Springtime is a time of renewal and new life. (Perhaps that’s why God timed the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Savior at this time of year!) From a brown, dead landscape the earth bursts forward with greenery and blooms. I recently drove to The Smoky Mountains and the change is so clear as you climb up to the Cumberland Plateau with deep green leaves in the valley fading to the pale green of earlier development the higher up I drove.

Well, I’ve been enjoying the newness of life around my mountain home too. We have baby chicks and we’re watching them transform from fuzzy babies to feathered fowl.

A visit to a friend’s house allowed us to enjoy baby goats. We are hoping to add goats to our farm soon so you’ll be hearing more about that soon.

Then there’s the garden! I keep trying to hold back – it’s prudent to wait until May before really starting the garden on the mountain. I’ve got plants started and have dared to transplant broccoli. I’ll keep you updated on whether they survive these cold spring mornings.

As I planted my ‘Arsh Potatoes, I was reminded of my Grandpa Livesay whose specialty was potatoes. In the Victory Garden article I quoted the president’s warning of food shortages and I can imagine Grandpa’s question if I show up in heaven after starving to death, “Buddy, didn’t I teach you how to grow taters?” I tried an early patch that never even came up; now the main patch is looking a little better.

The only cure for Spring Fever is warm, summer sunshine. The weather forecast is showing high 70’s and 80 degrees in the coming week