If you check the times I post something, messenger you something, or send a text, most of you know that I am up most of the night. But I have been up all night since last night. The dogs and the cat went wild with the many thunderstorms and the violent lightning. What downpours we had!

Just to give you a suggestion for the upcoming July 4: please, in honor of our furry friends, instead of purchasing fireworks, buy a few cans of dog or cat food to donate to our animal shelter. A win-win situation.

Last weekend was another great reunion for my friend David Whitmon’s Velonaut group from off-Island. They arrived on Friday, wasted no time riding around the Island, did so on Saturday and left on the noon boat on Sunday. Another successful reunion.

Toni Kauffman, president of the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard, reports a very successful Juneteenth celebration. A feast! Many improvements since last year. Same time, next year.

On July 2 the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks baseball game at our high school will honor our veterans. Be there.

Musician Stephen Hart and friends will put on a concert at the Strand Theatre in Oak Bluffs on July 4. I’ll see you there.

Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish have hired a new drummer, Cam Igo. He will play with them all summer and up to and including their trip to Oslo in September. Then Cam returns to college. Take note, Christopher D. Osborn.

Our Island is blessed with so many artists. My dear friend, writer John Sundman, is working on his autobiographical inquiry, John Sundman Figures It Out! You may get it online. Check it out.

I am looking forward to my annual planned reunion tomorrow with Dennis von Mehren, Linda Tydings Massaro and Jessica Oliver. It will be too much laughter.

Our library has new books, summer programs and reading suggestions for kids and teens. Many events for grownups and kids. New summer hours and the library is closed on Sundays until after Labor Day. Lots of excitement. Everything free.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Carly Simon on June 25. Ruth Radcliffe celebrated on June 26. And on June 27, Elizabeth Wood, Joshua Baker and Meghan Charles took the cake. Many happy returns.