Here we are the end of January. We have had Arctic air, followed by fog and warm weather — and my dog is shedding like crazy. I don’t know, is this a good sign?

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Kayo De Oliveira, who celebrated Jan. 20, Rita Hurley and Addison Shemit, Jan. 22, and to Autumn Donnelly who celebrated Jan. 23.

This is the time of year when news is quiet. People have hunkered down in their houses or have gone south. Some are still working and traveling to gift shows for filling the stores and businesses for the next season.

The million dollar question of the summer is, what do you do during the winter after everyone is gone? I always have the same answer: whatever you want. You can be as busy as you want. I had to go to Falmouth this morning, and I was talking to Eric Bassett who was on his way to New York, then down south for a few weeks. That is how he spends his time. There are those that are active in many activities like committees for church or school. It is like anyplace else you live — it is how you live it.

One big activity lately is searching for the snowy owl. Some travel the Beach Road daily and some go down to Norton Point beach to see if they can get a glimpse of him or her. Social media carries great pictures, and I love watching the challenge.

Another site on Facebook is Sea Glass of MV. People show their treasures they find after a walk on the beach. I love the marbles, which I didn’t understand until recently is from a beach where people go and find a marble and then throw one of their own back in to keep the cycle going. The marbles take on the look of sea glass. I will try it some day when it is a little warmer. But I love looking at all the pieces people find and how they use them.

Of course there is always taking a walk around town, or taking a drive around the Island while the traffic is less and enjoying the views we rarely get to look at in the spring and summer. With the leaves gone, you can really see how many houses are in the woods.

The next few weeks will be filled with sports. The Patriots are the main focus but we also have the Olympics coming up. There is always one sport that people like to watch and keep up with.

Whatever activity you like to do to keep you busy during these down months, enjoy and relax, as it won’t be long before rush will be on again.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.

Send Edgartown news to kathleencase@comcast.net.