All Psyched Up: May long

By Linda Hancock on May 17, 2025.

When I was in high school – many, many, many years ago – everyone looked forward to the May long weekend. Some who had vehicles would plan to head for the lake in order to party! Others just looked forward to the last holiday before exams.

Now that I am older, I am thinking about gardening! It is usually safe to put out bedding plants without risking frost by the third weekend of May! Amazing how times and attitudes change with age!

I was doing some research after Christmas and was delighted to find a greenhouse that has a completely new way of doing business. New, at least to me! Customers cannot go to the greenhouse but can only order online and set a date when the plants, soil, fertilizers and accessories will be delivered to your residence. How wonderful!

No hauling heavy bags of dirt from the parkade, up the elevator and onto the deck. Instead, you can just sit in front of your laptop and invest your time reading and learning all the details about the plants that you will purchase. Calgary Plants website is amazing as it offers detailed information that would make any “wannabe gardener” look like an expert.

I was fascinated by the fact that information not only included the names, heights, desired planting locations and needs regarding watering but also whether the plants would attract butterflies or bees. After several hours of enjoying the site, I put a message on our family chat that stated I had ordered all the gardening supplies for this year.

My well-meaning son-in-law replied with “Linda, March is too early to plant.” (Obviously, he knew that he and my daughter were the gardening experts who usually made my patio look like the Garden of Eden and thought that I had messed up!)

So, I have been planning for the May long weekend. I purchased a new barbecue cover to replace the one that the wind had shredded. Everything has been cleaned so that the glass shines and all the patio cushions have been vacuumed. As the temperature climbs, I spend more and more time on the chaise lounge chair dreaming of how the whole outdoor area will be transformed next month when the plants arrive and are planted!

I’m not sure what you are planning for the May long weekend. Some of you might head to a lake, open the cottage, move the RV or spend the weekend fishing. Others might use the time to visit friends or family. Perhaps you would just like to get a few extra hours of rest.

Dare I suggest that high school students would begin studying for finals – or will they be involved in a May-long party?

No matter what you choose to do on this special weekend, stay safe, and enjoy the outdoors. You’re your soul! It’s called self-care.

After all this is the time that we longed for when it was 30 degrees below zero in February!

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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