The Vineyard’s most peaceful and least frantic week of the year is drawing to an end. It’s the turning point of winter as spring appears on the horizon, and we have been blessed with appropriate weather, sunny and mild. All but the most stubborn mounds of snow have retreated into puddles, then disappeared.

The schools were closed this week, and many an Island parent has taken a child or two to northern ski slopes, southern sun, or simply a mainland vacation. Those of us who remain enjoy our reduced numbers, note the closed cafes and coffeehouses, and take a walk on the winter beach by ourselves. Now March is here. Times will be busy again soon enough, soon enough indeed.