Last Friday was Arbor Day, April 27^th, 2012. But the trees are one of those special things in life that we can enjoy and celebrate every day. In Spokane we’ve seen more trees in blossom in the last two weeks than we’ll probably get to appreciate all year. Arbor Day is a tree-planting holiday. The tradition was started in Nebraska and on April 10, 1872. On the first Arbor Day over one million trees were planted in Nebraska alone. Today Arbor Day is celebrated nationally and internationally.

In my family, I am the one who brings attention to trees as a regular routine. As we drive together as a family I will question family members to identify different trees. While blooming, as is the case for many right now, they are especially easy to identify. The flowering pear and cherries, and the flowering thundercloud plum have been particularly spectacular this spring.

Most of my children have favorite trees or a handful which they can easily identify. One of my older daughters says “Sycamore” for every tree when questioned. Her thought apparently being eventually she’ll be right. I tell her that’s like a broken watch which is at least right twice a day.

Trees are often very unique. Sunburst locust, Douglas fir, hackberry, white pine, service berry, Russian-olive, dogwood and Catalpa all have characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Everyone should be able to identify Ponderosa Pine if they live here in the Inland Northwest. Go out into your yard or your neighbor’s and identify all the trees you encounter. Most people know maple even if they don’t know the difference between sugar maple, Norway maple, or silver maple. Make an effort to learn 8-10 trees by sight this summer. Have you ever seen a ginko tree? The leaves are said to give you good luck.

Celebrate Arbor Day all summer. Learn the name of trees in your area. Plant a tree and enjoy it for life.

Keep brushing,

Dr. James G. Hood

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients
from Age 2 to 102!

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.
507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1
Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576  USA
Phone: (509) 928-9100  |  Fax: (509) 928-0414
Email: drhood@drhood.com

Websites: www.drhood.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com
Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com
www.dentalhealthandnutritionblog.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com
www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.org
www.sjogrensblog.org
Online Store: www.dentalhealthandnutritionstore.com

Christmas 2011 provides a powerful opportunity for everyone wishing to live the true meaning of Christmas. Americans are some of the most generous people on earth. Citizens of Spokane, Washington have proven time and again that they are exceptionally generous. The economy this year has had a dramatic effect on the tone of the holiday in many homes. People who have always celebrated in abundance are now cutting back or going without. Not just are members of the middle class learning to tighten their belts, but the numbers of those without homes is continuing to swell. Statistics of those in need are reported regularly. Such statistics create an opportunity for the more blessed majority to make Christmas merry for themselves and the multitude less fortunate. There are plenty of people who truly need help, this year even more than last. Each member of any family who feels blessed this Christmas should make a conscious commitment to give part of what may have been given to each other, to someone or a family in greater need.

Often gifts are given because the exchange is expected. What if as a group your family did something for a needy person or other needy family? You will truly be amazed how much more fulfilling your Christmas will be. The giver and the gifted both will find Christmas more fulfilling.

The joy of Christmas season is best exemplified when Christ is kept in Christmas. I once had someone tell me how to keep joy in Christmas. I was told to think of joy as shorthand for the priorities of Christmas: Jesus first, Others second, and You third. JOY. If we all remember that order I’m sure more Christmas joy will be had by all and we will make Christmas 2011 merry.

Thanks for reading and blogging!

Dr. James G. Hood

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley, P.S.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes Patients
from Age 2 to 102!

James G. Hood, D.D.S., M.A.
507 North Sullivan Road, Suite A-1
Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576  USA
Phone: (509) 928-9100  |  Fax: (509) 928-0414
Email: drhood@drhood.com

Websites: www.drhood.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalley.com
Blogs: www.drjamesghoodblog.com
www.dentalhealthandnutritionblog.com
www.dentalcareassociatesofspokanevalleyblog.com
www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.org
www.sjogrensblog.org
Online Store: www.dentalhealthandnutritionstore.com

We are now located on the second floor in Booth 17 at the Spokane Public Market, 24 West 2nd Ave. in Spokane, Washington. Phone: 509-624-5800

Mountain Valley View Farm has a number of things for sale this wonderful holiday season Enjoy yummy treats this holiday season. They make wonderful gifts for the food lovers in your family! We are featuring our especially moist zucchini bread and our wonderfully tangy mustard in a variety of flavors—Tangy Mustard with Garlic, Cranberry Mustard, Sweet Whole-Grain Mustard with Beer.

Free Samples at the Spokane Public Market this week are:

Zucchini Bread
Classic Granola
Tangy Mustard with Garlic
Old-Fashioned Apple Butter

Come try us out before they are all gone!

Other products you will find at the Mountain Valley View Farm booth include gift baskets, cookbooks, homemade potpourri, cookbooks, and more.

HOLIDAY COOKBOOK SPOTLIGHT!

Christmas Delights Cookbook, Vol. 1
A Collection of Christmas Recipes

For this very merry time of year, author Karen Jean Matsko Hood presents a unique cookbook that is full of tasty and satisfying recipes designed around the themes, colors, and traditions of Christmas.  Inside are page after page of mouth-watering recipes that, when prepared, will certainly be a hit with both family and guests alike during this special season.  Written for the novice and the experienced cook alike, Christmas Delights Cookbook, Volume I is a valuable addition to your kitchen library, and it makes the perfect gift for the chef on your giving list.

As a poet, I found it enjoyable to color this cookbook with poetry so that readers could savor the metaphorical richness of Christmas as well as the literal flavors of the holiday recipes.  Do enjoy your reading about Christmas, but most importantly, have fun with those you care about while you are cooking.  Inside you will find Christmas-themed recipes, Christmas history, facts and folklore, and poetry by the author.

Christmas Delights, Vol. I – Paperback, $19.95

Rhubarb Delights Cookbook
A Collection of Rhubarb Recipes

Rhubarb is an all-time favorite vegetable that once was used for medicinal purposes, but has always tasted delicious in Mom’s homemade pie.  In this cookbook, you’ll find more than just pie recipes to spark your imagination in cooking with rhubarb.

Living in the heart of Washington brings great appreciation for the rhubarb season.  Washington State has the ideal climate for growing fresh rhubarb, and is the leading rhubarb producer in the United States, boasting 824 acres of farm land dedicated exclusively to growing rhubarb.

Most people wonder whether rhubarb is a vegetable or a fruit.  Rhubarb is often mistaken to be a fruit, but it is actually a close relative of garden sorrel and is a member of the vegetable family.  Rhubarb has a unique taste that makes it a favorite in many pies and desserts.

Rhubarb has an interesting history of facts and folklore.  Some of this folklore is included in this book.  As a poet, I found it enjoyable to color this cookbook with poetry so that readers could savor the metaphorical richness of rhubarb as well as its literal flavor.  Also included in this Rhubarb Delights Cookbook are some articles on history, cultivation, and botanical information, along with some interesting trivia and tidbits.

The cookbook is organized in convenient alphabetical sections to assist you in finding recipes related to the type of cooking you need: appetizers and dips; beverages; breads and rolls; breakfasts; cakes; candies; cookies; desserts; dressings, sauces, and condiments; jams, jellies, and syrups; main dishes; pies; preserving; salads; side dishes; soups; and wines and spirits.

Rhubarb Delights Cookbook

Bindings

Paperback $19.95 USD Hardcover $29.95 USD

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide
4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com

Website: www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Online Store: www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com

Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:

Monday – Saturday
8:00 a.m. – Noon;  1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.

Getaway Studio Dining Room
& Bed and Breakfast
Phone (509) 928-8900

Directions to Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.

From I-90 East or West

Take the Sullivan Exit (291B) – South for about 3 miles
Turn left on Saltese (east), and continue for .5 mile
Turn right on South Chapman Road (south), and proceed .9 mile
The farm will be on the left-hand side of the road – 4301 South Chapman Road