The Library

One of the amenities of my MV cottage was that it was advertised as having free Wi-Fi access. When I spoke with my landlady (Bernadette, or Bernie) on the phone, she mentioned that the Wi-Fi access was theirs in the main house and that the cottage can receive their signal. When I arrived the wireless internet router had been moved from the back of the main house (the cottage side) to another area near the street-side of the main house. Bernie told me that if I had any trouble getting internet access, she would buy a booster so the signal would be stronger. Being pretty easy to please, I've been sitting on the couch working with my laptop since that's really the only place in the cottage I've been able to receive a "very low" signal. Everywhere else I lose it. Two days ago, the signal stopped altogether. When I spoke with Bernie, her service was down and she's been working ever since to get it fixed. I did mention to her that I'd take her up on the booster.

In the meantime, I've discovered the Vineyard Haven Library. It's well stocked, well lit, and equipped with free Wi-Fi in a comfortable, quiet area. From that little sanctuary, I make this entry. I've forgotten, or perhaps it's new, how much you have at your disposal with a library card. Besides the volumes in paper in the library itself, you have access to any book that can be ordered for you and, perhaps best of all, you have access to a terrific reference librarian! The reference librarian sat with me yesterday for 30 minutes browsing through Amazon.com and Google books to see what was available on Native American tribes in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in the early 1800's! Research for Dad's book since I believe it was great, great grandma Lucas who was a Native American. She has ordered a book called Forgotten Fire which looks amazing.

One final note about having the advantage of being in a great place like Martha's Vineyard, like New York, you are where things are happening. In the case of MV, it's much more understated and quiet, but it's here. There are so many artists and musicians and writers here. Check out this photo (sorry for the poor cell phone quality) from my new local library.


I'll be going to Leigh (my landlord) and Bernie's Halloween Party tonight, so I had to take the bus out of Vineyard Haven in order to buy a bottle of wine (what she needed me to bring). Remember, VH is a dry town. I look forward to going tonight. Although I should be dressing up, I'll probably just go in black skirt and top with a camera hung around my neck. The camera is both armor and ice breaker, so it's a big help to me. Leigh and Bernie expect between 750 and 800 kids to come to the door tonight, if past years are any measure. Halloween is BIG on The Vineyard!!