Sorry I missed you. I was under the weather — and you know it has been horrible weather here. In any case, I’m glad to be back online.

Here is what’s new: Jamie Alley is back, hosting Monday Night at the Movies at 6 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse on Church street. Five dollars cash and a mask will get you in at the door. It is a month of movies featuring my recently-deceased icon, Sidney Poitier.

La Choza is back. It’s where Seth Gambino’s icon of burritos was at the top of Main street, adjacent to Brickman’s. The new owners are the Seatons. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p m. Call 508-693-9050 or order online. Best of luck to all.

In much sadder Main street news, we are dismayed by the devastating fire at the corner of Main street and Owen Little Way yesterday. It destroyed the Hackney family home. I am so sorry.

I spoke to world-class soprano Mareda Gaither-Graves today. For 30 years, she lived four houses down from me in Vineyard Haven. She now lives eight blocks from me in my old country, White Plains, N.Y. Mareda is busy with her lessons, church, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Mareda sang Ave Maria at my mother’s funeral mass. Like an angel.

Michael Johnson — the renowned photographer who lives in California in the off-season but with us in the summer — flew out for a two-week stay to take winter photographs for his famous annual calendar. He snapped great storm pictures and some very sentimental shots of his on-island summer store. It is the sunny building behind Claudia’s on Main Street. Stop in and sat hi in season.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Zeke Watkins. He will be greatly missed.

I am sorry for missing the January birthdays. I wish you all a great new year.

Special greetings to my dear friend Connie Steurwald whose birthday was Feb. 1. Many happy returns.