Mark Twain summarized our passionate sentiment about the arrival of spring this way: “It’s spring fever…and when you’ve got it, you want-oh, you don’t quite know what it is you want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” Although this winter has been mild compared to recent years, it’s still been long and our beloved Grey Lady has lived up to her endeared moniker far too many days of late. Grey days or not, there are still glimpses (and sounds) that springtime is here and they certainly do make our heart ache for sunshine and balmy breezes.

Mr. Twain might have been speaking directly about Nantucket when he also cleverly quipped, “In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.” Indeed, our charming little island is well known for her mood swings. A jaw dropping sunrise in the morning gives way to rolling clouds and downpours. By noon, Mr. Sunshine dares to peak through, but is quickly extinguished by a huge blanket of cold wet fog. Before we can Google search ACK weather, it’s raining again – sideways this time – courtesy of our most annoying frenemy – Ms.Wind. We love the famed “prevailing winds” in July and August when it’s time to hoist the sails. In March and April – not so much.

Even when she’s temperamental, Nantucket gives us copious reasons to love her…especially in the springtime. This week, I heard the peeper’s singing their springtime song for the first time this season. The little chorus frog’s melody is the perfect background music for the grand entrance of the daffodils, crocus and iris. Although a bit dazed and confused like the rest of us this time of year, the birds and geese are slowly returning from their winter havens. They too are singing and honking with the certainty and happiness that comes from the assurance brighter days are ahead.

If Mother Nature weren’t enough to get us excited to break out our shirt sleeves and flip flops, the bustling island activity certainly is. Every side street is lined with landscaping trucks and crews busily prepping lawns, gardens and flower boxes. Restaurants are reopening with new menus and in many cases new management teams. Retail owners are rolling up the window shades and unpacking cases of new wares. I had the honor of being the very first customer in Pinwheels last week where the children’s Easter dresses and bright colored smocks put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. My grandkids are going to be spreading spring sunshine in their chic new attire!

Come enjoy springtime on Nantucket before the crowds arrive and the real hustle bustle begins. Reserve a table at the new and improved Club Car or grab a barstool with Rich at the SeaGrille. Stop into Stephanie’s, The Lovely or Millie & Grace to outfit your best gal (or yourself!) with a trendy spring wardrobe. Or simply plan a long weekend at The Nantucket Hotel or The Greydon House where you can spend some time enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. Regardless of the weather, the little chorus frogs are assuring us it’s here.

Trust the peeps!