Today is a bit gray, but lots of folks are enjoying the holiday, and are wandering about Front Street looking for some art, framing, gifts, clothing, books, souvenirs or just a great late lunch. Mosquito Fleet was doing a brisk business today, full of contented locals as well as a few newcomers. Rita & Chris & family are simply the perfect restaurant family, with warm, friendly service, delicious homemade soups, salads, baked goods, quiches and more. The tide is coming back in, but the low tide and mussels carpeting the sand near the Wharf had gulls, heron and crows all busily feeding a bit earlier. Lots of comings and goings today next door at Whidbey's public radio station, found at 96.9 FM if you are lucky enough to be in range. Great interviews, local broadcasts of concerts, occasional live music performances, fun stuff. I keep them tuned in often! There's lots going on in the Whidbey Island Real Estate arena, too. With mortgage interest rates at about 4.75%, lots of good inventory, low prices and, as always, Whidbey Island's small town lifestyle and incredible scenic beauty, activity has picked up. One home I recently listed was under contract in 4 days, and another new listing seems to be poised for a similar happy fate. Captain Tack is celebrating the holiday today, as he stands at his point outside my office door. Nothing like balloons to make things festive!