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Elizabeth Woodworth: We love our dogs ... but would you throw yours a birthday party?

Between now and the first of May, most dandelions go to seed along the 40th Parallel. They seem to be the one spring bloomer that is not affected by the cold snaps. The Eastern tent caterpillars have beginning to weave webs on flowering fruit trees. On the 20th the moon reaches a powerful perigee, increasing the likelihood of storms and frosts with the cold front that arrives.

However, the second major tornado period of April begins now, lasting in most years until April 27. Aphid infestations move north from the Deep South into fields and gardens (Countryside).

There has been trash pickup at my house for years. At first the guys backed down the driveway, got the can from behind the grape arbor, emptied and returned it. When their truck got larger, they came to the side of the yard, and did the same. I realize it is more cost efficient to have huge trucks that can pick the can up, empty it and set it back down. The driver never has to get out of the truck. And it is a very clean operation, no trash strewn about.

But I hate it. Cans have to go out the night before pickup. So they are curbside for what seems to be forever. I do not like driving through town and seeing blocks of trash cans. But I am grateful that we have trash services that keep it from piling up in yards and streets.

April is Earth Day. The 2018 project is to help end plastic pollution. Clean up a stream, pick up trash along a highway or a street. Make the Earth a better, safer place to live.

Sunday May 6, the Homemakers Chicken and Dumpling dinner, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Pruitt Building. Cost $8 for adults, $4 for children. Chicken/dumplings, slaw, roll, green beans, drink and Homemaker-made desserts. All are welcome, come eat.

My little bird has talked to the flowers. The Eldorado Garden Club Truckload Plant sale will be Wednesday, May 23, 7 a.m. till sold out. It will be on the parking lot of the First Christian Church, corner of State and Walnut Sts. There is patron parking in the lot in front of the church.

The next Honor Flight will be April 24. People are welcome to be at Veterans Airport when the plane returns. Participants from here are Chuck Hankins, Harvey Hedger, William Ledbetter and Bob Lehman.

In 36 hours I had 22 calls telling me that my cloud account has been compromised. Had seven in the 3½ hours I was at the genealogical society. Just one thing wrong - I do not have a cloud account. Never have, wouldn't know to use it. I don't know if this is the latest scam, but I am tired of the calls.

The hummingbird migration toward Illinois is on. Some of the front fliers may already be here. They are going to be tired and hungry birds. So dig out the feeder, clean it up, fill it up, hang it up and hopefully you will be rewarded with visitors.

Sign up online: The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon will be Saturday, April 28. This is likely to be the largest day of road racing in Kentucky. Runners from all 50 states and several foreign countries will compete the scenic 26.2- and 13.1-mile courses. Large enthusiastic crowds line sidewalks along the route, which passes through the historic Churchill Downs racecourse. Run the race and party afterward.

Love your dog? 89.7 million U.S. dogs are owned by 48 percent of Americans. 31 percent of dogs own clothes; 11 percent of all dog owners throw birthday parties for their dogs.

Sixty-seven percent say their dog relieves stress (this I believe knowing the role Daisy plays in her family.) 44 percent of owners have made provisions for their dog in their will. 50 percent of dogs get Christmas or Hanukkah gifts. 2 percent of dogs go to day care while their owners work.

For a never pet owner, Daisy is ideal. I let her out, give her treats, pet her and then go home alone.