The Holy See in Oak Bluffs, MA

The African American population grew to new levels on the island this summer, with the greatest concentration in Oak Bluffs. Demographic marketing was apparent with a fist-bumping watercolor of the first couple (sale price $1,000) impressionist oil painting of the President walking the Aquinnah cliffs with his dog (sale price $5,000) and seemingly religious artifacts of and souvenirs in honor of Obama prominently displayed along Circuit Avenue. Here's my favorite. Don't call me a racist, I'm just reporting the scene.

Presidential Motorcade Sighted in Chilmark

Woohoo!!! Having tired of sharing my bedroom with carpenter ants over the last three weeks, the exterminator kicked us out of the house for a couple of hours today. I dropped the blogson at Alley's General Store to hang out with Coco, and continued up island to Aquinnah.

On the way back, I stopped in Menemsha.


Knowing the First Family was staying off of South Road, I took that route home and was the first car stopped by the Chilmark Police about 500 yards before Blue Heron Farm. As the line of traffic grew behind me, I knew the motorcade must be approaching. Sure 'nuff. I took this video, but cowered a bit with the policeman giving the the evil eye.



The only political statement I notice throughout the day's journey was this frequent signage peppering South Road.

Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair

The entire population on the island looks forward to that third weekend in August for the annual Ag Fair. From the newborn calf, to Coco's paper dresses, to rides and hats, to yummy food and, of course, the skillet throw. It was another dream come true at the fair. The Vineyard Gazette captures the whole weekend here, and provides an introduction for my skillet throw video:

The feminine gusto was certainly not questioned on Sunday when the woodsmen cleared out and women ages 18 to 88 stepped to the competition field to hurl three pounds and eleven ounces of steel over a measured dirt expanse in the women’s skillet throw.

The oldest contestant, 88-year-old Ann Lesnikowski of Vineyard Haven, ambled to the throw-line while clutching her daughter in law’s hand. Once on the field, the gold-jeweled, pink-lipped lady launched a rusted frying pan more than six feet in front of her. “I think it’s fun,” said skillet thrower Ms. Lesnikowski. “It’s something to do at the fair. I like the idea of women being able to compete at possible sports.”

Foggy MVY

Our flight to Camp Kieve yesterday was delayed a couple of hours due
to morning fog at the airport. We had a great reunion with the
blogson in Maine and brought him back to the island. Martha's Vineyard
is very crowded. This is probably peak tourist weekend, but it seems
to be busier than usual.

Developing Story for the Initiated

It seems to me that there is an infiltration of great concern developing around the globe. It is scarier than any political agenda, war, greed or corruption. It is stirring curiosity seekers by relatively large numbers. On July 13th, I, too, was motivated to post about this frightening, but fascinating development. Since mid-July, I have received more Google hits from that blog post than any single post over the last year. The commotion? GIANT GREEN MOTH SIGHTINGS.

Camp Kieve

Photo Credit

While I miss the blogson dearly for three and a half weeks a year, I never worry about him when he's away at camp. It is a wonderful and meaningful passage to manhood for these teens. Each year, the wilderness journey get increasingly more challenging. This year, the blogson spent thirteen days on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine. He returned to his cabin this weekend. Although, I have only received four sentences on a postcard from my camper, Kieve provides information and photos to the parents almost daily. Yesterday's news from Camp Kieve illustrates the fun they have when back from a grueling wilderness adventure:

Today was Sunday and as Geoff raised the flag after a half-hour sleep-in, he announced that the theme of the day was Super bowl Sunday. After a breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit, everyone hurried back to their cabins to clean for a little while before choir practice. At chapel, Kieve Alum Chris spoke and we all sang the kieve hymn together. Afterwards, campers scurried back to their cabins to organize their things and make their beds in order to pass for inspection. Directors Tommy and Henry came around checking peoples cabins off and then camp settled down at Pasquaney to enjoy corn and barbequed chicken. In the afternoon, Pirates and Mystery Bus were the two most popular activities and despite rumors of rain the skies stayed clear. The counselors worked together to make a delicious dinner of wings, mozzarella sticks, burgers and dogs and then Geoff announced the evening activity: the Super bowl. Camp rejoined down at Harriet House field, which had been turned into a football stadium, complete with Goal Posts, loud speakers and delicious snacks such as popcorn and soda. Campers ate their fill while they cheered their counselors on. After the game we returned to the top of the hill to lower the flag while Geoff spoke of how much Kieve meant to him. Overall, it was another wonderful day at camp.

Amazing iPhone Picture of Sweet Amelia

Steph sent this amazing iPhone transmittal during the week. Our little sweetheart is scheduled for yet another surgery tomorrow. This is Amelia's fifth major surgery in her first year of life. Amelia is turning ONE! on August 2oth. Please spend a quite moment in prayer for Amelia's successful kidney procedure tomorrow. Thanks.

Lobster Now Cheaper than Hot Dogs

Now, there's really no reason to wait for a celebration dinner. The next cookout can be really special. For the first time in generations, the price of lobster is cheaper than the wholesale price of hot dogs per pound.

H/T Nancy