Spring has sprung according to the calendar, but the weather on the final weekend of March didn't feel very springlike. Sunday dawned with a cloudy and cool morning, a brief shower fell at mid-morning and the temperature got little warmer all day, even after the sun peeked out in late afternoon. I'm sure those who attended egg hunts and other events on Saturday afternoon were glad they were held during more pleasant weather.
Pink hyacinths are still blooming out beside the cellar, and the plum tree and redbud add a splash of color at the edge of the yard. The early purple iris are displaying fat buds, and a cluster of peonies is emerging near the patio. Soon, a new array of blossoms will add their hues to Mother Nature's palette. Spring is a beautiful time of year with all the flowers blooming.
Colette Roussant, author of the "America Entertains" column in McCall's magazine in the '80s, suggested a salute to spring in decorating one's home. She recommended bringing the freshness of the season indoors by arranging bouquets of cherry blossoms or small sprigs of forsythia in vases next to each glass at the dinner table. Add another touch of color by using cloth napkins with lively flower patterns and starching them heavily for an elegant, crisp look. Or make a new spring tablecloth with a striking print fabric and choose napkins in a complementary solid tone.
Roussant also suggested selecting a new wine to toast the season and serving it with the first fresh asparagus spears. Although asparagus is available practically year-round in the supermarket, the first spring produce is incomparable in flavor. Pencil-thin asparagus can be eaten raw in salads or cut into short sections and sauteed in olive oil. Thicker stalks are best when steamed and served with chicken or fish.
The last couple of weeks brought a pretty full calendar with a variety of interesting activities to attend. On St. Paddy's Day we enjoyed loaded baked potatoes from the museum's potato fest and, later in the day, I was able to sample some of the tasty offerings at the school's multicultural celebration. A couple of days later, I dropped by the fifth anniversary party at Grumpy's coffee shop and was fortunate enough to win a gift certificate in the drawing. Saturday afternoon, the quilt class held its March meeting.
A call from my sister Mary Alice on Sunday evening brought the news that our friend Jann had lost her husband earlier in the day. I was sorry to hear the news but it was not unexpected as his health had been failing in recent weeks. We attended the funeral on Thursday afternoon in Noel, and I went on to Southwest City for graveside services afterward. I returned to Gravette and went to the city council meeting that evening.
Students in the area were on spring break last week and most of the youngsters I talked to were enjoying their brief vacation, although playing outside might have been more fun if the weather had been warmer and less windy. Jim brought grandson Matthew down to help pick up limbs and mow the yard on Tuesday and they got the place looking pretty nice. The landscape was even more scenic after I got the brushpile burned on Friday evening.
Our friend Hank joined me for lunch at the senior center on Friday. We really enjoyed the meal, which featured several favorite foods including baked ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, deviled eggs and coconut cake. I took a few photos of the winners in the Easter bonnet contest, then, after lunch, drove out to visit friends on Stagecoach Road. Hank went along again for holiday activities on Saturday and we made a trip to Decatur to view the works displayed in the art show at the Gallery Cafe.
Susan Holland is a long-time resident of Benton County and a reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer. She can be reached by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/30/2016