I keep hearing that people are sick of this weather already and they are ready for spring. However, if they thought about last winter we had several inches of snow and it was a lot colder. We saw our first bit of snow this week but not enough for shovels or plows, just a nice coating so that now I feel like Christmas!

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Emily Anderson and Jonathan Ruzzo who celebrated their day Jan. 11; Joseph Ruzzo, Jan. 12; Kyle Rollins, Jan. 15, and to Elias Gundersen and James Murray who celebrate their day today, Jan. 16.

If you have a sore throat, can’t talk or have a cough and feel like bed is the place to be, don’t feel alone. I have several friends that have it or their children have it or their children’s children have it. I have had it since Christmas and I know people are praying my full voice volume won’t come back, but many of us have been to the doctor and they are all saying the same thing — that it is a viral cold and the only thing good for it is rest and lots of fluids. It will take a few weeks to get rid of it. Wow, what a way to spend the winter. So take care of yourself and drink lots of fluids.

The Federated Church will resume serving free lasagna dinners from 12:30 to 2 p.m. every Sunday starting Jan. 11 through the final Sunday in March. They welcome everyone Islandwide. Please spread the word, they realize that not all have access to news media, radios and computers. For questions or in the case of inclement weather, please email antispung@aol.com.

Also, on Monday nights downstairs at the Whaling Church is a community dinner that starts with salad then main course and dessert. The cost is whatever you can donate. I went a few times last winter with a friend and I want to tell you that it was great to see people there who may not take the time to make themselves a meal. It was a great place to see people so you don’t eat alone.

Back by popular demand, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is once again celebrating the faces of Martha’s Vineyard with a second Island Faces portrait competition in collaboration with Featherstone Center for the Arts. Three years ago, the museum held its first portrait contest inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s annual contest. Members and visitors greeted the exhibition that resulted with great enthusiasm. A panel of judges from the Island’s art community will jury the competition. The winning portraits will debut in an exhibit opening at the museum on Sept. 4, 2015. The public will once again be able to vote on a separate People’s Choice category, the winners of which will be featured at Featherstone beginning Nov. 8, 2015. Entry forms and additional details are available on the museum’s website, mvmuseum.org.

In the summertime we always complain about how long it takes us to get through Stop & Shop. Well, I have to say now that it is winter it takes twice as long but it is more pleasurable because you get to see and talk to people you haven’t seen since last spring, and you actually have time to stop and say hi and catch up.

I had fun catching up with Holly Mercier and how she is doing with her five Labrador retrievers, two of which she and Chad just adopted. Are they nuts, maybe, but they are happy and they are great owners. All of the dogs lucked out.

Martha Smith came down the grocery aisle and joined us in the four-legged conversation. She looks great and is on a little downtime, but I’m sure she keeps plenty busy.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.

Send your Edgartown news to: kathleencase@comcast.net.