Luck often brings false hope. It is now getting into late spring. Fields are drying out, and soon the roar of tractors and trucks will be heard.
In the meantime, people plod through the daily drudge of living in a new world. If luck has come to the neighborhood, then the future is looking up.
Hyacinths, crocuses, daffodils, and tulips will be followed by irises and green grass. Old-timers are eyeballing the latest in lawn care materials. Projects are being planned for the yards and gardens. A moment at dawn, and the race will begin to bring forth this year’s crop of veggies, grass and chickens.
Already stories are coming in about zealous chicken ranchers gathering as many chicks as possible. Visions of fresh eggs and toast fill the mind’s eye.
The first crop of the year has sprouted.
A most unusual crop, this is: brilliant red leaves with a black pattern spelling out B-U-M-P.
They are found along the roadsides of communities large and small. Joining with the “BUMP” signs are the “heavy load” signs that are the sentinels for country roads. And not to be forgotten are the signs for frost heaves.
Enjoy the long sunny days and the warming of the air. The trees are budding and soon they will leaf out with the brilliant young green.
Like all the critters out in the world, it is spring and optimism grows. Here come the fiddleheads and the dandelions.
Orpheus Allison is a photojournalist living in The County who graduated from UMPI and earned a master of liberal arts degree from the University of North Carolina. He began his journalism career at WAGM television later working in many different areas of the US. After 20 years of television he changed careers and taught in China and Korea.
