Although we’ve had a couple of frosty mornings in the past week or so, I think we can definitively say the northern hemisphere has officially entered spring. Although it wasn’t a particularly harsh winter, the gray rainy days have taken a backseat. The little hints of spring nature gives makes you appreciate the chill is almost over.

Not only have the daffodils bloomed along with the mayflowers, forsythia and hyacinth, the ospreys have been busy building nests, along with the house wren that has set up shop in the corner of my chicken coop. Seven speckled eggs, if they hatch, will keep mama and papa bird very busy until they, quite literally, fly the coop.

Another sure sign of spring is Menemsha Harbor coming to life with boating activity. Not only has Chris Mayhew set some gear on Solitude, but Paul McDonald is back to setting pots after a winter in Colorado. The ever present and faithful lobstermen Wayne Iacono and Chris Stein are back at it as well.

There’s a new boat in the harbor and her name in Aurora. Although he’s dabbled in commercial fishing, Casey Elliston has jumped in to the commercial fishing world feet first. He’s excited to fully commit to the venture. Take note, however, three-year-old Winston believes Aurora is his boat so you might overhear him and his dad debating who’s in charge. It is nice when your kids are fully supportive of your ventures and equally as nice when your partner is, too. Way to go, Julia.

Scott McDowell steamed into the harbor on Lauren C after venturing to pick her up from her winter’s nap stowed away at Niemiec Marine. When asked how it felt to get her back in the water, Scott’s reply was simply, “Surreal.”

Larsen’s Fish Market doors opened for the 2024 season on Thursday, May 2. The crew has been in there prepping the space for deliveries. The excitement of having full cases of fresh fish and tanks brimming with lobsters is palpable. Next door at the Seafood Collaborative, Will Diamond and crew are eagerly looking forward to purchasing sea scallops from F/V Martha Rose who was in port for a quick pitstop before going to the fishing grounds to catch their quota.

Another sure sign of spring is the day Fairhaven Capt. Tim Powers steams into the harbor on F/V Gloria Jean. He’s happy to bring fluke to market, bait to the lobstermen and a cheerful hello to his friends.

Hugh Singer is back from a winter of Alaskan crab fishing. The younger of Claire Ganz’s two sons is happily back working for the MV Shipyard. Work brought him to Menemsha the other day as they were setting Menemsha Pond moorings. Claire happened to pop to the Texaco with perfect timing for a Hugh hug.

Saturday May 4 at 2 p.m. family and friends of Beth Flanders Campbell will gather at 20 Rumpus Ridge to share memories and stories. There are so many ways to remember a loved one so just find the time to do it in a way that best suits you. Gather thoughts about Beth in your head. Gather a few snapshots of her smiling face. Scroll through a playlist and let the music dance you through memories. Write her a letter and share it with her daughters Jessica and Mariah. Do what works for you and if that’s just quietly showing up and standing in the back then that works, too.

Nancy Aronie has just released her summer schedule for the Chilmark Writing Workshop. She will be offering two sessions from July 1 to 4 and August 12 to 15. Each session will be limited in size in order for a more intimate writing experience. Get your pen ready, your thoughts brewing and reach out by way of her website chilmarkwritingworkshop.com or call/text Nancy at 508-274-4296.

May 10 is right around the corner. If you don’t already have something taking up space on your calendar, be sure to set aside noon to 2 p.m. to join friends and neighbors as they celebrate Jane Slater and her receipt of the Historical Commission Award at the Chilmark Library. In 1939, at the age of seven, Jane, along with her brother the late Conrad Newman, made Chilmark home. Since that day she knew there was something special about town so in 1998, after raising her own children and finding a little extra free time, she joined the Chilmark Historical Commission. Jane became chair in 2002 and it wasn’t until 2022 that she turned over the helm to Barbara Morgan Armstrong. Jane continues to share her steadfast “Cricker” voice at monthly meetings of the commission. Please bring your Jane stories on May 10 along with your appetite as nibbles and sweets will be served.

I hope May Day brought flowers and treats to your door.