Change: both good and bad, positive and negative. Either way, I’ve never been good with it. It’s not that I need everything to stay the same, just most of it. Charming and quirky with a sense of pattern and order appeals to me, but life doesn’t always work like that. You have to adapt to new situations, yet preserve the past while moving forward. I think that’s why I visit the cemetery so often to visit my old friends. Somehow the quiet remembrance of the way things used to be brings me peace most of the time, but on occasion I still leave disheartened.

Unfortunately, I left town meeting feeling a way I didn’t hope to feel. That sense of disheartenment was with me. I realize a future with change is the only future we’ll ever have, but the continued suburbanization of town is mentally exhausting. Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes, less is truly more. As I’ve said many times to Jim Malkin in his years as a select board member, “You’ve got to see the glass half full rather than half empty.” I’m reminding myself of that philosophy this morning.

Congratulations on your select board retirement, Jim. I hope your plate is less full and your glass never empty.

While walking the cemetery, I admire the new tree planted and granite bench installed in Susan Murphy’s memory. It’s right off the edge of the parking area. If you want to, as great-grandma Bette Carroll would say, “sit a spell.” With her you needn’t stray far from your car. I sat for a moment just the other day with the sun on my face.

Saturday, May 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Chilmark Library, there will be an afternoon tea to celebrate the exceptional life Susan led in town. Linda Thompson, the organizer, made an effort to track down Susan’s favorite tea from England so that it and blueberry scones, will be served along with stories and memories.

As I write, the sun is out, the grass is turning green once again and there are tiny buds on the trees. Life is about to pop and come alive. With the greening of the trees, boats begin to return to the harbor and nestle into their slips for a season of fishing, picnicking and adventuring.

Dave Tilton’s Noman’s Bound is prepped and ready for another round of bringing the fish on deck. Dave and I have had a wonderful opportunity to chat since he’s helping me with a little project for this year’s 80th Martha’s Vineyard derby booklet. He’s had a few extra minutes to share with me since Lynne Silva has been in New Mexico visiting family.

Andy Goldman, whose 90th birthday is next week, will have his boat Heritage back just in time to celebrate. May 8 is the day he will be surrounded by a whole bunch of cheer. I think he’s already preparing. I’m not sure which he is more excited for — the birthday or the boat. (Insert a little chuckle here.) This will be his 31st season enjoying the hum of Heritage’s motor and the thrill of putting fish on her deck.

Julia Spiro’s biggest claim to fame is being Winston Elliston’s mom. It’s a title she cherishes. It’s no small feat to be a mom these days yet somehow, Julia managed to squeeze in writing another book. Although I missed her most recent book signing at Edgartown Books, I was pleased to receive my copy of Such a Good Mom preordered many months ago. Nice going, Julia. I continue to be amazed by, and a little bit proud of, you.