OAK BLUFFS, MASS. — It's just your average vacation schedule -- a little reading, a little tennis and golf, a little briefing from the National Security Council.
Even though he has advisors in tow at the island resort of Martha's Vineyard this week, President Obama insists he is planning on more relaxation than work. And his schedule so far suggests he is serious about holing up with his family.
On Monday, for instance, the president worked out, played tennis with the first lady and hit the links with friends. On Tuesday he golfed again, at the Mink Meadows Golf Club -- after taking a brief break to announce the renomination of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke.
Obama brought along five books, possibly hoping to do a little reading in a hammock on the 28-acre Blue Heron Farm, where he's staying.
They include David McCullough's "John Adams" and Thomas Friedman's "Hot, Flat and Crowded" -- more than a lot of people read in a month when they aren't also trying to redesign American healthcare.
Still, it seems like a light schedule for the president, which helps to fuel excitement around the island about the possibility of first-family sightings.
Sporting khakis and a white polo shirt Tuesday, Obama stopped on his way to the links to shake hands with golfers on the clubhouse porch.
"I hope I didn't mess anyone's day up," he said, according to Ronnie Lytle, a local retiree who had arrived for an 8:20 a.m. tee time but didn't get to play because so many carts were reserved for the president's party.
"You did," Lytle told the president, "but I don't care."
The first foursome played nine holes. According to a resident who saw Obama play from the second fairway to the second hole, the president yelled, "Fore!" shortly before his ball hit a tree.
Still, the ball landed not far from the green, said Sally Fitzgerald, who lives next to the hole. Obama hit it up with "a pretty good chip," and then, by her count, took three putts to sink it.
"But that's a tough green," Fitzgerald said. "It's a par four."
White House staffers came to the island hoping for a light week too. But so far, they've spent at least part of their time knocking down reports about all the things Obama might have on his calendar.
Golf with Tiger Woods? Tiger is "fun to play with," said one aide, but that's not in the works.
A big dinner with political supporters? Or perhaps a society wedding? Also not in the cards.
