The Vineyard’s annual appointment with spring, more often than not a fleeting affair, has stretched on endlessly this year, or so it seems. It began with extra warm weather in March — almost unheard of on an Island surrounded by frigid ocean water — that teased the daffodils into bloom earlier than at any time in recent memory. Islanders who were lucky enough to make mid-winter escapes returned to early spring flowers gone by and mayflowers already in bloom.

And as May days begin this week, the mayflowers have gone by and lilacs are already in bloom. Confusion reigns in the natural world this year. Will we have blueberries in June?

Likely not; cool temperatures and a much-needed misty rain blanketed the Vineyard this week, and the pale pink blossoms on wild apple trees that dot fields and wildlife sanctuaries looked fat and happy.

This must be May after all.