It has definitely been cold, and now we are looking at maybe our first winter storm. I have been watching my cousin’s kids in Delaware in the snow, and I’ve been kind of envious of the snow on the trees and the fun the kids are having. Then reality hits thinking about the slippery roads and shoveling. But then again, we may just get rain. We will see.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Jamily Dias and Joseph Ruzzo, who celebrated January 12, Mya Smith and Rafael Souza, January 13, Hailey Waters, January 14, Danika Peters, January 16, Emily Barbosa January 17, and to Linda Evangelista, and William Thornton who celebrate their day today January 18.

We have always been a special place and a great community. During this shutdown of our government, for those interested in helping the men and women at the Menemsha Coast Guard Station during the shutdown, monetary donations can be made to the Coast Guard Spouses Association of Menemsha, 20 Edys Island Way, Chilmark, MA 02535.

It is a hard time for many, especially this time of year, but I am sure any contribution will be appreciated.

For those of you who are on Facebook, you should investigate the Martha’s Vineyard Antique Photo page. It is fun and interesting to see the pictures of the old MV and how life once was on our Island.

On Sunday I was lucky to have been invited to go to the Patriots game. I have been before, but it was a few years back and I was very excited to go again. My friend Mark was given four tickets. His wife, Ellen, daughter Ella and I were supposed to go. Ellen, unfortunately, was ill and could not go, so we made the best of it and went forward with the plans. I know a few people on Island who have season tickets and go to almost every home game. For them, it is a ritual: coolers, grill, food, and beverages are first on the list.

We were not prepared, but turns out we did not need all that as we had tickets for the Club and we could get food inside. However, if you want the true experience, it is fun to pull into one of the many parking areas. Depending on how early you get there, there are some serious tailgaters.

The game was awesome. We won, we did not freeze, and I came home almost voiceless, which, if anyone who knows me, could be a good thing. It was great fun. I always hope people, even if they are not sports fans, get to go and feel all the excitement and energy that is a home game.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.