Welcome! I surely enjoyed last week’s sunshine, didn’t you? Last Monday was the first day of spring. I’m glad. I know we had a mild winter, but it’s wonderful to see the sun shining a little longer each day.
I’m starting to see signs of spring, too. My pussy willow tree is in bloom. The soft, gray tips amaze me. How cool is a tree with buds that feel like cat’s fur? My old-fashioned daffodils are already four inches tall and have full heads on them. I imagine they’ll bloom before the month is out. But then again, I’ve never been good at predictions.
While walking last Sunday I saw bright yellow coltsfoot. Coltsfoot is so named because after the flower and stem die the hoof-shaped leaves emerge. I did a little research on this plant. Coltsfoot has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory ailments. It has been used to treat asthma, cough, bronchitis, and flu. You can buy coltsfoot tea online. I read on one website that it can be toxic, so be careful.
I’ve been a tea drinker since college. Black and orange pekoe tea was always my preferred blend. I started drinking chamomile and lavender tea last month. Wow. It helps my nervous stomach so much. I recommend it.
God created plants that help us if we know how to use them. The key is knowledge and research. Take rhubarb, for example. The leaves are poisonous, but the stalk is edible. Go figure. It’s a shame that people probably had to figure that out by trial and error.
Rhubarb reminds me of something. Can you guess? Pie. Strawberry-rhubarb pie is one of my favorites. Fallowfield United Methodist Church is already gearing up for this year’s Crawford County Fair pie project. I’m not ready.
Calvary United Methodist Church in Greenville is hosting a Lenten lunch on Wednesday, March 29, at 11:30 a.m. Lunch costs $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. The special music will be provided by Ron Robinson with Ruth Ann Stevenson on the piano. The Reverend Karen Kostur of Sugarcreek Lupher Chapel Charge will speak. If you’re looking for a nice way to spend an afternoon, consider stopping by.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!