Preparing to ‘spring’ into action
Just out of idle curiosity, and because I’ve got a case of spring-fever and a blank mind, I decided to look up Webster’s definition of ‘spring.’
Seems there are a whole lot of different interpretations for the word; including a sudden jumping movement, a useful item as a bed spring, a stream of flowing water and so on — including the season we are now in.
The spring season is noted as a climate change occurring in the northern hemisphere between March and May. It’s also notes the description “to come up or out of something into existence with a sudden emerging from confinement.” That would be spring in Missouri.
One day we have below freezing temperatures, cold rains, bare trees, shrubs and winter-brown lawns and the next dandelions are sprouting and it’s time to get out the lawnmowers! There is hardly a moment’s pause, it seems, between snow shovels and garden tillers.
However, spring got here this year, we are thrilled that Mom Nature is finally showing her more sunny disposition. It’s a joy to drive around town and see the flowering trees and many varieties of spring flowers waving to us as we go by.
The rebirth of the earth is all part of the annual cycle, but one that never fails to bring joy and a sense of awe to winter weary residents. We feel we have also come out of confinement. We begin to prepare our home, our yards and our gardens to greet this new season. For many of us it is also a time to refresh and shake out our minds, spirits and ingrained habits as we observe the Lenten season and prepare for Easter.
I’ve been trying to follow a challenge I saw on Facebook that urged each person to rid their home of at least one unnecessary item every day. So far, I’ve been doing pretty good by tossing out or donating at least one thing each day. Sometimes I get behind, so I send a big, stuffed bag of items to Dress for Success or another charitable organization on one day to make up for those I’ve missed.
It’s hard going, as I keep unearthing long forgotten or misplaced items such as pictures, scrapbooks, letters, and a miscellany of items I’ve often wondered about. This really slows down the process, as I am one of those people that cannot throw away a box or bag without opening it to see what’s inside. It can either be an “Ah-Ha!” or a “Yuck” moment, but you never know until you look.
Case in point, I recently came across a batch of photographs and souvenir brochures from the late 1800s that had been sent by distant relatives, long since deceased. They were from Pikes Peak, Niagara Falls and — big surprise — Germany. Needless to say, these relics from the past reflected a much different view of those areas than they look today. As you might guess, they were not among those items that were disposed of, but I truly am not sure what to do with them. I think I’ll solve my problem by passing them on to some of my cousins who have an interest in the family history. Then it can become their problem.
I’ve rambled far off course on my discourse on spring, but that’s what happens when you start clearing out the clutter in your mind along with that in your house. Doing both at the same time just seems to be a futile endeavor, as neither chore actually gets completed.
My advice is to just enjoy the inviting outdoors of spring and save the cleaning for those rainy day…which we can also always count on in the spring!
Nods of Congratulations:
A special note of congratulations to all of those outstanding citizens who were recognized for their accomplishments to the community at the recent Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The community is much richer for their contributions and involvement.
Also, congratulations to that young dynamo, Ann Raymer, a senior at Farmington High School, who is now a finalist in the National Elk’s Scholarship Competition. She was selected as one of 10 from 2,500 other competing students from around the country for the finals! The final competition winner is still to be announced. Way to go, Ann! (She obviously takes after her mom, Laura Raymer!)
A sad note: While spring is a time of new beginnings, it is also often a time of endings. The death of two well-known residents of Farmington occurred recently. Dan Stott, a long-time resident and Farmington high school teacher was also an accomplished organist who played for the services and functions at St. Joseph Catholic Church for many years. He passed away last week at a hospital in St. Louis. He was also an active member of the local Elks Club and will be greatly missed in the community.
The other death was of a former resident, Jodie Edwards Needy who lived here in the late 1940s and early 1950s. She died earlier this month at her home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jodie’s parents, Tom and Connie Edwards, owned the chain of local area theaters — including the old Ritz Theater of Farmington during that period — and were highly involved in community activities. Jodie was also a popular and well-known member of the class of Farmington High School where she was a cheerleader, drum majorette and member of several organizations. She graduated with the class of 1952. Coincidentally, a picture showing her leading the 1952 high school marching band through downtown Farmington greets you when you enter the local Applebee’s. You might give her a friendly glance the next time you visit there.
Coming up:
Thursday, April 18…Dietician Shelley Hartmann will present a free program on Eating Well that evening at 6 p.m. at Camelot Nursing & Rehab Center as part of their Live & Learn sessions. The program will be especially beneficial for those with high blood pressure or diabetes. Call 756-8411 for information.
Thursday, May 2…Newcomers Club at Presbyterian Church fellowship hall at 9 a.m. A potluck salad luncheon will be enjoyed along with entertainment by a comedian. Each member is asked to bring their favorite salad to share for lunch.
Friday May 13…Rock & Roll Bingo to benefit the Farmington Pet Adoption Center (FPAC), at the Park Hills American Legion Hall, 5073 Old Flat River Rd. Cost $25 per person. Also bake sale and silent auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the play starts at 7. All proceeds go to provide housing and care for abandoned and unwanted pets. For tickets call FPAC 756-8658 or Mickie at 57-631-1548.
Janet Douglas
