On spring, knotted tails, and M&M - Museum and the Masters

By Rhonda Westfall

Spring has sprung.

Or, is that re-sprung after the brief fling we had with warm weather several weeks ago - that was quickly followed by snow.

Whatever the case may be, it certainly seems good to see sprightly yellow and purple crocus plants poking their heads up through the soil and the brown-gray lawns changing into shades of springtime green.

We all need the boost that spring sunshine brings - at least here at the office.

It seems like we've been passing one bug or another around all winter long. Lynn has the sniffles; Kathy and Elaine are trying to recover from similar cold symptoms; Pres continues to hack -although that may be due to his continued use of those white-wrapped cylinders filled with tobacco. Each of us at one time or another in the past few months has been moderately miserable while we've been on the job.

That can create some pretty cranky people.

My grandma, Doretta Witt, used to tell us kids when we got ornery and out-of-sorts that we had our "tail in a knot" and needed someone to pull the knot out. I think she meant a spanking - although I was never on the receiving end of the un-knotting so I can't say for sure.

In lieu of pulling knots out of people's tails here, I suggest we all go outdoors and say thanks for the arrival of another spring season.

It should do the trick for most of us - although Mange may need some extra attention. I believe we can find plenty of willing hands to do the un-knotting for him.

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Another sure sign that spring has arrived is the opening of the Paine-Gillam-Scott House. Catherine Rumbaugh and Museum volunteers have been busy doing spring-cleaning at the Clinton County Historical Museum and preparing new exhibits for the upcoming season.

Actually, Museum volunteers have been pulling double-duty the past few weeks. As we've noted in previous articles, brochures explaining the capital campaign which the Museum is undertaking are inserted in this edition of the Clinton County News and DeWitt/Bath Review.

Preparing the more than 21,000 pieces for distribution required lots of willing hands doing lots of stuffing and gluing. Thanks to Catherine's terrific organizational abilities - and with the aid of cozy office space provided by campaign co-chairpersons, Ruth Nihart and Bonnie Gregory - the work was completed ahead of schedule.

My Mom and Dad even got in on the act, preparing 2,000 pieces here at home after I 'volunteered' their services. They just love it when I bring work home for them.

It was all for a good cause - the Museum. Please make sure you check the inserts in the paper today and save the brochure and pledge envelope.

Correction: save the brochure, mail in the envelope with a donation to the Museum.

Thanks.

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I simply cannot end this piece without sharing some wonderful news. While there are people who think it's pure drivel (like a sportswriter here who shall remain nameless), anyone who truly loves the game of golf will understand completely - I'm going to the Masters.

Okay - so, we're not actually going to be there for the tournament itself, but my older son and I did manage to score tickets for the opening day practice round, April 3.

Just being at the Augusta National Golf Club during Masters' week is enough for me.

Year after year on television, I've watched the greatest golfers in the world compete on this beautiful course - now, I will be able to touch the emerald green fairways and smell the magnolias.

I can hardly wait.

There are no knots in my tail anymore, that's for sure.