My dear friend, Chrissy McCarthy, identified a new word for me: Taro. I found this root vegetable in the bottom of a pot I was saving to replant things in. I had never put it in there, but I had a housemate for five years who was a flower farmer and helped me with my vegetable garden. I pulled it out and at first it looked like garlic to me. Of course, if it was garlic, I would have replanted it.

There are very specific directions on how to prepare Taro and how to cook it. It is poisonous to eat uncooked. Recommendations are even to peel it with gloves on. And don’t touch your eyes with your fingers! It is compared to sweet potato once cooked. Live and learn. I shall tell you how it turns out.

My Island neighbor, Alan Sooho, also lives in Boston where he is still working. Alan attended his 50th reunion a few weeks ago at the Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. Congratulations, Alan.

You all remember the delightful always writing, always working Barbara Pope Peckham, formerly of Oak Bluffs. She has a new poetry book coming out. Barbara also has another poetry book and a novel available. Janet Halliday is publishing Barbara’s new book. I’ll tell you when it is ready.

My stringers report LadyFest was a wonderful success last Saturday in Oak Bluffs. The headliner was Esperanza Spalding and some other Island entertainers. A rousing surprise was a performance by Carly Simon and her adult musician children, Sally and Ben Taylor. Thank goodness this wretched Northeaster held off till Monday. This event is an annual fundraiser against domestic violence.

My youngest grandson, Dominic Clark, performed last weekend in Rockford, Ill. with his mom, Librada Clark, who is a member of several witches groups, mostly involved in dancing and costume events. Who knows what else those witches are doing? My son Chris Clark enjoyed the show.

Sad news for women on Island. Obstetrician/gynecologist Terry Kriedman is closing down shop after 25 years of working here. We shall miss her.

My ever-active friend, Ashley McCarthy, ran her first 5K race last Saturday in under one hour. Ashley is also an artist, a jeweler and a devotee of Disney World.

I am reminding you that we have another No Kings rally at Five Corners between 1:30 and 3 p.m. on this Saturday.

Please keep the other Nancy Gardella, my sister in law, in your prayers for good health.

Anniversary flowers go out for Charles Redington and Carolyn Snow Redington on Oct. 9; 33 years!

My childhood friend and classmate, Frank Baltz, jumped on the birthday bandwagon on Oct. 11. Many happy returns