According to the calendar, spring officially began on Tuesday. According to reality, it began on Dec. 22, ordinarily the first day of winter, when spring decided to do away with winter this year. A slight snowfall was a freak occurrence and temperatures below freezing as rare as a visit from the propane man.

This was good news for cash-strapped Islanders, not to mention town coffers. Savings due to lower heating bills and lack of snow removal services were tangible gifts. Not being jealous of Islanders returning from winter vacations was a less tactile, but no less satisfying, pleasure.

“Aruba, you say? Nice. Check out my Lobsterville Beach tan.”

And yet, even 60-degree temperatures in January cannot compare to the pleasures of a true Vineyard spring. After all, in a seasonal community, spring does not just signal a shift in the weather, it marks the first stirrings of the Island’s economic engine. From the first tender tread of newly unveiled bare feet to the heavier heft of a summer wallet it is but a blink in Island time.

There are no sure things, of course, when it comes to the economy but this emergence from a non-winter lends itself to a more hopeful stance. Plus summer ferry bookings are up, the economy continues its slow but steady step forward, and the daffodils are in bloom.

To paraphrase Flaubert, for now let us not think of the baby that may be, but simply take pleasure in the kissing.

Happy Spring.