With September comes open windows, fresh breezes, the sound of early morning school buses, the splash of Albie blitzes and an opportunity for a little solitude.

College kids have made their departures and I have care packages to pack and send. Yes, I realize there are plenty of options to send a little love to our favorite teens who are away from home for the first time — Door Dash, Grub Hub, Domino’s, Teleflora and more — but nothing says “you’ve got this” like homemade cookies and handwritten cards.

It was a quick visit but quick visits with Kathy Coe are like no other. Her presence has a way of boosting spirits even when you don’t realize you need boosting. She had an opportunity to visit with her neighbors the Bainbridges as well.

Linae and Bob Schroeder are visiting from Connecticut. Times have changed since the days of tying up their boat Thin Ice on the transient dock with their now-grown kids Geoff and Sam. But a couple of things still remain the same: Bob’s passion for fishing and their presence adding to early morning Squid Row coffee conversation.

Jacob De Keijzer had his last strawberry shortcake ice cream pop for the summer and grandparents Helen and Arne are already looking forward to what adventures summer 2023 will bring.

Samantha Bunker made her way to her childhood home on North Road from her now home in Texas to visit with her parents Pam and Rodney. Smiles were worn from ear to ear for the duration of her visit.

The family of the late Irving Petlin hosted a multi-day open studio at their Wayside Farm home. After his 2018, Sarah, Alessandra and Gabriel took some time to reflect, but now felt the need to share his work in the intimate space of the stone walled barn studio where he spent many hours creating.

My young ice cream-indulging friend Benjamin Suchoff, grandson of Holly and Larry Glick, turned three this past week. Joining him to celebrate was little sister Noa, who used her skills to help blow out the candles. Also here in the mix are cousins Cooper and Sloane Glick. Cooper, coincidentally, has a similar affinity for ice cream.

Also visiting the Glick household are Larry’s folks Edward and Carol. Edward, like young Benjamin, celebrated a birthday this past week. He marked 88 surrounded by Benjamin, Noa, Cooper, Sloane, their parents and more, nestled into a carved-out spot on Menemsha Beach under a setting sun.

Watch out world, 16-year old Clara Athearn is behind the steering wheel with her learner’s permit in hand. She’s starting off with back roads and parking lots before she branches out to main roads. How do our community’s little people grow up so quickly?

Back to school time is here. For all you parents, teachers and students who are a little nervous, here’s a little something I read somewhere: You’ve already earned your As. You’re Awesome. You’re Amazing. You’re Accomplished. You’re Astounding.