Walking on Sunshine!

And rain was upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. Or so it seemed: flooding, hail, endless rain, wind, dangerous storms and devastation to the south and north of us. It seemed like it would never end.But, it did. Finally some Chamber of Commerce weather. Abundant sunshine, warm temperatures and refreshing breezes arrived for the holiday weekend.

Saturday's farmer's markets here in Northwest Arkansas brought us some new goodies, evidence that summer is on the way. Root vegetables like turnips and potatoes were available as well as cool weather spring vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi,onions and a plethora of greens. Farm fresh organic eggs and numerous lettuce varieties were plentiful. The West Fork Garden Market reported brisk sales and the Fayetteville Farmer's Market was very busy with people and their pooches enjoying the great weather and snapping up some great produce at very fair prices. The new Greenland  Market was off to a slow start but it was a holiday weekend and Greenland is still getting the word out. When school adjourns, I hear they'll have a market on Tuesday evenings in addition to their Saturday market. How wonderful to be able to stop on your way home from work to purchase produce picked that day!

I am sure you know by now about the devastating tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri last Sunday. The death toll continues to rise. By all accounts the destruction is widespread. I drove through there forty minutes before it hit. Talk about timing. Many local churches and service organizations are offering assistance and asking for donations of supplies, clothing, food, pet food, household items and cash. The American Red Cross is once again to the rescue and asks for our support. FEMA is on the scene providing emergency assistance, a  nice reminder of what we can do collectively that we are not able to do individually. Two of my neighbors in Winslow, Tom and Stephanie Burroughs have been in Joplin assisting in search and rescue and feeding operations. I can't help but think that the world is a much better place because of neighbors like them. They never fail to step up to the plate when help is needed.  

It's easy to take things for granted in life. Think about not having food, water, access to decent facilities, electricity. It pays to be grateful. Your life can change in the blink of an eye. Tonight, I am grateful. I am grateful for good health, shelter, water, loving family and friends, and food. We had a nice vegan meal of grilled baby bok choy, French potato salad made with locally grown potatoes  and grilled vegan sausages that I had money to buy. No, the vegan sausages are not wonderful. I am grateful however to have them. And, I am grateful that someone else did the cooking! 

Live is sweet! Enjoy the sunshine!

For a comprehensive list of tornado relief resources and ways to help, please visit www.uptownfayettevillear.com/