KATHIE CASE

508-627-5349

(kathleencase@comcast.net)

Well, the heat has come to the Vineyard. The beaches are packed and the sand is hot and the water is nice and cool. If you are a beach lover you are probably loving this weather.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Elizabeth Dourian, who celebrated her day July 19; John Murray for July 20; and to Riley Craig and Shannon Morris, who celebrated their day July 21.

Belated birthday wishes go out to Wendy Riley, who celebrated her day July 10. Wendy was feted with a birthday party at her home. Wendy reports there were huge tents and lots of people and friends from the Island, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Also celebrating a birthday is Cheryl Welch, who also had a party, put on by her children Kelly, Ryan and Sean. Word has it that it was a great party filled with lots of good food and family and friends.

All of our company has left and we are on some serious downtime. I loved having everyone here and I got to spend some nice times with family members we only see once a year or at weddings or showers. But the house is quiet and now hopefully we can spend some times with friends.

Barbara Morgan is anxiously waiting for the visit of her grandson, Ethan, and his mother, Liz, will be here July 31 for 10 days. I am sure there will be many activities for all of them to enjoy.

If you are looking for something to do and want to have an adventure you can have a guided kayak tour with Felix Neck naturalists any Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The fee $30 for members of our Mass-Audubon sanctuary in Edgartown or $40 nonmembers per person. Registration required, ages 11 and up with an adult.

The kayak adventure on Sengekontacket Pond lets you paddle by Sarson’s Island to see nesting shorebirds. Watch American oystercatchers, cormorants and shorebirds feed and frolic. Explore the salt marsh and search for egrets and great blue herons. All trips focus on the natural history of saltwater communities found on Martha’s Vineyard. Aren’t we lucky to have this here in our town?

Have a great week, and keep the home candles burning.