I’ve felt a bit like a small child buckled into the back seat of the family car on a road trip, asking every five minutes, “Are we there yet?” I think I’ve rounded the corner that puts me on that final stretch of road that will soon place me at my destination: feeling healthy once again. My lack of community connection places me at a disadvantage once again.

Congratulations to Patrick Shanahan of U.S. Coast Guard Station Menemsha. A small pinning (advancement) ceremony was held last week to congratulate him on his advancement to boatswain’s mate second class. His orders were read as he was pinned with a new insignia and all in attendance shared a round of applause and a few pats on the back. Coast Guard auxiliarist Wayne Iacono shared that it was “a really nice ceremony.”

After her arrival in the midst of a typical grey winter in New England, Phoebe Walsh took the helm of the Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative. She joined the Menemsha workforce from Portland, Me. after receiving her master’s degree in ocean food systems and doing various jobs including acting as assistant manager for a Maine oyster company.

Last Friday, in a jam-packed office overlooking Menemsha harbor, a group including John Keene, Betsy Larsen, Matt, Molly, Ida and Luma Mayhew, Nick, Becca, Finley and Oscar Wilbur, Marshall Carroll, Meg Higgins and a whole bunch more, gathered to share well wishes with Phoebe, shower her with a few gifts, eat a whole lot of pizza and take in a stellar sunset. She rose to the challenge of management and was never afraid to roll up her sleeves to troubleshoot computer glitches, mechanical issues or by doing a whole lot of fish filleting. Back to Maine she has gone, but not without a long list of new friends who will be happy to catch up with her should she return.

Winston Elliston, his parents Casey and Julia and three-ish-year old pup Oscar have found some extra love in their hearts and shared it with another rescue pup. Sweet little Coco is all snuggles, with the softest fur and dreamiest eyes. Her family is smitten, especially Winston who just can’t get enough. I see a strong bond growing. Lucky everyone.

Weddings are a joyous occasion. They’re an opportunity to bring together family and friends, all with the common goal of celebrating the happy couple. In the backyard of Lily Morgan’s childhood home, she and Drew Belsky stood in front of an intimate group of loved ones to say “I do.” Lily’s parents, Diane and Jim, and Drew’s folks Kate and Mike shared the joy and excitement with 94-year-old grandmother Roberta Morgan right down to the littlest cousins Wyld, Razmus, Nora and Asa Ruel.

Performing the ceremony was Drew’s best friend, Alexander Said, who coincidentally is the chef at Edgartown’s Covington restaurant. The group made their way to the community center for a little food prepared by Premier Chef Services — who, according to Jimmy, did a fabulous job — and a whole lot of frolic.

The happy couple, along with pup Bronco, will continue living their best lives hand in hand, with rings on their fingers and one exciting step at a time.

While I attempt to ease my way back into life, I will wink my eye and share this apropos adage ith you: The sooner I fall behind the more time I have to catch up.