Sometimes writing my column is a breeze. The information flows because you’ve been kind enough to spoon feed me news that is typically joyful, but occasionally sad. Nevertheless, it’s always just what I am looking for. This week, all I can do is sit at my computer and run the lyrics of a 1970s song through my head. My voice isn’t pretty so I don’t sing out loud yet, to me, it sounds very loud.

Staring at empty pages, centered ‘round the same old plot/Staring at empty pages, flowing along the ages…

It’s just a couple of lines from the band Traffic’s song Empty Pages. It feels so appropriate as I sit pondering what words to jot. Jotting moves slowly sometimes, but eventually those pages begin to fill.

Not only did Bill Smith celebrate a birthday but he had a helicopter ride. For many this would be a thrilling birthday gift but for Bill it meant he was in need of big hospital care. Off to Brigham and Women’s he whirled where he underwent emergency surgery that seemed to do the trick. He was back home in a couple of days and is happily overseeing life on Menemsha Crossroad as he recuperates.

Give Bill a shout, ring, buzz, drop him a line or use whatever terminology seems fitting for a call, text or snail mail. Happy connections make people heal faster.

Lobstering season has opened and with it comes a little more activity on the harbor. Chris Mayhew headed out Menemsha Channel as the new captain of F/V Solitude. After many months of guidance and tutelage from Captain Pat Jenkinson, the helm was passed. The two ventured out to sea side by side a number of times last fall, but this week there was quiet excitement as Chris ventured out solo.

Happy retirement to Pat and well wishes to Chris. It’s a thrill to know Solitude will continue being worked out of Menemsha and a thrill to see a willing participant from the up and coming generation.

Fair Haven dragger Gloria Jean made her way into Menemsha harbor with Captain Tim Powers at the wheel. He unloaded his catch at market and distributed bait to local fisherman. Captain Wayne Iacono was one of those fishermen happy to receive. Dinner and bait on board leads to more dinner on board. The fishermen’s connection is a good one.

John Packer and the crew of Offshore Engineering are also making some noise in the harbor. They’ve replaced some frail pilings and, as I write, continue to do a little dredging. The smell of dredge spoils is a unique one. It’s not flowery by any means, yet it always makes me think of the spring awakening and the basin getting ready for summer activity. We did witness one thrilling moment when one of the crane’s bucket cables parted, but all is well and it was a quick fix for the Offshore crew.

If you hadn’t heard, the Burkin family’s foster pup Lena managed to hop the wall in her back yard and quickly darted in front of an oncoming truck. She was struck and, likely in reactionary fear, bolted from the scene and went missing. After an overnight in the woods she sat barking at her front door, awaiting breakfast as usual. She had some bumps and a few scrapes but I am happy to hear directly from Lisa that Lena seems to be in good health. She’s a sweet pup and is still available for adoption.

Claire Ganz shared that a small dead whale washed up by her north shore home. Novice eyes think it is a Minke whale, but she is awaiting confirmation of that from the proper authorities to which it was reported. Hopefully we will hear what was the cause of death. I am holding out hope that it was an elderly whale and it chose this quiet stretch of beach for its last resting place, knowing that Claire and her family would have the utmost respect for its presence.