Sometimes there’s an opportunity to be spontaneous. The stars align. There are folks at home willing to, as the sayings go, hold the fort down or keep the home fires burning. Although I’ve not marched off to war like the song “Keep the Home Fires Burning” references, I have been summoned to the hillsides.

For my birthday, I wanted to place my feet in a national park. Many of you know of my goal to see all 63 national parks. I’m now about one third of the way there having just checked off Badlands, Wind Cave and Theodore Roosevelt. My trip has also given me the opportunity to stand in four states I’ve never set foot in before: South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. These are vast expanses of rolling fields, buttes, valleys and kind people.

With Brooks by my side we’ve “winged” this adventure that has taken us to sites we’ve never seen and I’m grateful he’s been along for the ride. It’s not often one can round a corner and see an American bison wandering the side of the road. It’s not often one can witness a bald Eagle majestically take flight over a golden field in late day sun. It’s not often one can experience the remarkable terrain of the badlands with no other humans in sight. I think I’ll be in awe for a while even after the metaphoric road takes me home.

I’ve been remiss in keeping up with the comings and goings of home. My ear hasn’t been to the ground, but I’ve heard a few things through the grapevine.

Joe Berini, long time Coast Guard auxiliarist, has retired from his volunteerism at Station Menemsha. He was sent off with fanfare, handshakes, pats on the back and more. He and his bride Penny will make a move to her homeland of Greece. Gone are the days of homemade baklava. They will be missed, but friends and family look forward to keeping in touch and, just maybe, an invitation to visit.

Albert Fischer’s pup Henry celebrated his fifth birthday. Henry and sister Beatrice are the adorable Frenchies you can often seen palling around in the front seat of Albert’s Toyota Tacoma. You can hear them snortling (a made up word that seems so appropriate) with excitement as they eagerly anticipate some pets and scratches. Happy day little Henry. I hope you got extra treats.

Lynn McCormack, the new adult programming guru at the Chilmark Library, shared a little information about an upcoming workshop facilitated by Laurisa Rich and Jillayne Wheeler. On Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. they will be in the meeting room eager to teach the traditional method of making sauerkraut. You will begin your own batch made for centuries in many different cultures around the world. Sauerkraut is great for your gut.

This past week we celebrated First Responders Day. As we go about our daily lives, it is crucial to take a moment to recognize the selfless individuals who tirelessly work to keep us safe, often putting their own lives on the line. Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to those who are there first for us. Let them know they are seen and they are appreciated. Thank you, to name a few: Michael Dullea, Bill Fielder, Liz Rogers, Jesse Burton, Garrison Vieira, Sean Slavin, Jeremy Bradshaw, Robert Coutinho, Vinny Maciel, Vitor Silva, Jon Mayhew, Tim Carroll, Ben Retmier, Jason Blandini, Matt Montanile, Henry Bassett, Cory Medeiros, Bradley Carroll, Matt Bradley, Samantha and Phil Hollinger and so many more. You all make our lives less stressful when stressful situations arise. I appreciate you.