Anyone who was born in the last couple of decades may not understand why I was so excited on this past Sunday morning when I saw what I am convinced was a bald eagle flying over the tree line along Muncy Creek. I remember well the days when the dangers of DDT use and its effect on the natural food chain had been realized, and it was feared that the bald eagle might become extinct. It seemed unlikely then that it would ever be possible to see one right here in our valley. It really gave me a great feeling to know that conservation efforts have caused these magnificent birds to rebound and proliferate..

As we get into the second half of February, we can look forward to spring planting and warmer temperatures. Did you get your seed catalog in the mail? This is the time of year when I make long lists of the flowers and vegetables I want to grow and can hardly wait until the soil begins to warm up. Unfortunately, my good intentions don’t always result in the gorgeous result I dream of, but it is fun to take a stab at it. There’s always next year . . . just like a baseball season!

Last week was the asteroid fly-by, which happened just as the astronomers had assured us it would, with no noticeable effects. I am really glad that the meteor that exploded over the Ural Mountains in central Russia was on that side of the world! It must have been spectacular, but terrifying. I do enjoy seeing meteors that streak across the night sky, but prefer not to experience any “shooting stars” like that one.

There will be some local “stars” taking to the stage next week in the Hughesville High School auditorium. More than fifty students in grades 7 through 12 will present “Singin’ in the Rain”, the stage adaptation of the 1952 movie. Rehearsals are in full swing and the show should be a real “crowd-pleaser”. Show time is 7:30 on all three evenings. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Hughesville High School office at 584-5111 during school hours.

I was outdoors recently and found myself wondering if the glinting of sunlight on the sidewalk was ice crystals, or the salt left behind after ice was treated! We will need several soaking rains to wash all the salt and calcium out of our yards and off the streets. Maybe there won’t be too many more times that we need to worry about dealing with icy surfaces. Be careful as you travel out of doors!

Hughesville Events:

E-reader workshop Thursday night, 6:30 p.m. at the Hughesville Library.

Thurs., Fri., Sat., Feb. 28, March 1 & 2, 7:30 p.m. “Singin’ in the Rain”, HHS auditorium, West Cemetery Street, Hughesville. All seats are reserved.

Wednesday evenings during Lent, services at many local churches. Schedules vary, please call the church of your choice for details.