Memorial Day Tribute

In remembrance of those fallen serving our country so we can be free.

I've written a column as a tribute to my Father, a soldier, and our family tradition on Memorial Day.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/05/28/2160155/a-forgotten-soldiers-grave-a-family.html

We are forever indebted to these brave men and women.

Wreath on forgotten soldier's grave

Washington State Soldiers Cemetery

Red Roses Left on Wall in Remembrance



Stone walls in Washington State Soldiers Cemetery

Wildflower Walk-about



I took a little walk-about to see what was in bloom here on my little hillside. I thought I would take you on a little tour.

I planted the blue bells years ago and they have spread into a little colony near my bedroom window. The tiny pink flower is 'Herb Robert', a form of wild geranium. It is a delicate wildflower with lacy leaves that sometimes turn crimson in the fall.

We have many ferns carpeting the forest floor. This time of year they unfurl their new fronds.

The Columbine are blooming a little bit late this year. Last year I had several colors. This year, just  purple in the side garden. Every year is a surprise.

Purple Columbine and Blue Forget me Not are a beautiful and carefree wildflower combination growing beyond the picnic table in the side yard. You can see Whitey hidden among the foliage just to the left of center at the top.

Here, Forget Me Not has scattered itself among two different types of fern; the leathery Ostrich Fern that persists even in winter, and the delicate, pale Lady Fern who unfurls her tender fronds every spring but dies back every fall. The stone wall is concealed beneath the lush growth along the path to the side yard.

Pale green stalks of wild 'Fringe Cup' grow among tiny wild Pink Geranium (Herb Robert) along side the parking area of the driveway.

Wild ground covers carpet the ground under a young Hemlock tree along the path to the side gate used for the wheelbarrow.

Wild grasses mimic expensive nursery cultivars, growing among the wildflowers and ferns.

The resiliency of some wildflowers always amazes me. This diminutive blossom seems to be thriving along the edge of the gravel in the driveway.

By evening this cloud foreshadowed unsettled weather.

Formed by weather systems swirling around Mt. Rainier and floating away in it's own perpetual turbulence. It foretells rain within 24 hours. It's nearly 100% accurate.

Sure enough, we have had rain since Sunday. But tomorrow will be bright and sunny once more. Something to lift my spirits a little.

 It's been a hard week losing my sweet Little Bear.

She loved our little 'walk-abouts'.

But I know she will always be with me.

Forever roaming the fields of wildflowers in my heart.



Let's Talk Compost - Food Recycling Programs

Home composting system

Recently some students from Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, WA requested an interview with me. They had seen my article in 'The News Tribune' titled, "Plant a Garden and Feed the World" and were looking for someone who talked about the environment.

These forward thinking students; Lalaine Ignao, Irene Lopez, and Zareh Foster - Adams are trying to implement a Food Recycling Program at Bryant Montessori School in Tacoma, WA.


If you are not familiar with Food Recycling Programs, here are some interesting facts.

The average family throws out 477 lbs of food each year.

This goes into the landfills.

If everyone composted their food scraps or separated their garbage and used their local Food Recycling Program, this would free up many tons of waste going into our landfills, be put to good use to make compost and help the environment.

I call that a win-win.

Easy to build home composting bin

Not only can we as individuals recycle our food scraps, but schools and businesses can do the same! Most curbside trash collectors encourage Food Waste Recycling Programs. Simply separate your food scraps and put them into the yard waste receptacle to be picked up with your trash.

The average school can save $2000 - $4000 per year in trash collecting fees simply by recycling food scraps! That is taxpayer money! Think of how many schools there are in one district and multiply the savings!

Also, think of the benefits to the environment and the local landfills.

This is a wonderful program to start in your local school.

It's a great program for PTA to sponsor!

And so easy!

Simply set up separate waste cans for food scraps and assign 'helpers' to direct students where to put their food scraps.

Contact the local county Food Waste Recycling Program and they will be happy to help out.

And if you are a school with your own greenhouse or garden, think of the possibilities! You could set up your own composting facilities. This is very educational for students in so many subjects. Science, Environment, Recycling.

Simple home composting receptacle

More than 30% of our garbage comes from food scraps and compostable paper. Food Recycling eliminates that volume from consumer's garbage output.

With a smaller output of garbage, consumers can then move to smaller garbage cans, thus reducing their costs.

In our county, (Pierce), monthly collection service for a standard 90 gallon garbage can = $90 per month. If you recycle Food scraps, you can use a 20 gallon garbage can and reduce monthly costs to $25.25!

Food Recycling Programs are Free! Simply add recyclable food scraps to your yard waste bins.

Recyclable food items include:

• Spoiled fruits and vegetable trimmings
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Bread, pasta, grains
• Eggshells and nutshells
• Paper towels and napkins
• Pizza boxes and uncoated paper plates
• Cheese, meat, fish, poultry and bones (commercial Food Recycling Programs only)

I think it is wonderful that these progressive students are working hard to implement a Food Recycling Program at Bryant Montessori School, and helping to spread the word for others to try and start their own Food Recycling Program in their local school districts.

A great way to reduce costs, reduce waste and benefit the environment.

Win-Win!