Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling

So, we suffered through the first day of Spring! I am wondering if someone was trying to be smart and decided to pull an early April Fool’s Day joke on us because it sure wasn’t very Spring-like, at least the kind we were hoping for! Nor does this week past (by the time you read this) seem to be pointing in the right direction either.

However, there are some positive signs. Although my crocuses are still snow-covered, I have several hellebores (commonly called Christmas Rose) that set large buds while still snow-covered and just waiting for a bit warmer weather to open fully. Actually, one of these did bloom at Christmas several years ago! I have a Star Magnolia that blooms quite early, with buds set on both leaves and flowers in the autumn. It’s too early for outside, but I cut some branches, and the buds are all opening inside. Just to try, I cut a branch from my purple magnolia, which blooms later than the Star, and it too is opening! I tried forsythia again, but, as usually happens, I have nothing but a lot of green leaves, some sign of Spring at least! One of my hibiscus plants has had one bloom and several small buds. Another one has three fully open flowers, and there are at least 13 buds. Such a beauty!

Of course, I am keeping an eye on the birds. My pond is still frozen over, but in the field ponds and Elgin pond, I have seen ducks, geese and swans. Usually, I have a variety of ducks and look forward to them. Redwings and grackles have been back for a week or so, first arriving in a huge flock, which fortunately flew away, leaving only a few. Sometimes they become a nuisance later in the summer, but nice to see and hear them, as harbingers of Spring. Song sparrows have arrived, but I think my tree sparrows have departed, so I am waiting for the Chipping sparrow to arrive and fill in. On Sunday, I was so happy to spot a pair of purple finches again. They stayed until late in the autumn but left before the worse arrived. Aside from the cardinals, they are the brightest of the red coloured birds. That same morning, I heard a common yellowthroat call. He may not stay, but hopefully, he finds my shrubbery a haven! My evening grosbeaks are still here, as are my juncos, but they will likely soon head north. Growing up, our farm had a large hill, and every spring a very big pond formed at the bottom, stretching way over the road into the next farmer's field.

An obit I read last week made me think about that once more, as there were any number of cars over the years which got stuck in there, and dad had to get out the tractor and pull them out. This usually occurred at night, of course, when visibility was low. The township, several years ago, raised the road and the culvert, making it less dangerous.

If you want to learn more about nature, join the North Durham Nature group at Scugog library on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Probably too late for this week, but again on April 28th, learn about the Don River Mouth restoration at Uxbridge Senior Centre, 7 p.m. Check the website for more activities!

Sunday was World Water Day! We are fortunate that most of us have clean water readily accessible, and we generally don’t think about it unless the hydro goes off for an extended period. However, we know there are too many communities in the north that have been under “boil water” rules forever because the available water is contaminated by natural or human factors, such as mining or clear-cutting of adjacent forests. We all know the story of Grassy Narrows, where the water is contaminated by mercury and many people are suffering from a variety of terrible diseases as a result!

Sunday is also International Day of the Forest. The connection is that viable, living forests created rivers in the sky that make it rain thousands of miles away. Cut down these forests, and the rivers in the sky dry up, and so do the rivers on the ground from no rain!The senior lunch on Tuesday was well attended, and Mary Evans and her crew prepared a bountiful, delicious lunch. It was nice to see Mary’s young grandson helping out, which he apparently does quite often! It was followed by a game of Trivia! It’s always a great time to see “old” friends, many of whom I've known since the early 60s, when I opened my practice and moved to this community. Some were little kids, others were young adults! And the many new older friends found since!A few celebrations! Karyn and Ryan Tindall had their 29th anniversary. Not sure if it's their marriage date or their dating date, but it’s been awhile for this young couple, who are doing great things with their growing produce, market, and baking, even getting their daughters quite involved! Big shout-out also to Pat Molly. He’s been a bit quiet since he left politics, but I am sure he is working in the background somewhere and keeping Bev busy! Birthday greetings also go out to Christine Musselman. Christine enjoys singing and was involved with several choirs at one time. Best wishes also to Linda Morgan, whose family once lived near Sandford and has several relatives in the area. Pat Hamilton is another young lady I have known for awhile and like so many friends seldom see, but I am sure she is busy keeping Charles in line! Another good guy! If you see Adele Boy or Jenny Jones, their birthdays are this week, so early best wishes!

The Zephyr Scott Lions Club seems perpetually busy with various activities. On March 13th, they had a well-attended movie night. Their latest venture is euchre on Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 p.m. The first one was such a success that they decided to carry on. Cost is $20 admission. If you don’t want to play euchre, you can play cornhole, which will also be available! Their spaghetti supper will be coming again in early April. On April 4th (Easter Saturday) in conjunction with the Zephyr Community Association, there will be a pancake breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. There will also be an Easter Egg hunt for kids. They must be pre-registered for this event. Email: zephyrhallboard@gmail.com.

Then, on May 24th, it's the Springtime Seasonal Market. If you make any kind of craft, have plants, woodworking, etc., get in touch and reserve your booth. Many other activities take place that day for kids, too! Naturally, at all events, they welcome donations of the many items they collect, such as milk bags, eyeglasses, etc.

At church on Sunday, we welcomed Pastor Laura Kay. It’s been some time since she ministered to us, and it was good to see and hear her again. She also shared with us that her family, husband and three-year-old daughter would be welcoming a new member in June! Next Sunday, Rev. Li will be with us at 10 a.m., and for a Good Friday service at 10:30 a.m.