We finally got some much-needed rain. It was good timing as it happened later in the day and overnight, then cleared into a nice Sunday afternoon. Everybody was happy.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day these past two weeks. Big balloons go out to Adeline Seguin, who celebrated May 13; Russell Coogan and Broden Couto on May 14; Mateo DeOliveira and Isaac Winters on May 15; Yan Robadel and Keira Welch on May 16; Kaua Braz and Alondra Hernandez on May 17; Summer Cimeno and Alexia Ribeiro on May 18; Jamison Knapp on May 19; Salomao Marcel on May 20; Anita Cabral on May 25; and to Anthony Pereira and Tyler Vasconcelos, who celebrate on May 26.

Once again it never ceases to amaze me the talent we have on our little Island. I attended the Minnesingers concert on Friday, May 12. Their opening number of Singin’ in the Rain got the audience going and it did not stop till the end. There was dancing, solos, concert choir and group songs. Thank you to Abigail Chandler and her team for a great performance.

I have to give a shout out to Nancy Rogers — who was an original Minnesinger — for her never-ending talent on the piano and her dedication to the group.

My niece Tina has been staying at the home of Floyd Norton while his son and daughter had to go to their respective homes for a few weeks. They have had a great time together as Tina drives him around to his favorite places, cooks him his favorite meals and they have just had a great time talking.

Floyd also likes to go to The Wharf on Friday nights sometimes for their prime rib dinner. Last Friday they invited me to go along. Besides good company, we started to talk about the town and its changes over the years.

Floyd’s family home was where The Anchors is now. He told us how, when he was a young boy, he would go to the house of his grandfather William Norton, who lived on North Water street, get into his little skiff and row along the beach, go under the bridge at the lighthouse — yes, the Edgartown Lighthouse — and row to Eel Pond and go clamming. He would row back to the Edgartown dock to Eldridge’s Fish Market and sell his clams to John Correia, who was the manager.

Floyd, Tina and I had great dinner and we could have listened to him all night with his stories. We encouraged him to write down more of those memories.

It is Memorial Day weekend, and the beginning of a very busy season. Kids are coming home from college; people are coming to their summer homes; painting is happening...gardening, barbecues, maybe even a visit to the beach.

But among all this hustle and bustle, please take some time and remember those who gave up their tomorrows, so we could have ours. That is what Memorial Day is all about: the men and women who made our freedom possible. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.