Spring Goes on a Break

It's early April and the flowers are blooming, the bugs are flying around and my lawn could already use mowing. But don't be lulled into thinking Spring is here to stay. We're in for some useasonably cold weather through the weekend and an overall cooler than normal pattern may be with us for the next week or two.

While the cold is likely to knock down pollen poduction, which is great news for allergy sufferers, there are some pretty big negatives.

For starters, the Cherry Blossom Festival is entering it's second weekend and with temperatures staying mainly in the 40s, that could really cut down on the number of visitors.

But even more importanly, area farmers could take a major hit. I have a farmer friend in Buckeystown, MD who grows strawberries and is also hosting 4 churches at his place for Easter Sunrise service. If the weather gets too cold, the blossoms could be destroyed. No blossoms means no fruit to pick. This cold could also cause problems for any farmers with fruit trees. With temperatures likely getting down into the mid 20s for lows this weekend, these farmers will probably be up all night with smudge pots and sprinklers trying to stave off the destruction of this year's crop.

On a lighter note, the Passover Seder was a success. I'm very fortunate that I have some great neighbors/friends who came over for the Seder. One in Particular, Howard King. Howard is a fantastic cook. He made a turkey and a brisket. Both were awesome. (He makes a mean stromboli as well.) Funny thing about Mr. King. He and I also share middle names, so we are both "Howard Ian"....weird.

Other neighbors brought over Matzoh Ball Soup, glazed carrots, Asparagus and their wonderful kids. I must also acknowledge the great job that Mrs. Bernstein did with organizing the whole event and making some great mashed Sweet Potatoes and Noodle Kugel.