CCFB News» Diane Merrion, Director of Ag Literacy

School’s out (or almost out) for summer, so now what? Summer was always that time we couldn’t wait to get out of school, hang outdoors, ride bikes, sleep in (not one of my young or old abilities), and make some extra money.

It was all over the news. How could ‘another feather in your cap’ become the talk of the internet? As the challenging puzzle stumped the contestants, it made me think back to my family’s Christmas Eve game, Millennials vs. Boomers. The object of the game was the Baby Boomers had to answer Millennial questions and vice versa.

As I left the cold behind for a short vacation, I’ve followed with intrigue the heart transplant of Mr. David Bennett this past month. How amazing it’s been to learn yet another unique fact about the importance of pigs and not just to our food system. When we teach students about the many uses of agriculture, they enjoy learning some of the newer uses of corn, soybeans, and livestock.

Nuts are my ‘go to’ snack most days. When I need a boost, have brain fade, or need something to hold me over, nothing tastes better to me. While I would just say I eat nuts, I’m not actually sure what I eat are truly nuts. I have learned over the years that there is a lot more to most foods than we normally give much thought to.

I missed early holiday shopping so no one on my list will be getting a Magic Cauldron or any magic as far as I can see. I’m not sure if the supply of them is stuck on a container, a truck, a factory, or if they are back in stock. As I read the description of this “must have” item I had a vision of my kids (20+ years ago) inviting their friends over to create this magic spilling out.

Just when the sweet corn is addictive and the tomatoes are bountiful it’s time to say goodbye to the bounty of my garden. A new favorite I planted this summer was the Mexican Midget Tomato and let me tell you, the description stating they are “prolific” was spot on! For the second year in a row my impulse to add just a few more plants to my garden resulted in a dense forest of tomatoes that were difficult to even reach. These midgets were the star of the garden.

We all have the special someone who is always creating, educating, and opening our eyes to new ways of experiencing the joy of nature.  I have that someone who I equate to the Dr. Doolittle of birds and the Martha Stewart of crafting all things nature. 

The backhoes arrived and out it all came. After years of digging through rocks to plant flowers and bushes, I decided enough was enough. Like all home improvement projects, I always think everything looks easy and can be done by me or my husband (just ask him).

February saw us clearing a lot of paths! The snow just did not end. Snowplows, snow blowers, and shovels worked hard all month long. I am hopeful that in March we get much needed sunshine and not more snow!

There seems to be a designated day to celebrate just about everything on the various calendar websites. I often glance through them and take note of some that strike me as special. One that stood out this month as particularly meaningful for our current times is called Random Acts of Kindness Day and takes place on February 17. A day to bring joy to the people you come across.