When May apples have fruit the size of a cherry and honeysuckle flowers have all come down, then cucumber beetles reach the economic threshold on the farm. The dark Moon favors planting garlic. Lunar conditions favor transplanting shrubs/trees, planting root crops, working with animals. The new Buttercup Moon on the 4th, increases chances of frost above the 40th parallel. As the Moon waxes, the lunar influence weakens until the approach of perigee (May 13). Japanese beetles start to attack when yucca plants send up their stalks. Venus remains the huge Morning Star in the east before dawn. Jupiter is in Ophiuchus, crossing the sky throughout the night and arriving in the southwest before sunrise. Cassiopeia and the Milky Way lie on the northern horizon before midnight. Cygnus rises from the northeast, Ophiuchus from the east, Sagittarius and Libra from the southeast, Centaurus and Corvus are low on the southern horizon. Hydra snakes across the southeast. Monoceros is setting the in west, Gemini going down due west, Capella and Perseus disappearing in the northwest.
The Eta Aquarids are active now through May 28, with the most meteors expected on May 5. The Moon is not expected to interfere with meteor watching. The cold front of Late Spring usually crosses the Mississippi on or about May 2, 7, 12 and 15. A New Moon on the 4th could contribute to unseasonable cold and to unstable weather. (Countryside)
Today Kidlet is 16. She and the family visited me over the Easter holidays. She is learning to drive, something I would not do living in such a high traffic area. She drove my car, but I had to stay home, she thought it would be too stressful for her. She also had a go in Brother's jeep. The Boy and I both think it is good for her to have some experience with a stick shift. She did OK, just said that her left leg was sore from having to do so much work.
Pearl enjoyed her walks around the neighborhood, thought she wanted to play with all the dogs she encountered. She has kept my yard free of bunnies, thought they tend to ignore her when she barks through the kitchen window. Outside, they flee, not realizing that all she wants to do is play. Cats, dogs and other creatures are cause for alarm in the middle of the night. Strange to hear a dog bark and realize it is coming from inside your home. Probably best if bunnies don't come back, there are only two pea plants in the bed and that won't feed me or them.
It was a good visit. The five of us rubbed along though I am sure they were glad to be home in their own beds.
Cinco De Mayo, another reason for a party. A celebration to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In Mexico there is a gathering of the Mexican Army and citizens in the Plaza in Mexico City, with celebrations following the ceremony. In the States it has taken life as a party day. Decorate with all things Mexican. Serve your favorite Mexican food and drink. If you aren't a party giver, visit your local Mexican restaurant and indulge. Just watch the spice if you are not accustomed.
On Wednesday, May 8 the 4C's free clothing and household item giveaway is on the parking lot of the Harrisburg Methodist Church, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Clothing, clean and in good repair and household items, in working order, gladly accepted. Drop off items on Wednesday, starting at 7 a.m. Please enter the alley from Poplar Street, unload, and exit onto Locust. This is a great way to help others in need of necessity items. Your no longer needed items will find a good home. Inside in case of rain.
The Eldorado Garden Club annual truckload plant sale, Wednesday, May 22, on the back parking lot of the Eldorado First Christian Church. The lot is on State Street. Parking is on the front lot belonging to the church. As usual, no one knows what will be available until the truck doors open and plants start coming out. If you have never been, it is an adventure at good prices. There are always some treasurers to be bought. Hours, 7 a.m. till sold.
Strange things in Illinois politics. According to Illinois statues, "A person is not eligible to take the oath of office for a municipal office if that person ... has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury or other felony." Similar prohibitions do not exist for state officials. Go figure.
"For, lo! The winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing of birds is at hand and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." (The Songs of Solomon)
• Elizabeth Woodworth lives in Harrisburg.
