The Boondock Bonars

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

About this time of year everyone in Lewiston is sick of the snow and we all just want spring to finally arrive. In California, where we came from, our family and friends are tilling the soil and getting ready to plant their gardens. Here in Lewiston, we curse when we wake up to find a few inches of snow on the ground when the temperature had nearly climbed to 70 degrees just barely a week ago. The ground is far too cold and wet to till......so we wait and grumble until May when it is safe to plant our gardens.

Last week we visited California. I went to a comedy show at the Rolling Hills Casino which Brad hosted and Jim Brogan headlined. He is a very funny man and his comedy show is basically asking the audience what they do for a living and then making fun of them. That kind of comedy requires brilliance. Jim asked an older lady in the audience what she did for a living. Her reply was something like, "Nothing". He then proceeded to asked her what she did during the day and she said, "I watch soap operas". Finally, he asked her what she did when she didn't watch soap operas and she said, "Stare out the window". We all laughed of course because imagining someone watching soap operas and staring out the window all day is funny. But at the same time, it's sad. I leaned over to Brad and said something like, "Way to be a productive member of society". And then I felt guilty for having said so because I have done my share of staring out the window when there is a blizzard outside and I am stuck at home. Or when it's below zero outside and going anywhere is crazy.

Then I thought.....people have to go outside in that weather every day. They don't have much of a choice. They are productive members of society and they fulfill their responsibilities. Now some people stay home and are productive at the same time. In fact, we can be productive anywhere. There is a lot we can do to help society even within the walls of our own home. First and foremost is raising our families, but when our children are gone, we can still help our communities. If we are homebound, there are countless ways to help out. It just takes some digging and persistence, but there is so much we can do to make the world a better place.

Did you all know that Brad and I are volunteers for the Lewiston 4th of July celebration? We are specifically helping out another couple with planning the parade. We have no idea what we're doing this year and next year will be our year to be in charge of the parade. It seems a little daunting, but what the heck? Going out of our comfort zones is good for us and we will become even more a part of our community.

I am glad I have something to do and something to look forward to.....especially since we are getting more snow this weekend.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet