The hummingbirds are headed this way

While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Gary Froemsdorf.

Happy birthday this week to Larry Rogers, Jimmie Banks, Sheila Eby, Mick Wessel, MaKinsey Uhrhan, Dusti Garner, Lauren Anderson, Danny Penrose, Bob Owen, Ruth Glastetter, Michelle Daniel, Mable Flanigan, Leon Bucher, Lindsey Miller, Don Cox, Shelly Schrum, Jeannie Smith, John Weissmueller, Mike Freeman, Joanne Richards, Rusty Rister, Linda Lee, Louise Jansen, Brittany Glastetter, Gary Jones, Joshua Uhrhan, Micia Beard, Emma Wessel, Guy Bunyard, Lance Duncan, Sherri Goodman and Maria Collins.

Happy anniversary to Rob and Stacy Abernathy, Richard and Judy Sanders, Alvin and Betty Vandeven, Robert and Theresa Hinkebein, Sam and Tonya Glency, Rick and Bonnie Duncan and Gaylord and Sandy Spane.

We thought spring would never get here and now, we are about to be in the month of May. You still have time to Paint for a Cause at The Painted Wren Gallery in Cape. Drop by and paint for one minute for one dollar through Thursday. Proceeds benefit the Safe House for Women.

For you bird-watchers, keep an eye out for the return of indigo buntings, dickcissels and chimney swifts. Hikers can now look for blooming May apples and Jack-in-the-pulpits.

Here come hummers

Several bird lovers have told me they expect to see their first hummingbird any day now. I had two hungry ones on my feeder in Dallas but they left a week or so ago and I am certain, were headed to Missouri! Maybe the cool weather pushed them back but we'll keep watch for the hummers, rose-breasted grosbeaks and orioles. A oriole feeder caught my eye at Sunny Hill, and I am trying it out with grape jelly and an orange half. According to my bird journal, one visited my hummingbird feeder two years ago. I forever hold out hope for another sighting!

The dogwoods are in bloom and there are beautiful white and pink ones throughout town and white ones dotting the woods. The first block of Davidson, in front of what was formerly known as the Steimle house, could be referred to as Dogwood Boulevard with the dogwood-lined street.

All the rain has left many lawns with tall grass. The City reminds everyone to keep your lawns mowed and your culverts clear.

Ten-Mile Rose Garden

Many of us remember the lovely Ten-Mile Rose Garden between Cape and Jackson. I picked up the Holiday Inn International Cook Book by Ruth Malone, copyright 1962, that lists all their hotels at the time and their signature recipes. Cape's description mentions the picturesque highway with the 10-mile rose garden and that the Holiday Inn is located in the Cape countryside, yet minutes from the business area. The grounds at the original inn included a putting green and shuffleboard. Missouri Pecan Cream Pie and Meringue is listed as their signature recipe. Apparently the inn was also known for its superb charcoaled steak with a special basting sauce.

"Cooking with Chaffee Public Library" cookbooks are still available for $10 each. The proceeds will go toward new carpet for the library. They are also having a book sale with hardbacks costing 50 cents and paperback 25 cents.

The pool at Harmon Field will open May 23. There will be a special celebration May 30 commemorating the pool's 75th anniversary. Special activities that day include free swimming from 10 a.m. to noon.

Off to the races

And so it begins, much to the chagrin of many -- the 2016 presidential election race. It seems to have started much earlier than prior elections. Having to listen to all the hype that will be ongoing for the next two years makes one thankful for the fast-forward button on our television DVR remotes!

Books are available about what goes on inside the White House revealing the character of present and past presidents. Although some would have us believe that President Obama has given Hillary his "blessing," that may be a bit of a stretch. If you would like to get behind-the-scenes view on the actual relationship between the Obamas and Clintons plus Bill and Hillary, you must read Edward Klein's eye-opening book "Blood Feud; The Clintons vs The Obamas."

Special words

Remember to tell those special people in your life you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are missing loved ones, with our homebound, those in hospitals and nursing homes. Email your news and comments to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at 573-887-6430 or 214-207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the gamer who required hand surgery after a six-hour marathon of Candy Crush.