It’s becoming obvious to everyone I meet that I’ve been away from the Vineyard way too long. Lately, I’ve been cranky, rude, short-tempered, and sleeping fitfully. Those are not the real reasons they can tell. I’m always like that. I think it’s the fact that I announce to everyone I meet, “I’ve been away from the Vineyard way too long!!!” Yeah, that’s a dead giveaway.
Seriously, my mind meanders even more often than usual these days. Though I sit staring at my computer screen, I dream that I’m relaxing on that bench on Edgartown Harbor munching on chocolate-covered pretzels bought from the Ice Cream and Candy Bazaar. The gentle tide slaps against the seawall where a huge, graceful swan glides by hoping for a handout from an eager and enchanted child. I lean back to let the sun warm my face while the Chappy Ferry fights the tide created by the breach at Norton Point.
Alas, those days are buried deep in my past and cast even further in my future. My year is broken up into two parts: the remembrance of Vineyard past (apologies to Monsieur Proust) and anticipation of Vineyard future. That’s generally enough to keep me going, but I’m pushing it this year. For a variety of reasons, I’ve had to forgo a couple of potential trips this year, so I’m left in withdrawal today.
What are the signs of MV withdrawal? You come upon some sand on the side of the road and have an inordinate desire to strip down to your skivvies and lie on it. When your child gets ready for a bath, you call out, “Watch out for the riptide!” You start to mispronounce Katama. You hear a horn beep in traffic and look for a ramp to board the ferry.
Let me clarify one thing. I do have a life. It’s just that visiting Martha’s Vineyard enhances that life. Even a short respite on the island is enough to recharge my batteries. Just like one dog year is seven human years, two island days is equivalent to a week’s vacation elsewhere. I don’t mean to disparage other vacation spots. I think we all have our “special places”, our sanctuaries, where relaxation and peace simply come easier to us. Guess where mine is?
(editors note: If you are missing Edgartown too much, check in on the webcam to keep an eye on the harbor)
First off there is the Work for Wildlife Volunteer Day at 
Once you have given up some sweat for a good cause, head on up Edgartown – Vineyard Haven Road to The 
I think any Island outdoor day should be topped off with a picnic dinner and sunset. There are lots of great food options – you have already heard some of our favorites 
I walked out of my house the other day and my daughter said “It smells like spring!” She was right… spring has arrived and it’s amusing to see the excitement that a sunny day can bring to our Martha’s Vineyard community after a long, cold and gray winter. The enthusiasm in the air is contagious! Personally, being a southerner by upbringing, my joy is unmatched to once again feel the sun’s warmth. Having lived in New England for more years than I need to share, I have learned that I can’t watch the calendar and hold my breath for this annual occurrence. Some years we experience the joy of warming weather and burgeoning spring blossoms in March, and other years we seem to skip spring entirely and blast right into summer in late June.
We’ve talked before about what a great community we are part of here on Martha’s Vineyard, so it’s time for you to get to know our neighbors. If you are not familiar with our location here at the 
Now all this sounds great but I haven’t gotten to the best part. On many levels I am a sterotypical Scottish Lass and the strongest stereotype I fulfill is my frugality. I like to get good value for money and that is the best part of the Bluefish collection – Everything in the store is hand selected by Danielle and Amy to provide the best possible quality without the huge ‘Martha’s Vineyard Boutique’ pricetags you might be anticipating. The glasses go through the dishwasher every day and after 2 years of continuous use, the patterns are still bright and unscratched. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve washed this blanket (I’m a spiller by nature) and the colors are just as bright and the blanket is the same size as the day I bought it.
