My sister-in-law Sandra Caruso had a double wallop of tragedy last week.

I bought a miniature daffodil plant yesterday, the one called Tete a Tete, three for $10.

Some newspapers remind their readers at year’s end of the important people who died this past year. I am mentioning — too briefly — a few people who were important to me and important to life on this Island.

I know only one true West Tisbury Christmas story and it’s not about miracles — more Home Alone than It’s A Wonderful Life.

Oak Bluffs has that magical tree lighting evening, as well as its lustrous color block holiday scenes in Ocean Park. Not to mention talented woodworker Bob Gatchell’s annual exhibit at his home on County Road.

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter, as well it should.

Being grateful isn’t always easy, but there is so much here to be thankful for, so I’m going to give it a try.

Virginia Jones, a highly-principled member and chairman of the town’s planning board since the mid-1980s, has died.

Virginia Jones, a highly-principled member and chairman of the town’s planning board since the mid-1980s, has died.

We can’t seem to elect a woman president, but in the sports world there are changes that seemed just as unlikely a few years ago.