The skies certainly opened up in the wee hours of Wednesday. One of my dogs got as close to my head on my left shoulder as she could and tried to crawl in my ear canal. The lightening show was spectacular from my bay window. My cat, Teddy Paul Bruschi Kennedy Gardella, also curled up as close to Mom as possible. When the chips are down, they know who opens the cans.

It’s no surprise that Martin and Gail Becker have been inundated with guests and summer fun. A few days after their annual June arrival, the Beckers welcomed daughter in law Shannon Becker of Norwood, who brought daughters CeCi, age 6, and Coley, age 4, for a two-week visit. Dad Allan joined them in a few days and drove with Shannon’s sister, Keri, and her fiance, Brad. Nothing would do but for Marty, Allan and Brad to take a sail on Marty’s beloved boat, Nose Job III. This, as you recall, was during a string of beautiful days, impeccable weather and fair winds. Brad, an experienced sailor, proclaimed it the best sailing trip ever. Meanwhile, Shannon, Gail and the girls organized beach days, nature walk days and plenty of visits to the Flying Horses. Marvin and Saralee Rosenkrantz invited all the Beckers to the annual lobster fest, chez Rosenkrantz. Of course Marvin and Saralee’s kids and grandkids were on hand to help celebrate. The party had four generations represented, the oldest being 80 years old (I know who you are) and the youngest was four years old.

In alphabetical order, my next big piece of family news involves the Bermans. Michele and Alan arrived early to make this, their 50th wedding anniversary year, oh so special. They were soon followed by the Washington, D.C., Bermans — MK, Annie Lou and their children: Charlie, Teddy, and twins Scottie and Nelly. Faithful family dog, Huck, is here and is joined by puppy Cookie, an early birthday gift for Teddy. The kids are in camp at the West Chop Club and enjoying playing on the beach, riding bikes and horses, and perfecting their swimming. The Brooklyn crew had to arrive to join their cousins. Greg and Carolyn, along with their 15-year-old Hannah and 12-year-old Milly, are here trying water skis and tubing. A special 50th anniversary dinner party was prepared and presented last night by aspiring chef, Milly. Michele finds it hard to believe that this is their 17th summer on the Island, and when they first came they had no grandchildren. Whew!

On Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. our Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library present author John Hough Jr. reading and discussing his new novel, Little Bighorn. The event is free and refreshments will be served. But the soul needs music, too. On Wednesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. the Long Point Five will perform a free concert at the library. The group consists of John Schilling on trumpet, Jim Athearn on trombone, Julie Schilling on clarinet, Bud Larson on flute and Jeri Larson on piano. Their repertoire is diverse and spans genres from early Dixieland jazz and American standards to classical and contemporary works. All arrangements are written by Bud Larson.

Confidential to Lyn K: Nonna has just finished Linda Fairstein’s new one, Terminal City. She is working on Graham Greene’s Getting to Know the General. I am completely entranced with My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard, a six-volume autobiography that certainly harkens back to Marcel Proust.

I am giving you notice on a wonderful event next Saturday, July 26. The Friends of the Tisbury Council on Aging are hosting a clam bake at the Tisbury Senior Center at 1 p.m. The menu features lobster tail, stuffed quahog, clam chowder, Island summer salad, watermelon, ice tea and lemonade. Tickets may be purchased at the center until Thursday, July 24. There will be a ukulele sing along, door prizes and great camaraderie. All ages are welcome.

Happy anniversary to Joe and Shirley Sullivan who celebrate on July 20.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Margaret Tileston and Paige Donovan today. Tomorrow is claimed by Kenny Hayes. July 20 smiles on Jane Crews, Corly Ann Miller,Gabriela Silva and Danielle Jacobs. July 21 belongs to Brian Hurley. July 22 honors Ed Colligan, Katherine Anderson, Jenny Lehman, Tony Massaro, Nicole Christopher and Bekki Willems. July 23 is shared by Sapna Bahal and Tyler Burt. And on July 24, Judy Gersh Worthington, Librada (Lilly) Clark and Millie Gerber Lockington take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send your Vineyard Haven news to: iklean@yahoo.com.