Season of Snowbirds

‘Snowbird Season’ has arrived here in Florida.  Wherever I go, I see license plates from places up North, such as New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.  The community where I reside, mostly I see Ohio, Michigan and a few from Pennsylvania.  Having the winter residents’ return to my gated community, makes for more traffic.  More people are out walking and enjoying the Florida weather.  I see more people driving golf carts on the road; many drive as if they are in a NASCAR race and not going the posted speed limit.  There are more bicycles going past my house as well as more cars and trucks.  With the ‘snowbird season’ in full swing, within my gated community the games have begun or sports as our newsletter refers to them.

During this time of year I don’t need a calendar to let me know the day of the week.  All I have to do is look out my window and I know if it is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc… I can see most of the games/sports being played.  A few years back, I wrote a poem about the croquet players called “Adults at Play”.  I dedicated it to them (of course I don’t think they know this).  No matter how cold it is, there they are out in full force, bundled up in jackets, hats, scarves and a few are wearing gloves.  I watch as I sit at my computer working on my latest writing endeavor while sipping a warm beverage.  Sometimes I wonder, should I set up a concession stand to make a few extra bucks.   Sure some out there could use a hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate to take off the chill.  When it is warmer, I can offer bottles of water, Gatorade or a ginger ale.  It is nice to see adults acting like children.  No doubt it keeps them young as it keeps me young just watching them.  One drawl back for me, backing out my driveway; I have to look both ways at least three times before backing out onto the street.  There are times when out of nowhere a golf cart comes barreling down the road, a bicyclist pedals from somewhere and a car or two also appears suddenly. 

I do welcome all those who come to the ‘Sunshine State’ during the winter.  They spend money which helps the economy.  Once they migrate home, I again have to consult my calendar to find out what day of the week it is.  Oh well, that is why I have one handy.  Until next time…..I hear the whacking of the croquet mallets upon the wooden ball which means today is Monday. 

ADULTS AT PLAY

(Dedicated to the croquet players from Orange Manor West and Orange Manor East of Winter Haven, Florida—March 2008)

©Scottie-ann Murphy

A whacking noise

  A crashing blow

Wood hitting upon wood

Cheers

  And jeers

Of those at play

  On lush green grass

    Laughing like children

In the noon day sun

   Under a cloudless blue sky

The sounds

     Penetrate into my ears,

Behind darken window panes

     Silently I watch…..

                 A peeping Tom peering out into the world

Croquet day has arrived once more