Early Spring (?) update...

Well, I'm about a week early this year on my spring update on things here on McCartyville Road, but like so many others in Ohio, I'm pretty hungry (maybe even desperate) for spring to get here. I went back to my manual for retirees and looked at what it said about winter. Yep, late winter still pretty much is for the birds ('spose that's why they're in Florida and not here). But the manual was revised to add March in Ohio to that Yuk! time. The only saving grace is that it's only 8 hours to somewhat warmer weather and golf courses in North Carolina.

So enough with the whining. Here's what's going on in the country. I got an early spring application of fertilizer on the yard about three weeks ago. We had a little stretch of warm, dry days and was able to get that done. Then the rains came and the grass turned the nicest shade of green and filled in well. So far, I've cut it three times and the mower is set at 3.5". We were in NY last week to see Doug, Danika and Quinn. It rained most of the week before we left so I didn't get to cut it; then it was sunny and warm while we were gone and it shot up. You're right -- when we got back it rained again for a couple of days and the grass was up to Bailey's belly. I got through it yesterday, had the mower set at 4" and had quite a few clumps. I'm not into raking it though, bad for the shoulders and really bad for the golf swing. I'll cut a few more times this week and get it back under control.

I think this weekend we'll get the patio furniture out of the barn. Can't wait to get the hammock up. I've got a cold beer and a new book waiting to be enjoyed.

Critters around the yard are having a good spring. So far, I have counted 4 big rabbits, but Pam saw a little baby bunny in the front yard this morning so I'm sure there are more around somewhere. "Betty and Joe" (the two ducks that have been hanging around here for the past two years) have been back a lot so far. It wouldn't surprise me if they build a nest over in the reeds on the far side of the pond. It's kinda neat watching them swim around on the edges, eating and just quacking away. I have also found four birds' nests so far, and each of them have eggs in them. I'll get some pictures of the babies when they hatch.

Since coming back from the NC road trip, I've played three 9-hole rounds (42, 43, and 45) and think I should be OK this year. Haven't had the boat out yet and, for that matter, I haven't taken the poles out of the barn yet. Need to do that next week and put some new line on a couple of them. If you've ever fished for catfish, you know how line can get all twisted and stretched and kinky when the end of a season comes around. Probably should change it more often, might catch some more fish -- do you think?

Well, it's almost time to head up to the high school. I help out in the concession stand for spring sports. It's kinda fun and doesn't take too much thinking.

I've got some stories coming from last week's trip to NY. We really have a lot of fun going there and it's so much fun seeing Quinn changing, and taking on his own personality. So, until then...keep your powder dry and keep your stick on the ice.

You can't see Canada across lake Erie, but you know it's there. It's the same with spring. You have to have faith ... especially in McCartyville.

Hooah