Cutting Back Green Spaces - Another Casualty

If you are an Arlingtonian (VA), or even a Virginian (after this Washington Post article) then you have no doubt read about the proposed closure of Gulf Branch Nature Center.

Fortunately we have a dedicated group of citizens that is using the power of 2.0 to call attention to organize against cuts like these.

My family and I have never been to GBNC, but sure enough we have spent many, many happy and delightful days at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean, Virginia. It was one of my top picks for green outings for kids in Northern Virginia. It's a perfect place to go to celebrate the return of spring (it re-opens April 1st from its winter break) or even in the fall, as I wrote way back when for DC Metro Moms. Did I mention that at $35 for an entire year this place is one of the Last Best Bargains?

Do you see where this is leading...?

Yes, yesterday we received the CMCF newsletter informing its members that they are losing a grant of $31,500. The write:

"We have just received a letter from Fairfax County that we are not included in this year's contributory funding. For more than 10 years CMCF has received $31,5000 each year to help pay for our educational program staff and materials...We have no idea how we can replace these funds as every other part of the Farm's funding has been affected by these grim economic times...if you have any great fundraising ideas, contact aeberly@1771.org"

You might want to show your support of CMCF by coming to their Dairy Day on Saturday, April 18th from 1-4 p.m. Have you ever wondered what curds and whey look like? Do you know how to wash butter? Help the farm wife make soft cheese and churn butter.

It seems like a long road ahead if CMCF is going to support itself on admission fees alone, but every little bit helps, wouldn't you say?

Haiku Friday - Ode to Juice Boxes

Little brick-shaped box
that needs no fridge. So wasteful,
yet so aseptic.

More Green Groceries...

Dear bloggers, tweeters and readers...

I need your help. One of my Mini Wanna-Greenies is having a terrible problem with, well, let's just get the 4-1-1 on the Number 2, constipation. This poor little tyke has been having a terrible time and although my sweet is now under doctor's care, we have been instructed to eliminate so many things that my cutie-on-duty loves: whole milk, yogurt, rice, applesauce...you get the idea.

So, while the doctor's drugs do the dramatics, what tasty snacks, high(er) in fiber, would you recommend? I am just fresh out of creative ideas - in fact, I get pooped just thinking about it.

Barefoot Books, Tofu Tuesdays, & Clothesline Clubs

I love a little alliteration.

Happy hello to Horse Medicine, winner of this weekend's bloggy book giveaway. HM, please contact me with your address and I will ship The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales out to you pronto! Thank you all for taking the time to comment. I have more bloggy book giveaways coming up, so stay tuned!

Talking Tofu, Kelli over at Gohn Crazy and Kaci of Ellyphant are teaming up to bring you Tofu Tuesday, a little opportunity to eat a little lower on the food chain. It officially starts on March 17th when you will be able to link to your Tofu Tuesday tip using Mr. Linky. And is the TT badge adorable or what?!:


Brought to you by...
Kaci@Ellyphant & Kelli@Gohn Crazy

Oh, and speaking of (what, I don't know), you can bet your bottom dollar that Gift of Green will be hosting the second annual Gift of Green's Clothesline Challenge. It will begin June 1, and although that sounds a long way off, it's never too early to start perusing those clothesline catalogs! Will you join us this year and exercise your right to dry!?

Spring Reveal

Pip, my older, turns five this month. Five years ago we brought all four pounds, seven ounces of him home from the hospital. As the melting snow has slowly revealed the crocuses and daffodils, time has slowly revealed what Pip is able to do this Spring that he was never able to do before.

:: We went to the park yesterday and for the first time he was high up in the air on the big boy swing. How did he get there? He pumped, of course. Sniff.

:: He asked me if his Spiderman mask was washed yet, and when I told him that it just needed a few minutes in the dryer...he went upstairs and transferred the darned thing to the dryer. I only knew because he couldn't figure out how to start it. He still needs me. Barely.

:: The tree in the backyard...you know, the one where Pip needs a leg up to get to the lowest branch? No more.

:: We always called him Felix Unger and today confirmed it. He drew labels for each of his toy bins and taped them to the exterior: Transformers, Playmobils, Art Supplies. So organized.

And for some reason memories of this just bubbled up in my thoughts today. If you've read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", you must give this one a try.



"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5

{And don't forget to try your luck at yesterday's giveaway!}