I’m not sure why, but it’s been the week for fragmented and disjointed conversations. It seems within the span of a single sentence, a conversaton can segue from apple pie recipes to what just happened on Yellowstone’s season 5 part 2, to what a rockin’ time Dave Tilton’s 90th birthday party is going to be.

I guess there’s a lot to touch base on, but no one seems to feel there is time for paragraph worthy communication. It has me giggling so I’ll carry on the trend and disjointedly share some thoughts here with you.

I texted my dear friend Albert Fischer the other day to tell him about the brown pelican that’s been hanging out in Menemsha. I described it as an awkward and gawky teenager that splashes around as it crash bangs into the water with its mouth wide open scooping bait fish. It’s been putting on a show for about a week now flying with the graceful gulls and standing out like a fascinating, but sore thumb. Birder Andy Goldman managed to capture some superb shots of our southern visitor as, I am sure, many other folks have.

Not only is the talk around the harbor focused on the brown pelican, but there’s a lot of chatter about Dave Tilton’s 90th. As I am sure you’ve heard, everyone is welcome to celebrate him on Friday, Nov. 15. He will be receiving guests from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Community Center. There will be some music. There will be some food, but in Chilmark tradition, bring a dish to share if you so please. I’m pretty certain physical gifts aren’t necessary since your presence is the greatest gift of all. Questions? Give Lynne Silva a call at 774-563-8449.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t taken advantage of the two composter options being offered to Chilmarkers at a reduced price through the board of health, you still have an opportunity. The scoop about the food cycler and the earth machine is available on the town website, or stop by the library where both are on display during their normal operating hours. We are hearing some great things from folks who have made purchases and put their units to work. When referring to her food cycler, Debby Packer shared, “It’s a rodent composting game changer. It’s quiet and such a good system. The small one is perfect.”

Save that date. Writer and writing workshop facilitator extraordinaire, Nancy Aronie, is celebrating the launch of her new book Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The doors will be open at the Grange Hall welcoming you to an exciting evening of Nancy in the spotlight followed by a wine and cheese reception and, of course, a book signing. She will be surrounded by supportive friends including Gerry Yukevich, Kate Feiffer, John Abrams, Kate Taylor, you and more.

When the nights are long and the fatigue tears are streaming, it can’t hurt to get a gentle reminder that babies are the best. Luckily, there is no shortage of baby quotes to help with that task. I think it was Henry David Thoreau who said, “Every child begins the world again.”

I am excited to share that I received a text, with a fabulous photo included, from Whitney Hyde announcing he and Antonia welcomed a daughter into their lives on Nov. 6. Gorgeous little Josephine Helen Elisabeth Hyde made these fine folks parents. Everyone is happy, healthy and loving this tiny reason to smile, laugh and love a little extra.