We are still on the roller coaster. The ice has been the challenge. But underneath all this snow and ice, I have a crocus that is blooming and the daffodils are coming up. That is a sure sign of spring.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Valentina Santana, who celebrated on March 1, Emily Alimateia on March 2, Callie Oteri on March 3, and to Lethicia Diniz, who celebrates her day on March 4.

I reported last week that I had my great nephew Finley with us for school vacation. I can happily report that it was a successful week. We played at the playground, walked the beach, went to the museum (which was fabulous), watched endless movies, and had popcorn for dinner and ice cream for dessert.

But my most impressive time was going to the library to pick out books for him to read before bed. I can tell you firsthand that we are so lucky to have the staff that operates the library. We walked in to be greeted by Lisa Sherman and Tom Ignacio. They looked up my Clams card that I got at the old library a long time ago. We updated it with a few smiles of “am I going to use it a little more now?” They then directed us to see Elyce Retmier, whose title is coordinator of youth services. She took Finley and asked him all the questions, and for the next 15 or 20 minutes led him around the room, looking and explaining about all the books that interested him. We came out with two and were waiting for two to come in, and they emailed to inform me they had arrived. Finley was smiling and happy with his books and I walked away with a new appreciation for the library.

Tom Dresser’s book coming out later this year will be titled Martha’s Vineyard in the Roaring 20s. He is looking for stories that Vineyarders might have heard about Prohibition, flappers or women’s right to vote. A lot happened in that era and this is a chance to share a tale or photo from a century ago. You may email him at thomasdresser@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Warner Hess, daughter of Mark and Kelly Hess, who just graduated from the Aveda Institute of Nashville. She also landed her dream job. We look forward to seeing what Warner’s new life adventure brings her.

The Anchors is happy to be re-open for in-person programs. They have some great programs for seniors and brown bag lunches to go.

Masks are still required.

Town is noticeably quiet with school vacation on. The Stop & Shop parking lot had spaces available at peak time; you could get into the post office lot without holding your breath, and my street is very quiet and empty. I always look forward to seeing it buzzing again.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.