Spring is coming...right??

So...although it seems spring has been slow to start...I'm sure it is going to come this year...right??  I spent the afternoon yesterday walking around the yard with the boys and enjoying the flowers and plants that May has brought...and thanking God for the sunshine!!!  I can't help but be excited about all that spring and summer brings for our family.  Swimming, boating, vacation, four-wheeler rides, grilling, gardening...some of my favorite things...thoughts of these things are what keep me going all winter long!!!

Flowering pear tree blossoms

It seems the start of spring for me is always marked by putting my hands in the soil...getting our garden started!  We planted some seeds and got them started in the house, hopefully we can get things planted next week.  Gardening has always brought me joy and fulfillment.  The thought of planting and producing our own food...not dependent upon anyone but ourselves...just gives me a sense of accomplishment!!!  Terry tells me that gardens are more work than they are worth...some days I can say I agree, but when I'm standing in the sun, feeling the warm summer breeze, picking and eating fresh green beans...it all seems worthwhile!!  We aren't capable of producing all the varieties of fruits and vegetables we will want through the summer, so we will still find ourselves taking trips to the farmer's market.
This is the perfect time of year to try new things...to add new veggies to recipes you already enjoy.  Produce prices are much lower this time a year and the produce tastes so much better. 
We all have graduation parties, weddings, family reunions and summer barbecues on the horizon....although I am dedicated to using up left-overs and care packages from last week, so I'm not cooking today...the recipe I'm sharing is one of my all time favorite summer salads!!

Summer Pasta Salad

3/4 c yogurt ranch dressing
8 oz whole week fusilli pasta
1 c broccoli florets
1 c artichoke hearts, quartered
1 zucchini, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 c frozen peas, thawed
1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c pitted and halved black olives
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Place broccoli in a strainer; drain cooked pasta in the same strainer.  Run cool water over all and drain well.  Transfer pasta and broccoli into a serving bowl.  Add remaining ingredients and toss gently to coat.  Store covered in refrigerator until serving time. 

You can make your own ranch dressing pretty simply, but you can also find some great yogurt based dressings in the produce department of the grocery store.  This recipe is pretty flexible, you could add or remove things you like or dislike.  It's also a great recipe to pair with hamburgers or steak for a fast, simple, and delicious supper. 

So...take a walk around your local farmer's market and pick up a couple things you've never tried before...or maybe something you used to enjoy but haven't had for a long time.  Stick a couple tomato plants in pots on your deck or clear a little spot in your backyard.  Spring is a time of new beginnings, it evokes thoughts of renewal and hope for a better future.  Use the energy that the universe provides during springtime to jump start your own process of renewal and takes steps towards a better future!!  Hope you enjoy the recipe!

Boys and Chloe enjoying a walk through the yard

Signs of a new beginning, a fresh start...all the wonder that spring brings!