It's tough to get through a gate with a broken hinge.

Pitches and catchers report.

The spring game for your favorite college football team.

The white of winter giving way to rain and warming temperatures as nature begins to awaken from her slumber.

And, of course, there is the annual list of chores and tasks that mankind must conquer. Jobs and to-dos left over from the fall, that cropped up during the winter — and it was just too damn cold to do anything about — and those that sprout every spring, no. matter. what.As we move from spring into summer, how’s your list coming along?

1. Cleaned up the dog poop before that first mowing session?
2. Garage cleaned out (including those fall leaves that snuck in)?
3. Flower and garden beds raked out and cleaned up?
4. Finish raking up and burning / hauling away those dang leaves that fell after your final fall yard clean up?
5. New flowers and/or garden planted?
6. Fresh coat of paint on the shed, barn or even house?
7. Grill cleaned up and good to go? Or, did you have to buy a new one?
8. Minor repairs and other fix-it jobs done?
9. How’s the car / van / truck doing? Is it ready for the summer road trip?
10. Is that Father’s Day list ready?

I figure it was about 20lbs of dog crap. It was a long winter.

Hey, after all that hard work you put in this spring, making a well-deserved wish list for Father’s Day had better be on YOUR to-do list.

What did I forget or miss? What else have you crossed off on your list?

-Mike

When Mike is not being an EOT Dad or finishing off his honey-do list, he’s blogging at MikesPoints.com. If you want to see what he’s up to now, click on @MikeDriehorst.

Being that I’m a part-time photographer and pretty handy with a video camera, these mundane yard-work chores can turn into very creative segments for your family memory bank. Here’s my most recent:

Camera toting Dads out there…I know you have some footage or pics to share. Let’s see them. Cough ‘em up.