Crazy Weather, Blossoming Community

It’s May in Georgia, and I’m shivering, and it has nothing to do with air conditioning. What is going on?

By the time you read this, the weatherman says it may be 80 degrees. Imagine. May in Georgia, and already 80 degrees.

I have a granddaughter with a birthday in late April. For years she got a slip ‘n slide for her birthday. I don’t think that would have worked this year. Whew. My good friend says it’s all cyclic. She said when her son was born 30 years ago, the weather was very much like this. But, when he was born, April 27, the showers turned to sun, and the spring and summer became more like we expect them.

The worst thing this year so far was graduation Sunday. It had to be held indoors. Although it was a million times better than indoors at the old gym, where my daughter graduated, it was not near as nice as when it can be held outside.

Now, as I’ve aged, weather affects me more. I do not like extremes. I don’t like the really cold, especially if there is wind, and I can’t stand the really hot. So, as much as I appreciated our mild winter, I knew we needed more cold. Now I keep getting press releases about the massive number of fire ants and mosquitoes we can expect because of the weather.

So, not only are we shivering in May, actually considering turning the heat on—for just a minute, but it appears we are going to be overrun by pests.

Oh, well, such is life. I guess if that’s all I have to complain about I should just count my blessings.

The warm May weather means our minds turn to gardening, and this Saturday a rite of spring in Monticello occurs as the Market on the Square opens. Typically on this first Saturday, there are a lot of plants offered with suggestions that they make great mother’s day gifts.

But, there will be more than plants. Fresh strawberries will likely be there, and any number of hand-made crafts. As the weather warms, there will be more home-grown fruits and vegetables, but there will be some this weekend. Somebody will likely have Vidalia onions, for example, because as along as it’s Georgia-grown, it’s welcome.

And, if the weather we’ve been having continues, you might want to shop with the merchants who have stores to get in out of the rain and cold. Many of them have mother’s day specials, and just great everyday buys.

It’s a great time for our community. We come together each Saturday, visit with one another, support our farmers and crafts people, and support our local merchants who are ready for us to emerge from our winter hibernation.

Happy spring, Monticello. Maybe spring sun will follow our recent spring rains and cooool days.