“Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length, the season of summer does come.” Thomas Carlyle
Artichokes are flourishing next to my deck, and it brings me a lot of joy to see them return year after year, spreading their branches and producing charming green bulbs that eventually turn into beautiful purple thistle flowers. We savor them before they bloom and eat them with olive oil, butter, yogurt, or simply plain. After a long, cold, and wet winter this year, their sweetness is a treat. Our garden is also home to other lively vegetables such as fava beans. Fava beans are a tasty and healthy addition to any diet, but for some, they can also be a source of allergic reactions. This is due to the presence of a specific protein in fava beans that can trigger an immune response in certain individuals. The severity of the reaction can vary from person to person and can be triggered by consuming fava beans or products that contain fava beans, such as falafel, hummus, or bean-based flour.
Other vegetables growing in my side and backyard raised beds and gardens are garlic, parsley, lettuce, potatoes, and various herbs. In the greenhouse, we have tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and multiple plant starts. The apple trees and two pear trees are showing blooms and fruits growing, and I am excited about fresh fruits right in my front yard. It’s amazing to see what a little care and persistence can grow in the springtime in Humboldt County. In front of our kitchen’s doorway, the large and ancient rhododendron is in full bloom, covered with big and plentiful purple flowers. It’s a delight to walk up the kitchen steps past these blooms.
Springtime’s arrival and early summer are celebrated each year around Memorial Day weekend. The Humboldt County Kinetic Sculpture Race, widely known for its whimsical and fantastic bikes that can float and travel more than 50 miles over challenging terrains in several days, is a prominent event. Participants are said to do it “for the Glory” of winning. I can’t help but laugh at the wild and original sculptural designs in the costumes, usually featuring team efforts. Dozens of teams from across the USA will battle through 50 miles of Humboldt County’s Bay, roads, beaches, dunes, trails, hills, rivers, and towns.
We are looking forward to traveling 217 miles to McCloud, California north of Redding off the I-5 interstate freeway and near Mt. Shasta to celebrate Tim’s 73rd birthday and our 43rd wedding anniversary June 1-5. We found a historic old hotel McCloud Hotel with comfortable beds and a fine dining option at the Sage restaurant. The area is historically significant being it was an historic mill town, and is close to Highway 89 known for traveling the scenic Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcanic parks. I am interested in the three McCloud Falls hiking areas.
In springing towards summer, every day can be a beautiful day and I feel blessed to daily see God’s beautiful creations. I strive to keep my positivity going, to treat others well, and keep my body and mind in a good state.
Librarian Musings 