This is it folks, dust off the trowels and shovels, get ready to plant.  I’m so excited!  The forecast is showing the possibility of reaching into the 70 + degree range.  Heat stroke may be epidemic for us rain soaked Washingtonians.  Heck, I have a sunburn from the bit of rather pale sunshine that briefly burst through the clouds yesterday, not sure just how my white skin might react to a full day of sun.  Not to worry, we can all adjust, can’t we?

The plant tables at the Farmers Market are groaning under the weight of healthy flowers, fruit bushes, trees and vegetables- your garden can be transformed into an Eden-like state over the weekend!  We have everything you could possibly want, but if per chance you desire even more, merely say that word and I will signal Juels Nursery for more!  Julie is a phenomena in the plant world and can provide anything from the faithful favorites to the exotic rarities.  One variety in her list of annuals is named Love Lies Bleeding!  Sounds like something from a romance novel to me.

Our Organic Produce continues to delight, with new items coming available each week.  This week we received lovely fresh Green Beans, the first of the season.  The Green Onions are worthy of a food magazine photo shoot, and the Broccoli is particularly nice this week.  Rhubarb is at its peak, and we’re hoping that the season will continue through June.   I made a rhubarb dessert early this morning.  The recipe said ‘best served warm’, so what’s a girl to do?  I had it for breakfast.  Think I’ll have some for lunch too.  Geez, I hope there’s something left for Joe to eat for dessert tonight!

The 24 hour Relay for Life begins this Friday at 6pm on the Sea Breeze Oval of Hoquiam High School.  The event kicks off with the Survivors Lap, and I urge you to be there to applaud your courageous friends as they make their way around the field.  Be warned, bring plenty of tissues.  Bring a box.  In fact, I start sniffling just thinking about it.  This is the single most moving event that happens annually on Grays Harbor.  If you or someone you love have not been touched by cancer, then you are a rarity.  Cancer is an equal opportunity pestilence, stealthily striking even the healthiest individuals.  Cancer is the six letter word which can bring us to our knees in despair.  Put out your strong hands to raise those who suffer back on their feet.  Wrap your loving arms around them and help give them the strength to carry on.  The road to recovery is long and painful, and no one in this world should travel that road alone.  Be there for them, be there for yourself.  

You don’t have to be a member of a team in order to participate.  At any time during the 24 hours you are welcome to walk or jog the course.  It won’t cost you a nickel, but the encouragement that you bring to those in despair is priceless.   Love for one another is the universal language.  Silent and powerful, your gift of love can conquer this enemy.  

Barbara Bennett Parsons

manager of the Hoquiam Farmers Market 538-9747

Deidra’s Deli now has a dedicated line; 538- 5880 call to have your order waiting!