It seems a shame that springtime blossoms last for such a short while each spring. I’m sure allergy sufferers will not agree, but the sight of so many flowering trees and shrubs is striking. Soon all the petals will have fallen and we will have a wide variety of shades of green, but not many other colors for awhile.

Another striking sight is the presence of both Venus and Jupiter in our evening sky. These two planets are like bookends, one in the west, the other in the east. I haven’t tried to see Jupiter’s moons with binoculars or a home telescope, but I understand it is possible. The bright star Vega is also obvious in the eastern sky, near the constellation Hercules. This is the one that includes four stars in the outline of a Keystone, so it seems fitting that we view it from Pennsylvania, the Keystone State!

Mother’s Day weekend ended up being best for indoor relaxation and conversation. Our area was spared some of the more severe storms that occurred further south, but our lawns and gardens got a good drenching. I hope we will have some nice weather for the next few weekends when everyone is getting gardens planted and tending to the cemetery decoration for Memorial Day. Also, many area churches will be adding some red geraniums this week as next Sunday is Pentecost, the beginning of the longest ecclesiastical season.

As the weather improves we all need to be alert for walkers and bicyclists using the streets around town, and “motorcycles are everywhere!” Please help everyone stay safe.

Hughesville Events:

Weds. May 16 May Day program at Hughesville High School gymnasium at 7 p.m. including the crowning of this year’s May Day royalty. A full day of activities will be enjoyed by all students grades 7 to 12 on Friday, May 18.

Fri. May 18 “Busy Bee Art Club” 10:30 to 11″30 a..m. at Hughesville Area Public Library for children 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers. This station-based art exploration activity will encourage children to make choices, develop their language skills, and hone fine-motor skills. No registration is needed.

Sat. May 26 Annual Hughesville High School Alumni Banquet at the HVFD social hall, Railroad and Water Streets. Keynote speakers will be two members of the 50 year class (’68), John Montgomery and Thomas Secules. All classes are invited to attend. For more information or to make reservations by May 20, please phone Tom Smith, association president, Ann Rider, vice-president, at 570-584-2787, or Paul McCoy at 570-584-2277.

Mon. May 28 Memorial Day