Ahh!---Spring Is Here!---Achoo!

We've been waiting, and finally spring has sprung, and with it alot of fun! Things to do, places to see, and of course, -- allergies.
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For me, and Russell, one of the fun things to do is to prepare and plant an organic vegetable garden. It is hard work, but if all goes well, we can reap rich rewards. It really is a miracle, the growth processes. It reminds me of the daily text we had on Saturday, March 13th. All the credit goes to Jehovah for any growth we have in a literal garden or in our spiritual garden, our disciple making work. Why? Because try as we may, none of us can fully understand the growth process, let alone control it. "I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow." 1Cor. 3:6. Solomon expressed the situation correctly when he wrote: "You do not know the work of the true God who does all things." Eccl.11:5
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It will be a welcomed sight to behold the many varieties of trees and flowers blooming. Because of the handiwork of Jehovah, the earth will be a delightful garden of color and fragrances that lifts our spirits and glorifies him.
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However, with this beautiful indication of spring comes the not so welcomed allergy season. Why? Pollen season is here and, according to Dr. Mark Schecker, it's causing runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing attacks for 25 to 35 percent of the population. He says the pollen season started early this year and it's not the yellow stuff that's driving people crazy, but the pollen you can't see. -- "What you don't realize is that the tree pollen that's been out is invisible. It's microscopic and it floats in the air, so you can't see it. And so a lot of people who have been suffering the past few weeks haven't realized that that's what's causing them problems."
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Spring allergy season starts with tree pollen in late February. Dr. Schecker says it's the hardwood trees like oaks, elms and cedars that cause the most problems. Tree pollen eases off in mid-April, but then the grass picks up where the trees leave off and start creating pollen through June.
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If you have pollen allergies, you know that some days are worse than others. Dr. Schecker says the weather plays a big role. "In general the worst days are sunny, dry windy days where pollen's really blowing all over the place. Better days are overcast or rainy days," Schecker said.
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He says that pollen allergies go beyond sneezing and watery eyes and can lead to major health problems. "It can lead to chronic sinus problems. It can lead to chronic ear infections in children it can lead to asthma."
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But whether it's the tree pollen or the grass pollen you're allergic to, Schecker says there are things you can do for relief. He suggests keeping the windows closed to keep the pollen out and says that air conditioners can help filter the pollen too. And, if that doesn't work there's also medicine.
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And, as tempting as throwing open all the windows on a gorgeous spring day may be, don't! Other measures to keep outdoor elements outdoors include showering frequently, doing lots of laundry and wiping down the family pets when they come in.
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Interestingly, what we can't see — the clear oak pollen — causes the most grief. The maddening yellow pine dust that coats everything is actually fairly benign stuff.
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So, I hope this little bit of information will help all you allergy sufferers. If anyone else has a remedy that may be helpful, please share it.
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For all our bird loving friends I found this "Bird Nesting Bag" that can easily be made, that may send out a cordial invitaion to our feathered friends, right in your own back yard. Hope you like the idea.
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Bird Nesting Bag

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Send out a cordial invitation to wildlife, and you won't have to travel far to discover the joys of the natural world. That's what Nicole Blum of North Hadley, Massachusetts, and her 7-year-old daughter did with this hanging gift for the birds.
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Materials
· Onion bag
· Nesting materials such as raffia, nonmetallic ribbon, small sticks, and pet hair
Total Time Needed: 1 Hour
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Instructions
1. Fill an onion bag with nesting materials, such as raffia, nonmetallic ribbon, small sticks, and pet hair.
2. Hang from a tree, then eagerly watch for the birds to begin construction.
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Sounds like fun!
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I will end this blog with a some springtime poetry.
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"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush."- ( Doug Larson)
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"Ahh, the wide almond groves in full white flower
Stunning in the morning sun.
Old naked Winter in his garb of grays and browns has run.
Forsythia blooms come and go in the blink of a yellow Eye.
Then, suddenly, mysteriously, Green erupts; and we sigh."- ( Michael P. Garofalo)
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"First a howling blizzard woke us,Then the rain came down to soak us, And now before the eye can focus - Crocus."
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With much love,
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This is Raven-As the crow flies