The sun is shining, the birds are singing, you can notice that it is lighter later, and if you are an early riser it is getting lighter earlier. Spring is on its way. I have even seen pictures of daffodils that are out.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons to all the students who had their day. I am sorry but I do not have my list. But I hope you all have special days.

I am once again headed to Swansea to meet Elliot and stay for a few days. I am on the boat with other people hunting and pecking on their keyboards, so I don’t feel alone.

As I was waiting for the boat to pull out, I glanced at Owen Park Beach. It looks so much smaller than I remember as a child growing up, when my friends and I would walk from Skiff avenue to the beach to meet up with other friends and stay the day. Some of the friends would meet the ferry coming in and call out, “How ‘bout a coin?” And the tourists — and, I suspect, Islanders — would throw coins in the water and they would dive down and collect them. Some had pockets and some would just put the coins in their cheeks. The saltwater killed all the germs, right? I never was a great swimmer so I just watched. It was fun.

After the afternoon in the sun, our tired and sunburned bodies gathered our things and headed home. As we passed the A&W root beer stand, most of the divers were there spending their hard-earned coins. Of course it is not allowed now to dive for coins, but those were some of the best summer days.

I think we all know that we are always five to ten degrees cooler than the cities. But I always think you really notice it the minute you cross those bridges. Today when we crossed, it was warmer again. Not summer warmer but you were comfortable without a jacket. It felt good but I will take it cooler any day.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.