The fireworks may be over, but early morning swims, satisfying sunsets and the late-night blinking of fireflies among the trees continue and will for the foreseeable future. Nowadays we all maintain such busy schedules that it is difficult for most of us to take time out of the day to enjoy these simple pleasures. This is a gentle reminder to do just that.

Tom and Suzy Tokarz enjoyed a spell on the West Dock aboard their home at sea, Panic Control. The McCaffreys (Matt, Lee, Molly and Madison) were also aboard their home away from home, ReelE Hooked. There may have been a little skunk incident with their pup, but it was readily resolved and the smell dissipated to a distant memory.

Panasea also made it to town with Aileen, John, Rudy, Adeline, Alice and Bridget on board. Fortunately, no one is in a cast this summer so quality beach time, a trip to the Chilmark Flea and Menemsha strolls were readily enjoyed.

Tory and Will Dolan are back for a summer spell. My kiddo is likely the most excited because when they are here he gets an extra set of parents who seem to enjoy his presence at their dinner table even when their own children aren’t in town. This past week, however, daughters Emma and Kate managed to squeeze in a stay with their folks. An opportunity to work remotely is such an advantage at times like this.

Stephanie Bouchard Neipris, along with children Alan and Dorothy, spent a little time at the family home on Larsen Lane. Teen cousin Hailey Waters, between shifts at Menemsha Fish Market, doted on the littles along with another cousin Olivia. I had a quick catch up with grandmother Marsha who was also in the mix with plenty of others.

Sarah Slater Bennett along with Aaron, Robin and Jack, have walked Basin Road numerous times this past week. Home base at Jane’s and their favorite beach front spot overlooking Vineyard Sound are the perfect distance to tote chairs, coolers, towels and sunscreen.

John Jacobs has returned from Colorado not only to spend a couple of weeks at his home nestled in on Mayhew Lane, but to toss out the opening pitch at Flanders Field summer softball. John has plenty of claims to fame, but his days of playing back in the 1950s with local legend David Flanders is the most noteworthy due to the current subject matter.

According to official commentator, Sig Van Raan, there were two well-played games and a brief ceremony with a rousing round of Take Me Out to the Ballgame, accompanied by Jim Feiner on the trombone.

Congratulations to Andrew Lee who recently graduated from the University of Saint Andrew’s. Parents Caroline and Jim and brother Daniel all traveled to Scotland to surround him with cheer and enjoy all the festivities associated with a six hundred year old institution.

The convening of the Iantoscas, an annual ritual that has taken place for decades on Wooten Bassett, was celebrated this past week along with a handful of birthdays. Paul, son Christian and grandson Sebastian all blew out candles this past week between trips to Squid Row for crab trap checking, Joe Chapman’s Menemsha Farm for fresh eggs and Ruby’s morning swim’s with Linda Thompson.

Headstone restorer, Bo Anselmo, has been at Abel’s Hill this past week  cleaning the most lichen laden headstones on the east end of Founder’s Hill. She’s hoping to train a group of volunteers to tend to stones so, if you see her, please stop to chat or reach out to the Chilmark Cemetery Commission to make a connection.

I wasn’t sure what GaGa ball was, but apparently it is all the rage at the CCC Camp this summer. After hearing it described by numerous campers and counselors alike, I’ve come to determine it’s very similar to dodge ball, but played lower to the ground in an enclosed area. Children are much less likely to emerged covered in bruises like I did back in my camp day. From what I hear, camper Alex Lucia “ruled the pit” and manage to win five rounds easily declaring him champion. Or perhaps the title should be Pit Boss?