Spring on the Plains of Nebraska

4/9/2007 Spring on the plains is so much different than in Lincoln. One would not think that 100 miles could make so much difference. In March we enjoyed above normal temperatures and sunny days. We had a couple of good rain storms, which was good for the ground. So far this month we have had below normal temperatures and killing frost and the North wind has been blowing 8 of the first days of April. Today we have a cool south wind with rain. The blackbirds, starlings & robins were out after it stopped raining. I watched them from the kitchen window, drinking & bathing in the standing water in the driveway. There must have been several insects brought to the surface by the rain, for the birds seemed to be having a feast. We have a pair of rabbits living in a brush pile that we inherited & haven't had time to remove. Now we will probably have more than 2 rabbits in the near future. I also have what my wife calls my nemisis. It is a gopher in our yard, more than likely there is more than one. So far I have found & plugged 5 holes, but he just keeps making new ones. My wife says that he is in his underground home laughing at my efforts to eradicate him from my lawn. I am hoping for some nice days before my grass gets too much af a head start. I will have a lot more lawn to mow here than I had in Lincoln. I am retired so that means that I will be able to work at it on a daily basis instead of saving it for the weekend. I have been looking at riding mowers, but haven't decided yet to give up my walk behind push mower for a rider. Maybe I will change my mind later in the season. We have been planning what to put in our garden. So far I have seed potatoes, rhubarb & onions. we will be planting green beans, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant & maybe some sweet corn. If the weather doesn't cooperate the garden could just be a figment of my imagination for this year. All of this talk about work has made me tired so I think that I will stop my ramblings & go take a nap. Romans 3:23 for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Gramps