Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!
π± March is for Parties, Springtime and Garden Plans
Published 8 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
β
π± Happy March!
As spring approaches, it's that crazy season that vacillates between mukluks and sandals, snow shovels and garden spades. I love seeing the buds poking up in the garden, especially after 10 inches of snow and subzero temps here in Denver a week ago!
During that cold snap, I read a news story that positively warmed my heart.
Last month, an 87-year-old widower named Doug Turner wanted to connect with his neighbors. So he wrote simple party invitations, and walked the neighborhood with his cane to personally deliver them.
Doug's invite, which included a hand-drawn snowflake, stated that party hours would be β4 p.m. until the cops arrive.β
His new neighbor Michelle was touched, and made a short TikTok video about Doug's visit.
To say that #DougsWinterParty went viral is an understatement.
π What Happened Next
Michelle's video racked up over two million views. Everyone, it seemed, was charmed by Doug and his neighbor party.
The February 15th party, which was attended by about two dozen neighbors, was livestreamed so people everywhere could participate.
βThe Today show even interviewed Doug, who jokingly said of the gathering, "It was a rager!"
Doug Turner, left, with some of his neighbors at the party
Inspiring a Trend
What happened next is even better. The story inspired people around the world to have parties with their neighbors. (It even gave me the nudge to plan a St. Patrick's day gathering.)
βIf other people really are setting up parties for their neighborhood friends, thatβs going to be a good thing in the country because weβre kind of divided now,β Doug said during his Today interview.
Perhaps that's why so many were touched by his story. Maybe deep down, we all long for more connection, more friendship, and less division. I think so.
β€οΈ As one viewer commented on the video, "Thank you for uniting the world."
Gathering with neighbors could be a great place to start.
π§ Do you have a fondue pot hidden away in a cupboard? Now's a fine time to make Nigella Lawson's luscious Cheese Fondue recipe. (Toggle the button near the top of the recipe for U.S. or metric measurements.)
β
πΆ You'll love these 17 dogs' photos, Before and After being told "you're a good dog."
β
π What are you reading this month? I'm loving Go As a River by Shelley Read. For a change, I decided not to read the book jacket teaser or anything about the story before opening page 1. Try it sometime!
β
βοΈ For the ultimate St. Patrick's Day dessert, make a batch of my friend Sheila's Mint Fudge Brownies.
β
π΄ Are you traveling for spring break? Check out The Technium's 50 Years of Travel Tips with a ton of helpful resources.
Time to Plan the Garden!
β
I love this time of year, when the gardening season is just around the corner and I can start planning in earnest.
β
Check out this post with 15 tips for planning your most successful garden yet, including a list of my favorite companies for open-pollinated seeds and plants.
Sometimes you just need a simple, 30-minute dinner recipe you can get on the table with no complaints.
β
Doritos Chicken is just the ticket. You can get the kids to smash the chips while you cut the chicken. I make it with Cool Ranch chips, but you can use whatever flavor your family likes.
Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!
β