Is It Here?

  After our week long bit of bad weather, it seems that spring has made an appearance here on the Bayou.  The temperatures reached the high 70's today with plenty of sunshine and a charming breeze.  Some would say this was the perfect day...and I am not one to disagree with that proclamation.  About mid-afternoon, I meandered out to the gardens and was pleasantly surprised to see those reluctant squash seeds sprouting. Oh, happy day!  Then on to the greenhouse where I found things not as delightful.  The wind had blown rain up under the roof and soaked my box of seeds.  The packets were deteriorating causing all of the seeds to be mixed with some even starting to sprout already!  Well, I was not going to toss perfectly good seeds even if they were in one big wad.  A trench was dug alongside of the garden fence and the entire lot was strewn into it.  There is absolutely no telling just what will decide to grow out of this mess but at least I feel as if I tried.  Pumpkins, peas, squash, basil, zinnias, beans, watermelons and gourds might all fill the garden with goodness...or not.

  Disgusted with my feeble efforts at gardening, I headed to the pier. Here things were different! A good number of ducks were amassing on the waters.  Yep, spring must be here.  These were the large Canvasback Ducks that migrate here from parts unknown.  They spend their winters with us and then once the weather warms, they gather for that long flight back home.  I will be sad to see them leave.  Our bay seems a bit empty without the ducks from around the country.

  The long flight that these ducks face will be covered in a remarkably short time.  Canvasbacks are some of the fastest flying ducks and can reach speeds up to 70mph.  They have been known to fly for eight to nine hours before stopping for a break.  That should put them home (depending on where they are going) in a day or two.  My goodness!  I hope they are fully rested and have eaten well before they start their long flight!  Goodbye, my friends! I will await for your visit come late next fall!