Just Musing: April weather, May celebrations and a word of caution

I have an off-the-wall question. Who ticked off Mother Nature?

In my several decades of life, I don’t remember such torrential and frequent rains like we’ve had this spring. The most recent storm brought lots of wind, thunder, rain coming down sideways and running like a river in the streets in a matter of minutes. Many streets and roads were closed due to high water and other folks suddenly lived in waterfront homes ? some on an island completely surrounded by water.

Enough on that. In just two weeks, folks will gather at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby ? a favorite annual event for many. Folks will be drinking mint juleps, singing "My Old Kentucky Home" and ladies of all ages will be decked out in their finest with an array of sophisticated hats. I’ve been told tickets range between $600 and $1,500 per person. I’m glad we can watch it on TV, but it would be fun to see all the action in person.

When in Florida, I pinched the back of my leg in a folding lawn chair that tried to fold as I was getting up. That pinch became a bruise and later an open sore. My doctor speculated that wearing capris rubbed against it causing the bruise to become rough and eventually an open sore. To make a long story short, I’ve been on a broad spectrum antibiotic and using a prescription antibiotic cream on it for two weeks now.

On Monday of this last week, my doctor lanced it to help it drain faster. Let me tell you, I about jumped through the ceiling and had an accident in my pants at the same time. I have always tolerated pain quite well, but this was off the charts painful. The good news is it seems to be healing now. The moral of the story: be careful as you get up out of those folding canvas chairs.

Never too soon to beat the Mother's Day rush

It’s not too early to begin thinking about Mother’s Day. I usually think of that as the go signal to plant flowers as well as the celebration of the day. If you are one who sends mom flowers, better get them ordered now. Florists are extremely busy the week before Mother’s Day.

You may also want to make alternate plans for lunch. Many restaurants are experiencing staff shortages ? some to the point of having to close early or even for the day with no shows from employees. It is certainly a different way of life than when I grew up. I worked weekends at Isaly’s in Kenton as a teenager when I could ( usually four hours) and begged for more.

Let me leave you with this quotation by Conrad Hilton: “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”

Until next week, be safe and be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Rainy April, Kentucky Derby, planning ahead and a word of caution