IT'S A PRETTY SPRING HERE IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA

By OLIVENE GODFREY

Spring in all its glory has arrived here in Northwest Georgia. Unfortunately, for some of us the new green growth on the trees is keeping the pollen count between 600 to over a thousand which plays havoc with allergy victims, like son Barry and me. We're both taking allergy medicines which brings us some relief.

In spite of our allergy discomfort, we are glad to see the beauty of spring and the warm weather. We're especially pleased that, unlike last year's dry, hot weather, we're having more rainfall and the trees and foliage are a lush green. Last fall, Barry brought our huge Ficus or Weeping Fig plant inside and placed it in the dining room in front of a window, blocking our beautiful view of the lake and mountains just beyond. But, the plant flourished with morning sunshine and the humidifier next to it. It took up so much room though that Barry started calling the dining room the Jungle Room. A few days ago Barry took the fiscus tree outside and trimmed it to a more manageable size. He attached the tree to the outside wall so the winds wouldn't blow it over. The dining room now looks bright and airy with the tree not blocking the window.

I reminded Barry that while Dogwood winter has come and gone, we still have Blackberry winter coming up in May which will last a couple of days or so. Barry says if that happens he will bring the fiscus tree inside the garage.

Then, a few days ago, on a warm, pretty day,Barry planted wildflower seed in a large patio container. He planted the wildflower seed also last spring. and the flowers were a glorious sight until the first frost in the fall. He said today that he is going to move the houseplants in the garage outside in a few days. He said if another frost is forecast he will cover the plants. Our two new shrubs in the front yard are thriving with the rains and sunny days.

________________________________

I'm still enjoying watching Crook and Chase's new show and Ralph Emory's live show on RFD-TV, as well as some of the other musical shows. I particularly liked a performance by Bobby Bare,country music singer and song writer, in which he sang his novelty song, "Marie Laveau" which reached the top of the country chart in 1974 and is my favorite of his many recorded songs.

_______________________________________

I haven't consciously been worried about my upcoming biopsy on the growth on my right shoulder. But, I haven't been sleeping well so I may be unconsciously worried. I tell myself there will be plenty of time to worry if the biopsy brings bad news so no need to do it now.

See you next time.