Nature & Science
There are very few people in the world who would take a vacation to the Southern Ocean. Flip and I and 60 others are part of these few. The flights alone might discourage the weak at heart. They started on the Vineyard, thence to Boston, Newark, N.J., San Francisco, over the international dateline to land, 20-plus hours and a day later, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Sometime in the early 1950s, Chilmark resident Allan Keith remembers spotting a funny looking bird while out for a walk. Intrigued, he looked the bird up in a book as soon as he got home. A short time later, he spotted a different bird and again pulled out a book to try to identify it. Six decades later, Mr. Keith is recognized as one of the leading birders and naturalists on the Vineyard.
I claim full responsibility for the typographical errors in my last week’s column. My handwriting could use some improvement. When I first began writing for the paper almost three years ago I used a typewriter. It finally gave out and I was unable to purchase new ribbon. Now, I know I should use a computer but honestly, I just plain refuse. About a year ago, I began handwriting, and Lauren from the Gazette staff is kind to collect it from my kitchen counter weekly. I recently have switched from ballpoint pen to an American made Ticonderoga number two pencil.
The ice man cometh (cameth) and his name was Frederic Tudor.
Fred was a man with a mission. He had a passionate commitment to a cause that would give anybody the chills. No member of the British monarchy (though he did hail from a notable Boston Brahmin family), Tudor was nevertheless known as the “Ice King.” He was the man that brought commercial ice to the people of this country and beyond.
Post-Apocalyptic Prep School
For those willing to brave the cold night, there is a ruby red planet rising in the east after 10 p.m. Mars is a perfect example of how a planet gets significantly brighter when it is closer.
Almanac
A comprehensive guide to weather and tides on the Island.
Vineyard Gardener
I guess this past week weather-wise is called a January thaw. We did not really experience it the last several years as December was unseasonably warm.
Farm & Field
Beige and brown and tan and black, with horns spiraled or semicircular or in undulating waves, a legion of goats marched up the hill toward us, bleating in anticipation of fresh grass and leaves.