Happy Easter! 

At long last, a warm spring day! It appears the month of March is going out like a lion . . . The winds will die down and then April will bring lots of rain which is good for the farmer's crops. 

If you had the opportunity to read my last blog I shared a heartfelt story about clipping daffodils from my beloved father’s garden. 

For a couple of weeks I have been staring at daffodils in the local grocery store -- $1.99 (not including the tax) for six (6) stems. Although they are hearty and strong, I just could not convince myself to spend $2.13 for flowers that I saw growing wild alongside the road.  Oh how much I wanted to have a bunch of those lovely bright yellow flowers to brighten my home and to take and place into the vase of my parent's site at the cemetery.   

So, I gave in. With no cars in site, in the middle of a two lane country road I made a U turn and parked out of harm’s way on the grass.  Now mind you, there were signs posted on an old empty abandoned house that read, "Private Property", but I thought, those flowers are not growing exactly on "their" property, instead, they were growing between two old abandoned houses.

Without question, I had to talk myself into climbing up on the small hill, walking in the weeds, leaves, and the vines entangling my feet, not to mention, realizing that I was taking a chance of getting caught by the owner of the abandoned houses. Who knows, the owner may decide to come to the house at that very moment.  Egad!  What would I say!  And all the while, I was asking myself, "Why should I leave those beautiful flowers there to wilt away?"  Thank goodness there were no possums, raccoons, or other wild animals and crawling critters to deal with.  Whew!

So, like a good Brownie turned Girl Scout, I grabbed my trusty scissors and into the weeds I went!  How much fun I had clipping away and reminding myself not to be greedy . . .  I needed to leave some of the flowers for other folks to admire as they drove along the country road. Besides, the flowers will return next spring . . . The bulbs are still in the ground.

For all of my family and friends, included below are the lovely flowers for you to enjoy!  And they didn't cost me a dime . . .  

He Is Risen! 

 To you and your loved ones, 

have a lovely Easter! God bless you!

Observances and Celebrations!

The spring season is popping up everywhere!

While I was sitting in traffic on Route 50 heading into town this week, I was captivated by the rows and rows of beautiful daffodils along the roadside. Seeing these flowers reminded me of spring days when I was a young person waiting to see the first plants poke its leaves from beneath the ground. Every year I would carry a pair of scissors and venture into my beloved father's yard to cut as many daffodils that he would allow. The front and backyards were filled with yellow and white daffodils!  With handfuls, I rushed into the house where my beloved mother stood waiting for me to drop these lovely delicate beauties into vases filled with water. The house was overflowing with the golden yellow flowers that lasted a week or more. As the years passed, that exhilarating feeling deep in my tummy always yielded fond memories as I anticipated the season when the yellow flowers shining upward to the sun would soon blossom. (Photo image on Google - PinIt)   . . . . Pssst . . . I am still clipping daffodils!

 

As you are aware, the advent of spring brings a sense of newness . . . Daffodils, crocuses, tulips emerging from the warming ground, the tree buds, red breasted robins, ideas, and the new arrivals of baby lambs at the National Colonial Farm located in Accokeek, Maryland. With the anticipated rain fall this weekend lasting into early next week, I am certain the local farmers are jumping for joy as nature pours plenty of water on the seedlings.

More often than not, during meeting planner's conferences that I attend, I have the fortune of discovering a new association representing a specific cause. Associations exist for just about every reason under the sun. It is true, like minded people really need to be surrounded by the people who understand them. But more fascinating, I have found that there are lots of observances and celebrations for almost every cause in our country. Did you know that there is such a thing as "National Apple Pie and National Donut Day?"  Who in the world comes up with these ideas?  With all of these celebrations, who has time to be sad? There's an observance for almost everyday of the week so -- Let's celebrate and be happy!

The more I involve myself in a project, the more I discover! Thank goodness for the Internet! But I can be very dangerous surfing the net . . . Just ask my family and friends, I love to share . . . And Lord knows, I need to get rid of some of this knowledge swimming around my mind! 

Meanwhile, if you find yourself bored with nothing to occupy your time this weekend and heaven forbid you do not want to look at the March Madness games, or look at those Nike shamrock Notre Dame outfits, or you just don't have the energy to venture outdoors in the rain; take a peek at www.cutecalendar.com and discover a boat load of observances. And if you have ever been curious about the number of health and wellness commemorations throughout the year, click the link below and you will unearth your heart's desires. While scrolling through the list, consider supporting one or more these special days. Doing so will tickle your fancy and perhaps encourage you to extend a helping hand to a fellow neighbor! www.nationalwellness.org/resource/resmgr/2013_nwi_healthobsvcal.pdf  

Now, back to the matter at hand -- Spring time is almost here!  In keeping with the theme the month of March is 'National Nutrition Month'.  And speaking of unearthing, did you know . . .

March 19th is

Agriculture Day!

Thanks to Janna at the University of Maryland Extension for keeping folks abreast of special occasions, I am able to share this exciting day with you!

Should you desire to support local farmers take a moment to review the information below. And do something to acknowledge this great day . . . The Agday logo and information were supplied to me by my new friend (Penny at ACA): www.agday.org 

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

Generations Nourishing Generations

Agriculture Council of America Announces 2013 National Ag Day Date

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 19, 2013. This will mark the 40th anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for Ag Day 2013 is “Generations Nourishing Generations.”

On March 19, 2013, ACA will host major events in the nation’s capital including the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Additionally, the ACA will bring approximately 100 college students to Washington to deliver the message of Ag Day to the Hill.

These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

National Ag Day FAQ's

What Is Ag Day?

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Who Hosts Ag Day?

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level. However, the awareness efforts in communities across America are as influential - if not more - than the broad-scale effort.

Why Celebrate Agriculture?

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training.

By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture.

Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

What Can YOU Do to Help?

Put simply, get involved! Your participation in Ag Day is critical in helping us spread this positive message about agriculture. If you are interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide today. Of course, there are other ways you can lend your support, including sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with youngsters in your community.

In closing . . .

Remember, the American Market is eight (8) Saturdays away!  We'll be waiting to see you! 

Join us. . . http://youtu.be/vXGhQaY-Z4w (Video produced by Ose O, Grind Revolt)

Also find us listed on: Fodors, So Maryland, So Good, Maryland Department of Agriculture's Farmer's Market Directory, USDA.gov, FreshNation, AgritourismWorld, Craftmaster News, www.nationalharbor.com, Twitter, Facebook, and more! Spread the Joy!

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