We have been smiling. The sun is shining, the temperatures are warm, at least for now. But we will take it. Of course March is coming and who knows what it will have in store for us.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Laila Branca who celebrated her day Feb. 16, Ana Mendez, Feb. 17, Olivia Coyle, Ciao Souza, Feb. 19, Brooklyn Petersen, Feb. 21, Wyatt Grady, Feb. 22, Quinn Filiault, Feb. 23, Matheus Lage, and Otavio Xavier, Feb. 24, and to Sarah Lively who celebrates her day today Feb. 28.

Congratulations to Kraig and Ashley Mundt on the birth of their daughter Maizey Mae Mundt, born Monday Feb. 24. Maizey weighed six pounds, nine ounces and was 19 inches long. Maizey’s grandparents are Roger and Sharon Spinney and Patty Mundt and Kurt Mundt. Congratulations to all.

I am home after two busy weeks with my family and welcoming Amelia Agnes Lambert. She was born Feb. 12 at 3:30 am and weighed eight pounds, three ounces. She is beautiful, and her brothers Oliver and Jonah think she is awesome. It was busy but being home, I find it very quiet and I sure do miss those kids.

Continuing with Island kids doing great, I am writing about Riley Craig, son of Gail Gardner, and Jamie Craig. I asked Gail about Riley and this is what she sent me:

Riley shipped out on Dec. 16 and our only contact with him has been with letters. No phone calls are allowed. He has been finishing up his final testing at Parris Island over the last week. He qualified as expert rifleman. He takes part in the Crucible this Thursday, through the 29th. It is 54 hours, 48 miles, six hours of sleep, two-three MREs, 45 pounds of gear, 36 warrior stations and 29 team building exercises. It is their final test and if they pass, they receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and are officially Marines. He can also finally make phone calls home that day. He is currently scheduled to graduate on March 13 and then he gets leave for about 10 days before he heads to infantry training at Camp Lejeune.

Riley, you make us all proud and we thank you for your service.

Offshore Ale Company in Oak Bluffs is sponsoring Dine to Donate to benefit the Friends Of the Edgartown Free Public Library for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. A ticket, which is available at the library, on its website or from any of the Friends, must be presented at the time of payment. A silent auction with many fine items will also be displayed. Reservations are recommended.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.