Greetings from the island everyone, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you lads and lasses! I may have to search the T-shirt rack to find a green colored one to wear, just in case someone stops by.
There were a few more weekend islanders out this past week, and I wasn’t sure why until someone mentioned that it was Spring Break for our area. Other than Christmas or Thanksgiving, I honestly don’t keep up with or have a clue when most happenings or holidays are taking place. My life on the island remains the same, regardless of what mainland special occasions or holidays are printed on a calendar. Just as I haven’t worn a watch for 17 years now, as the time of day or night is basically irrelevant out here, the same goes for holidays. Of course my calendar is definitely marked for Feb. 13 next year, the countdown date for SS benefits to begin. . . YAY!!
As I am writing this, the Springtime one hour clock change will take place in a few more days, providing us with more daylight in the evenings. I hear every year that the powers-that-be are gonna do away with switching back and forth with the twice a year time changes, but it surely has not happened. I do enjoy the extra time to do things in the evenings, so I’m hoping they will just leave it as – is after this change.
With Spring nearly upon us, the weather is finally making a change for the better lately. Other than the early mornings thick fog, and I mean very thick, to the point that everything on the ground is soaking wet, the sun is shining more and the temps are pleasant. My tiny tomato plants started from seed are slowly growing, and I’m getting the raised bed garden areas ready for planting them in about three more weeks. I don’t start my plants as early as most, because of the late norther high winds blowing across the island.
The sea-beans and assorted seashells are beginning to wash ashore on the island beach. Each Spring the sea-beans, which are actually seeds that grow on trees and bushes in South and Central America and the Caribbean, fall off the trees and bushes in streams and rivers, and eventually float across the ocean onto our beaches along the Gulf Coast. There are many different varieties in shapes and colors, and they are fun to search for and collect, often used to make into jewelry. When you get a chance, please Google “sea beans” to learn about them, and you’ll find yourself looking for these little treasures on your next trip to the beach.
With the warmer weather, I can see the grass starting to get greener and growing, and will certainly have a growth spurt when we finally get some decent rain on the island. We have had only a few tenths of rain the past several months, the showers always somehow missing the island. My island yard mowing business will very soon be in full swing, and I’ll stay busy keeping 12 islander yards mowed out here. But that’s OK, it gives me the opportunity for fresh air outside and some sun on my aging body.
Well, that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and don’t forget to wear your green on Saint Patty’s Day.
