In the early 1500s the Portuguese reached supremacy of exploration of the North Atlantic. They learned of the wonderful fishing in the waters off the coast of Newfoundland. This does not mean that other countries did not go to the Grand Banks to get fish, but it was the Portuguese who were making the long trips in their rather small boats to harvest vast numbers of cod.

By now, most of us are aware of the No-Mow May movement. This initiative allows for our yards to provide essential habitat and pollen for our early-season pollinators (like bees) by keeping them unmown until June.

As beautiful as life can be, it can sometimes be overwhelming. It can feel as if there is too much to process. We can try so hard to work through it all and it can still not feel like enough.

It’s almost May and I know I am not alone in my anticipation of the opening days of our seasonal farmers markets. Whether your favorite is as big as the Portland Market in Deering Oaks, or as small as the market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, they all have the common thread of being community hubs, spaces to bump into friends, and joyful places to access food.        

Extended family dinners need not be a time of anxiety. Rather they can be a time for exploration of tasty recipes, preferably of the relatively uncomplicated variety.