We are back at work, back to school, back to our authentic lives with their hazards and rewards. Around here, summer is lingering deliciously in the air and on the beach. It takes some effort to straddle the seasons and move on into fall.

I have been mixing it up. I haven’t yet moved my summer cotton clothes to the back closet, to make room for corduroys and woollies. But down the hall I did layer a wool blanket between the top sheet and the bedspread. And I cooked a pot roast, with gravy, for dinner one of those nippy evenings.

I have also been making half-size portions of hummingbird nectar because our two little rascals are supposed to be heading south. But I keep making half-batch after half-batch and they are still here, still sucking it up, you might say.

Some TV weatherman said we are already in meteorological fall. A fall can be dangerous. We can fall flat or our lives can fall into place. There is an extra-large tree across the street, already showing off some highlights of gold atop its dark greenery.

Are you enjoying the winding down? Out there on the streets, it is more a thud than a drift. The traffic is suddenly flowing more smoothly. It is suddenly dark by dinnertime. There is more oxygen in the personal space between me and thee in the grocery aisles. If this week’s weather is a clue, we are in for a glorious fall season.

Jerry and Margaret Gallagher have returned home after a visit with their son Matthew and his family in Redmond, Wash. While there, they enjoyed watching their grandson Merrick compete in the national cycling competition where Merrick won six medals.

Back home, the Gallaghers have been enjoying a visit with their daughter Wendy and her fiance Jay Nichols, who live in San Francisco.

Bob and Maria Fogelson have returned to Boston after a summer spent in Quenames.

The police department announced some sad news: the death of retired officer Herbert Moody. Officer Moody was a well-respected part of the West Tisbury force for more than 20 years. Condolences to his family and friends.

Happy birthday to Laurie Mazer on Friday, Sept. 5, and to Marci Brundage on Saturday Sept. 6. Here is a toast to George (Harry) Athearn on Monday, Sept. 8, and to the lovely Heather Goff, Wednesday, Sept. 10. Cheers to a quartet of birthday celebrants on Thursday, Sept. 11: to Maria McFarland at the town hall; Richard White in one of his shops; and Ryan Rossi, master of the Chilmark harbor; and to Jack Ryan, the go-to guy at the post office.

Happy wedding anniversary and congratulations to Sean McMahon and Kate Siren Mayhew on Sunday, Sept. 7. A toast to Todd Gill and Dana Hollinshead on your anniversary Monday, Sept. 8. Cheers to Julia Stunkel and Glenn Stalgren, Tuesday, Sept. 9. Best wishes to Ken Abbott and Jen Rand on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Speaking of straddling, Tim was sitting outside with his feet propped up on a tree stump when a skunk casually walked under his legs. The skunk, I am happy to report, kept going.