Temperatures this month remained cold/cool for the first couple of weeks, delaying our traditionally smooth transition into spring. We used this time to fulfill medical appointments, etc. Typically, April is the prime month for just about everything having to do with the out-of-doors—trees begin leafing, dogwoods bloom, birds are in full migration mode, hummingbirds arrive, butterflies begin to appear, and fish, particularly bream, begin their first of several spawns, all about mid-month. Abruptly, the last week or so of the month reflected warm/hot temperatures, speeding nature’s usual processes.

Sunrise in the Village

These warm temperature patterns caused an unusual phenomenon as hundreds of Baltimore Orioles descended on feeders in Hot Springs Village; normally, we get only a couple transients. Those who feed birds were buying oranges by the bags and grape jelly two or three jars at a time. These colorful birds provided great photo opportunities. But, just as quickly as they came, they left! The Pine Siskins essentially disappeared late in the month as well, but hummingbird “scouts” arrived to check if feeders were in place.

Butterflies also began to emerge, with Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Zebra Swallowtails in abundance.

Because of the rapid change in temperatures, fishing was a bit off, though a few did surrender to a chartreuse popping bug. Also, the warm weather was suitable for bicycling and I did two rides with the Ageless Bicycle Club in the Village. Incidentally, I was able to fit in about 20 rounds of golf!

A few fish succumbed  to a popping bug

Ageless Bicycle Club at Clinton Library

Kay, meanwhile, kept up with a busy schedule of board and club meetings, church activities, and golf. How she does it is beyond me.

No time was wasted before seeing the grandkids. Ridge and Aker came for a visit on the weekend; we enjoyed hiking and watching “action figure” shows on Netflix. 

And then, Harper spent her spring break with us. The weather cooperated and we had a great time hiking, fishing, spending time in the garage shop, and visiting the Mid America Science Museum in Hot Springs. While fishing from the dock one morning, she overstepped while casting and went in the lake over her head. Fortunately, she popped right up as I was ready to jump in (the water is only about 4 feet deep). She is such a good sport, didn’t cry or panic, and just treated as another adventure. She is such a joy and has a heart of gold.

Harper fishing, just before a tumble into the lake

Harper at Mid America Science Museum

KK at the museum

In between visits, I got in a game or two (maybe more) of golf.

It feels great to be home after a long, sometimes wet and cold winter. Our house provides lots of space and light, something not always present in the motorhome, and the view from the sunroom, breakfast, and master bedroom is awesome. We spent the last few days organizing/restoring things in the house to suit our needs and whims, and getting reacquainted with friends and neighbors. And of course, I got in a golf game on Monday, our first full day back.

We awoke to light rain, followed by falling ice pellets and snow Tuesday morning. Kay and I both visited her stylist, and the haircuts were really short. The rest of the day was spent trying to keep warm!

Kay had lunch and watched a movie with Sharon and Sue on Wednesday, yet another less than perfect weather day.

Thursday and Friday were again cold and wet. On Thursday, Kay drove to UTRGV to pick up a putter and purchase tickets to the mariachi concert on Sunday.

Finally, some decent weather arrived on Saturday. I managed a great bicycle ride—my longest of this new year—including a visit to historic La Lomita Mission, despite the wind.

Historic La Lomita Mission

Historic La Lomita Mission

Historic La Lomita Mission

Having not ridden for several days, I did a relatively long bicycle ride, over 19 miles, late Monday, not returning until near dark, despite cool temperatures and winds of about 15 mph. Many roads in the Valley are coarse chip and seal, resulting in a rough ride and chipped windshields!

Rough chip and seal road and bicycle lane

While riding, a couple of Border Patrol incidents were happening. The first photo shows 9 vehicles surrounding 3 illegals. The second photo shows a number of agents on foot searching for illegals adjacent to the path I ride.

There are 9 vehicles, one is behind all the others. Three illegals were sitting on the curb.

Foot searching for illegals near Mission Park

Tom and I played golf again on Tuesday, this time at Los Lagos in Edinburg. As one of my favorite courses in the Valley, it was disappointing to see the loss of parts of some greens, and a deep second cut of rough; the rough was so deep it was virtually impossible to find golf balls, even if just off the green.

Saturday was a catchup day—including nap time, we slept for almost 12 hours each.