March certainly has come in like a lion. The temperature has risen a bit, but the wind has kept us in our warm coats, hats and gloves. The sun is shining and that makes a big difference, and I noticed the daffodils are starting to grow.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Benjamin Brown, who celebrated March 7; Madilyn Millard, March 9; Kennedy Garrison, March 11; and to Elias Graves who celebrated March 13.

I ran into Annie Hale Long the other day. I inherited this column from her 20-some-odd years ago. We grew up together in Vineyard Haven, and we shared our love for horses. I jokingly asked if she had any news, and she said the Pinkletinks are out. Usually it is Pam Dolby’s husband who lets me know about that lovely spring sound, but Annie beat him to the punch.

It is so nice to have it light when you get home from work. You can get some things done outside and walk the dog or yourself and enjoy your surroundings. Plus, you can enjoy the sunset after dinner.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. The Stop & Shop is full of potatoes on sale cabbage and carrots are plentiful and of course the corned beef. We were talking at work, and I think the popular vote is the hash the next day for either breakfast or dinner.

Of course, the corned beef comes in all packaged with the little spice package to add to the cooking. Back when Cronig’s was on Main street in Vineyard Haven, I worked in the meat room, and Robbie Cronig, had a huge crock pot full of brine in the cooler full of beef. I remember the first time I saw it and thought I would never eat that! Turns out it was the best corned beef, but I laugh that it would never be approved by any health department these days, especially when he just reached in and grabbed a roast out of the brine and just wrapped it up and gave it to the customer.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.