Tisbury

Heard on Main Street: Being kind is more important than being right.

Is it me, or is the world going mad? Our Congress is cutting money for hospitals and healthcare. Elephants in Zimbabwe are killing tourists seemingly for no reason. Warehouses of fireworks exploded around the U.S. before the Fourth. And the horrible flooding with tragic loss of life in Texas. I do not like the news I hear. For a few years now I have avoided the news, aiming for just weather reports and maybe sports news and our local papers.

I do read a lot of books, but is it any wonder I choose fiction?

I was reading Jess Walter’s “So Far Gone” when I found a perfect description of my new cell phone. It is amazing how well he put my feelings into words. He says, and I agree, that the “cellphone is like a nosy neighbor with a constant supply of scary news.” But I do appreciate the up-to-date weather report.

I just finished a book called “The Nantucket Restaurant” by Pamela Kelley, about three sisters who have lost touch and a loving grandmother, but now inherit, along with the chef, a local restaurant. It is a very good story.

I am now reading a fascinating book about a new group of people just selected to be trained as part of the NASA space program. I do recommend “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

I was sorry to miss the library talk about “Le Tour de France: Up Close and Personal” by former ABC Sports producer Robin Rivera. My son is a bicyclist, and also a fan of this sports classic. I wish she would write a book.

Like many other residents on our Island, I need to find a new eye doctor. I am hoping we get a new one here, because off-Island trips are difficult for me. I am not worried for now, as things are fine with my eyes, but the doctor would not give me my records,

But I am concerned that I will forget to share one bit of strange news about my eyes. Some years ago, the doctor saw a suspicious spot with his lens, not visible to the naked eye. He sent me to a specialist. When I next visited my eye doctor I learned that I have a birth mark, a tiny spot deep in the eye.

I just heard that a pile of beautiful fabrics were donated to the Oak Bluffs library. These and many other items will be in a Craft Supplies Giveaway on Friday, July 25, from 10 am to 1 pm, at that library.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out today to Laura Christina Jahn. Wish the best to Betsey Mayhew on Saturday. Sunday belongs to Nevenka Daniels. Happy birthday to Cord Bailey, Michele Jones, and the Rev. Cathlin Baker on Monday. Jocelyn Ciancio Broadley parties on Tuesday. Jim Richardson celebrates on Wednesday.

Heard on Main Street: Love, not time, heals all wounds.