Ramblings....

I just returned from my second session of Leadership Idaho Agriculture that was in Pocatello. I had a really good time and got to know everyone just a little bit more. This session focused on public speaking, not the funnest subject, but one that I am definitely lacking in both confidence and ability. In each region we tour a different industry. Moscow was Bennett Lumber and Pocatello was the Idaho Food Bank. There are three food banks in Idaho (Poky, Boise and Lewiston). The above picture is a bag of food for their Backpack Program. Just a little history on the Backpack Program. They give each child (in need) a bag full of food for their weekend meals so they don't miss meals while they are away from school. Pretty amazing, this Backpack costs around $6. The Food Bank can provide 3 meals for every $1 that is donated, wow just think a $10 donation feeds 30 people, are you kidding? Can you imagine what good we could all do if we each donated $10....... A lot of people think a lot of people take advantage of the system, and I agree, but there are honest people that need our help. Everyone matters, lets take care of our fellow Idahoans! Every donation counts, I challenge everyone to donate $10 OR MORE to the Food Bank. 208-233-8811 - call now, volunteer, donate funds, donate food, DO SOMETHING!

https://www.idahofoodbank.org/?page=donate

Gift Processing
3562 S TK Avenue
Boise, ID 83705-5278

I love flowers. I love geraniums because they remind me of my Grandma Virginia and Granny. They both always had geraniums everywhere, they always smelled so good, and were so beautiful to look at. I try to plant something each year in my flower beds that reminds me of important people. My flower beds are a gentle reminder every time I pull into my driveway, look out my window or sit on the porch of just some of the great people in my life.

Geraniums - Grandma Virginia & Granny
Iris's - Grandma June
Marigolds/Lillies - Mom
Little, drought tolerant flowers that I can't remember the name of - Susan
Tulips - Grandma Bea
Wind Chimes - Grandma Janet
Christmas Star - Tammie
Horseshoe Flowers - Wade
Toys scattered everywhere - Ryder and Kinsley

I am urging each of you to start this tradition. But the key is letting those special people know why these items are always in your yard, brightening your day.

It's the little things you can do to remind you of how lucky you are that truly make the most difference.

So this is a little out of order, but here are some of my LIA classmates at the Food Bank learning how they can make a difference. From left to right: Derek Romer (USDA/NRCS), Sandy Porter (Treasure Valley Community College), Aaron Johnson (University of Idaho), Gary Halverson (Glanbia Foods)

It is finally Friday and I couldn't be happier. Leaving my house at 6 am and returning at 10 pm has made this a long week. Agriculture makes it worth it.

One final note: Please keep my new friend, Renae from LIA in your thoughts and prayers to keep her son safe.

"We try our hardest to teach our kids about life, but they truly teach us what life is all about."