Mother Nature is keeping us on our toes this winter. Now she has thrown in the wind to add to all the other winter weather. But we have to say we are lucky as there are so many people in our country dealing with what winter is delivering them.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Maria Gomes who celebrated Feb. 15; Ethan Burr, Feb. 16; Milena Gomes Da Silva, Feb. 17; Joshua Lloyd, Feb. 18; and to Penelope Bedo, who celebrated Feb. 20.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Floyd Norton. Floyd passed away Feb. 14, at home which is where he wanted to be. Floyd was the husband of Jan Norton, and they were a big part of my life. In 1980, they built a barn on their land by Sweetened Water Farm, and Jan and I moved our horses there. Floyd worked hard to help get it ready for us while planning their house. Floyd loved the water and his happy place was out fishing on his boats. He grew up by the water as his childhood home was the Anchors where the Edgartown Council on aging is located. Having lived to 95 years old, he had many great stories of growing up in Town and the changes over the years.

He was a quiet man and enjoyed his Island life. In his later years he loved his rides around town and enjoyed his Friday nights at the Wharf Pub having his prime rib and martini, especially if he was with his family. Floyd’s great pride was his children and their spouses, Stuart and Cathi Norton, and Debbie Norton and her husband Bill Snyder. He will be missed by many.

Every once in a while, we are reminded how much we rely on the boats that bring our food, mail, building supplies or whatever necessity we need. Just even traveling off the Island for appointments or even an emergency, we are at the hands of the Steamship Authority. I am not complaining or criticizing, we are not in this situation often, but when it happens it is a quick reminder of what is needed to live here.

If you are like me, when January comes and we have to get the dog license, I panic if I need to get the dog her rabi shot. I get the three-year shot so it is hard to keep track. So, I know it is early but mark your calendars for April 5 as there will be a rabis clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Tisbury public safety building. The cost is $25.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.