I feel like fall weather wants to come as the nights have been quite cool. But the days are at a great temperature and it is pleasant to be outside. I was away for the effects of Erin, but was happy there was not damage with the wind.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons to those school children who celebrated their special day and hope they got what they wished for.

Special birthday wishes go out to Elizabeth Jane Messersmith, who is turning 100 years old on Sept. 13. Elizabeth is the wife of Fred Messersmith, who was once the director of the Old Sculpin Gallery. There is a bench in their honor outside of the gallery facing the Chappy ferry. Elizabeth and her family have been coming to the Island for over 62 years. Enjoy your day!

In the summer of 1984, I worked at Village Fair on Main street and as we did every summer, we hired several college students. That summer we hired an 18-year-old girl named Carrie O’Connor. As I always did, I teased them a bit and Carrie was not sure if I really meant it, so she decided to talk it out with me by picking me up and going to the beach and having a chat. We talked for hours and ended up at her house with more talking. That day started a 31-year and counting friendship.

Carrie and her husband Rob had a baby girl who they named Cathleen and she became my god child. This past weekend I traveled with Cathleen’s godfather Joe Calabrese and his wife to New Jersey for Cathleen’s wedding. It was a great celebration and a wonderful reunion with friends we don’t see very often.

Joe and Michele were great tour guides as we toured Mantoloking and went to Seaside Heights and walked the boardwalk both Friday night and Saturday morning before the wedding. I was thankful for the whole experience, and am so lucky to have met Carrie and be able to carry on this friendship for all these years, and to have made lifetime friends with Joe (who was Rob’s roommate in college) and his wife Michele.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.