Here’s a new one — and a perfect example of someone’s overworked imagination (it happens more often this time of year). I was told by a person who heard it from a reliable source, that “experts” are concerned that with all these dead pine trees, the process that turns carbon dioxide into oxygen has become so diminished that we are all becoming oxygen deprived. It must be true — because whoever came up with that one has to be oxygen deprived.

Fortunately, we have a lot of other green growing stuff at this altitude besides lodgepole pine trees. There are things like grass, and hay, and junipers, and sagebrush and aspens, and willows, and spruce. Last year, we were greatly concerned over the high concentration of algae in our lakes. Well, thank goodness we got all that extra oxygen to compensate for what the trees weren’t giving us.
On the other hand, some local residents are absolutely oxygen deprived. It’s pretty easy to tell who they are. But, just in case, it can’t hurt to stop next to a green plant from time to time and take in a few extra deep breaths.

The official reports are in and hummingbird spotters have documented sightings. Sharon Peterson was the first to report in last week after having been dive bombed, and her neighbor, Petra Recor reported a sighting last weekend. So, get those feeders out, because those little guys are hungry. Just boil up a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar for 10 minutes, cool and fill your hummingbird feeder. Don’t mix up any more than you need for your feeder, and don’t add any food coloring. Food coloring and undissolved sugar are especially harmful to these fragile birds.
Also, don’t let your feeder sit for more than a couple of days without replacing the mixture.

We all get a little restless this time of year. And Grand Embellishments (that great store on the Grand Lake boardwalk with Turkish rugs, imports and very cool boots, shoes and handbags) has gotten the urge to move. Stop in and celebrate the grand opening at their new location at the far end of town across the street from Pancho & Lefty’s. Enjoy a little wine and cheese while you shop from 4 to 8 p.m. this Friday and from 11 am. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

This Saturday, May 3, is the Kentucky Derby (many miles away) but our party is right here at the Gateway Inn at noon. Ladies are encouraged to wear their most outrageous hat creations and gentlemen should don suitable derby attire (I have no idea what that is) to win prizes, including a suite at the Gateway and other house prizes. Use your “derby dollars” and step into the winners’ circle and hobnob with those “local celebrities” in the “Not Quite Millionaires Row.” Enjoy an afternoon of Kentucky food and derby drinks. And yes, Kentucky, himself, will be there with his own derby race game.

There are a couple of important fundraisers this Sunday afternoon. Try to schedule time for both. At Grumpy’s, starting at 2 p.m., there will be a potluck dinner to help out Aunt Pat. Sign up to bring a dish to share at (970) 627-0123. A $6 or more donation is being requested at the door to help Aunt Pat with her medical expenses.

Going on at the same time is the annual fundraising dinner for B.A.A.D.D. — Businesses Against Alcohol & Drug Dependence (2 to 7 p.m.) at Pancho & Lefty’s. A $15 donation gets you in to the event where you’ll find an all-you-can-eat buffet, live auction at 5 p.m., and dancing to the sounds of a deejay. In addition, county officials and others will be on hand to explain local programs, education and support.

If you’re into that spring cleaning mode, don’t forget about Changes, our own charity thrift shop, next to the Safeway in Fraser. They have recently expanded, allowing more room for furniture and household items. Next Monday, May 5, through Saturday, May 10, is Locals Week. You’ll get 20 percent off every purchase. So, why not drop off your donations and take some items off their hands at the same time?

Look for community gardens popping up throughout the county this spring. Morales Farms and a group of volunteer organizers are putting together this great project in the hopes of “cultivating” an interest in homegrown produce, which can greatly help any family’s food budget. For more information on high altitude gardening classes and how to participate in a community garden near you, call Carol Morales at Morales Farms, (970) 887-3621.

What people don’t know — they make up.