Do you remember when you were little and something fun was soon to happen?

The anticipation itself was exciting.

It’s that way at this time of year: Several glorious months in Western New York lie ahead of us. The fun of summer awaits.

By May, the early-spring days when it doesn’t always quite feel like spring are behind us.

On such early-spring days, the snow is gone – maybe long gone – and crocuses are in blossom, yet it’s not warm enough to think about doing late-spring or summer activities outside.

But as spring progresses, crocuses fade and daffodils bloom.

Tulips bloom as well if you still have them. Which you may not if deer are prevalent near your home.

You may have learned the hard way that deer will devour tulips.

Not daffodils though. There’s something about daffodils that prevents deer, or rabbits, or other such animals from even touching daffodils. They’re just not on the menu, thank you very much.

The dandelions have also returned and are in full bloom. That can be good or bad depending on how you view them. If they’re useful to you, their return is a good thing. If you spend what seems like an inordinate amount of time every year trying to rid your lawn of them, then that’s another thing altogether.

As spring continues, there arrive other signs that the fullness of much of life seems to have returned.

Daylight extends well into the evening again. Not for nearly as long as in far-northern regions, where during the weeks surrounding the summer solstice, the sun never sets. Still, daylight extends well into the evening.

With long days, there returns the warmth of spring.

Trees bud and suddenly are full of leaves. Have you noticed the change in the trees lately? Many hardwoods that just a few weeks ago had only tiny buds are full of leaves. For now, let’s just forget what all those leaves portend for, say, November.

Jackets are often unnecessary, even during early mornings or late evenings.

Neighbors who seem to have hibernated for most of the winter are outside again. Maybe taking a walk. Maybe tending to their lawns or gardens. Maybe pulling their outdoor furniture out of storage.

For farmers, it’s planting time.

For golfers, clubs are ready for another season. Those who have never had the elusive hole-in-one wonder if this just might be the year. Then again, a hole-in-one is usually one of those things that happens by surprise – that is, when you’re not looking for it, or even thinking of it.

For teachers and pupils, the school year is entering the home stretch, and spring sports are in full swing.

Docks and boats, having been stowed away last fall, are going back into the water and are ready for another season of fun.

With Memorial Day right around the corner, local nurseries are well stocked. Many homes will soon have hanging baskets or gardens full of flowers, and local cemeteries will soon be filled with geraniums.

It’s a beautiful time of year to walk along or drive around one of the many local lakes and enjoy the scenery.

If you haven’t been to Chautauqua Institution lately, this is a particularly good time to go. Although the nine-week summer season is a ways off, you can see the place starting to come back to life.

Whatever you do, maybe you can take along someone who would especially appreciate such a day. Think of someone who lives alone. Or of someone who, for whatever reason, doesn’t drive. Or of someone who, for whatever reason, just needs to have fun.

You just might make someone’s day.

May is one of Randy Elf’s favorite months.

COPYRIGHT ç 2022 BY RANDY ELF