In this age of realization - that our natural resources are not endless and that our climate is fragile - the way we lead our lives in relation to nature has never been of more importance. Making the most of what we have is paramount, as is being open to new ideas and trends that make better use of our depleted raw materials. That's why people are turning to bamboo as the wood of choice for so many household needs.

Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant on earth! While not native to Canada, most Canadians are surprised to learn that species of bamboo can be grown in every province. It can quickly grow into a beautiful shade bush or windscreen in many urban settings in a fraction of the time it takes to grow traditional plants or trees. It also has huge potential as a source of pulp fiber and as a food source - bamboo shoots are enjoyed by billions of people worldwide, as well as being used as feed for livestock.

In addition to incorporating bamboo trees and bushes in our landscaping, we can take advantage of bamboo in our homes by choosing bamboo as flooring - it is a very hard, close-grained wood - and for furniture. Its use will save our precious native trees that take so much more time to grow to a usable size.

The dictionary defines swish as 'the soft rustling sound made when fabric slides over fabric' or 'a basketball shot that goes in without touching the rim'. But swishing has taken on a new meaning; referring to organized clothes swapping or recycling get-togethers.
 
As people look for new cost-effective and fun ways to meet their fashion needs, swishing means saving money and having fun - getting people together to swap clothes and party at the same time.
The basic rules are simple; everyone must bring at least one good quality, clean item of clothing or accessory that they would be proud to see worn by someone who can make better use of it, and they must be in the mood to party. Like most parties, it tends to start with drinks, nibbles and casual conversation. Then after guests have had a chance to look over what others are prepared to part with, the swapping starts.
 
If you wish to swish, here are some tips to help make your swish a success:
 
1. Get the Word Out - Invite people with similar tastes and clothing needs when possible. And ask them to do likewise. Spread the word via email, twitter, facebook, etc.
2. Ease the Expense - Ask guests to bring wine or a snack to help share the costs. A little wine and nibbles will loosen people up.
3. Prepare to Display - Have tables and racks ready to showcase the clothes as they arrive. Don't forget a full-length mirror.
4. Functional Lighting - If possible, have lighting to suit the different times of the day - natural and artificial, and bright enough to let people see what they are getting.
5. Recycle and Reuse - Be prepared to take any items that don't get swapped and whose owners no longer want them to Good Will or similar non-profit program.
6. Relax and Enjoy - Remember that swishing is intended to be a fun, non-stressful event for people to get together and share their fashion ideas and sense.

Healthy Hemp Seeds - Looking for a source of protein that is better than meat? Check out the info about hemp seeds on this site. Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids needed to maintain health. In fact, they are higher in essential fatty acids than any other plant. No other single source provides such a complete protein in a form that is so easily digested and absorbed by the body. No other plant contains the essential oils neccessary for perfect health in a ratio exactly suited to the body's needs. Check out the yummy recipes like  the one for Banana Crumb Hemp Muffins, too.

April is Daffodil Month - Every April since 1948, volunteers help in the fight against cancer by going door-to-door selling daffodils as part of the Canadian Cancer Society's nation-wide fundraising and awareness campaign. The cause is one that has touched just about everyone. Please give generously.

Spring Yard Tips - This site has some good general tips for spring rejuvenation of your yard - concise and to the point. I like that.

Green Cosmetics - If you hate paying exorbitant prices for cosmetics - and only using some once - try going green with your cosmetic needs. This site has a wealth of ideas and formulas for making many common cosmetics from natural ingredients to both save you money and improve the impact they have on your body. I really like their Bug Be Gone Insect Repellent Stick. It's great for kids!

Canada Goose Facts - One sure sign that spring is upon us is spotting the familiar v-shape of a flock of Canada geese honking across the sky on their way home. In addition to being a beautiful bird, Canada geese have been a symbol for Canada for many years. As common as they are in Canada, there are many interesting facts about Canada geese that you may not have heard.

Did J'a Know...

• Canada Geese are actually found throughout North America during the year - not just Canada.
• Scientists believe that there are 11 confirmed subspecies of Canada Geese with varations in appearance.
• Both male and female geese look the same if they are of the same subspecies.
• Wingspans vary from 90 centimetres to 2 metres.
• There is a wide range in weight between the subspecies, from 1.1 kilograms for the Cackling Canada Goose to 8 kilograms for the Giant Canada Goose.
• Canada Geese spend as much time on land as they do in the water, often found grazing on grasses, roots and other plant materials in parks and on lawns and golf courses.
• They fly in the distinct “V” pattern to save energy when they migrate, permitting them to fly longer distances.
• Adult Canada Geese have about 13 different calls, ranging from low clucks and murmurs communicated while feeding to loud greeting and alarm calls.
• Goslings, or baby geese, begin communicating with their parents while still in the egg!
• Most Canada Geese make their way to the mid and southern United States in winter. Some even fly all the way to northern Mexico!
• The trip to the wintering grounds is a quick one, with geese flying as far as 1,000 km in one day.
• Canada geese nest in the same area as their parents, sometimes in the same nest.
• Goslings usually stay with their parents for a full year after they hatch.
• Canada Geese mate for life. However, if one mate dies, the other will re-mate.

Wipe them out before they get a chance to take hold! Eradicate weeds as soon as they appear this spring with a natural weed killer you can make yourself. Simply mix the following ingredients together:

• 1 Litre (4 cups) of white vinegar
• 50 mL (1/4 cup) of table salt
• 10 mL (2 tsp) of your favourite liquid dish soap

For the most effective application, put this mixture into a spray bottle and use it on your weeds when it is hot out. But beware! This formula is only recommended for driveways, sidewalks and the like. If you spray it on weeds in your lawn, you'll kill both the weeds and a patch of grass, resulting in a big ugly brown spot.

"The best mirror is an old friend"
~ George Herbert

Like Christmas and many other Christian holidays, Easter has been commercialized to the point where its religious significance is obscured by the image of treats; chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps. But with Easter, early missionaries allowed the celebration and true meaning to blur. In fact, Easter was originally a pagan festival.

The ancient Saxons celebrated spring with a big festival in honour of their goddess of springtime, Eastre. Back in the second-century, Christian missionaries attempted to convert the Saxons and other tribes of the north to Christianity. But rather than force religious celebrations on these new converts and risk opposition and possible casualties, the missionaries decided to allow their religious message to spread slowly by allowing the people to continue to celebrate pagan feasts, but to do so in a Christian manner.

Since the pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ, it made sense to alter the festival itself, to make it a Christian celebration as converts were slowly won over. The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

Even the symbols of Easter that we all know and love are not religious in origin. The Easter Bunny is based on the fact that the goddess Eastre's earthly symbol was the rabbit. Even the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures from the earliest times. Eggs were decorated in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, coloured brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.

Bicycle Tune-Up - Tim, age 12, says, "My friends and I are planning to do a lot of biking this year. It's important that everything on my bike is working properly and adjusted like it is supposed to be. This website has all the things listed so I didn't forget any. And Mom also said to make sure the wheels are on tight."
 
Excellent Easter Eggs - Mitchell, age 9, says, "We make a whole bunch of Easter Eggs each year and give some to both grammas and some neighbours. It's fun to try different ideas for decorating. This website has a lot of good ideas. I like the Napkin Appliqué Easter Eggs best. They are really cool looking."
 
My Vegatable Garden - Sonya, age 10, says, "Mom and I are growing a vegetable garden this year. We're going to grow beans, lettuce, carrots and blue pumpkins - they should be really fun at Holloween. This site has lots of good tips if you are planning to make a garden this year, too."
 
Whomp - Andrea, age 8, says, "I love playing Whomp! You have to whomp the moles before they get your Easter eggs. And you can get points by getting the carrots and hearts. You can see them coming if you watch carefully."

Before you uncover your barbecue and start it up for the a fresh season of grilling, here are some tips to help ensure the safety of you and your bbq;

• Spiders love barbecues! They are fond of climbing into the tube that connects the burner to the propane tank. Their webs can block the flow of fuel completely. Specially designed brushes on flexible rods take care of this problem very well. If you grill, invest in one.
• After a winter of rest, carefully inspect your barbecue for gas leaks the first time you fire it up - and any time you change the propane tank.
• Starting to show wear? Squelch the urge to buy new. Show your environmental conscience by repairing and reusing. Pick up simple replacement parts and restore your grill to perfect working order.
• Remember that cooking times vary depending on the type of meat, air temperature, heat settings, thickness of the cut of meat and the efficiency of your barbecue. Consider keeping a thermometer close by so you can accurately identify when your meat has reached a safe internal temperature and is fully cooked.

"I've never been married, but I tell people I'm divorced so they won't think something is wrong with me." ~ Elayne Boosler

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." ~ Thomas Alva Edison

"Two thirds of Americans can't do fractions. The other half, just don't care."  ~ Anon

"Life is anything that dies when you stomp on it." ~ Dave Barry