Mid-August arrives as a bittersweet reminder that summer’s vibrant reign is nearing its end. While technically still part of the season, these days often carry a distinct feeling of transition, tinged with both nostalgia and anticipation. Mid-August signals a return to the rhythms of school, marking a shift from the carefree abandon of summer break. This can evoke a mix of emotions, including anticipation for new beginnings and a touch of melancholy as the leisurely days slip away.

Ronin Parsons, made the transition back to his home in California after a memory-filled summer working at bot the CCC and Menemsha Texaco. He seemed to have just the right balance of work, play and family time. Grandparents, Connie and Bob Taylor, can feel the hole his departure has left in their home which is just a bit quieter these days.

Weston and Story Taylor will wrap up their summers with a family trip to Canada before the school bell begins to ring. They, too, are grandchildren of Connie and Bob.

Oscar and Henry Jordan-Levy worked up until the last day before they set their compasses to guide them back to life in the big apple.

Bekah Goldman has returned to her home in Colorado after spending a good portion of her summer with grandparents Andy Goldman and Susan Heilbron.

Malin Hansen has returned for a spell from her home in Norway to pass a little time with her beau, Tegan Fenner.

Robert and Stephanie Shalhope have made their way back from Colorado to share som time and space with Emma and Bob. Fishing, strolling and conversing are all list topping activities.

Adelaide Keene and Baxter Geyer traveled from their home in Wyoming to enjoy a little, albeit too brief, Noyes-Keene clan time and to soak in Vineyard Sound’s salt water. Adelaide will be teaching third grade this year and the kiddos are going to adore here. I just know it.

Sarah Levy and Eugene, Sam and Josh Langner were at their family home on Prospect Hill for also a too short spell. Sam and Josh had a little surrogate uncle time with Tim Carroll and Genc Brinja including a home cooked meal and dog walking stroll which landed them on Squid Row. That worked out well for me because I got to enjoy a quick little catch up. The following day ( or perhaps it was two days later) I had an opportunity to hug Sarah which made my day complete. Lucky me.

Genevieve Flanders traveled from her home in Vermont to spend a little time in her home town and with family including sisters Alison and Sarah. Marshall had the opportunity to catch up with her for a spell, but the stars didn’t align for me. I will live vicariously through his visit.

Ted Bernhard has had to miss a few Sunday softball games for travel and honestly can’t recall all the plays and scores, but shares it is always a joyous way to spend an early Sunday morning.  Every few plays someone does something outstanding while trying not to get injured. According to Sig Van Raan the spectacular plays are “balanced by bonehead triples.” It is a welcoming kind space with lots of laughs and embodies the island spirit.  And, who isn’t impressed by octogenarian Hans Solmssen’s impressive pitching skills?

Overload week in town has come to an end. The books were festival-ed. The fire department bashed in the CCC backyard. The fleet was met and the race was run. Although nothing significant is on the calendar, this is the week to squeeze in beaching, boating, picnicking and sunsetting along with prepping those fabulous fair entries. I know I have a year to prep, but somehow the entry date always creeps up on me. Then again, I don’t have a talent to share so I am not certain what I’d enter. My thumbs are not green. I am not particularly artistic. I don’t bake especially well. What I do thoroughly enjoy is strolling the hall admiring all the fabulous entries y-o-u have worked so hard on.