Tim and I were married in West Tisbury on Valentine’s Day 49 years ago. We did not mail any invitations but through word of mouth we attracted a pretty good crowd.

The official population of West Tisbury in the 1970s was 453. It has increased almost 10-fold since then and now there are places to go and things to do on Valentine’s Day. Chances are these friends hadn’t been out for an evening since New Year’s Eve. And that’s the way life was.

From photos in my album, here is a partial list of those Islanders who came to help us celebrate: Allen Miller, Wendy Iacono, Abbe Burt, Kitty Murphy, Chris Murphy, Ralph Friedman and Debbie Milne, Timbo Barnett and Herbie, Alex Taylor and Brent, Bill Solon, Laura Bryant, Jean Fischer, Mary Alley, Brenda Lee Smith, Tom and Eleanor Waldron, Woollcott and Leah Smith with little Amelia and Keston, and John Alley who was our best man, Prudy Whiting, Allen Whiting, Yvette Eastman, Bea Plummer, Jeff and Angie Madison, Pat and Joannie Jenkinson, Guppy Day, Everett and Nancy Whiting, Tom Hodgson and Freddie Fisher.

The list isn’t counting family or those who came from Boston, New York, Washington, California and Canada, by way of telephone invitations. There was plenty of food, catered and pot luck, lots to drink, and music on the record player. Tulips and daffodils came from Farmer Green’s. Most memorably, there was an impromptu dance performance by Wenonah Madison, who was barely two. She had the moves.

Tim and I still celebrate our good luck.

This year the library is holding a special event for kids of all ages, calling it Palentine’s day. No partners necessary. There will be a nail salon, tinsel to sparkle your hair, cupcakes to decorate and devour. It takes place at the library at 3 p.m. on Friday.

And for contra dancers of all ages, and contra wannabes, kick up your heels at the Grange on Valentine’s Day evening at 6 p.m. Wearing pink or red is suggested, but not required. The Flying Elbows and others will make the music.

School vacation week is Feb. 24 to Feb. 28. When everyone returns from vacation, let us know where you went and what you did at maleywt@comcast.net.

Happy birthday wishes to Carina Koury-Jones on Saturday, Feb. 15 and to Brandon Child on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Fans of the White Lotus series on HBO welcome season three on Sunday. It is, generally, about people on vacation behaving badly, which may amuse Vineyarders in the hospitality business. This year the resort is in Thailand, with plenty of family feuding to offset our own daily cares and woes.

A support group for those with Alpha Gal syndrome will meet Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall. Another nasty tick trick — Alpha Gal didn’t even exist until recent years.