It's Spring Here in the Valley

by Charline from Arizona

Spring has spring and we don't need Punxsutawney Phil's shadow or the lack thereof to know this. Here in "The Valley of the Sun" spring is heralded by an abundance of wildflowers. Our normally reddish-brown mountains are green with vegetation because of the winter rains. Because of the mild temperatures there is a stampede of outside weddings but better yet spring training has arrived!

So the rains brought out desert landscape to life with plants most of us forgot even grow here. The weather is balmy and even in the heart of the city there are mountains and trails to walk, hike, and explore.

As far as weddings when better to have one than when you can stand outside in direct sunlight without fear of receiving a third degree sunburn or heatstroke. I can see the summer wedding now. After saying "I do" the bride falls to the ground in a heap. The groom looks at her; a horrified look upon his face. He had no idea she didn't really want to get married. "Oh don't worry," the doctor assures him. "She's just suffering from heatstroke."

I myself have sworn off summer weddings. A few years back on July 4th I was a maid of honor. Did I mention the ceremony was outside?!? I was sweating so profusely under my dress that I couldn't even focus on the ceremony. I did manage to hear the all important "you may now kiss the bride" and I hurried after the guests who had bolted from their chairs as they sought the cooler temperatures of the inside reception area.

Saving the best for last, spring training is a much celebrated event here and generally most of the valley, baseball fans or not, will attend at least a game or two. What's not to love? Beautiful afternoons, cloudless skies, the smell of fresh cut grass, the crack of a bat hitting a baseball, and quality time with ones friends or family. Not to mention the possibility of playing hooky from work or school. Plus you will probably get to see the majority of your favorite team's players in a single game!

"Play ball!"

Charline Ratcliff, author

www.thecurseofnefertiti.com

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

by Vanessa from Vermont

Vermonters celebrate two seasons during the month of March:
1. Mud Season
2. Sugaring Season

Both are special in their own way, but they always go hand in hand.

First there are the smells. The "Spring has nearly arrived" smells. They consist of decaying leaves, running water, budding trees, animals waking up and so much more. Then the snow starts to melt and gives way to frost heaves and ruts on the dirt roads which are the true veins and arteries of Vermont. The driving is slow. The muck sticks to boots and everything else. Little boys and girls dive in chocolate puddles and come home to be hosed down.

And then people start throwing around terms such as "tapping", "lines", "collecting" and "arches". One day you'll come upon a sugar house and see the huge plume of smoke and burnt orange ashes billowing out of the stack, and you'll know the season has begun. If you've never smelled sap boiling on a warm, sunny day in New England, it should be on your Bucket List. It is a smell that can cure a long, cabin fevered, lack-of-sun, winter. To taste this liquid gold is something to behold. It is pure blood and sweat from hard working people. The trees labor all year to produce the sap. The collectors wade through feet of wet, heavy snow and in all sorts of weather conditions. It takes roughly forty gallons of sap to create one gallon of syrup. Therefore, it is obvious why the final price per gallon of syrup can be in the range of $50. Real Vermont maple syrup is sweet and sticky and ranges in color from light amber to molasses brown. It is used in everything from cooking beans, as an ice cream topping, a dip for sausage or ham, an oatmeal sweetener, hash brown potatoes and more. And of course, pancakes and waffles without Vermont maple syrup is like cookies without milk.

As Vermonters, we know that both of these seasons are messy. But we also know that we cannot have one without the other. They are but signs that another winter has nearly passed, and we have made it over the proverbial hump.

As the saying goes, "There is a big difference between a Spring day and the first day of Spring". But as least we have something to look forward to, after a long hibernation...and that is so sweet.

Sympathy for the Devil

by Jon from Wisconsin

Well, it's that time of year again. Football season is through (congrats to the Saints) and for those of us who aren't too deeply interested in basketball or baseball, it's a long wait until things start picking up again at the end of summer. The Packers had a fine season and, if they can keep their stars aligned, things should only get better next year.

One thing is strange about this offseason, though. Beloved former Packer Brett Favre is again mulling his retirement -- but this time his indecision and waffling fall at the feet of the hated rival Minnesota Vikings.

The state of Wisconsin is sharply divided on the 'Favre issue'. I personally feel the Packers should have made an effort to keep him on the team, though I'll acknowledge that his persistent flirtation with retirement creates a lot of preseason anxiety.

One thing we're not divided on, however, is our general and thorough distaste for the Vikings. I don't think I really need to elaborate, all teams have their rivals -- let's just say that when I see someone strutting around here in the purple and gold, I think a little bit less of them.

This year is different. In the name of good sportsmanship, I hereby announce my temporary and limited sympathy for Vikings fans. By any reasonable measure, Favre is still a highly gifted quarterback and definitely proved to be a valuable asset for the Vikings. Out of respect for the player, I hope (and expect) that your coaching staff will have greater patience and appreciation for him.

Illinois Update - 3/1/10

by Krista from Illinois

Growing up in Peoria, Illinois I thought my local music scene was limited to bands like Mudvayne. Never the one to thrash around, I avoided it as much as I could. I found my joy from music from people like Regina Spektor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBEAaKcnNRg) and Rufus Wainwright (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_TxPQKcG7w). Recently I’ve discovered that my impressions of the local music scene have been false.

After moving to Bloomington for school, I’ve gotten the chance to meet some fantastic people. One of those is Lynn O’Brien (http://www.lynnobrienmusic.com/). Raised in Campaign, and now residing with me in Bloomington, Lynn is a true hometown hero for me. Her brand new cd, YES! was just released . In her own words, YES! is about celebrating life, taking opportunities as they come and enjoying what happens.

In a world where it seems that every day we are faced with another earthquake, scandal, murder, or just general grumpiness, Lynn O’Brien is a ray of sunshine. Her voice reminds you of a time gone past, sort of an Andrew sisters, but with a modern interpretation. Her songs at first seem frivolous and simply fun, but a second and third listen give you the chance to see her wisdom in saying YES!

Her first album, Umbrella, is just as fun, and is available on iTunes (YES! is only available locally at the moment) Both feature not only rich vocals, but a plethora of instruments, from the cello to the kazoo. Definitely worth a listen, if only to prove to yourself that there is culture south of Chicago.