The sun is shining, the trees are budding, some flowers are blooming and allergy season is very much upon us. Scratchy eyes sneezing and sore throats, but nobody is really complaining because the colors are great pick me-ups and the sun is shining. There have been a few flip-flop days.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Harrison Crowell, Elliot Klein and Afonso Malta, who all celebrated April 7; Luiz Dos Santos, Avery Ducharme and Julia Marino on April 8; Mabel DeRoche on April 9; Madelyn Crowell and Hunter Gilkes on April 10; Jacoby Hartman and Alyssa Moreira on April 11; Ana Da Silva on April 12; and to Alice De Oliveira and Benjamin Soars, who celebrated their day on April 13.

C.B. Stark Jewelers is a Vineyard staple that has provided style and creativity to the Island community for more than 57 years. The business has two locations, both on the Main streets of Vineyard Haven and Edgartown. The Vineyard Haven store just reopened after a big renovation. They’ll be holding a sale this week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at both locations.

With my niece Debbie and her man-friend Rico, I went to the Easter sunrise service held on Memorial Wharf. It was a beautiful sunrise with about 15 people. Mark Lovewell led the music selection. Rev. Mark Winters from the Federated Church led the service. He was very good and energetic, and had us participate in the service to make it even more personal and inspirational.

I am sitting here at my computer wondering how to finish this column. I am looking out the window, watching the cars file by with parents dropping their children off at school. I am smiling and glad that I don’t have to try to get out of my driveway this morning.

I just read that at town meeting they voted to improve the kindergarten area at the school. I am so happy; many people use it both during school and after. I love watching children play in all the playgrounds. I know they are breathing the fresh air. The weather is improving and I see more children arriving on scooters and bikes, so please keep an eye out for them.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.