No more Mrs. Nice Guy. Last fall, we were persuaded to harbor all the leaves, dead grass, bits of brush, on their own turf. So the mounds piled up along the property borders and against the outside walls. We felt we had done something benevolent for the worms and crickets, snails and beetles. They would have a cozy warm home through the winter. And I suppose they did.
Then came a few summer-warm, mid-April days. And the two of us discovered embedded, entrenched little ticks buried in our skin. Two each, so far, and it is only the middle of April. And we had not gone traipsing through the woods or the tall grass.
What is the time-line for alpha-gal? We intend to keep eating red meat and cheese as long as we can. We wonder about it out loud every mealtime and mutter dark thoughts about no good deeds going unpunished
Yet, we are cheered by the new leaves that have sprouted on the maples and the lilac. Out front, the hardy little Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly called Dicentra spectabilis, has produced arcs of little red bleeding hearts. Lovely.
Sue Silk has a new role and goal. She has been appointed by the Dukes County commissioners as associate commissioner for disabilities. You may have seen the articles she wrote about the sorry state of the Dukes County courthouse. After a bad fall, hospitalization, rehabilitation and braces, she had business to do at the courthouse. Getting around and up the stairs was a nightmare.
Her first goal is to organize the town halls to be sure that public buildings are not only compliant with federal regulations, but also safe. Sue is working with fellow West Tisbury resident Lynn Marquedant to provide training classes for the Island’s building inspectors. Their work includes figuring out the costs to the towns to upgrade all public facilities and to assure easy entry for everyone.
Sue’s second goal is to visit non-government buildings where the public is welcome – stores, offices, gas stations, restaurants and the like – to make sure everyone has safe access.
Students are on spring break this past week. Some we know went with their families to European destinations. One who shoveled snow for us has gone to Illinois. The high school seniors are making important decisions about their futures. And the Friends of West Tisbury Village and the library are gearing up for a Maypole Celebration on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. on the Field Gallery lawn. Snacks and crafts will be part of the fun. Weather permitting.
Happy birthday to Susan Reidy on Saturday, April 25 and to Josh Goldstein on Sunday, the 26th. It is celebration day for Jill Rosenkranz and Paolo Moraes on Monday, and again on Tuesday for Jennifer Whitman and Emily Fern Fischer. Bea Phear takes the cake on Wednesday, the 29th, as does Lisa Ratte on Thursday.
Congratulations and happy wedding anniversary to Michael and Karen Colaneri on Tuesday, April 27.