Happy Mother’s Day (belated, of course). I’m happy to see the sun shining brightly, despite the chilly wind. The warmer temps and rain made my plants start to pop. The daffodils are nearly done, but the tulips are all budded. The ground phlox is showing lots of color. I was very happy to see the return of a couple of plants that I’ve struggled with in the past – one being poppies. I’ve had the Icelandic poppy, which blooms all summer and is much smaller than the standard poppy. I believe I also discovered my bleeding heart, so I’ll be watching that closely.

My bird feeder is still up, but not for long, as there are reports of a bear in the area. The birds have been most appreciative to be served, and are chowing down big time. The goldfinches aren’t always very polite to each other. I spotted a cardinal a few days ago, along with a purple finch. The bright colors certainly get my attention, especially on gloomy days.

On the bog side of the house, activity is increasing. Grackles are nesting in the dead tree, and I saw three turtles sunning themselves on a submerged tree.

Mahoosuc Community Band will have its spring concert on Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m. at Bingham Auditorium, Gould Academy. Ed Ryan conducts the band. Donations help the band continue providing music in the community. The band rehearses Monday evenings at 6:45 PM at the Gould music room. Musicians of all abilities are welcome to join us.

The swap shop at the transfer station is open. Stop in to leave your unwanted items and find a treasure.

I had the pleasure to attend the 75th birthday party of John Emery, long-time 5/6 grade teacher in SAD #44 – most of those years in Andover. His wife, Carol, did a spectacular job of pulling off this big surprise gathering. It was held in Upton in a big, beautiful barn. Barb Russell and I went together and arrived to find John looking quite surprised. I was anticipating seeing people I had worked with, and wasn’t disappointed.

The list included: Roger and Barb Sabin, Bob and Dee Nadeau, Halley (?) and Wendy Hutchins, Karen Thurston, Steve and Marie Keane, Tim and Leslie Cavenaugh, Charlie and Betsy Raymond, Brenda and Chris Bailey, Jerry and Ellen Durgin, Peter and Wanda Coolidge, Steve Simmons, Ross and Christine (Greenleaf) Swain, John and Betty Woodbury, Jim Lunney, and Pam Berry. I’m sure I probably left some people out. The Acoustipalians provided some great music. I didn’t work with all of these people, but many of them.

Carol made most of the food herself, which was delicious. The band played “Happy Birthday” as we serenaded the birthday boy. It was wonderful to see all these folks and catch up on things. Brenda Bailey and I both agreed that it was nice to see each other at a happy occasion, rather than a funeral. I also appreciated those who talked to me about birds. Christine, I’m looking up a towhee.

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