We are being teased, that is what I am telling myself the past couple of days. It has been so warm and nice but I still have not made it outside. But the sun makes me happy.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Gloriannie Amaral-Espinoza, Amanda Moraes, Maksim Pachico, Kayleigh Boyd, Sophia Decker, Phillip Oliveira, Nathan Cuthbert, Lalia Branca, Kaitlyn Freeman, Ana Kurelja, Olivia Coyne, Tatiane Marcelino, Quinn Filiault, Tristan Blair and Matheus Lage.

Kara Shemeth was the guest of honor at her baby shower at her mother Nancy’s home with her sister Justine Deoliveria as co-hostess this past Sunday. Kara and her husband Tom Ignacio are expecting their first baby, a boy, the first part of April. It was great as Tom’s mother Nancy came from Texas to attend the shower. Kara was showered with many lovely things but most of all love.

In November my great niece Amanda and her boyfriend Thom called and asked if I would be interested in going on a cruise to be their three-month-old son Oliver’s nanny. It took me about three seconds to answer yes and the rest is history.

We sailed out of Miami, Feb. 5, the day of the Super Bowl. I had my Pats shirt on the whole day hoping to find more fans other than us. Of course there were more but I think we were the minority as the cheers by the big screen on the ship were cheering for the Falcons. We went to dinner at half time, and we got a few snickers. It was only the first half but I did feel a little defeated. But as we all know by now we were smiling in the morning and I got a few digs in at the buffet and in the elevators.

We sailed to Rotan Honduras, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. We all had a great time and Oliver, or should I say Ollyver, was a hit on the ship and had a girlfriend on every deck, especially the eighth deck where we had to visit every day. The lady Anadely was in love with him the first day and we are keeping in touch. She was lovely and we enjoy hearing form her. So now we are back to reality, and as I hear people talking, a lot of the families are leaving the Island in the next week for trips to warmer places. So, a safe trip to all and hope you have as much fun as we did.

The Howes House Writers who usually meet on Tuesdays at the Howes House in West Tisbury (UICOA) are on winter break and will reconvene in May of 2017.

On Feb. 28, 2017, at 5 p.m., the Federated Church will have in its Parish House, a Big Easy Mardi Gras Potluck. Emphasis on the Easy. This is a kid-friendly event.You want to dress up? You want to wear your beads? No problem. No problem if you don’t. Easy. You don’t need to cook jambalaya. But you can if you want to. Just bring an appetizer, soup or salad, an entrée, or a dessert of your choice. Please sign up in advance and mention what you plan to bring (appetizer, soup, salad, entrée or dessert). There is a sign-up sheet on the large bulletin board in the Parish House, or call 508-627-4421 or email admin@federatedchurchmv.org.

With everyone going on vacation I wish you all great fun and safe travels. Also, if you are here for vacation this next week, check out the activities that the Edgartown Library has available.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.

Send Edgartown news to kathleencase@comcast.net.