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e Gis of May "May is the month of Expectations, e month of Wishes, e month of Hope" Emily Bronte Almost everyone loves spring. From the gorgeous f lowers in bloom to the sweet songs of birds and the warm feeling of sunlight, there is something magical about spring. It is the month of May! It is the month to welcome back hummingbirds. "Oh, there you are!" "Where have you been all winter long?" As I sit on my deck enjoying the warmth of the sun on this beautiful May morning, I hear the familiar sound of wings beating at over sixty times a second. I look up to see the smallest bird in the world hovering in space not more than two feet away. I must know this small creature, since hummers have excellent memories and often return to where they were born. It f lies close and hovers a few feet away. It is her way of showing that she is secure and safe here. She has most likely returned from her migration to Mexico for the winter months. She is a gift that I will enjoy all summer and into fall. If you have the unique opportunity to be a part of a hummingbird's life then you will truly enjoy Sy Montgomery's book, e Hummingbirds' Gi. It takes you on the adventure of two women who saved the lives of hatchlings that were separated from their mother. The women knew that saving the nearly naked babies required a miracle. Providing food every twenty-three minutes, crushing bugs and mixing fresh nectar, and keeping a dedicated routine were important to save these small creatures. The book tells of astonishing feats that these smallest of birds can master: f lying backwards, diving at speeds over 60 miles an hour, and migrating from Mexico to Alaska each year. The book is a short 79 page read, but one you will not easily forget. As I sit and watch my hummingbird enjoying its morning feeding treat, I am reminded of the value of those who save these creatures. I would like to express my personal gratitude to the San Diego Humane Society for helping me rescue two newly hatched Hummers that had fallen from their nest during a windstorm at OHCC. Reading this book made me aware of the arduous tasks of these volunteers as they work to save the lives of the most exquisite and extraordinary of winged creatures. Our library and the volunteers who work for you each day would like to send a friendly reminder that any book that you have checked out in your name needs to be returned by you so that others can enjoy the same book. Please do not give books to someone else while it is in your care. Written by Sally Benton and submitted by the Library Association | OHCC LIVING | MAY 2025 | 13 Library Association MAY BOOK BUYS 25 Alive ................................. James Patterson & Maxine Paetro e Crash ......................................................... Freida Mcfadden Dead Money ................................................................ Jakob Kerr Great Big Beautiful Life ...........................................Emily Henry e Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits ......................... Jennifer Weiner Harlem Rhapsody ......................... Victoria Christopher Murray Havoc .............................................................Christopher Bollen Lethal Prey ............................................................ John Sandford e Maid's Secret .........................................................Nita Prose e Mail Man ........................................ Andrew Welsh-Huggins Memorial Days (Memoir) ............................... Geraldine Brooks Murder Island .............................. James Patterson & Brian Sitts Never Say Never ..................................................... Danielle Steel e Oligarch's Daughter .......................................... James Finder Over Kill ....................................................................... J. A. Jance Say You'll Remember Me ........................................Abby Jiminez e Snowbirds ..................................................Christina Clancy Strangers In Time................................................ David Baldacci is Is A Love Story .................................................Jessica Soffer e Writer .................................. James Patterson & J. D. Barker Written by Jean Hefler Spring Maintenance Of Our Golf Course Over time, the surface of the green builds up an organic layer comprised of decaying roots and grass stems. This layer, if allowed to get too thick, will inhibit water penetration and become like a sponge, making the surface too soft. The layer will also prevent gas exchange and the ability of the roots to breathe oxygen. When there is an absence of oxygen in the soil, it turns black (anaerobic), causing the roots and the plant to die. The surface of the green also becomes compacted from foot traffic and the equipment that is used. Compacted soil doesn't drain resulting in improper water movement through the soil profile. Playing conditions are of the utmost importance for most golfers, so our spring and fall aeration and thatch removal solves the problems of lawn compaction and overgrowth. Of course, the course cannot be used while it is being worked on, but the results are well worth the short-lived disruption. Aeration usually removes a 1/2 inch core that is then filled up with sand and a layer on top, thus providing a channel for gas exchange and water infiltration. De-thatching is the removal of dead overgrown roots and grass. Aeration and thatch removal is a labor-intensive undertaking, but it gives us superior greens for the May, and August Guys and Dolls tournaments. Landscape Committee

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