This past week the weather changed from unusually warm temperatures to more spring-like conditions. After a cool front moved through the area on May 6, we received up to one inch of rain in the west part of the county. The temperatures returned to highs in the 70’s and the lows in the upper 40’s.

I chose Common Ground as the title for my blog because it resonates for me on several levels.  First, it reminds me to try to connect with each of you in ways that unite, rather than divide.  I mean, for dividing, we have cable TV, which does a table thumping,  bang up job on that, right!  Secondly, the phrase touches on the idea that each person, rich or poor, weak or strong, relies humbly on the fruit of this good earth for their daily bread, and in that sense we all share the common ground that makes life possible.  Thirdly, it describes, in a farmerly sort of way, some of the real estate that I purchased in my rambunctious youth.

Last night was Back-to-School Night at my son’s elementary school.  Families crowded through the doors to visit classrooms, the library, the gym, and the science room – by far the most popular with Buttercup the hamster, two aquariums of fish, two parakeets and the guinea pig Violet and her new baby.  Teachers passed out important papers about homework, the new report card, parent-teacher conferences and school snacks.

School snacks.  According to the handout I brought home the state requires school districts to form a wellness committee that focuses on “health and nutrition education as well as physical activity for students”.  In that effort, our district has mandated all snacks and birthday/holiday treats be store-bought and individually wrapped in order “to protect students with food allergies, prevent spreading illness and foster better nutrition.”  The handout listed suggestions of “healthy” snacks like packaged apple slices, fruit cups, baby carrots, and the list goes on.