It’s Friday morning, and I’ve spent six nights on the east coast. Before I get into some details on the where and why, allow me to post this week’s column, which is about a morning I spent with my sister Jane at Java Mama Cafe in La Mesa. I’ve called it PLAYPENDEMONIUM. There’s not much for me at that place, but if you’re a parent with young children, head east of San Diego for this little kid haven. No, really. Head east, and leave the coffee shops of Hillcrest and University Heights quiet for the child free. There’s a video of the place, I’m not going to post it right here, but if you click the link to the article, you’ll see the video embedded within the story.

I can’t believe I’ve been out of town for almost a full week! Two nights ago, I hosted Reader Radio from inside a car parked on the wharf in Sag Harbor, overlooking the water and the Princess K (a $30 million yacht that is a vision to behold). I love technology. Working from the road is sweet. David and I spent four nights at my aunts’ place in Sag Harbor, and had a lovely time, so relaxing, great conversation, everything you want when you’re skipping town to get away from the hubbub. Their home is gorgeous, their garden even more so. Guess that’s what happens when you have a landscaper in the family (my uncle Jimmy). David did some cooking, I did some drinking, and we all did a lot of laughing, most of which was a result of razzing Aunt Diane for being temporarily handicapped — the Irish laugh in the face of tragedy, it’s how we cope with shit.

Yesterday afternoon we hit the road and the ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, where we are now. Spending the next week and a half at my in-laws, to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday, and to attend David’s annual exhibition at the Granary Gallery. We had a week of sun in Sag Harbor, but it looks like nothing but rain here on the island. Most people, beach people, might be bummed about that. But you see, I live in San Diego, a beach town that sees maybe 44 days of precipitation a year, most of that like random spittle. So I’m ecstatic. The land is verdant, the flowers fluoresce against the green when the glare of the sun is obscured. The perfect backdrop for one who enjoys sipping coffee and reading a good book. The read right now is The Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, and once I got past the first pompous and overwrought 100 pages, I got sucked in to an expertly woven story. Now I’m enjoying it very much, and can’t wait to discuss it with the book club (dork alert).

And now, I’m going to join my man in town, because we need to stop by the gallery, and we have some accouterments to acquire for Ency’s birthday gifts. Later, I’m going to sneak away to a quiet corner and do some reading.