getting a lot of calls and questions about plants with black or brown spots. Especially basil and hydrangeas. It is all the humidity and no sun. Everything is getting fungus or mildew. You can spray it with Safer fungicide or copper fungicide. But make sure it is organic if you are spraying basil or any other vegetable. Some will say you can spray up to the day of harvest but read the instructions first.

Tom Dresser is launching Schlepping Around Martha’s Vineyard, his new tour book. It was inspired by the late Herb Foster, who conceived a tour book in the style of the Federal Writers Project of the 1930s. A piece he wrote is included.

Edgartown Library is hosting an author talk featuring Tom Dresser on their lawn on Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. (Rain date is July 30.) All are welcome. The book sells for $15 and profits from the launch will go to the Herb & Anita Foster Education Fund for Edgartown Library employees.Don’t forget the library has live music on the lawn on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30. It is a fun time and you can bring a pizza or picnic if it is your dinner time and enjoy it while listening to great music.

We have had a lot of traffic, even on the back roads. Please take your time and be kind. Let someone out and watch out for people and bikes crossing. Kindness goes a long way. Please stay safe.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.