Something amazing happened recently. The weather actually became warmer.
Comments such as “Do you think spring has arrived?” and “Wasn’t this winter awful?” have diminished as buds and flowers on trees and plants have appeared and offered a glimpse of things to come.
What’s most notable, more so than the changing of seasons, has been a changing of moods. As cold-weather clothing recede into the back of a closet, smiling about sunny, warm weather seems to have emerged. While I haven’t surveyed smiling faces in the Mid-Shore area, I think it’s a safe bet.
Now, for me, two events have somewhat soured my mood. On Monday, April 13, I appeared in Talbot County District Court to plead for mercy for a speeding ticket earned on Route 50 maybe six weeks ago. It’s been a long time since I had the pleasure of sitting in a courtroom hoping the judge would grant me some financial relief and a record without points.
I found an Easton friend also testing the patience and tolerance of the justice system. In fact, he seemed far more comfortable than I in the sparse courtroom, but also was resigned to writing a check for his transgression, though at an amount less than it could have been.
I wish I could say I learned a lesson. I would be fibbing, however. Route 50 has been my lifeline for nearly 40 years, my concrete connection to work and family. As my mind constantly wanders, I do realize the need to reduce the stress on my gas pedal. It seems a reasonable expectation.
Talbot County District Court draws enough people that my presence is superfluous—or at least preventable.
As we all know, April 15 is a dreadful day for those of us called to provide additional funding for our federal government. Though not surprised I owed Uncle Sam some money, I did find it difficult to allow the wonderful spring weather to prompt a joyous demeanor during my meeting with my accountant.
Back to more pleasant activities than a courtroom appearance and tax obligations, I recently attended the opening of a new exhibit at the Chesapeake Bay
Maritime Museum entitled Chesapeake Swan Song: From Commodity to Conservation. This exhibit, like so many at the museum, tells a story not just about birds but about the heritage of the Eastern Shore.
Judy and Henry Stansbury partially sponsored the exhibit. A fellow member of the maritime museum’s board of governors, Henry Stansbury is a renowned collector of wildlife decoys and respected historian. He has a wealth of knowledge about hand-carved decoys and birds endemic to the Eastern Shore, as well as the human history of Maryland. Henry is a former president of the Maryland Historical Society.
One other thing: the Farmers’ Market opened in Easton for the season on Saturday, April 11, drawing buyers and friends who like, in equal measure, to shop and talk. The market is truly a community gathering place not only for us humans, but also our dogs.
So, clearly spring is upon us after a very cold, unpleasant winter. Many Talbot County residents have returned from Florida and points south, renewing their ties with our wonderful piece of Maryland– and those of us who kept our thermostats in the high 60s and low 70s for a few frigid months.
Finally, we can talk about the weather in glowing terms.
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