CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME

UPDATE!!!! This year’s Monday, March 21, 2022,  peak bloom date marks the eighth-earliest peak bloom on record. The earliest peak bloom occurred on March 15, 1990, and the latest on April 18, 1958.  Peak bloom is defined when 70 percent of the cherry trees’ buds are flowering.

What could be more romantic than an early evening picnic beneath cherry trees floating clouds of pink and white blossoms and strewn with sparkling lights? 

 

At Cherry Blossom time in Japan, parks are illuminated with lanterns at night, which adds to the romantic spirit of a cherry blossom picnic but there is usually very little privacy. Tables for two are set out under the trees lining the walks. Sometimes music is provided and food markets are set-up nearby.

Known as “Sakura,” cherry blossom trees are symbols of renewal and hope. Picnicking beneath the trees is a longstanding Japanese tradition, which is known as "hanami." It is a tradition, similar to our Thanksgiving, that families gather and share a meal beneath the blossoms.

“Hanami” means “trying on the flowers” and can be seen as a recognition of the ephemeral quality of nature.  The blossoms don’t last long, usually just one to two weeks. Cherry trees have a short lifespan lasting about 16-20 years.

What could be more of an East Coast springtime icon than the pink and white clouds of blooms on the cherry trees in March and April in Washington, DC?  The blossoms are expected to be blooming between March 22 to 26, 2022. And the Cherry Blossom Festival will be held once again after a two-year hiatus.

 

Here’s some interesting facts:

On January 6, 1910, 2,000 cherry trees arrived from Japan. After an inspection found they were infested with insects and nematodes, they were burned to protect American growers.  In 1912, 3,020 pest-free replacement cherry trees arrived in Washington, DC. (National Park Service history of the trees)

It is illegal to pick cherry blossoms off trees in DC. In fact, it is illegal to harm or harvest from any natural resources under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

George Washington never actually chopped down a cherry tree. It is a myth concocted by biographer Mason Weems.

Although cherry blossoms aren't native to the U.S., Macon, GA, is "The Cherry Blossom Capital of the World" with more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees. They will hold their 40^th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival from March 18-22, 2022.

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Turn the Page - March Book Review (2022)

 

Appalachian Trail

[Once upon a time I wrote book reviews for the local Public Opinion newspaper (Chambersburg, PA). I tried to include a fiction, non-fiction, and a children's book that were all available at the local libraries.]

In early spring the Appalachian Trail through-hikers leave from Springer Mountain, Georgia for a 6-month 2,181-mile trip to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Ronald Fisher's 1975 book "The Appalachian Trail" is a good introduction and includes comments by Benton MacKaye, who had the idea of the Trail. Beautiful photos of places and people enhance Fisher's diary-style record of his hike, describing not only the mechanics of camping but the natural beauty within reach and sight.  Today's hikers will enjoy comparing the old equipment to today's technology.

Bill Bryson tells a more light-hearted Appalachian Trail tale in the 1999 "A Walk in the Woods." From obvious non-preparation to Twinkies as trail food to taxi-cab rides, Bryson's true-life reporting style may have diehard hikers shaking their head but everyone will be laughing. Again, the true beauty of the natural world is discovered but 25 years after Fisher's trip Bryson documents environmental damage that threatens this fragile ribbon of wilderness.

Galveston hurricane destruction (1900storm.org)

Like the March 2011 Japanese tsunami, in 1900 a hurricane's immense storm surge wreaked havoc on Galveston, Texas – over 6,000 people died, and the town was demolished. Erik Larson documents the dramatic events in "Isaac's Storm" using diaries and records of Isaac Cline, one of the first U.S. Weather Bureau meteorologists. 

Following the personal connections of Cline - family, friends, and colleagues – through the storm, Larson adds a human element that touches readers.  The story also highlights the Weather Bureau's beginnings, how forecasts were made with few scientific instruments and limited communications, many hampered by bureaucratic rules.

For some it's March Madness time and Carl Deuker excels at describing fast action and complex basketball moves in "Night Hoops," a story about challenges and choices on and off the court (Grades 8-12).

Readers follow high-schooler Nick Abbott as he tries to deal with Trent, a neighbor and basketball teammate with a troubled home life but talent on the court. After Nick's father puts in a backyard court, he and Trent begin shooting hoops at night. As Nick chooses to befriend Trent, he must navigate his way through friends and family who don't accept him.

 Deuker's writing talent lies not only in describing sports action but in following the twists, and u-turns, of the adolescent mind. Teens will identify with Nick and the difficulties of making choices where the world is gray, not black and white.

Books are available in the Franklin County, PA, library system.

~ Carol Kagan

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MINI QUICHE APPETIZERS

These are bite-sized pastries filled with egg and a variety of fillings, easily customizable, and can be frozen. Excellent contributions to parties and picnics. Can be frozen. This recipe makes 24 - 8 each of 3 different varieties. I usually make 2 batches because I have to buy 8 oz. of cream. The recipe is long because of the filling information but it’s not difficult to make. Make the fillings ahead of time, if desired.

Prep Time Fillings: Varies   Prep Time Assembly:  20 minutes      Cook Time 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pie crust rounds                                    
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (4 oz.)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350° F. Coat MINI muffin cups with cooking spray or use muffin papers.
• Unroll the pie crusts and lay them out on a flat surface.
• Use a 3” cookie cutter to cut 12 circles out of each crust.
• Press each circle of pie crust into the muffin tin and make sure there’s no air underneath.
• Prepare the fillings and put each in a separate bowl.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
• Fill each cup with 2 tsps. of the filling then add the egg mixture up to ¾ full. Go slow and let the mix drain through the filling.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are browned. Let cool and turn over the pan to release the quiches or use a soft spatula to lift them out.
• Serve warm, cold, or room temperature, or freeze (2 months) for future use. Good for 3 days covered in the fridge. Reheat at 325° F- 8-10 minutes to warm and 12-16 for frozen ones.

Filling options (each fill 8 muffin cups) 

Greek

• 1/2 cup cooked spinach excess water removed, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, minced

Ham & Cheese

• 1/4 cup ham, diced
• 1/3 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

Bacon

• 1/4 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced

Other combinations: Mexican: Cooked and crumbled chorizo, cheddar cheese, red and green bell peppers, Sausage: Breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, red bell peppers, Mushroom: Sautéed mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, green onions, parsley

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Interested in herbs? Looking for Gardening Gifts?

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SPECIAL Price reduction.

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.