Since 1887 we have relied upon Punxsutawney Phil to reveal to us the just how long winters grasp will hang on. Despite the mild winter thus far he proclaimed from his dwelling atop Gobblers Knob that spring will come early. I’m not actually certain what the remainder of the season truly has in store for us, but for now folks are taking advantage of mild temperatures to, as they say, “git ‘er dun!”

Some may raise a brow when I genuinely state I miss snow and all that is associated with winter. It’s New England after all. Dealing with the elements is what makes us hearty and allows us the opportunity to truly appreciate the arrival of spring.

Emmett Carroll and John Larsen celebrated birthdays that coincided with both Groundhogs Day and the 54th Super Bowl. Emmett filled the house with family and friends —minus my sister in law Kendra and niece Emme who were both under the weather — lined the table with too many choices on entrees and I made an attempt at my own version of tar paper cake. The sheen on top wasn’t quite as glossy as Great Grandma Bette Carroll’s, but I think the flavor was pretty good. Do any of you have tips for getting the tar paper just right? I’m all ears and will gladly share samples with anyone wanting to pass along advice.

Robin Smith took her retirement from the K/1 classroom to the next level. She has just returned from quite the adventure in Trinidad & Tobago. I was thrilled to listen to her travel stories full of first time experiences and memory-making moments.

High schooler Bella Thorpe had her civics lesson come alive and maybe even had the opportunity to take a picture with a candidate running for president when traveling to Iowa this past week for the caucus. Did you know resident children of Iowa, if they are 18 years old by November, can participate in the caucus?

Anne and Jonathan Mayhew traveled to New Zealand to see the sights and partake in adventure. Part of the draw to this far away place is the presence of son Matt and his dreamy bride, Molly. Molly has been furthering her education in marine conservation at the University of Victoria. Her program soon wraps up and when she and Matt return to town after their year-long adventure there will be stories and new ideas to share.

Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., local coffee aficionado/guru/god Todd Christy will be manning his brewers at the Grey Barn Farm Stand. You’re probably curious to know why this is such a big deal. Well, let me tell you. The Grey Barn’s bakery team will be pushing out some delectable cinnamon buns. From what I hear Todd will be pulling espresso shots, too. Fresh baked gooey buns warm out of the oven and fresh brewed coffee consumed alongside friends sounds pretty special.

After the internal buzz of cinnamon buns and coffee have worn off, a perfect dinner might be fresh sea scallops harvested by our very own Wes Brighton aboard the Martha Rose. Wes has been offloading in Vineyard Haven to the team at the Menemsha Fish House. Stanley and Lanette Larsen have had Wes’s scallops in their case at Menemsha Fish Market. One of our favorite young men, Otto Osmers, youngest offspring to Daisy and Chris, has been living a life of adventure aboard the Martha Rose. Winter commercial fishing is quite an experience.