So when I was writing my column last week, the temperature was in the teens, but by the time anyone reads the column, it will be full-on sweatshirt weather. Now it’s snowing. What will Thursday hold this week? I can’t keep up. I just hope the robins that were in my yard last week have found somewhere warm to hide while the weather gets its act together.
We had friends in from Somerville this weekend. Krista Daly and Joe Grotto caught the bus down for the long weekend, and man did we run them ragged! From oysters to full-moon walks to all our secret winter haunts, we sure found enough to keep us busy. It is fun to see the February Vineyard through the eyes of visitors. Sometimes you have to get a bit more creative about how to pass the time, but there is still plenty to keep everyone occupied.
Dick, Jane, and Lisa Barbini were the next through the revolving door of unending St. John hospitality. I was texted some pictures of everyone enjoying a meal in Cruz Bay. I’m always proud of Dick when he gets his feet sandy, as he is of the “Can’t someone get a vacuum in this place already?” camp of beachgoers. Hope you guys had fun.
What with The Wharf now among those closed for the next few weeks, I was surprised to find Main Street filled with cars from one end to the other Saturday night. Where are all these people, I wondered. There were a ton of folks in town for the Regional High School hockey tournament, but the others? Still a mystery.
My father reports a bluebird sighting out on Slough Cove Road last week. Usually my dad’s birding tidbits represent a lack of news, but when the temp just can’t make up its mind, these little signs of spring are quite newsworthy methinks. Can’t wait to hear those pinkletinks achirping. I did see a bunny crossing Main Street last night in front of Skip Tomassian’s place. I had to wonder if it was the chicken’s day off.
Felix Neck will offer a Twig and Berry Identification Workshop on Saturday, March 12, from 1 to 2:30 pm. Learn to identify trees in winter by using a key to twigs to unveil the mystery of trees and bare branches. After learning how to be twig detectives, take to the trails to test your new skills. Don’t forget to dress for the weather — whatever that may be.
Happy, happy birthday to Brooke Avakian, who celebrates today. A pop of the cork in your honor, friend. Birthday wishes also go out to Linda Condlin, who will count Mickey and Minnie Mouse among her birthday companions, as she celebrates at Disney World, February 27. A toss of confetti to twins Kurstin and Jackie Meehan, February 28, and to Ryan Barbini, March 2. Hope you all have a good one!
School vacation begins this weekend. I’ve heard of several plans to hit the slopes, while many others will be donning tee-shirts in Cinderella’s castle. I hope you all have fun, safe vacations, if you plan on getting away. And if you’re sticking around, get out and enjoy whatever it is Mother Nature has in store for us this week. And either way, don’t forget to report back!
