Congratulations to Susan Wasserman, whose book Stepping Off the Boat, has just been awarded the 2026 Michigan Notable Book award by the Michigan Library Foundation. The book tells the story of the settlement of North Manitou Island, in Michigan of course, where Susan’s family spent their summers. The judges noted Susan’s “vivid look at the immigrants, workers and families whose lives are still reflected in the island’s legacy.” The book is also chock-full of historic photographs of the island.

One day last week, Tim and I joined a group of neighbors for drinks with Phyllis Meras, to see her magnificent Christmas tree before it met its fate. Phyllis’s living room was filled with familiar faces, and one new one. He is Paul Carlson, the new owner of the former home of art dealers Richard and Carol Craven. You may remember that Carol ran a gallery in North Tisbury some years ago. Before that, the house was owned by Richard’s father, Thomas Craven, a well known 20th-century art critic.

Paul was here by himself but he is married to Elizabeth Churchill, the daughter of Bob and Barbara Day, who were quite active in the community during their time in West Tisbury. The Carlson family lives in San Diego on that other coast, and plans to be here summers and eventually full-time

A sizable number of changes of property ownership have taken place around here in recent years. Tim and I suddenly realized we have lived full-time in this house longer than anyone else on the street. We are the oldest, longest-in-the-tooth, old-timers, Shocking.

Opening bills can trigger an emotional roller-coaster, as we all know. Our real estate tax bills arrived the other day and it was a pleasant surprise to open ours and see that half-price reduction. On the other hand, the bill for our daughter’s house was a jolt. Because she is disabled, the house is held in trust for her. And because the property is not owner-occupied, according to the assessing and taxing officials in the State House in Boston, her modest year-round home must be charged the new, ‘summer people’ rate. Phooey.

On a much less serious note, the spring fashion catalogs are arriving. Some people treasure their seed catalogs, others of us have baser interests. Fashion is not a hot topic in West Tisbury in January, but I have griped for years that T-shirt makers don’t make shirts with flattering vertical stripes. The pattern is always horizontal. Well, I found a T-shirt with vertical stripes at the Dumptique last week, blue and white and a perfect fit. I now appear to be two inches taller and 12 pounds lighter.

Happy birthday Friday, Jan. 16 to Jane Rossi, and on Monday, Jan. 19, to Patti Linn. Paul Serrato will celebrate his big day on Wednesday, Jan. 21.