John Latimer's Spring Visit

John Latimer came to visit us for the last time this year. John is a retired mail carrier who has been following changes in nature (phenology) for the last 30 years. He has a Tuesday morning radio show on KAXE radio, 91.7 fm in Grand Rapids. We have been calling in our nature notes for the last 10 years.

Today John took us on a little walk through the woods to look for signs of spring. We noticed emerging ferns (fiddleheads), blooming bloodroot and hepatica, and almost blooming cowslips.  We saw a few warblers and found mayfly and mosquito larva in the creek flowing through the forest. We also observed the trees that are finally budding out. John said the aspens are almost 3 weeks late.  Spring is finally here!

Operation Minnesota Nice

We have been sending care packages to a soldier overseas through the Operation Minnesota Nice program. These care packages are full of little items the kids bought with their own money including toothpaste, candy, books and food items. Yesterday we received this package in the mail. It contained a flag that had been flown on a mission in Afghanistan, a certificate, a patch from a uniform and a letter from Major Goodard - the soldier who had received our package.  The kids were very excited to read about Major Goodard's life as a helicopter pilot stationed in Jalalabad. We will be sending him letters and one last package before school ends.

Hill City Hornets Hustle for Hunger

The second annual Hill City Hornets Hustle for Hunger 5K race was yesterday. There were about 30 people participating and raising money for the Hill City Food Shelf. It was a beautiful day for a run or walk!