I’ve always been a voracious reader. Escaping into a book can often be a pressure release for those day to day ups, down and, most of all, sideways. At this time of year, when life is getting a little more hectic and it’s often easier just to power through before crashing at the end of the day, I have to remind myself to carve out a little time to escape. An evening walk and a chapter in a good book are a must to keep me grounded.

A few years back I jumped in on a book version of what was a popular middle school endeavor — the chain letter. I receive some great reads in the mail and paid forward a few, too. There’s a fabulous little lending library hosted by Debby Packer at the foot of Harbor Hill. Take one, leave one, nestle in and immerse yourself in one.

I’m currently off the Canadian coast with swordboat captain Linda Greenlaw on Seahawk as she spins a yarn also know as Seaworthy: A Swordboat Captain Returns to the Sea. Somehow it seems coincidentally appropriate to receive a happy Mother’s Day text from a dear friend, Wes Brighton, who’s currently out fishing Georges Bank, while having this particular book open in my hands. He shared a snapshot from the wheelhouse along with one of his first mate and Menemsha 20-something fisherman Otto Osmers. Lucky me to have been thought of from the edge of the Labrador Current.

Back at home, alongside local commercial fishing vessels resurrection from a combination winter’s slumber and gear work, the Chilmark Fire Department held their monthly drill on Menemsha Harbor. From youngest probationary member Kent Healy to eldest member safety officer Bob Maciel to everything in between, the group laid hose, sprayed water and familiarized themselves with the complexities of the harbor area. It was impressive watching the many layers of knowledge and skill work together in unison. Jeremy Bradshaw, Tim Carroll, Manny Rose, Vincent and Heather Maciel, Jon and Kristie Mayhew, Chris Smith, Tauras Biskis, Jonah Maidoff, Gustavo Simoes, Vitor Silva and a handful of others were in attendance. Thank you for practicing skills we hope you will never need to use.

Capt. Tim Power has paid a couple of visits to the harbor on board his dragger Gloria Jean. His fishing companion has grown a lot since last fall when we first met the little, golden fluff ball, Dory. The pup is a wonderful workmate and rarely underfoot when she’s onboard, but lively and full of energy when on land. The combination of qualities keeps Captain Tim smiling and the rest of us giggling as she pounces around.

Speaking of pups, Patty and Matt Poole’s latest familial addition rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico is settling in nicely. Olive, the gorgeous black and fully energized little gal takes them on plenty of walks and enjoys being with them on car rides around town. Welcome, Olive.

The annual blessing of the fleet facilitated by the Chilmark Church will be held at their Memorial Day weekend service, on Sunday, May 25. The 9 a.m. service will move from the church to alongside Menemsha Texaco. Along with the standard weekly offerings of hope, wisdom and reflection, the names of many of Menemsha’s fishing vessels will be read in hopes for a safe and bountiful season. All are welcome to attend.