Clint & Barnacle

Staying Active As The Island Years Add Up

Greetings from the island everyone. Hope all of you are doing well and had a nice Easter with the family. The cats and I gave our thanks and then I stayed on the island, working in the garden and mowing two of the nine island cabin yards that I maintain out here for extra income. And with the warmer weather and rain, the grass has really taken off and is growing tall.

Last Fall I invested in a small rear engine riding mower for the larger yards, and it certainly has made life a little easier. I’m beginning to understand the effects that aging takes on a person’s aching joints and mobility, so any device that makes physical labor easier is indeed very welcome. I don’t have a problem with getting older and living longer, I just wish my rotund body was equally as excited. Oh well, this month makes nine years living full time on the island, and if I can coerce my body to cooperate, I’ll be shooting for 29 more.

I’m beginning to see the yearly Spring ritual of beautiful migrating birds making their brief stop-over on the island. A variety of vibrant and multi-colored sparrows, yellow-headed blackbirds and hummingbirds have already arrived, and more species will start arriving shortly. It reminds me of the type of birds you would see in a tropical oasis, seeming out of place for south Texas, but a very welcome sight.

Of course the dreaded Spring arrival of rattlesnakes has also began, with several already being killed and unfortunately many more lying in wait on the island. I can never stress enough to visitors and newcomers that March thru June is prime rattler months, and you must be vigilant in keeping a lookout for them with every step you take.

Well, that’s it from the island for now; everyone take care, have a great day and enjoy the nice Spring weather.