A WALK IN THE PARK Activities to put my mind on springtime

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

— As I sit here working at the computer, I am also keeping an eye on the frigid winter scene developing outside my window. I don’t have to listen to the weather channel to know that we’ve hit the mother lode when it comes to snowfalls. This is one we will be talking about for a while.

There is nothing like watching the birds and animals that live out in these extreme conditions to make me grateful to be inside my comfortable home with two sources of heat to keep me warm and cozy - make that three if you count the electric blanket. On the contrary, things that live outdoors on a day like this must be thinking the world is a miserable place.

Not far from the house, our cattle are huddled under a tree. With huge flakes coming down so rapidly, they are beginning to resemble big, furry mounds of snow themselves. Outside the living room window various species of birds crowd around the feeders. Since the snow-covered ground has all but eliminated other options for getting their bellies full any place else, they eagerly await their turn to grab a bite from “Rowe’s Diner.” Earl refills the feeders often during the harsh weather and that is, no doubt, what makes him“Mr. Popular” with our little feathered friends.

The cattle also seem to be fond of him this time of year, especially when they see him coming from the barn with hay. I am grateful that he will take care of the outdoor chores when it’s so cold like this and leave me in the house with time to daydream about things to do when warmer weather arrives. I have found a little strategy to help keep hope alive that all this will one day give way to springtime.

Recently, I have been collecting lists and announcements of upcoming programs offered around the area. Anything that hints of spring or at least takes my mind off winter gets posted on the little bulletin board mounted by my computer.Here are some of the interesting sounding programs being offered between now and the end of February: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville) will have “He Who Plants Daylilies Plants Happiness,” at 6:30 p.m. on the 17th. Those interested in “Folklore of Native Plants” can visit the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitor center on the 19th. A program on reptiles will be offered a week later on the 26th. Both programs start at 2 p.m. Conserving Arkansans’ agricultural heritage is thepurpose for an “Heirloom Seed Swap” (which includes seeds, bulbs and plants) slated for Feb. 20th at the Fayetteville Senior Center. The OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute (which offers enjoyable, learning opportunities for those age 50 and older at its Global Campus in Fayetteville and at other sites) is offering “Discovering the Quiet town of Gentry” on Feb. 17th, and “Understanding how to be a Good Host for Birds” on the 22nd. If attending a play is more appealing, Sundown Town is playing at Walton Arts Center on various dates through Feb. 20th. This play was written by Kevin Cohea, a man with ties to Siloam Springs.

It is still too early to say spring is “just around the corner,” but after a few days of being snowed in and cooped up in the house, it pays to start looking for signs that the next season will actually be here “someday.”

Planning to attend some area programs once the roads are clear again will give new topics to discuss other than snowfall totals and record low temperatures. This won’t make “someday” get here sooner, but it might make it feel that way. For now, just hand me a seed catalogue and bring on some sunshine, please.

Annette Rowe is a freelance writer from rural Gentry and a speech-language pathologist at Siloam Springs High School. She may be reached by e-mail at awalkinthepark50 @ yahoo.com.

Opinion, Pages 8 on 02/16/2011