May I ?

I blinked a couple times somewhere after the ice went out of Lake Pepin in early March and what do you know, we find ourselves in the middle of May.  It’s a fine month…this May is, but I guess that’s my humble opinion.

The fifth month on our calendar gets high marks from me for several reasons. The mud of April has long since firmed up. Flowers are all popped out now, with the threat of snow and frost losing ground in our rear-view mirrors. All our farmer friends are working frantically to finish up the planting.  Some have even cut first crop hay.  We like to send  friendly waves to these workers of the land don’t we?  Except for when they pull those big planters or wagons out in front of us, on county roads when we are already running late for Junior’s spring piano recital.

May brings out in full force the local boys and girls of summer. Aluminum bats sound off here and there, as the sparse crowds cheer local heroes and heroines around the diamonds.  Charcoal grills send out aromas of sizzling burgers, brats and maybe a chicken or two turning golden and delicious, over the top of a can of brew.  Great Grandma’s potato salad recipe is being copied and served all around the tri-state area.  Some of these imposters even taste pretty good…I like mine with extra yellow mustard, and rustic chunks of a dill pickle.

May cruises along, as high school and college seniors make their way up the aisles for graduation, turning pages on this book called life. Students, parents, and teachers are getting ready to shift gears from the rat race of spring mayhem, to the more subdued and relaxing tenants of summer.

The parkas, gloves and stocking hats of winter have been pushed to the back of the closet in favor of flip-flops, shades, and sunscreen.  In no time at all, of those beach towels will make an appearance as well.

Those that want, can now head to their favorite trout stream and use hooks with barbs, and bait them with angle worms found while weeding gardens or flower beds.  It’s now ok to keep a 15-inch brown or 11-inch bookie and serve it with fresh asparagus tips or even some earthy morel mushrooms if that’s your thing.

May keeps a watchful eye as fuzzy goslings and ducklings are steered by mother hens around the Chippewa River backwaters.  They are trying to avoid toothy pike, bedding largemouth bass and the occasional snapping turtle that are all out for an unsuspecting lunch.

The forests and fields are mazes for wild turkey and pheasant chicks.  They peep and waddle through the playground decorated by sun colored wood poppies, and brilliant white bloodroot flowers. Sunsets are closer to 9 p.m. now, compared to 4 p.m. a few months back. That mother May is a damn good exterior designer. 

I think May smiles down on all of us as she makes her way towards June. I tip my hat and smile back.

-TGI