Many of you native Islanders have had the pleasure I just experienced, so rare off-Island. About four of my childhood friends, ladies that I was in kindergarten through eighth grade with, arrived at our house for an impromptu reunion.
If you are a friend of famous architect Francis Pitts, one of the stellar denizens of Our Town, if you are on Facebook with him or just know him the old fashioned in person way, be sure to connect for 11 fabulous photos he took on his recent trip to South Korea. Francis was in that neck of the woods to accept an award for his great work.
Nothing was nicer or more thoughtful than having Teri Praskach pack up some of her favorite herbs, flowers and tomatoes, all grown by her, of course, and take the boat to the bus to White Plains to bring these treats to Nonna who is back in White Plains hospital. While the food service there is very good, there is nothing like an Island tomato when you are feeling poorly.
While it has been a bit difficult to keep up with the Island while I am concentrated here, what follows is the latest I have for you.
Just after I saw the sad news last Monday on the Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society Facebook page of William Waterway’s death last Monday, just after I had read the beautiful tribute poem Barbara Pope Peckham wrote in Bill’s honor, just after all this, I could not get Walt Whitman’s 1865 poem for Abraham Lincoln out of my mind. I think of William, I think of him as the captain of our fleet of poets. Who will lead us now?
Jen Dunham just sent me a beautiful picture of their family dog, Gracie. Jen said that Aug. 26 was National Dog Day. Having taken care of many of these critters for years, I thought every day was national dog day! Well if Moms and Dads and administrative assistants and grandparents get a day, certainly a dog must have his day, too.
This will be the first Agricultural Fair I have missed in 36 years. I want you all to attend, take pictures, eat the tempura, ride on the big slide and inform me who wins the frying pan toss. Nonna and I send our best wishes to you all. She just had a doctor’s visit and a glowing report so I think you will all be seeing us very soon.
Well Teri Praskach took the long boat and bus trip back to my Old Country to surprise Nonna and me for my birthday. She packed tomato plants, basil and lemon basil she had started, and many other gardening gifts that don’t usually go in suitcases. We have had a delightful time with her and she is adding new flora and fauna to my Dad’s gardens. Teri is on her way back to storybook Island to help judge the vegetables and fruit in the Fair. Nonna and I remain at the mercy of Nonna’s doctors here after her latest rehab incident. I see an all clear for an Island trip in our near future.
The Bermans are back! I have had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful family before any grandchildren were even on the scene. The 18th annual Berman family get-together in Vineyard Haven now consists of all children, grands, and two faithful dogs, Huck and Peanut.
I was able to bail Nonna out of the United Hebrew of New Rochelle rehab facility on Monday. Heartfelt thanks go out from us to her entire team that put her back together and polished her up for a Vineyard summer. Michael Bobrowski, her social worker, goes above and beyond for every person under his care. Home we are, a few home visits of physical therapy, and we are on the road again to join you. Polish up your martini shakers!
