Last full day on the island, and Yuji’s birthday to boot. I had planned ahead, bringing pre-measured, pre-sifted ingredients for a chocolate cake. All I had to do here was mix the wet and dry ingredients, bake it in our tiny oven (after figuring out how to light the pilot), and whip the cream.

Whip the cream. That presented a challenge today as my arm remains in a sling due to yesterday’s swimming shenanigans.

So this morning I visited the island doctor (hours are 10 to 11 am), a cardiologist who vacations out here and volunteers his time at the clinic after his morning swim and before lunch. He charged me $5 for examining my arm and $5 for the cost of the sling. He was a very sweet man, in his 50s I’d say, who said I probably don’t have a hairline fracture.

So Hellen whipped the cream under my watchful eye while the guys grilled cheeseburgers and Serrano peppers. We toasted Yuji’s birthday on the beach before dinner and feasted on potato salad, cucumber salad, corn on the cob, and the spicy burgers.

We will leave tomorrow with bellies full of the tastes of summer.

Another hot, sunny day on the island. The morning began with yogurt and fresh fruit, followed by a run to Watch Hill. That was followed by a dip in the cold ocean where I got pounded by waves and came out with my arm in a sling. Ouch.

I couldn’t help prepare tonight’s dinner of beef tenderloin, grilled mushrooms, and potatoes sauteed with garlic and onions. Someone even had to cut my meat for me. Hoping the injury improves by tomorrow because I have a birthday cake to make and lots of fresh cream to whip (by hand).

The clouds parted on our second day and we continued to eat well: local little necks and sea bass cooked on the grill, white beans and broccoli rabe, and for some, the requisite 3 o’clock hot dog. I think I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.