Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the south of Cape Cod in New England; known for being an affluent summer colony. The island forms a part of the Outer Lands region. The island has an estimated year round population of 15,000 residents during the winter months, but swells to over 75,000 during the summer months. The island known mostly as a summer colony is accessible only by air and boat. The cost of living on the island is 60 percent higher than the national average and housing prices are 96 percent higher. 

By the time we visit Alexis would have made her decision on which of the colleges she will attend. We will visit one of my dear friends, Dr. Danneta Thornton-Owens a Birmingham millionaire who maintains a summer home on the island. Dr. Thornton-Owens who serves on the Alabama Educational Television Commission with me is an extraordinary woman. She recently was mentioned in Dr. Condoleezza Rice’s autobiography because she tutored Dr. Rice in French when Dr. Rice was a child. She was also interviewed on the Today Show about her friendship with Dr. Rice. Dr. Thornton-Owens was also a bridesmaid in Gen. Colin Powell’s wedding. She continues to be friends with Gen. Colin Powell’s wife.  

We will not visit long because I firmly believe in staying in your lane. I probably could afford to visit for a day. Martha’s Vineyard is for the rich. I want my wife and kids to experience how the other half lives and then we will return to the real world of Burger King and McDonalds. I am so looking forward to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous again. When I was in law school at BU, I visited the island with my good friend David Waite another jet setter in those days. So where will you summer?

 In the words of my dad, “You must honor the chair whether it is sitting, walking or lying down.”