The warmer weather brings all sorts of creatures out of their hidey holes. The chipmunks are making a ruckus in the yard and we have 100% occupancy in our bird houses––five in all.
Down to the A&P, I’ve spotted many a young buck in his spring uniform of choice: shorts, t-shirt, flip flops and a polar fleece vest. His female counterpart is wearing flip flops, too, usually with skinny jeans, a t-shirt and a big scarf. A variation of this getup is to substitute UGG’s for the flip flops and short-shorts for the jeans. Apparently, these young folk subscribe to wardrobe averaging. Meaning summer clothes, plus one winter item equals a legitimate spring ensemble.
For someone like me, who tends to run cold, seeing these fashion statements makes me shiver. It has to be 70 degrees at least before I’ll wear sandals, and my toe nails need to be painted. Of course, I’m the kind of gal who, on the hottest days, still brings along a sweater, just in case.
I’m happy to report that the Poet Laureate of Mahoosuc Mills has come out of hibernation. And, honey, it was worth the wait!
Signs of Spring
by Charlie LeClair
The bears are restless in their den
Stretchin’ every now and then
I wonder if they hear something
Above, perhaps, a sign of spring?
Swooping low above my shed
Honkin’ geese by one are led
A whoosh of air from off their wing
That, for sure’s a sign of spring
The stove could use a log or two
‘Cause me, I got some work to do
My mower needs dismantling
Yet another sign of spring
I doubt I’m done with my snow blower
But now I’m drawn to my lawnmower
It wants attention, wants to sing
And start right up for me this spring
Too many things for me to list ‘em
Clean and lube the whole drive system
Deal with that annoying ring
(You won’t hear it, come the spring)
I’ll change the spark plug, engine oil
Clean the deck of last year’s soil
Once I sharpen both the blades
I’ll be set when winter fades
To hop aboard my mighty steed
My mower maintenance, indeed,
Is like the crocus blossoming:
Another sure sign of spring
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Charlie Comes Out of Hibernation
Upcoming Book Events and Performances
March 21: A Visit With Ida, 1:00pm, Westbrook Seniors, Westbrook, ME
April 12: Book Reading: Finding Your Inner Moose, Windham Public Library http://www.windham.lib.me.us/, 6:00pm, Windham, ME
May 19: Book Launch: The Sweet Life, details TBA
May 24: Book Reading: The Sweet Life, Patten Free Library, http://www.patten.lib.me.us/ 6:30pm, Bath, ME
May 28: Ida: Woman Who Runs With the Moose, The Castel on Charles http://www.castlenh.com/ 8:00pm, Rochester, NH
June 2: Book Reading: The Sweet Life, Hubbard Free Library, http://www.hubbardfree.org/ 6:00pm, Hallowell, ME
June 25: The Best of Ida, Celebration Barn Theater, http://www.celebrationbarn.com/ 8:00pm, South Paris, ME