California was calling, so we went. Brooks and I set off on a mother-son adventure and that’s something we very rarely do. I’ve got my feet up overlooking The Wedge, which is a popular surf spot at the very end of Balboa Peninsula. Giant waves are a result of the 2,000 foot jetty built by the Army Corps of Engineers back in the 1930s. It’s been a epic, long weekend and we’ve dubbed it the trip of surf shop touring. It doesn’t really matter where our days took us as long as we were together having some genuine one-on-one time. My heart is smiling.

Congratulations to Coast Guardsman Steven White who was hip, hip, hooray celebrated last week at an advancement ceremony. In front of friends, family and USCG personnel, he was promoted to the rank of senior chief. He was pinned by his wife Ariel and the ceremonious changing of the cover was performed by his kids. As the say, Bravo Zulu.

Each time I mention something having to do with the fine folks of Station Menemsha I can’t help but think of June Manning and just how much I miss her. I take a moment to pull up her Facebook page to look at her photo and scroll back a little way in time just to let my mind feel as if she’s still with us.

Another gigantic congratulations goes to — drum roll please — Chilmark fire chief Jeremy Bradshaw. After just shy of three years as our chief, he has gone through the rigorous application process to become a credentialed fire chief. The process is administered by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial-appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for fire chiefs. The 20-ish page application was a bear to complete and the list of classes on his resume are truly impressive. This is an occasion that just might be deserving of a cake emblazoned with frosting flames. Way to go, Chief Bradshaw.

Joan Malkin shares that Climate Action Week is May 8 through 14. There are a number of Island events planned with a full listing of fun stuff that can be found at thevineyardway.org under events. One of the events just so happens to be in town and just so happens to relate to one of the folks I mentioned earlier. Geared mostly towards kids, a tour of Station Menemsha, which will be full of community spirit and enthusiasm, will primarily focus on why and how to prepare for storms. With storms becoming increasingly severe, this event will be especially helpful. Mark your calendar for Monday, May 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Again: check out the website for more information.

As much as I’d love to keep writing, I’m going to turn my attention back to my son whose undivided attention is something I only have 36 more hours to revel in. I’m going to make the most of it.