Do you want to hear something amazing? My daffodils look ready to bloom. I’m stunned! I saw crocuses last Tuesday, too. It’s so exciting. Time to scan the berms during my walks for coltsfoot.
I absolutely love spring. It’s my favorite time of year. Forget commercialized Christmas. Chuck Halloween and three days of peak fall leaves. Erase 85-degree days with 90 percent humidity. Nope. I’m all-in on coltsfoot, daffodils, violets, lilacs, quince, and flowering crab trees. Mowing the lawn? Eh. Not my favorite thing, but definitely better than shoveling snow. But I’ve only shoveled a few times this winter. And I rarely do more than my sidewalk.
I’m sorry, I’m a little old-fashioned, but I still think some jobs are men’s work. Shoveling snow definitely falls into that category. So does cleaning gutters and felling trees, stacking wood, and such. Wow. Talk about back-breakers!
But is there anything wrong with being a little old-fashioned? I mean, I want to be able to vote, buy and own property, and have the chance to be a doctor (if I had enough math and science sense, which I don’t). But I do think it’s awfully nice when a man steps in and opens a door, offers to cut down a dead tree and haul off the wood, or fix a leaky sink. Most of the time, those men are my dad and son. Thank God for them!
Everyone has different natural abilities. I’m of the mind set that if God gives you even a little natural ability in something you can hone it until it’s a real talent and a gift you can share with others. For me, that’s writing, playing my trumpet, teaching the Bible, baking, singing, and nurturing. Oh, and I’m a pretty good, active listener.
But please, have mercy on me, and don’t ask me to weed whack, paint a room, fix a leaky pipe, play basketball (I’d rather scrub a bathroom with a toothbrush), or clean my gutters.
I appreciate the diversity of gifts God gives all of us. I admire people of many professions and vocations. I respect an honest, skilled mechanic or hairdresser as much as an honest, skilled doctor. And let’s face it: all of us need the skills of all three of these people.
Please don’t expect me to change my brake pads or even replace a low beam bulb. Heaven help me, don’t ask me to highlight or trim my hair. And forget about me diagnosing your illness. Unless it’s a cold or stomach bug, of course.
I paid for the services of a mechanic, hairdresser, and doctor last week. And I thank God for all three.
And I thank God for you. You’re supporting me as a writer. While my skill may not seem as necessary as the aforementioned careers, I do believe it has its place. I’ve read while waiting at my mechanic’s, hairdresser’s and doctor’s offices many, many times. Maybe you have, too.
When you start comparing your abilities with someone else’s, stop and consider what the world would look like if there were no one in the world with your skills. Take pride in the gifts God gave you, and share these with others. Be a blessing.
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The Atlantic Friends & Flowers Club met at The Atlantic Odd Fellows Hall on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. The evening centered on ponds and was presented by three men.
Allen Jacobs hired a professional landscaper, who began the project by placing a large rock for the waterfall and installed a holding tank for 250 gallons of water. The fish swim under the rock and remain there during the winter.
Tim McKay shared details of his pond. He built his pond himself, which was much less expensive; his supplies costing only $200.00. He began with a heavy liner, and then spread colored stones he’d collected. They don’t have any fish, but they enjoy the sound of water over their waterfall. He finished the project in two years.
Arden McConnell’s pond is spring-fed. Their first one was surrounded with a wooden walkway, flowing water, and fish. Now they are enlarging it and removing the walkway. Their fish stay in the pond year-round and use a filter despite the constantly circulating water. They currently have 14 fish. The spring water is also used as drinking water.
Mimi Horne discussed activities and trips planned for the summer, beginning on Thursday, May 14, for Ohio greenhouse tour. The next meeting will be Monday, April 6, at Gay Slozat’s house. The program will be on bonsai by Stan’s Garden Center.
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Get out your calendar, folks. There’s a lot going on in the Atlantic community.
There will be a Lenten luncheon on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church in Greenville with Pastor Susie Wogisch offering a message, and Ron Robinson and Cindy Loveridge providing music. The church is located at 44 S. Mercer Street, Greenville.
There will also be Lenten luncheons at Trinity United Methodist on Wednesday, March 18, Our Lady Queen of the Americas on March 25, and Conneaut Lake Presbyterian on April 1. Meals start at noon, followed by a short devotional from a pastor or priest. The meal consists of homemade soups and sandwiches. Lunch is free, but you may give a donation.
Fallowfield Fire & Rescue is having a fish fry on Friday, March 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event is open to the public and located at the fire hall, 9328 Atlantic Rd., Atlantic. It’s right in the center of town. The meal includes fish, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, hushpuppies, and beverages. The cost is $10 for adults and $8.50 for kids 12 and younger. There is a $.50 additional charge for take-out orders.
Adamsville Presbyterian Church is hosting an emergency fundraiser auction and dinner on Saturday, March 28. They will have a covered dish dinner at 6 p.m. followed by the auction at 7. This is a fun, exciting event, and is open to the public. Adamsville Presbyterian Church is located at 3979 Main Street, Adamsville. It’s right on Route 18 in the center of town.
Kennard United Methodist Church is hosting a lasagna dinner at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, as well. It is located at 318 Groover Road, Greenville.
Fallowfield Fire & Rescue is also hosting a cash bash on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 4 p.m.
If you are interested in ditch dirt, please call East Fallowfield Township’s building at (814) 382-8188 or the township’s garage, at (814) 382-0920. Leave a message if no one answers.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!