Lee Links - November/December

What a year it has been.

by Rosanne Brown 

Unless you have a crystal ball or you regularly do a little time traveling, one would have never guessed the year would have unfolded like it has. Similar to many of our rural roads, the year has brought the most unexpected twist and turns along with vast gaps of sunlit, open spaces. Beginning with a chilly winter, this year dealt us a lot to bear. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow kept many of us paralyzed for days, some weeks, as neighbors helped neighbors, and warmth could be found from hearths to hearts. As we cleaned and prepared to rebuild, the sun insured the temperature rose and the promise of warmer days and a beautiful Spring was just around the corner, a much needed reprieve from the harshness of the previous months. With the onset of spring, you could feel the hope in the air. From the smell and coolness of freshly turned soil to the brilliant kaleidescope of colors, the anticipation of new growth and beautiful days was upon us. Soon we had spring showers, a variety of new vegetation, and expectant anticipation for new blooms. But as the flowers emerged, time seemed to slow down. The dog days of summer were upon us. Our nation prepared for it's 250th birthday, and Fourth of July was a celebration for the record books. With increasing temperatures, it made the month one of the hottest in history. A sudden lack of rain brought back the familiar monotony of hot, dry days, with only sporadic downpours here and there. Forecasts brought little relief to what seemed a sweltering, unending summer. It felt as if summer was here for the duration and wasn't going to give fall a chance. Even up until the writing of this article, one is hard pressed to feel fall's welcomed chill in the air, unless you are inclined to a nocturnal outing. The stark absence of autumn's familiar colors and most afternoon's returning heat are also reminders of the summer's harsh effects. At this point, the promise of a full fledged fall season is just as elusive as a predictable football season, but just like loyal fans, we continue to anticipate a better season. Season to season, the Lee County Extension Office is always striving to better serve you. From nutritious recipes and healthy tips, to publications on gardening, managing your outdoor and indoor spaces, and financial management, to being available to identify and diagnose your pond or field problems, under the guidance of Mississippi State University, we work diligently to provide you with helpful information for the season you are in, for better or for worse. So remember, when those frigid temperatures do arrive, trust you can find warmth from the return of holidays filled with family and friends, and hold tight to those traditions of charity, kindness, and thanksgiving. We hope you have the happiest of holidays, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!