They did it. Bill Kirkland, along with his kids who traveled from Panama, made it to their DH’s Hill home for what proved to be too short a visit. Christina, William and Caroline escorted their dad on a wonderful adventure that left them longing for more. They managed to revisit some old stomping grounds, catch up with old friends and make me feel truly appreciated for something as little as sharing pictures on Instagram. We’ve already tapped into the Panamanian coffee they brought and we’ve sipped out of the mugs they, somehow, managed to get here in one piece. Bill hopes to be back in August when we will have an opportunity to catch up a bit more.

A series of paintings done by Heather Sommers titled Portraits are on display at the West Tisbury Library’s conference room through the end of the month. They are proudly displayed and ready for viewing during normal business hours. I hope you had the opportunity to add a little something special to your visit by timing it with Heather’s reception on June 8 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Life has been breathed back into Barn Again with the return of Emma and Bob Shalhope. They’ve made the journey from their home in Oklahoma. I’ve only seen them to say a quick hello and have yet to have an actual in-depth conversation. I look forward to hearing about grandchildren Jack and Claire, along with what adventures life took everyone on over the past eight-ish months.

Suzy Keene has been meandering her way around town with her pup — whose name I want to say is Rosie — taking in all that sunrises, sunsets, friends and family have to offer.

Young Dylan Waterman paid a visit a short while ago. He had a lovely four-generation Menemsha outing with his mom Lindsey (Rich), grandmother Kim Cottrill and great-grandmother Janice Manter.

June 17 is the date many have been waiting for. The Homeport restaurant, with Chef Seth Woods at the helm, plans to open its doors once again. From what I gather, Chef Woods plans to serve take-out meals from the back door and have cafeteria-style seating in the dining room. The menu looks reminiscent of what we all loved from back in the day, with a few freshened-up items to enjoy.

Also planning to kick off the season a few days earlier is Larsen’s Fish Market. Betsy and Kristine, along with their seasoned crew including Scott Larsen and Everett Healy, hope to have their swanky new market ready for customers this coming week.

Bob Sloane made it back this past week from Maine aboard his new lobster boat, Twilight. She’s a beauty and he seems pleased to be back in Menemsha harbor after a longer than anticipated stint in Maine.

Congratulations to Tegan Fenner who graduated from Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Bourne this past weekend. After four years of commuting, he has a diploma in hand. His proud parents Keith and Marilyn, Amanda and Ty, grandparents Merrily and Frank Fenner, aunt Alicia Knight and friends Michaela Benefit, Will Dolan and Brooks Carroll were all there to cheer him on.

Rasmus Mayhew, son of Audrey and Todd, occasionally has the opportunity to go fishing with his great uncle Jonathan Mayhew aboard his boat Skillie. The pair took to the sea where Rasmus landed a 34.5” striped bass. It proudly served as family dinner that same night.

Among others, Silas Abrams and Hillary Noyes-Keene have items on display for sale at the Emerge! gallery show at Featherstone through June 26. Proceeds go directly to the scholarship established in memory of Davin Tackabury. The show is open daily from noon to 4 p.m. Silas, son of Jessica Benjamin and Pinto, will head off to UMass Amherst this fall, where he will pursue his passion for ceramics as he majors in engineering.

If you haven’t signed it yet, be sure to stop by the porch of 511 North Road in Menemsha to sign the gigantic get well card for David Norton. There isn’t a whole bunch you can do when a dear friend is laid up in the hospital but a gigantic get well card signed by friends and neighbors will surely be a welcome sight to see once he is home.