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Previously we have discussed how disability is a natural state humans experience throughout life. I have experienced this since age 7 when I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) which is now called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). As someone who has many joint contractures, less strength, and less mobility in my hands, wrists, and elbows, the time I spend in the kitchen might look a bit different than others and yet I bet many of you could benefit from some of my kitchen hacks. So let’s share some kitchen aids and hacks that can help all of our hands, wrists, and backs because as my Occupational Therapist says, “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

May Flowers, Clay Sculptures, and More With the snow melting and the birds starting to sing, it’s a good time to dream about the upcoming summer burst of greenery in our forests and gardens. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or would like to learn how to start seeds for the first time, in late May the Silver Bay Public Library will host a seed starting demonstration and have free take-home seed starting kits available.

Growing produce is more satisfying than buying it at the grocery store. Many new gardeners found out for themselves as 18 million more Americans started reaping a harvest for the first time last year. According to Axiom marketing in Minneapolis, the trend continues this year and boasts that the average garden produced $600 in value. It’ll have a greater value this year as prices climb. There are plenty of options to fill your garden plots right here in Lake County. Trees, shrubs, berries, veggies, flowers, and native plants. Most veggie plants will be ready to take home in May, with local gardeners making a mad-dash the last weekend of the month. That coveted weekend three local farms are open for plant sales and many more farmers have booths at the annual inaugural Two Harbors Farmers Market plant sale May 28.

Can the WILD defy the odds? Seventy-five games in and seven to go. It has been a long season but mostly enjoyable.

Mark and Katya Gordon assist the Bradley’s sugarbush operation up the Drummond Grade. Photo courtesy of Cree Bradley .

Meet Erika Snell. I thought she had such a nice smile.

Ketanji Brown Jackson When I first heard about the woman whom President Joe Biden has nominated to the United States Supreme Court, I was struck by the similarities between her life and mine. She was the President of her public high school class in Miami, as I was in Madelia, Minnesota.