Editor,

Murphy’s law says no one gets sick on Wednesdays – it’s too far away from weekends. But when they had a chance to skip outdoor work because Dec. 7 dawned at 17 degrees Fahrenheit, the Friends of South Whidbey State Park showed up in impressive numbers to work – and it was Saturday.

In what may become the first annual Holly Day, about 30 Friends uprooted invasive holly plants in the park, turned them into wreaths and sprays and enjoyed warm fellowship along the way.

They also learned why holly is a noxious weed here, how to distinguish it from Oregon grape — a native look-alike — and how to dispose of it when the wreaths and swags have served their purpose. They should be burned or bagged for disposal, not composted or tossed back into the woods where they can germinate more little hollies.

My hat is off to the wonderful volunteers of the Friends, alongside about 20 others from the Calyx Community Arts School and Service Education and Adventure or SEA, who shared a job joyfully joined and delightfully done.

Thanks, one and all, for living the spirit of the season.

FLETCHER DAVIS

Friends of South Whidbey State Park