Marilyn's Musings

It would seem that the name of this month says it all. Yes, time and the seasons just seem to keep "march"ing on. I am sure that we are all wondering what spring will hold for us. As each day gets a little longer, we are promised with the coming of spring (which begins this month on the 20th) a new beginning for each of us and our gardens.

Speaking of new beginnings, wait 'til you see what's inside this month's issue of the Riverside Rose Society Newsletter! My goodness...is it just me or is our society doing some really interesting, fun new things these days? Fundraisers with themes as diverse as New Orleans jazz and Victorian tea parties? How about a first-ever charity rose show, where in addition to recognizing dozens of talented, hard-working exhibitors for their efforts in growing prize-winning roses, we also raise monies to buy roses for our fellow rosarians in the Gulf Coast whose gardens have been destroyed? Or what about a program intended to open up the world of roses to young people? And then, of course, there's our continued involvement in the Riverside Flower Show, where there, too, we educate the public on the many rewards of growing these magnificent plants.

To top it all off, it looks to me like the March 7th meeting is going to be equally exciting.with a terrific guest speaker who is a first time visitor to our society, as well as some sort of surprise gift for the members of the society. (And no, I don't know what it is. I just know it's a surprise and it's big!) New beginnings indeed!

Well, it's March and that means that in addition to exciting times for the Riverside Rose Society, it's also time again for the Wearin' o the Green, leprechauns and shamrocks, and all those other wonderful traditions that come along with St. Patrick's Day. My hope for each of you - whether you're Irish or not -- is summed up best in this Irish Blessing:

May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings
slow to make enemies, quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!