I am tired of dressing like a Smurf. Much as I love my Patriots winter hat I am tired of walking around the house and going to sleep with it on. I am tired of dressing like the Michelin tire man to go grab a cup of coffee at Cumby’s. And, although I have warned them, I am tired of getting phone calls from alleged friends in California, Texas and Florida where the callers announce the temperature before they even say hello. Next winter, I could be writing this column from Jamaica!

Amber Willoughby was visiting her sister, Ashley Byrd, in San Marcos, Tex. during school vacation week. Her plane was delayed upon return because of the storm in Boston. When she tried to leave two days later she was driven to the airport, only to realize she forgot her wallet. She is supposedly now winging her way home today. We shall see. I guess Amber doesn’t enjoy cold weather either.

Moving south from the cold in Maine is Karen Cimeno. Karen has returned to the Vineyard where she was born. Karen is now closer to mom Anita Cimeno who is at Windemere. Remember our many friends at Windemere and visit when you can.

Meanwhile, Island stalwart Billy Dias is at the Royal Falmouth Nursing Home, room 216, 545 Main Street, Falmouth, 02540. Drop Billy a card, he would love to hear from you. If you are shopping in that area, please stop in to see him.

My neighbor, Mary Afton, is busy making slime to sell. Her intent is to raise money for the Red Stocking fund. If you need slime, call me and tell me your color choice. Red Stocking fundraising goes on all year.

The third annual heroes hockey game will take place Saturday, March 8. Puck drop is 5 p.m. at the M.V. Ice Arena. Our Island police play our Island firefighters. You may meet the players at 3 p.m., touch a fire truck at 4 p.m., and enjoy the game and rivalry at 5 p.m. This event benefits the Island Autism Group. Very close to my heart. I’ll see you there.

Also close to my heart is the Island Food Pantry which has been very much used this winter. We can celebrate on March 14 at Offshore Ale at the Dine to Donate event where 20 per cent of their profits during lunch and dinner go to the food pantry. There will also be a silent auction. Another good way to get out of the house.

When you attend this event you can easily drive to Offshore with the additional light we will have after this weekend. Yep, spring forward. And I hope the temperature follows suit.

Congratulations to our Morrice the Florist. Our long-running flower shop has been voted 14th best in the country. Hard work and beautiful flowers! Stop by to see their new stock.

Erica Bunker Ponte passed on March 2. Erica was a sweet woman, a beautiful redhead, a great mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend. Our condolences to her husband, children, family and many friends. Donations in her name may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, 02568. Her services will be held at a later time.

The birthday bandwagon ushered in Cynthia Mascott on March 2. Sam Byrd celebrated on March 4. Glen Andrews claimed March 5. And on March 6 David and Doug Seward took the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.