We have had a buffet of weather this week. Warm, rain and raw, wind and sun, warm and clouds. Things are looking up as it is getting warmer.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Matheo Gomes and Davi Prata, who celebrated on March 31, Kaya Tucker on April 2, Debora Flores on April 3, Matthew Albelo on April 4, and to Nathan Brodeur and Nicholas Silva who celebrated their day on April 5.

Congratulations to the Minnesingers, who performed at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) festival last weekend in Norwood for the first time since 1994. MICCA holds a statewide music festival with college-level judging and it features some of the best musicians. It was a great experience: the students learned a lot and won a silver medal. The singers work hard. They are led by Abigail Chandler who is a former Minnesinger herself. Congratulations to all.

With the weather getting nice and the spring bulbs starting to come into full bloom, people are smiling and trying to fill their outside window boxes and pots with pansies, hyacinths, tulips and daffodils. All the beautiful colors lift everyone’s spirits. You might be tempted to put other annuals in but remember: it is only April. The last frost date is May 15 but we always recommend Memorial Day, just to be safe.

Vineyard Conservation Society is happy to announce the date for this year’s Beach Clean-up. Join them on April 22 and clean up your favorite beach. Volunteers will be there with bags and gloves, or BYO.

New this year: the after-party will be held at the MV Museum from 12 to 4 p.m. It is a celebration with the Vineyard’s conservation community and all are welcome. Beach cleaners will be served a free lunch and everyone will be given free entry to the museum. There will be fun activities for all ages, mini-presentations, short films, food and prizes.

Times have changed. Boys are not getting new suits; young girls are not getting new dresses, hats, coats, pocketbooks, and new patent leather Mary Janes for Easter. I can still hear Reverend John Schule, smiling at his over-filled congregation, saying, “Yes, we are here every Sunday” to the non-regular parishioners. But I know there are still family dinners, egg hunts, basket hunts, egg coloring activities and, of course, Peeps. However you spend your Easter, I hope you have a great day with family and friends.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.