Hello Edgartown. We did it in mid-February and boy it was cold. But we also saw sunshine and blue skies, that helps. Today, as I write this, it is the kind of cold that hurts everything that is naked; Hands, face and the rest. I told my classroom that you can expect to stay for break today. I am amazed at the warmth of children who show up in sweatshirts and sneakers without hats and gloves. I don’t think I felt the cold as much as a child did either, but I do feel it as I get older.
Monday was President’s Day, so many of us had the day off. If you were overloaded with chocolate for Valentine’s Day, it was probably nice to have Monday to rest from the sugar. I try to avoid treats. In fact, on Sundays, when Amelia and I cook and bake, we try healthy alternatives. Last week I made black bean brownies for the first time. You were excellent. These were vegan. Next time I can use some eggs. I’ve been told it makes fudgier brownies. I get a lot of healthier recipes from a website called detoxinista.com. Basically, she has an alternative recipe for almost everything. It’s kind of cool.
Happy birthday this week goes to Justine DeOliveira and Jonathan Polleys on February 23rd.
February 19th is the last day of school before the February break. Be extra careful when you are out next week as there may be more children around. Drive particularly carefully. If you travel over the break you will have a safe, happy and healthy trip and don’t forget to book a COVID test on your return. The optimal test time is three to seven days after exposure.
I’m not sure whether to offer congratulations or condolences to my brother Bob. He returned to work last week after retiring from Stanley Black and Decker that spring. After a two-month break in the summer, I have problems getting back to work. He had almost eight months off and surprisingly enjoyed it a lot, despite being a workaholic. I bet his pooches got used to him being there the past few months and miss him now.
I am sorry to hear about the death of Antone Bettencourt, another of the “good guys”. He served Edgartown as fire chief for many years and we will miss him. My condolences go to his family.
Felix Neck offers activities for children during the February break from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23 to Friday, February 27. You can go on winter fun and exploring with them once or every four days. Suitable for children from grades K to 5. Registration is required; $ 10 off when you enroll your child for every four days. Scholarships are available. Email felixneck@massaudubon.org or call 508-627-4850.
Next week will be my first anniversary since I broke my foot and was flown to Boston with septic shock. I’m a little stressed out as the anniversary approaches. I think I’ll wrap myself in bubble wrap and stay on my couch for the week watching scary movies and crime novels. I am incredibly grateful to the MV Hospital staff who helped me that night, the Medflight crew who were so great and professional, and the Brigham and Women’s staff who saved my life that night. I belong to a facebook page for septic shock survivors as we have many long term effects of the disease. And when I read other stories, I realize how lucky I have been. Cheers to a year! And please never again.
Have a great week Stay warm. Stay vigilant. And stay healthy.
If you have suggestions for an Edgartown Town Column, email Gail Gardner, ggardnermv@gmail.com.
