Mary in the fairway on the 4th hole at Green Mountain National Golf Course.

Mary in the fairway on the 4th hole at Green Mountain National Golf Course.

Happy Patriots' Day!

For those of you who are a little rusty on your American History, today is the 235th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord; the first military engagements of the revolutionary war fought between the 13 American colonies and the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Being brought up in Arlington Massachusetts, this day always had special significance growing up as a child. Communities all around Boston are filled with historical places, and Arlington had its' share. Being astride the route taken by Paul Revere on his famous ride from Boston to Concord, there are numerous spots along Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington identified with historical markers. When I think back to when I was 12, I remember riding a bicycle along the famous route. (of course, now my parents would probably be thrown in jail for allowing us to do that, but it was a different time and childhood was a time for exploration.)

Patriots' day is also a good marker for the start of spring. The Boston Marathon and opening day at Fenway Park (now moved forward several chilly weeks to meet TV advertising needs) used to collide headlong into one another, generating huge, boisterous crowds in Kenmore Square. After a long winters nap, the senses were awakened by the buzz of the crowd, and the smell of all the sausages being grilled with huge mounds of onions and peppers by street vendors all around the Back Bay of Boston.

This year, spring has arrived right on schedule. Around Killington, the crocus are blooming. It is still too chilly for anything else, but with the snow gone from everywhere but a few ski trails, it won't be long before the ground heats up and other spring flowers announce their presence to the world.

We successfully completed our first round of golf for the season at Green Mountain National Golf Course. I am not sure, but this year is probably the earliest we have ever played a round of golf in Killington. (Many times in the past we have made the trek to Rutland or down south for an early spring round.) I was hitting the ball better than I expected. My left shoulder seemed very stable after last years surgery. I was a little rusty around the greens after my 18 month layoff from golf, but that will come back with time and some work on the course. It was just nice to be out in the sunshine chasing a little white ball through the Vermont countryside.

Think Spring!