straw bale gardening

tbd

North Twin Cities Edition • June, 2014

• F R E E E D I T I O N •

Ron Schara and RavenStraw Bale Gardening Father’s Day

Seasons & GenerationsSeasons & Generations

IN THIS ISSUEMinnesota DNR Events - pg. 4Ron Schara & Raven - pg. 6Days of June - pg. 9Hay Bale Gardening - pg. 10 Cooking with Bacon - pg. 11 SNICKERS theme - Dads - pg. 12Losing my Glabs - pg. 13Take a BREAK- pg. 16

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There are the simple pleasures of life, like fresh cut grass and a ball, sitting under the shade tree in the back yard.

Sometimes is just fun to watch the neighbor kids play, sometimes it’s fun to watch the chipmunk do his tree thing. These things can be enjoyed by dog and man.

But for us humans, it’s time for Spring/Summer cleaning. And I specifically want to discuss my purse. And for you guys, think about cleaning out that wallet also.

In my youth, I would leave the house with $20 in my pocket and be good to go - gas up the car and still have enough money to enjoy a beer at the local pub with friends.

But I’m older and now I need to pack the purse. Got the credit card? Got the almighty cell phone? Got tissues for my allergies? Got the Kindle just in case I might want to read? Got snacks just in case my blood sugar gets low? Got water? Geez, I need to pack a bag just to go to the grocery store. I might need any of these items at a moment’s notice.

I thought about that today while watching the dog take all his favorite and necessary items from the house into the yard just in case he may need them.

Who knows, there could be an impromptu game of tug-on-the-sock. Someone might accidentally throw a Frisbee, and the chewy Christmas present he received needs to be close just in case he feels the urge to chew, or toss.

So, maybe I shouldn’t clean out my purse. Maybe I shouldjust enjoy the sunshine and fresh cut grass.

And if anyone comments on how big and full your purse is,just stick your tongue out at them...just like our dog did to mewhen I asked him about why he carried so much stuff with him,as he enjoyed the grass and sunshine.

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I usually think of Grandparents praying for

the child or the Grandchild’s spiritual welfare, but this day

was different.

It was a warm, sunny day when five-and-a-half year old Nathan came bound-ing up the sidewalk.

As usual, he was loaded with energy, enthusiasm and love, and his big smile greeted me when I opened the door.

He brought his stuffed animal and other treasures into the house and then joined Grandpa Wally out in the yard. But, soon he was back in the kitchen to announce, “Grandma, I’m SO hungry.”

When we sat down at the table to one of his favorite menus, my husband said, “Nathan, would you like to pray?”

Sure,” came his quick reply. And then he added, “Let’s hold hands.” So we did.

“Dear Lord,” he began, “Thank you that we love one another. Thank you that I can come Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Please help Grandpa Wally and Grandma Donna to love the Lord our God with all their hearts, and all their soul, their mind and with all their strength. And love their neighbor as their self.”

Next, his thinking jumped to our Pastor Gary, for whom he simply asked the Lord to give “wisdom, strength and power.” And then he abruptly ended with “Amen.”

He never did get around to praying about the food. But,

the macaroni and cheese tasted better than ever

because of Nathan’s prayer.

I am thankful that my Grandson is memorizing Scripture and that his parents discussthe meaning of this with him.

I realize that one cannot be sure how much understanding any five year old connects with his words in such a prayer, but even a simple understand-ing, combined with his heartfelt concern, must please The Heavenly Father.

Yes, I usually think of a Grandparent praying for the Grandchild’s welfare, but this day was different.

And we will never forget about Nathan’s prayer.

Article proudly submitted by Grandmother Donna Medin of Anoka.

Live Frogs and Other AmphibiansJune 7th from 11 AM to 12 PMWild River State ParkGet an up-close look at Minnesota’s native frogs, toads, and salamanders with a local amphibian enthusiast.

He’ll share stories of their unique charac-teristics, fun facts, and guarantee a fun-filled time for all ages with this literally hopping hour of excitement!

Meet at the Visitor Center. A Minnesota State park vehicle permit is required which can be purchased at the park en-trance office for $5/day. More Informa-tion: Call (651) 583-2125.

Kayaking for WomenJune 11 from 5 PM to 8 PMCoon Rapids Dam, Mississippi River

This is an introductory course on flat water kayaking. Start out with instruction and then spend the rest of the evening kayaking and explor-ing this gem of lakes and river in the northern metro area.

Limit to 12 participants. Cost: $25 plus tax.

Register by calling Anoka County Parks at 651-429-8007 or go online at www.anokacountyparks.com

Geology on the Rocks: Volcanic Rock and MineralsJune 14, 10 AM to 11 AMInterstate State Park

Intrigued by geology? Walk through the park with a geology expert.

Join UW-River Falls Professor Bill Cordua for an explorative walk

through the parks lava flows.

Learn to recognize local rocks and minerals and learn what they tell us about the park’s fascinating geologi-cal history.

The walk is less than one mile in length, but will have some rough, rocky terrain and stairs. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a sense of adven-ture. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Call 651-465-5711 x 225 to make a reservation or to learn more about specific topics.

With summer finally arriving, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has daily activities. Bring a friend, the kids, the Grandkids.

Check out their website for a full agenda. www.dnr.state.mn.us

Barbra Walters is known for her interviews and

the question “If you were a tree, what type of tree

would you be?’’

I’m nowhere close to the talent of Barbra when it comes to interviews, so I had to design my own method.

And since this month’s interview (which I only do a few times a year) was with a local, loved celebrity, Ron Schara, I had to ask a similar type of question...

...Ron, what is your philosophy of fishing?

In his typical story-telling, calming voice he responded;

“It’s an eternal pursuit. No matter when you start the first day of joy, there’s a mystery involved. You never will have all the answers. It’s a curse and a blessing because you cannot fish memories.

It’s rare to go back to a spot from last year or last week and find the same - things change.

A few weeks ago I had one of my best walleye openers in years, then last week on a different lake - nothing. I’m saying to myself REALLY?!”

I asked Ron about his thoughts when

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he first became a Grandfather, which is now ten years ago since his Grandson Jake was born. I wasn’t expecting his wit and almost spit coffee out of my nose with his response...

“At first I though I’m not sure if I want to sleep with a Grandmother.”

Ron has two daughters and I suspect there will be more Grandchildren over time. He told me...

“I was present when he caught his first fish. I never realized how rewarding it would be, to be a Grandfather.

I hope to live long enough to see him with a family of his own.”

The younger generation keeps us younger and reminds us to reflect ahead.

Now I know what all those other people (grandparents) were talking about.”

He also shared that many people have asked him about having daughters, not boys. He wisely responded, “I’ve always told my girls they can do anything a boy can do and the fish doesn’t know if it’s a boy or a girl on the other end of the fishing pole.”

Ron basically learned story-telling, and much of his sense of humor from his Grandfather, Clate Dickens.

Ron feels blessed by having known both his Grandfather and Grandmother, and the way they used to tease each other.

As a child, when they came for a visit, Grandpa would say something like “Don’t bring that watermelon out until they leave.” And Grandma would re-spond with “Go fly a kite.”

Story telling is a skill Ron learned as a

boy sitting on the lap of his Grandfather.

But, the family would not be complete without discussing the Black Lab named Raven - his companion. You can tell how much she loves and respects Ron whenever you watch them on the TV show Minnesota Bound.

Actually, this is his third Raven. He chose to continue the name because Black Labs are bird dogs and the Raven is black, and is also one of the smartest birds...hence the name. The current Raven is now seven years young.

After all of us Minnesotan’s survived such a harsh winter, I asked Ron about his thoughts on making the most of this summer. He had some good advice.

“Remember that we have a limited amount of time, in life, and with summer. If you procrastinate, it’ll be gone.

I generally don’t let the weather forecast change my plans. I just plan to enjoy.”

When I first called to schedule this inter-view, Ron’s assistant, Kelly told me he was “up North” and he doesn’t get cell phone reception up there.

I choose to believe that when he’s up North, he turns the darn cell phone off, or maybe just throws it in the lake so he can truly enjoy the lake and it’s bounty.

After all, why head to the lake, the woods or just have a visit with family and friends if you’re on your computer or cell phone.

Enjoy the people you’re with. Remem-ber to embrace the generations of the family, and of course, pet that dog.

You can watch Ron and Raven Sunday nights at 10:35 and Saturdays at 6:30 PM on KARE 11.

June BRIDES and GROOMSMy niece is

getting married this month. I’m happy for

Kara and her soon-to-be husband, Nick.

In recognition of the big day, here’s a partial reprtint of an article by Charles Marshall about marriage.

Getting married is like getting a free memory upgrade. As a man, your hard drive was filled up long ago with important stuff like sports scores and movie trivia, but women have tons of extra storage capacity that is yours for the asking.

As a married man, you may feel free to store stuff on her hard drive that you think you might need later, but don’t re-member yourself. “Wow, this is a great hamburger. Remind me to order this the next time we’re here.”

This is a tremendous resource that you will learn to thoroughly exploit. You will find yourself frequently asking her such questions as, “Honey, what’s the name of that song that I like?” or “What’re the names of those people that we’re friends with?” or “What’s my middle name?”

Wives are also frightfully good at remembering superfluous information like the names of your children and the dates of their births.

All you will need to do is show up for your kid’s birthday party and act like you know what’s in the present he’s opening.

When you get married, you will develop non-communication skills. God made women so they use about three times the number of words as a man daily. How is a guy supposed to interact with such a creature? In short, you’re not.

Even attempting such a thing could almost instantaneously institutional-ize you, or worse, turn you into a girl. Instead, you must develop the skill of tuning out your wife by converting the sound of her voice into white noise that you can easily ignore. There is no way to instruct a young groom-to-be in this valuable art, but don’t worry, it will just happen. It’s a wondrous, mystical thing like falling in love, discovering a new kind of power tool, or getting a bite on your hook.

You must relax and let it come to you. Rest assured, though, that one day you will be able to ignore your wife with the best of us.

All kidding aside, Charles is a happily married man. I’m happy for my niece. And all of us are fans

of the bond of marriage.

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Yo-Yo Day • June 6thYo-Yo day is here...hooray! Not that you need an excuse to play with your Yo-Yo. Wherever you are today, get out your Yo-Yo and impress your friends, family, and co-workers with your Yo-Yo skills.

If you don’t think it’s appropriate, remember that three U.S. presidents (Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon) showed off their Yo-Yo expertise while in office!

Over the centuries the Yo-Yo has had it’s ups and downs (tee,hee).

The Yo-Yo was made wildly popular in America by businessman Donald Duncan He manufactured the “Duncan Yo-Yo” in the early 1900’s.

Celebrate the Yo-Yo today by “walking

the dog” or “shooting the moon”, the most popular Yo-Yo tricks.

Donald Duck Day • June 9thHappy Birthday, Donald. We hope that Daisy Duck bakes you your favorite cake!

Donald first appeared in “The Wise Hen” on June 9, 1934. While Donald is now 80 years old, he doesn’t act a day over 20. Donald is one of Disney’s most famous and popular characters.

Did you know. Donald F. Duck’s middle name is Fauntleroy.

Father’s Day • June 15thEnjoy special dad tributes through-out this edition.

Summer Begins • June 21stFinally!

Beautician’s Day • June 26thBeautician’s Day is your chance to show your appreciation to those who make you look beautiful.

Beauticians include your hair stylist, as well as manicurists.

Their talents and training trans-forms the everyday you into the beautiful woman you always knew was inside of you.

They make you glow, and feel better about yourself. The guys appreciate your beautician, too.

Proof positive is when they turn to watch as you go by.

The CRASH of 2014 I agree it’s no comparison to the stock market crash of 1929.

But it was MY computer that crashed.

Here’s a good analogy. Unemployment in Minnesota is lower than the national average at 4-6%. However, if YOU or your spouse is unemployed, the unem-ployment rate in your world is 50-100%.

So, back to my computer, and my world that came crashing down earlier this month.

Computers aren’t like cars that are kind enough to give you warning signs.

You know what I’m saying. If your brakes are getting a little worn, they’ll start making noise, eventually nagging you at every stop sign. Time to get ‘em fixed. And you responsibly schedule an

appointment to do so and then every-thing in your world is fine again.

Computers however, hum along just fine until that bolt of karmic lightening strikes, and it usually happens on the day you need it most.“

Wake up, turn the computer on.

Response. No.

Try again after checking electrical cords, and Internet connection.

Response. No.

Try again after saying a prayer and jiggeling all electrical cords.

Response. No.

Start tearing up and hoping for the best because you’ve lived an ethical life.

Response. No.

If I had long hair, this would have been what I looked like earlier this month.

Eventually I had to admit defeat.

I pull out the credit card to buy a new computer. Pull out the checkbook to pay the technical guy to install the new com-puter. Pull out any pride left in learning the new software from some teenager.

But, you know what? I’m no longer pulling out my hair. I’m embracing the new technology and the new software and the continued publication of this magazine.

Our forefathers survived the Great Depression and stock market crash - I should be strong enough to survive a computer crash. ---Laure, S&G

‘Bacon’ has been Roger’s nickname since elementary school. He learned to cook and bake at an early age from his mom, Eleanor who made the best pies in Morrison County.

• •ORoger aka ‘Bacon’

COOKING WITH ‘BAC N’Is it really true, summer is here? If it really is here now is the time to make more frequent use of our barbecue grills. One of the tastiest and inexpensive meals that can be made on the grill is chicken. Chicken with barbecue sauce is probably the most common method, but for a very good variation that incorporates a taste of Asia an excellent change is Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple.

I believe a good argument can be made for which tastes better the chicken or the pineapple.Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Enjoy.

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In 1493 Christopher Columbus found pineapples on Guadeloupe Island in the Caribbean.

American colonists regarded pine-apples as a luxurious treat because of their rarity and cost.

A pineapple is the result of many flowers whose fruitlets have joined around the core.

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that may help arthritis pain by easing inflammation. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps your immune system.

Historically, Hawaii was the world’s largest pineapple producer and source for U.S. pineapples.

When purchasing, pass over bruised pineapples. Fruit from Hawaii or Central America tends to be freshest.

To make your pineapple softer and juicier, keep it at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before cutting.

One cup of pineapple has only 70 to 85 calories.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple

Ingredients:2 chicken breasts

1 pineapple cored and sliced into

serving sized pieces

1/2 cup of Soy sauce (low sodium)

2 tablespoons of cooking oil

1 tablespoon of honey

1 tablespoon of molasses

2 teaspoons of dry mustard

1 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 clove of garlic crushed

1/4 cup of water

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Reserve 1/3 cup of liquids for basting chicken and pineapple.

Marinate the chicken breasts in 2/3 cup of the prepared sauce for 1-3 hours. Place chicken over medium hot coals.

Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side.

Place pineapple slices on grill. Baste with the reserved marinating sauce. Grill until heated thoroughly, basting often.

A salad or steamed rice is an excellent side dish.

You can put together a straw bale garden on

your lawn, your driveway or anywhere that gets

at least six to eight hours of sun.

The bales heat up much quicker than soil, stimulating root growth.

Purchase straw bales from your local garden center, or direct from the farm.

Before you set up your bales, lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing up through the bales.

Arrange the bales side by side in rows, with their cut sides up. The strings that bind the bales should run across the sides, not across the planting surface. The strings will help keep the shape of the bales as they start to soften and decompose.

Two weeks before you plant, you have to get the bales cooking. This means wetting and fertilizing the bales for roughly 10 days to start composting the inner straw.

For the first six days, put down 3 cups of organic fertilizer per bale every other day, and water the bales to push the fertilizer down and thoroughly saturate

the straw. On the off days, simply water the bales.

Days 7 through 9, lay down 1.5 cups of organic fertilizer each day and water. Day 10 put down 3 cups with phosphorus and potassium (bone or fish meal mixed with 50% wood ash works like a charm).

If you stick your finger into your bales, they’ll be hot and moist. You’ll start to see some “peppering” — black soil-like clumps that signal the beginning of the composting that will continue through the growing season. If mushrooms sprout up, rejoice — they won’t harm your plants; it means the straw is de-composing as it should.

If you’re planting seedlings, use your trowel to separate the straw in the shape of a hole and add some sterile planting mix to help cover the exposed roots.

If you’re planting seeds, cover the bales with a two-inch layer of planting mix and sew into the seedbed.

As the seeds germinate, they’ll grow roots down into the bale.

While you’re at it, plant some annual flowers into the sides of the bales, or some herbs — it’s otherwise underuti-

lized growing space, and will make the garden a whole lot lovelier.

If you lay a soaker hose over your bales, you’ve pretty much eliminated all your work until harvest. That’s because your “soil” doesn’t contain weed seeds.

If your bales start to sprout what looks like grass, you can beat back the Chia pet effect by washing the sprouts with diluted vinegar.

If you don’t mind the look, the grass shouldn’t harm your plants, and will likely die off from the heat produced by the bale’s decomposition.

If you have arthritis, or a touchy back or bad knees, this type of gardening will be much easier for you to weed and harvest.

At S&G we’re already looking forward to the early enjoyment of our cold weather vegetables of radish and lettuce. There will also be rhubard crisp pie in the house soon.

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Losing my GLUBSDADS


Don’t tell your mother we did this.

Don’t say that word again and don’t tell your mother where you heard it.

“Lately all my friends are worried that they’re turning

into their fathers. I’m worried that I’m not.”

– Dan Zevin

As overheard during a father-son talk.

“Your mother and I foud out you’ve been blogging and texting.We don’t know what that means,

but we’d like you to stop.”

Baseball player Jimmy Piersall, as quoted on how to diaper a baby, in 1968.

“Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then, fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher’s mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together.

Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.”

I stood by my father’s bedside as he took his last breath. He died at the age of 95 with no regrets about the way he carried out his role as a Father, Grand-father and Great Grandfather.

Afterwards, while filling out hospital forms, I hesitated at the question about his occupation, and left it blank.

As a child I remember his going off to work but I never knew what this work was. I have since learned that he worked as a caretaker, painter, farmer and factory worker. During the 1930’s he drove a bullock team.

We lived a simple life and I don’t recall ever having any more than we needed. I also remember that we never wanted any more than we had.

I should not have left the space blank on the form next to the heading ‘Occupation’. There is a word that well describes his job, that word is ‘Father’. --Roland Foster

It’s now officially summertime and I know this because I’m feeling the primordial tug to lose weight.

It’s not that I’m trying to be more attractive,

because I’m already married and therefore

don’t really have to look good anymore.

Since I initially received this revelation, I’ve embarked upon a year-long pursuit of slovenly behavior and physical neglect that has led me to the point at which I now am—that of not being able to button up my pants. Thus, I am implementing the following weight-loss regimen: 1. Cutting out every food that makes life interesting, and 2. Doing something called “exercise,” which I’ve come to learn is a fancy way of saying “manual labor.” Why is it that a guy will pay good money to have someone to do his yard work for him and then turn around and fork over more cash for a health club member-ship? Want a workout program? Here’s an idea. Join Charles’ Fitness Club! I have

advanced exercise machines that you can push around my yard while benefit-ing from a thorough aerobic workout.

Don’t worry about buying any expensive workout togs either. Just wear some old worn-out clothes like the kind you’d wear, say, to do yard work. How much weight am I trying to lose? About one glub. The word “glub” is derived from the Latin word “glubus” which, when translated, literally means “disgusting roll of fat.”

It is that portion of your belly that you grab when

you look in the mirror and say, “Sheesh, I need to

lose weight.”

If you need both hands to grab it, that’s what you call two glubs. If you have your wife come in and grab the third glub, that’s what you call a strange relation-ship that is in need of counseling.

Forget about pounds and inches. What we all want to lose is our glubs.

Why not just say it? Sometimes people scoff when I tell them I’m trying to lose weight because they think I’m too skinny to have to worry about it.

They believe this because I don’t adver-tise my glubs. Glubs should never, and I mean never, be seen. They should be locked away like The Idiot’s Guide to Nuclear Bomb Construction. So how are my glub-reducing efforts go-ing? Thus far, my attempts have been typical, by which I mean I’ve gained about five or six pounds, or one-half glub. Which reminds me—I am now accepting applications for my fitness club. I’ll have your exercise equipment standing by.

Charles

Charles Marshall is anationally known comedian and author.Please visit hiswebsiteCharlesMarshall.comyou can also purchasehis books on Amazon.com

NOT actual photo of Charles

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QUILTING with Hattie


If I could have a day with a quilter it would be with my Grandma Hattie.

She passed away at the age of 90, leaving six hand-pieced quilt tops for my siblings and me. As a little girl, I remember seeing my grandmother’s quilts when I visited her and Grandpa. She showed me how to use her treadle sewing machine.

Regretfully, I never asked about her colorful quilts.

If I were to have a day to quilt with her, I would ask, “Why do you quilt, Grand-ma?” She might say, “I make quilts so each of my children will be warm at night.”

Unlike Grandma, I quilt for the sheer joy of it.

As we sit, we would make templates for each triangle, rectangle and square described in patterns found in the news-paper.

Then we would trace the templates onto the chosen material. Together we would

carefully cut each piece along the traced lines with scissors.

Next, I would watch Grandma’s strong hands sew each piece to another, blend-ing the fabrics into magical works of art. Today I use an electric sewing machine. Once her blocks were sewn together, Grandma and I would take time to enjoy a light meal, topped off with a glass of milk and, fresh from the oven, chocolate chip cookies. Later, using her Brownie camera, I would photograph Grandma Hattie hold-ing her quilt top. And you know what” It could be the one I would receive many years later.

Article submitted by Shirley J. Christenson of Anoka, MN who is currently 76 years young.

Grandparents in 1954

June BUGSAs Minnesotans, we know the June Bug.

Those creepy, yard light-bombing

beetles that make assaults on screens,

front steps and to the distracted, our face and even worse, hair. Ugh.

A variety of June Bugs are found all over North America. They hide in trees during the day. As adult beetles, they swarm in great numbers in early summer, usually at dark and are strongly attracted to lights.

The June bug is classified as a scarab beetle, a family that includes more than one hundred species ranging in size from a half-inch to five-eighths of an inch long.

The June bug has three life stageswhen developing: grub, pupa, and adult beetle.

Despite their name, June bugs initiate their egg-laying process as early as April. Females burrow two to five inches into the soil to lay their eggs. Within three to four weeks the eggs will hatch into grubs that feature brown heads and creamy white bodies. The grubs are C-shaped larvae.

Grubs will remain in the soil through-out springtime, and they can cause significant damage to a yard or garden because these grubs feed on the roots of plants, shrubs, and grass, causing the grass to turn yellow and die. Severely damaged grass will appear to look like “rolled-up” carpet. Seek the advice of a lawn specialist if these irregular charac-teristics appear in your lawn.

Adults are normally less than one inch in

length, dark brown to blackish in color, they have a hard casing, six legs and wings.

Their total lifespan is long-lived for a bug ...up to four years.

But since Minnesota summers are so

short-lived it’s best to

just maintain a good sense of humor about them and stay away

from the light.

SUMMER thoughts“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ― Henry James

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ― John Steinbeck

Us Minnesotan’s know the 4 seasons... winter, still winter, not winter, and almost winter. Soooo, let’s enjoy our brief sum-mer and road construction.

IN THE SUMMER - hair gets lighter, skin gets darker, music gets louder, nights get longer, life gets better.

“Summertime” was written by

George GershwineFamously sung by Ella Fitzgerald

Summertime and the livin’ is easyFish are jumpin’

and the cotton is high

Your daddy’s rich and your ma is good lookin’

So hush, little baby, don’t you cry

“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.” ― John Keats, Bright Star: Love Letters and Poems of John Keats to Fanny Brawne

“Bees do have a smell, you know,

and if they don’t

they should,

for their feet are dusted with spices

from a million flowers.”

― Ray Bradbury,

Dandelion Wine

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TAKE A BREAK

PUZZLE

ANSWERS

This month’s theme: Flowers

16 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN

Everyone knows about birthstones: the special stone assigned to each month. Each of them has a meaning behind it. Every month also has birth flowers.

June’s birth flower is the rose, which has more meanings than one can count! A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means “I love you.” A white rose signifies innocence and purity.

A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color (a single red rose means “I really love you”). The other June flower is honey-suckle, which is a symbol for the everlasting bonds of love.

As Minnesotans we also cherish the tree (or bush) of the Lilac. To me, it means that Summer has truly arrived, along with the bees, the bugs and the mosquitoes.

But I’m not going to dwell on our bugs. I’m justhappy there isn’t snow on the ground.

The famous inspirational reminder has been to“Stop to smell the roses”, but I think weshould embrace the phrase of “Stop tosmell the Lilacs.”

They are only with us for a short time, andI hope you’ll cut a few for your kitchen table, maybe even arrange them in a Mason canning jar.

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