Has spring sprung for all of our local gardeners?

Some souls flaunt the warnings about planting before Memorial Day because their hands itch to get into the dirt that has been snowed under for so long. We get a frost warning for Friday night and there is a scurry to cover and protect the new seedlings. Then, the sun comes out, the covers get thrown off and it’s off to the races to get immersed in the full-fledged fun (work) of a thriving garden.

There are others who nonchalantly mosey outside if it warms up and think about where they might want to plant some tomatoes and herbs for making salsa, and that is the extent of their gardening plans. Others enjoy going to the greenhouse and seeing what Gary is growing for them to dream about putting in flowerpots and borders. The nice thing is that all of these different approaches to gardening are efforts to make things better, to add some beauty and watch the miracle of growth. It is also a celebration of turning the corner of uncertainty which weather in Wyoming certainly gives us. It feels like our final winter has finally slunk away and turned over the stage to spring, which takes a bow and backs off the stage for summer to take center stage. 

I recently enjoyed a post on Facebook of one of our Byron youths, Kora Hammond. She was performing at her piano recital where she decided she wanted to perform a solo. Her teacher accompanied her on a ukulele to the tune “It’s a Wonderful World.” She did a great job, and I was reminded that, a few short years ago, Kora was in the 4-year-old primary class that Glen and I taught together.

We love those kids. Kora surprised us by being proficient in reading at her young age. We enjoyed her first speaking assignment, which she did masterfully, and concluded by saying, “Good job, Kora.” It was obvious she had parents (Karen and Josh) who gave her lots of positive support. Kora was a preemie baby; her mom refers to her as their little peanut. She is growing to be a sweet, willing and talented little performer. Way to go, Kora.

I have been out of commission for a few months. I had an impactful reminder that in a second, life can throw a curve. I was in the kitchen fixing breakfast when a turned up corner of a rug dictated my future. Yep, I tripped and slammed to the floor, and the floor won that battle. One broken upper humorous bone and a cracked cranium later, I was no longer going to do anything on my “to do” list or my bucket list.

Priorities immediately shifted to figuring out how to do simple things without my trusty right hand. Brushing teeth with the left hand shouldn’t be a big deal. Try it. I am told that as we get older (ick) it is good for our brains to cross train by doing exactly that, use your other hand to do stuff. So, I was forced to do that brain switch thing. I never mastered the coordination.

I now have metal and screws holding things together. My fingers and hand still worked, but the movement of the arm and the height of the desk were not working for computer or writing, so forced vacation time. The town of Byron still had news happening, but I wasn’t seeing much of it. Hopefully, I can make up for lost time.

I have been taking walks around town and seeing good things happening. Byron Days is just around the corner, July 12 and 13, so I will be back to writing about the happenings in our little village. It is good to be back.