It is that fresh and fabulous time of the season when most of us who have ever caught the bug to get down and dirty in our flower beds, gardens, and yards are really in our glory. Although I am now confined to the deck of our condo to keep my green thumb skills in gear, we have already planned to start a few mini-tomato plants, will add some potted flowers, and can then just sit back in the sunshine with a cool drink and watch them grow. The sure sign that spring has now officially arrived is when that stubborn quack grass starts growing everywhere, the trees are budding, and most everyone is out and about in a joyful mood and wearing a whole lot less clothes than they were in March.
We just returned from Victoria, where we had a great visit with dad and Jean, who are now all settled into their bright and comfortable care home. This was our first April trip out to the island, and we were totally overwhelmed by the thousands of flowers and trees that are currently in full technicolor bloom, complete with lots of birds, bees, and bugs, as well as far too many noisy seagulls.
Everyone will now be dashing off to the garden centres and greenhouses to stock up on the natural goodies, which, after lots of primping and pruning, will slowly transform their little piece of backyard heaven into a green and colorful paradise. No matter what you may choose, please remember that your yard and garden is all yours.....to enjoy and do with what you wish, while always trying to stay in synch with the neighbours.
Always warm up for your spring sport
This week the ball, soccer, and tennis players, along with the golfers, and all the rest will be heading out into the green fields to warm up for their exciting spring season of fun with your chosen team, buddies, and families. April can still produce some chilly weather, especially in the evenings, so please try to dress accordingly and limber up slowly so that you don’t throw out an arm, or pull some of those muscles that may have been just a little inactive during this past long and hard winter. The school athletic program will soon be venturing outside for track and field, football, soccer, and all the rest, so dig those favourite sneakers out of the closet (or locker), and have a great season in the sun, from now until June. One of my favourite pastimes in High School sports was hanging out with the cheer squad and riding on the bus to cover the games for the local newspaper. Thank goodness the elementary school duffers can now dash out into the playgrounds at recess, where they can enjoy 15 casual minutes of swinging and swaying, marbles, playing games, or chasing the girls.
Please watch the newspaper and the bulletin boards for the announcement of all your spring and summer sporting events and activities. It is always a good idea to sign up early, as well as to phone your local golf courses to check on playing conditions, and to book early tee-times. As well as lots of happy participants of all ages, all these upcoming events will require lots of volunteers for umpiring, coaching, scorekeeping, transportation, and much more. Parents and cheering fans on the sidelines are always appreciated, and then on most evenings and weekends it all comes together to make for a super season. Also, don’t you dare forget how easy it is to get outside and organize our own pick-up game of road hockey, softball, soccer, Frisbee, bocce, shooting hoops, or whatever else you might enjoy with family and friends.
How about a few chuckles?
● It’s so cold out there I just saw a teenage boy with his pants pulled up.
● Our bed is a magical place where we suddenly remember everything we were supposed to do.
● Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hand and then eat just one of the pieces.
● If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.
● Notice in the church bulletin: Ladies, please don’t forget the rummage sale on Wednesday. Here is a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house....bring your husband’s.
● Daughter to mother: ‘Mom, what’s it like to have the greatest daughter in the world?’ Mother to daughter: ‘I don’t know dear, ask your grandmother.’
On that note please start planning now to spoil and pamper those dear ladies on Mother’s Day (Sunday-May 11th), and have a great week, all of you.
HAMMERTIME