BBQ. Hopefully you already got the BBQ out, but if not, it’s time to uncover and fire it up! Hamburgers, steaks, veggies, chicken—enjoy!

Appreciate Mom. Remember, Mothers day is May 11. Do something nice and fun with your mom—perhaps enjoy a nice picnic with her, or cook her a meal.

Put up some hanging baskets. For the how to on creating hanging baskets, see this issue’s “Garden Notes.” Visit the Fleischmann Planetarium. There is fun programming every single day! It’s fun and informative, whatever your age.

Start a compost heap. Make your own organic soil amendment with all those spring clippings, and save some landfill square footage at the same time. If you don’t have the inclination to start your own heap, you can take your green waste to Full Circle Compost (http://www.nvhome.biz/content/view/440/ or 775-267-5305) just south of Carson City, and they’ll turn it into compost!

Check out the birds at Virginia Lake. Recently spotted: nine baby goslings!

Bring out the bicycle. May 15 is Bike to Work Day!