From the Feb. 25, 1972 edition of the Vineyard Gazette: A northeast storm of unusual viciousness struck the Island on Saturday during the early hours.

Blow me a kiss and as old as I will ever be I will still hear violins. Romance, that thin, sweet glaze that coats memory, mood and imagination remains as light as a giddy notion.

These are dark days for the environment and I must admit that I have been hesitant to write an optimistic essay about our local efforts in addressing the climate change.

The promise in a child / Rests in adult hands / A gift that never ends / For one generation / To improve upon the next.

It is only a few years passage back to the day of solid fuel. Coal was principally used for all heating purposes for years before oil became usual.