Strange weather. Many of my seasonal friends are delayed on returning to their seasonal homes in Florida because of the impending hurricane. While it is inconvenient for them I must say I enjoy having them here longer.

I have heard much positive feedback on Beach Road Weekend. Wes Nagy called it an amazing show. Many of our famous local musicians — Mike Benjamin and Friends, Willy Mason, Phil daRosa and others — performed. Russian-born singer Regina Spektor dedicated a song to Ukraine. Photographer Jeremy Driesen proclaimed it a wonderful show to shoot.

I did not get there and am upset with myself for missing Patti Smith. I heard her performance was excellent. She is one of the few of my era who I never saw live in concert, although I often saw her on Eighth street and at the Chelsea Hotel when I was living in that neck of New York.

Now let’s get Veterans Memorial Park back in shape for our local sports teams.

Willy Mason also rocked The Ritz last weekend. So much talent on the Island! On Thursday, August 31, Becky Williams and Rich Giaimo will be at the Black Dog Cafe from 6 to 8 p.m. Johnny Hoy and Delanie Pickering will be at the Black Dog Tavern Patio on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and the Black Dog Cafe on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Jim Powell was back from Utah for his annual trek to his beloved Island. Jim never misses the Fair. No doubt he saw the blue ribbon awarded to my multifaceted friend Patti Linn she won for her chocolate creation.

We are still not done, even after Illumination Night, the Fair and Beach Road Weekend. The biggest artisan show of the season will be at the Ag Hall this Labor Day weekend: Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Do not miss my artist friend, Beldan K. Radcliffe and her attractive upcycled shawls.

This weekend is the last Arts District Stroll from 4 to 7 p.m. in the walkable Oak Bluffs Arts District. Plenty to do before our schools reopen next week.

With great sadness we mourn the passing of Bob Barker. I spent a lot of my childhood watching his show.

My cousin Rosemary Cucurullo passed away in White Plains, N.Y. two weeks ago. She was devoted to our town, her children and our family. We shall miss her.

Get well wishes to Reymundo Garza.

Anniversary bouquets to Phil and Janet Ginter for their 28th on August 19.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Kimberly Jannace on August 19. My foster dog Minnie had her seventh birthday on August 29. And on Sept. 1 Shane Justice Little Eagle Vanderhoop-True takes the cake. Many happy returns.