
At any moment, your whole life can change…
A simple encounter, a rare connection, a random act. Life is full of these moments that change our destiny forever.
With the 2016 Minnesota State Fair opening today, August 25th, 4-H members that qualify for a state fair trip will be making their way to St. Paul during the next few days filled with anticipation for the “Super Bowl” of the 4-H world. Many hours of creative thinking, problem solving and work have gone into the vast array of projects presented at this level. Why would anyone go through all of that work?
4-H changes lives, helping youth to become confident, mature adults ready to succeed in today’s challenging world. Studies show that youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, and develop lasting friendships. ~Cornell University Cooperative Extension
Sounds like a good deal…
Western Salsify (T. dubius Scop.) and Meadow Salsify (T. pratensis L.) are the most common species of this plant that looks like a giant dandelion. Western Salsify is native to Europe and Northern Africa and was brought to North America as a garden vegetable for its carrot like taproot and “oystery taste”. Since then it has spread to roadsides, old abandoned fields, no-till field, pastures and other undisturbed areas. ~ btny.purdue.edu
Eaten raw, the roots are very bitter; fried, roasted, or boiled, the taste of salsify roots have been compared to that of parsnips. Others say they slide down like oysters, hence its common moniker, oyster plant. Cream the roots in a soup or simmer young stalks in butter for a side dish rich in Vitamin B6. ~aspoonfulofthyme.blogspot.com
I’m O.K. with parsnips, but oysters? No thanks!!
Winters can be long and brutal in Minnesota, but that just makes spring all the sweeter. Optimism fills the air as the soil receives tender seeds and new life spring forth. Across the road, newborn baby calves are bouncing under the watchful eye of their mothers munching on fresh spring grass.
…and children play.