I can’t say it enough: we need rain. I will probably eat my words at some point but I was doing some planting Sunday and the soil was just like powder. But on a good note, Tuesday’s weather was the weather that makes us love New England — cool, sunny and calm winds. I was working but I was imagining the water crystal clear and calm. Beautiful.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Matthew Silva who celebrated his day Oct. 13, Kenneth Cook on Oct. 14, Reese McCracken on Oct. 15, Zachary Benoit and Kylie Estrella celebrate Oct. 17, and to Annie Bettencourt who celebrates her day today, Oct. 18.

Usually by Columbus Day those of us who love ice cream, or should I say soft serve lovers, are a little depressed because the Dairy Queen closes. But this year the Bettencourts are giving us a gift as they will be open on weekends, Friday through Sunday, until Christmas. I was talking to Tony and Erika the other day and they have some great plans for the weekends. Halloween themes, things going on for Christmas and many other ideas, and of course the Dairy Queen cakes will be available for birthdays and as a surprise dessert for dinner.

This is the first long weekend for all the kids who are in their freshman year of college. So many of the freshmen found their way home to catch up with other friends who have gone to different colleges. Kassidy Bettencourt, Kendall Jette and Emily Cimeno were home from Westfield State, and Tayla Kuehne was home from LaSalle.

Laurie Schreiber informed me that there is still room on the Newport mansions tour. Please call the Edgartown Council on Aging at 508-627-4368 or pay them a visit to sign up ASAP! You’ll leave Monday, Nov. 18 on the 8:15 a.m. boat and return on the 6:15 p.m. boat. The deadline for signing up is Friday, Nov. 8. Purchase your own ferry ticket and pay $21 for the mansion tour, $27.50 for lunch and $35 for the bus. Your check reserves your space.

As Boston fans say, Go Pats and Go Sox! It has certainly been an exciting month for sports.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.