The calendar says so, even if it doesn't feel that way at the moment. I'm holding on to that promise as I eagerly peruse the seed catalogs and garden books in anticipation of a new gardening season.
(By the way, we were out of town again this week, and I didn't have an opportunity to write a blog entry until now.)
Last weekend, with so many local activities to choose from, we did indeed have to choose, as we are no longer infatigable young'uns who can be on the go from sunup till sundown and then pull an all-nighter too. In fact, we seem to be solar-powered these days. Anyway, we opted for the Snowflake Festival at the Audubon center, and a great choice it was. We went early, before the wind and "wintry mix" arrived later in the day--can you believe we had above-freezing temps just a week ago? The warming and refreezing had left the snow crusty and crunchy, but the trail was still beautiful (if somewhat loud) for snowshoeing, and we had a good outing. We went on our own, but there were also guided outings for groups wanting to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Also sleigh rides.
Inside the nature center, bursting at the seams with families escaping their cabin fever, there were many interesting displays (both the normal displays and those by vendors at the event), including live animals of both the warm and cold blooded varieties. Rescue organizations for reptiles/amphibians and dogs were there to promote their organizations. (Outdoors, there were dog-sledding demonstrations with teams of huskies From Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue, who seemed absolutely thrilled with the snow.) Talented artisans (including our friend Joyce Rose) demonstrated weaving and yarn spinning, with some beautiful results. Master Gardeners offered their growing expertise. We enjoyed some chili and hot spiced cider and spread the rest of our tickets around at the Chinese auction.
Because we spent a lot of time out on the trails, we didn't get around to all of the festival's activities. We missed the bird presentations. We didn't have our faces painted, or see the outdoor cooking demos (with samples) by the Boy Scouts, or join the folks making bluebird houses. But we got out of the house and enjoyed a great day of simple pleasures, in the middle of winter, at little cost. What more can you ask for?
I've learned a couple of new things that you might also find useful:
There are many healthy choices for yard and garden pest control. Audubon has a brochure that lists such things as applying corn gluten meal to your grass in early sping and fall to prevent germination of dandelions, crabgrass, and other common weeds. You can kill weeds in driveway cracks with boiling water or a propane torch. Aphids and whiteflies can be trapped with sticky yellow cards, because they are attracted by the color. Yellowjackets can be lured into narrow-necked bottles containing apple juice. There are numerous oil sprays, insecticidal soaps, and microbial agents that can be targeted to certain pests without poisoning birds, your pets and your family. Many garden centers and hardware stores now carry a good selection of eco-friendly products, so check them out before you reach for the Raid.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers free and reduced cost energy audits to homeowners to show you how to improve your home's efficiency. A participating contractor will make recommendations, and if you choose to proceed with any of these measures, there are low-interest financing options available. For more information, including a downloadable PDF energy audit application, visit the residential section of the NYSERDA website, or (locally) contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County at 716-664-9502 ext. 221 OR 716-652-5400 ext. 136.
Finally, Northside PRIDE, the organization working for neighborhood revitalization, is holding their fifth annual Chocolate and Champagne Celebration fundraiser at Sheldon House tomorrow evening from 7-10 pm. Although they are focused on a nine-block area on the city's north side, they invite everyone to join them for this event and perhaps catch some inspiration for your own neighborhood. Tickets at the door are $30 apiece/$40 per couple.
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