The Sounds of Spring

Spring has arrived on West Island in full force. This may seem like a late statement to some, but on the Island Spring always comes about two weeks later than the mainland. As thew ocean waters and the land warm up we Islanders wander about in a fog. Meterologically speaking of course. The later blooming of forsythias and crocus is a blessing because it means that we also have a lateer Fall. The oaks and maples hold their leaves nearly a month later than elsewhere in the area.
May flowers are popping up in all sorts of odd places and we try to avoid trampling and mowing them. They are the state flower of course. About this time the big beetles are an after sunset regularity and getting Willy, our cat in after dark is more involved. The beetles make a great victim in his game of stalk and pounce.
One thing I have noticed is that the tiny white rose blooms of the wild thorns or as we call them, pricker bushes are especially late this year. Along the highways they are great white pom poms and fragrant in the warmer days. Along our back fence the buds have barely formed. I am happy to say that I have tiny yellow floers on my 'Early Girl' tomatoe plant, a first at this time for me. Thanks to Sid and Stacy for that one and a 'Big Boy' that is doing equally well potted in mt personal compost mix.
The compost pile has become a source of wonder and speculation for me. Don't forget I have a lot of time here. I noticed 3 tiny tomatoe plants sprouting as I was turning the compost over. At least I think they afre tomatoe plants. Time will tell. There should be pumpkins sprouting from the pile. We had an unusual cantalope sized pumpkin that lasted inside until nearly the end of January before it showed mold spots. I placed it near the edge of the pile and am watching for sprouts.
The usual Winter sounds of the propane and heating oil trucks have been replaced with the sounds of the Tru Green lawm trucks and contractors trucks. There are 2 houses being built a block away and 2 recently completed in the other direction. The sounds of hammers and nail guns rattle from all sides sometimes sounding like a gunfight.
The coyotes can be heard howling in the woods near North Cove, I like to hear them there, knowing they are not too nearby. They are another reason Willy has to be in earlier. We lost Scoop and Max last year about his time. Having the 3 cats sleep near my feet was a sight I never thought would happen. Scoop didn't like Max at all, but her baby, Willy loved playing with Maxie and she relented to tolerate Max in order to stay close to Will. Max was a bed hog though. I still miss them.
Our annual Summer companions, the mosquitos, have arrived also. I'm looking for toad tadpoles to keep in the fish pond and hopefully they'll survive and eat the skeeters as they both grow.
There are several boats at the moorings that were just lonely white bouys a few weeks ago. The slips at Earls Marina are nearly full. There's speculation about how many will actually be used beside a weekend party retreat. Most seemed to never leave the marina last year.
The Elizabeth Islands, visible several miles to the south across Buzzards Bay while crossing the causeway or at the Town Beach can be seen clearly this time of year. As the water warms up in July and August a haze settles in the area and the islands seem to be floating over the horizon. For now the cliffs and beaches can be faintly seen.
I just came in from washing our 2 Jeeps. Eaach one was covered in hundreds of the little 'tails' that the oaks dropped in last night's rain. Last week we had yellow pollen everywhere. My red Jeep looked orangey.
The best part of this time of year is that we get to see everybody out and about again. Even strangers driving by wave. Of course we only get about 20 cars a day on our road, so nearly each one gets scrutunized. Don't forget, I have a lot of time here.