Hydrangeas! How we love hydrangeas. And do they grow anywhere more profusely than in Nantucket in summer? But I digress. The point here was that hydrangeas were in full flower over the weekend when the M.D. Anderson crew stopped down on the Massachusetts island for a "Making Cancer History" update.

The garden of Phoebe and Bobby Tudor's summer home was flush, we are told, with roses and hydrangeas in pale blue, pink and green. And Saturday was perfect for an outdoor get-together with temps in the mere 70s and a beautiful sunset on the horizon.

The Tudors, known for their generous philanthropy across the civic spectrum, opened their home to as many as 100 guests for the cocktail event. "The reason we're hosting this reception," he told the gathering, "is because M.D. Anderson is the premier cancer hospital in the world. We want to make sure that people outside of Texas know about it. Everyone should have a good cancer doctor in his or her Rolodex."

Joining the Tudors in hosting duties were Roxanne and Dr. Trip Casscells, also Nantucket summer regulars. Trip Casscells, who holds professorial and veep posts at the University of Texas Health Science Center, is an M.D. Anderson patient currently in a clinical trial that is funded solely by philanthropy.

He shared his poignant story of a cancer diagnosis nine and a half years ago in which he was given only three years to live. Dr. Chris Logothetis at M.D. Anderson took on his case. Today, Casscells is in a clinical trial that is funded solely by philanthropy. He told the gathering that he is "living proof that you (donors) are truly saving lives."

Leading the program was M.D. Anderson president Dr. John Mendelsohn, who spoke on targeted cancer therapies and the resulting potential for tremendous progress in personalized cancer care. The evening concluded two days of educational events with Anderson researchers and leadership.

Houstonians in the mix included Franci and Jim Crane, Maureen Hackett, Anne Mendelsohn, CeCe and Mack Fowler, Ginger and Jack Blanton, Elizabeth and Peter Wareing, Judith Aldrich and Matthew Wareing.

Reaching the big 40

Handbag and shoe designer Elaine Turner was caught off guard at Ouisie's Table Sunday night when friends, close co-workers Heather McLeskey and Lauren Graham and husband Jim Turner, Elaine Turner CEO, hosted a surprise birthday dinner for her, several days before the real deal. The birthday girl is living proof that 40 is the new 30.

Helping the Houston native blow out the candles were Tootsies' Mickey Rosmarin, photographer Julie Soefer and Digital Functions' Jeff Stark.

It was a feast of her favorite things for Elaine with Ouisie's serving up mini crabcakes, bacon-wrapped shrimp, mini beef Wellingtons, mini spring rolls and loads more. Partaking in the festivities were friends Kathy Parker, Alyse Eyster, Greg Gless, Kim Truman, Cami Tucker and more.

Feasting at Caffé Bello

Tony Vallone showed off his new Montrose eatery Sunday night at a dinner bash in Caffé Bello's second floor terrace room, newly-enclosed and air-conditioned. Twenty guests feasted on everything from crispy individual pizzas to chicken-fried sirloin to cheese-laden pastas.

Practically waddling out of the door at night's end were guests that included Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Gregory Fourticq, Janiece Longoria and Steve Lasher, Lora and Dr. John Clemmons and Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse.