1. Today is the first day of spring. "Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer."  ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth, author of A Gardener Obsessed: Observations, Reflections, and Advice for Other Dedicated Gardeners. Have a favorite gardeing book? Post it in the comments. (Mine is The Botany of Desire, by Michael Pollan - not a practical book except unless you're looking at the BIG picture.) 2. Campaign! Whether you're for or against building a new K-5 school on Fruit Street, get out on a street corner with your sign…

1. Cornell's: Corned Beef and Cabbage all day. And y'know, if you have to have cabbage, this is the place! Besides the excellent food, Cornell's has a welcoming atmosphere, beers from all over the world. Hand your keys to the designated driver, start with Killian's, have a shot of Jameson's and finish off with a black and tan. 2. The Boston Flower and Garden Show: More green than anywhere else in New England until April. 3. Hi-fiving the Hopkinton High School girls and boys basketball teams: They probably don't feel too good about the semifinals results but they gave it their best and won an …

1. Get Ready To Tickle Your Tummy. From 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center in Framingham, for $25 ($30 at the door), don't miss the First Annual Taste of MetroWest. There will be food and drinks from Sel de la Terre, Tomasso Trattoria, the Sherborn Inn, Bistro 20, Legal Sea Foods, Pepper’s Fine Foods Catering,  La Cantina, The Aegean,  MetroWest Medical Center, Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center,  Double Dipped Chocolates, Still River Winery, The Crowne Plaza Natick, Heritage at Framingham/Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp., British …

1. Hopkintin State Park.  The roads are clear so you can walk or run in sneakers. But there's enough shade in the woods and on most trails that you can still ski, snowmobile, snowshoe and maybe even slide on the north side of the dam. At this time of year, it's free too. And hey! Pick up the dog poop. The park provides bags at the boat ramp. 2. Baypath Humane Society. It's right down the street from the park entrance (but Baypath's dogs walk on Rafferty Road, not in the park). What could be better than a new four-footed friend to help you bring the spring mud inside and give you lots of love …

1. Download and print a checklist of birds from Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick. You can use it looking out your back window as well as at the sanctuary 280 Eliot Street, Natick 508-655-2296 broadmoor@massaudubon.org 2. With Weston Nurseries opening March 1, you can buy bird seed in the Garden Center. Hot pepper meats leave something for the birds. You can always give the squirrels something else. 3. Birds still need fresh water even though temperatures are starting to thaw. If you don't have a bird-bath heater, you can start encouraging birds to come to your back yard by putting out …

These dogs at the Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton (or in foster care while awaiting adoption) are yours with a few simple steps. Fill out an application. Bring proof of homeownership or an OK from your landlord, a carrier for cats, a leash for dogs. There are fees from $125 to $320 for spaying, neutering and making sure the cats and dogs have all their shots. When you adopt a pet, expect to have him or her for at least 10 years. If you think these dogs and cats aren't the best, nominate (or adopt) your own!   THE BEST DOGS Bodhi - American Staffordshire Terrier 16 mos. A very good boy but…

1. Hopkinton Boosters Valentine's Day Weekend at Hopkinton Country Club, 167 Saddle Hill Road in Hopkinton. Saturday evening from 7 'til ? Enjoy a casual night of dancing, sports-themed foods and big games on TV, all to help the Boosters improve athletics programs and facilities. This year's theme is, "Together, we CAN do it!" $165 per couple; tax-deductible $100 donation going directly to projects.   2. The 7th Annual Chocolate Spectacular  Saturday at Whitney Place, 238 West Main St., Northborough, from 4 to 6. $20 includes wine, all-you-can-eat chocolate treats from local restaurants, …

The best places to watch Super Bowl XLV in the Hopkinton area: 1. Your house Pros: You know where the bathroom is; don't have to worry about a designated driver if you drink alcohol; have a favorite place to sit; no cold, slippery trip home; can tune out early if it's one-sided; can back up the digital recorder to watch a funny commercial or great play; can turn down the sound so you don't have to listen to commentators; you control the clicker. Cons: Have to do your own cleanup afterward; unless you have an exceptionally large family, friends over, or got into one at work, no football pool; …