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Archive for May, 2009
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
We’ve just had a long, activity filled weekend and it was SO Much FUN!
We had a perfect beach day, a picnic in the park, a little boating in the lagoon and participated in a moving ceremony honoring our veterans on Memorial Day - all this on top of the soccer, tennis and lacrosse games! We’ve changed out the car bin of knit hats, gloves and blankets and added the beach umbrella, cooler, sweatshirts and hats. Yes, we’re still see-sawing between layers and sunhats but sunny days are here and it’s time to stock up and be prepared for warmer weather and outdoor activities.
Let me tell you I saw w-a-a-a-y too many Littles with sunburned faces. I mention this because it’s so easy to overlook when the day begins a bit cooler and cloudy or we’re not headed for the beach. Here’s the speech: Don’t let the sun ruin your fun - apply the sunscreen (everyone!) before you leave the house and reapply even if you don’t think you need it. They make all kinds of sprays and sticks and non-greasy, no sting varieties none of us should be without.
Tags: Family, Family Activities, Family Life on MV, Island Living, Martha's Vineyard Life, MVFamily Life, MVOL Mom, mvol.com
Posted in Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
 Who loves tennis? Martha’sVineyard, that’s who! We love our tennis and the more sunny days we have the more friends I run into on their way to, or just coming off the court. We’re lining up in the parking lot at Boxberry, burning up the web coordinating times to play and stocking up on balls by the case.
Last weekend many summer residents came to open their houses and ready them for the season, you know, storm windows coming down, screen doors being mounted, that sort of thing. Know what I saw; the windscreens being installed, the nets going up and the courts swept and clean. YAY! Bring on the sun in my eyes at the service line. Bring on the white tennis feet. Bring on your overhead smash. I may be beat on the court but I always feel a winner on a day I play.
Here are just a few places to ‘get your game on’ – by town.
Edgartown:
Town Courts, Robinson Road (behind the Edgartown School)
Mattakesett Tennis Club, Katama
Winnetu Oceanside Resort (clinics, cardio tennis and kids programs)
Oak Bluffs:
Town Courts, Niantic Avenue
Island Inn, Beach Road
Vineyard Haven:
Town Courts, Church Street
Town Courts, Lake Street
West Tisbury:
Town Courts, Old County Road (West Tisbury School)
Chilmark:
Community Courts, South Road(Chilmark School)
Don’t forget your Littles – Summer Program Registration is now open at Vineyard Youth Tennis. Instruction beginning at 4-yrs old and options of schedule to fit your beach time, too.
Tags: Boxberry Courts, Mattakesett Tennis Club, recreation, sports and fitness, tennis, things to do on Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Youth Tennis, Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Posted in Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
I love food. This is no secret, of course, but I’m learning to love all kinds of food and it’s been an adventure. I am even trying some vegetables and while I still consider ketchup the veggie for my burger I’ve loosened up a bit.
Last week I attended a ‘wine talk’ at l’etoile in Edgartown. This was an evening of trying different kinds of wines and their cheese pairings and learning about each and why they work well together.
Now I’ve always been a red goes with beef, white goes with whatever, girl but I was amazed at what I learned. Did you know it’s OK to slurp and swish wine in your mouth to ‘taste it all over your tongue’? I didn’t know that! Did you know that only some wines get better with age and others need to be enjoyed sooner rather than later? I didn’t know that! Did you know one can go to school and get a degree in wine…well wine whatever-ing? I didn’t!
Well, let me tell you, I had so much fun I’ve already reserved my spot at the second ‘Wendy Talks Wine’ on the 28th of May. The price is reasonable, too, only $26.00 and Chef Michael Brisson offers 10% off main courses for those attending the event. Yes, I took advantage! The lamb was gorgeous, I mean perfection. It absolutely lived up to it’s description: ‘Grilled Harissa-Spiced New Zealand Lamb Rack Chops with a Papardelle, French Olive, Grape Tomato & Haricot Sauté - Red Zinfandel, Port & Rosemary Jus‘.
It melted in my mouth. I did not share, not one bite, and I am not sorry for my selfishness. The Gosling’s Black Rum & Cinnamon Crème Brûlée was out of this world. I am sorry (still) I agreed to split dessert.
Mark your calendar for May 28 and reserve your spot for the next Wendy Talks Wine event at l’etoile. Where else can you relax while learning a little and enjoying a lot?!
Tags: dining on martha's vineyard, Eating on MV, Edgartown, French Cuisine, l'etoile, local food, Martha's Vineyard restaurants, Michael Brisson, MVOL Foodie, Wendy Koder, Wendy Talks Wine, wine
Posted in Eating on MV, Martha's Vineyard Life, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, May 18th, 2009
Sitting in my kitchen at the edge of the state forest in West Tisbury, I can hear the late afternoon fog horns in Vineyard Sound….one of my favorite magical reminders that I live on an island. There’s so much beauty on Martha’s Vineyard, it might be easy to start taking it all for granted. But no, I’ve never met so many people who are so eager to share their stories and appreciation of this special place.
Had two incredible sensory experiences on the island this week. The first involved a beachwalk in the fog with a friend who had never seen Lucy Vincent Beach in Chilmark. Wha? It was foggy and drizzling slightly but the air was warm and it was about an hour before sunset as we headed up-island. There was no one in the parking lot when we arrived at Lucy Vincent and the sound of the crashing waves was eerie and mystical as we stepped out of the car. Making our way down the sandy path, we both stopped short in amazement when the ocean came into view. It was high tide and all along the rock strewn beach were huge, quivering mountains of gelatinous foam. It was like a surreal scene from a science fiction movie. The wind was picking up and streaks of pink were breaking through the grey clouds. Every once in a while a chunk of foam would escape and skitter down the beach like an alien tumbleweed. We each stood alone silently facing the waves, lost in our own thoughts. Sometimes you just need to see the ocean. And beach therapy is not just for sunny days.
A few days later I stopped by to visit a friend who was fixing up her rental cottage situated on a small pond with a view of Vineyard Haven harbor. A sweet spot for sure. She was busy in her tiny kitchen preparing dinner, so I relaxed on the sunny deck with a glass of wine. The ferry was making its way into the harbor and it was so peaceful and quiet. I closed my eyes and tuned in to the sound of hundreds of chirping birds and the summer’s first lawnmower sputtering in the distance. Just then the intoxicating smell of roast chicken came wafting though the open window. Another lucky moment to appreciate. And I live on Martha’s Vineyard. And Summer’s comin’ around again.
Tags: Martha's Vineyard Life, Springtime
Posted in Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Working in Vineyard Haven has many benefits, beautiful views of the harbor, quaint shops to poke around in during my lunch hour, and a fabulous eatery right on Main Street. Waterside Market is a fairly new face in town; it opened a little over a year ago and quickly became a staple in Vineyard Haven.
Its’ décor of warm, cranberry colored walls and marble topped tables reminds you of a European bistro and the atmosphere invites you to stay awhile and sip on your cappuccino.
Daily specials add to the already delicious menu of sandwiches and soups. Over the winter I became addicted to the Turkey Chili. Each order is made right in front of your eyes and while you’re waiting, take a few minutes to stroll around, you can also pick up some unique items for your kitchen and home. Tablecloths from India, honey from Savanna, and granola from the island’s own Little Rock Farm.
They also have pre made salads for the girl on the go as well as baked goods ready to go home with you. The cinnamon buns are heavenly and have become a weekend favorite.
Waterside Market is also a great place to meet friends for coffee. A full coffee menu includes all your caffeine needs from espressos, mochas, lattes and whatever combo you can come up with.
Waterside Market is a perfect stop for breakfast, lunch and coffee. Located at 76 Main Street, Vineyard Haven. 508-693-8899.
Tags: breakfast, Eating on MV, local food, MVOL Foodie, soups and sandwiches, take out on Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Haven, Waterside Market
Posted in Eating on MV, Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
It’s amazing to me how everything on the Island seems to explode with color and activity seemingly overnight. Our trees are a fireworks of blossom and the roads are ribboned with multi-colored mopeds buzzing by. The parks and sports fields are alive with vibrant jerseys and the magical song of children and their encouraging parents.
Gone are the somber blacks and greys - the pinks and greens and seersucker blues are appearing beneath the sun-kissed cheeks and rosy noses. We have to think light, bright, breezy - grab a layer but make it a happy spring color almost too bright so by August it will fade to that soft washed sentimental tone of memory.
Along with the color comes the whitewash - Edgartown in particular is looking fresh and sparkly with new coats of paint on fences and trim. We saw our first bridal white exiting the Old Whaling Church last Saturday, glowing in the late afternoon sunlight and the anticipation of her new life.
Everything old is new again and the Island is reborn.
Tags: Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard Life, Old Whaling Church, springtime on Martha's Vineyard, wedding on MV
Posted in Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, May 8th, 2009
As I wandered the streets of Edgartown last week, a familiar scent kept tickling my nose and causing a bit of a rumble in the tummy. Excitedly I picked up my pace until I was standing in front of what makes me smile every season. Murdick’s Fudge is open for the season!
An island favorite for decadent fudge, brittle and now popcorn. I hear rumors that the popcorn once popped, is going to be kept in a warmer so that the kernels are warm and tasty from the first to the last bite.
The fudge is what I clamor for and has become a staple of gift giving to friends and family. Made fresh daily in the store, it comes in multiple flavors like chocolate, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, rocky road, Cape Cod cranberry and many more. You can actually watch the fudge being made from the stirring of ingredients in the antique copper pot to the pouring of the fudge onto a marble slab table. From there, the employees who have one of the best jobs on the island, spread it and shape it until it cools and can be cut into nice thick, delicious slices of fudge. I think a moment of silence is appropriate at this point as we appreciate the art and perfection that goes into this process.
The boxes that the fudge comes in are large enough to put several slabs in, yet small enough to hide from anyone who might want a bite of your secret stash. Hypothetically speaking, of course I’ve never hidden fudge, but I hear it’s a good way to keep intruders away.
On the island we are lucky enough to have three Murdick’s locations and one is within walking distance of my house. I will be notifying the store so that they can hire more people to produce more fudge for me.
For all your sweet treats and take home goodies, check out Murdick’s Fudge, your taste buds will thank you!
Tags: Eating on MV, Edgartown, Family, fudge, Murdick's Fudge, MVOL Foodie, Oak Bluffs, popcorn, sweet treats on MV, Vineyard Haven
Posted in Eating on MV, Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | 1 Comment »
Friday, May 8th, 2009
One of the many reasons we love Martha’s Vineyard is the diversity of the landscape, people and ‘energy’ throughout the Island. Even those of us who live here year-round can plan a little get-away to another part of the Island and feel we’re vacationing ourselves.
I’m the sort of Mom who is a singer - car karaoke champion, shower diva, general embarrasser of children - those of you who identify with this understand when I tell you each and every time we head toward South Beach I must sing at the top of my voice: “O-oh KaTAma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain!” Why do I sing this (other than embarrassing the children, I mean)? Katama is the plains of Martha’s Vineyard, it’s windy out there - no, not always but not matter the breeze Katama is a fun field trip. We load the bikes on the car-rack, pack a snack, layers, kites, and compass and make a day of it.
We like to park in Edgartown and bike out Katama way. We always stop at Katama General Store for a rest and a cold drink and to watch the people (this activity ranks up there with the singing). Visiting with the llamas at Ernie Boch’s is next on our agenda. (I know it’s not far but biking with children requires a lot of ‘visiting’).
I like to to take the right fork toward the airport and watch the bi-plane take off and land , yes, sometimes a cold drink or even one of the best Cobb Salads on the Island from the Right Fork Diner is my priority but none of my people complain. Next stop The FARM Institute.
We cannot go out to Katama without seeing our friends at The FARM (fluffy, furry and otherwise). Our children are in awe of Farmer Wes (yours will be, too) and Farmer Julie is “just the coolest not grown-up-but-not-teenager-either”. If we plan things right we can help with animal chores or lend Farmer Emily a hand in the Friendship Garden. Here’s an inside tip: The FARM Institute is offering a new ‘Farmer for a Day’ program during summer schedule this year.
Back on the bike for a geo-cache adventure. We check our coordinates and off we go…meandering our way toward South Beach, the sun on our skin and the wind in our hair and…oh no! Momma’s getting ready to sing again!
” O-Oh KaTAma…”
Tags: Add new tag, biking on MV, Edgartown, Family Activities, Katama, Katama General Store, local food, Mart, Martha's Vineyard Life, MVFamily Life, mvol.com, outdoors, South Beach, The FARM Institute
Posted in Family Life on The Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Life | No Comments »
Friday, May 1st, 2009
As the Island greens up, it’s pretty obvious what else is happening outside on our roads, beaches and ancient paths: People are getting in shape for summer. Running. Walking, Biking, Rollerblading. And of course tons of other outdoor activities.
Personally, I prefer solo late night bathroom dancing as my exercise of choice - but that’s another blog. Islanders have cast off their well-worn fleece outer garments and are actively trying to recover from winter potlucks. And a quick walk on the beach just might be enough to counteract a slice of Murdick’s Fudge or hot apple fritter from MV Gourmet Bakery. Mmmmm, donuts.
At least that’s what we’d like to think. It’s hard to switch gears from winter survival eating to beachbody basics like salad and fruit smoothies. But the warmer weather is beckoning us onward like lemmings to the sea. Each spring I try to discover a new walk - and there are plenty to choose from here. The MV Conservation Society publishes a great reference guide called ‘Walking Trails of Martha’s Vineyard’ which you can pick up at Bunch of Grapes.
If you need peer motivation to get outside, no problem. There are tons of organized events on the Island to get the blood pumping.
This week a Facebook invitation went out for the first-of-the-season sunset beach potluck. OK, that may be pushing the season - but yay! - you can smell the excitement (balanced with fear of bared pasty legs).
Parting thought: Get out there. Just do it. Question authority… is there anyone else wondering why the MV Times’ weekly senior activities supplement is titled “55 Plus”? Attitude is everything. Woo-Hoo!
Tags: Add new tag, Bunch of Grapes bookstore, Fountain of Youth, getting fit on MV, Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard events, Murdick's Fudge, MV Gourmet Bakery, outdoor activities
Posted in Martha's Vineyard Life | No Comments »
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