Must be Spring

  It must be spring even though the likelihood of a late freeze or at least a heavy frost is high  I am making my assumption purely on a find in the waters of the Bay.  No, this is not some rare fish that only comes around with warmth of the change of seasons yet, rather, pollen.  A thick layer of the yellow stuff has washed across the Bay and has piled up against the shoreline on my side. Although this makes for an unsightly mess, it is harmless and natural so I do not fret over it.  The next low tide will take it all out to be churned under the waves.  Still, for now, I have a "yellow" Bayou!

  The pollen count for the area is at an all time high and will be for the next few weeks.  This can easily be seen by folks driving around in yellow cars and by the speed at which allergy medicines are flying off the drug stores' shelves.  So far, I just deal with it.  A few herbs now and again to clear the head and I am good.  I had to snicker a bit when an allergist recommended that folks use their air conditioners to filter the pollen. Well, SORRY!  That just ain't happening!  Seriously, it is impossible since the fine cooling system of preference in the Little Bayou House is the cooling breeze coming off the Bay!  There is just not much way to filter that!

  Pollen problems aside, it being springlike has given me the urge to plant.  I am highly anxious to rid the gardens of cabbages and start tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra and the such. Winter has drawn on far too long and the taste for greens and root crops has withered.  I NEED summer veggies!  The gardens are prepped and I shall be seeding the rest of the hotbeds soon.  (Bell peppers and tomato seedlings are already up!) 

  So, Folks, if you are bothered by an allergy to pollen, I have one suggestion.  Think back to the long, hard winter,   If that is not enough to make you appreciate pollen and the coming of spring, I don't know what else to say except, "Here, have a tissue!"