Angelos Update and Green Thumb Time
If you’ve been following my blog for a few years, you may recall my weekly posts that were written comparing the size of my friend’s baby in utero to various fruits and vegetables. I listed the health benefits of the produce of the week along with interesting ways to prepare it.
Produce baby, Angelos, recently celebrated his 3rd birthday. 
Believe it.
I recall that last year at his birthday party, a little girl was after him and he reluctantly left his food to go play.
This year, I had a tough time getting a picture with him because he was busy chasing the girls. Older girls, by the way.
Good luck with that, mom and dad.
What a difference a year makes.
Angelos is dealing with the potty-training ordeal, is constantly on the move, and always wants to get his little tools and help his daddy with whatever he’s working on.
He loves fruits, vegetables and fish, but will only eat beef when he’s dining with his uncle, not his aunt.
Interesting.
I’ve also had sources inform me (I have spies everywhere) that he’s fond of McDonald’s French fries. When his daddy tells him that they’re all gone, he asks to see the box to make sure it really is empty.
For the record, I have had no part in encouraging the French fry habit. I’m hopeful that he’ll one day outgrow it.
Angelos will learn more about fruits and vegetables since I gave him a color sorting play food set for his birthday. I looked for the set with the least number of fake donuts, hot dogs and French fries.
He’s come a long way since he was the size of an avocado.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Angelos!
Time to plan your garden
Although we are wise to not plant most annuals until May here in Northwest Indiana, it’s not too early to plan your garden.
Whether you have a small or large piece of land or a patio for pots, now is the time to figure out what you’d like to plant and prepare your area. 
Your Pre-Planting To Do List may include:
- Clean up dead plants and debris.
- Test your soil to determine pH and nutrient levels so that you know what materials to add.
- Decide what you want to grow and where.
- Clean and sharpen your garden tools.
- If you like garden gloves (I do), do you need a new pair? I stock up at the Dollar Tree and I’m good for the season.
- Some vegetables, such as peas, onions, spinach, and lettuce, can be planted in early spring as they can tolerate cooler temperatures. There are also a number of annuals that like cooler weather that you could plant in pots. Pansies are a favorite of mine.
- If you have a pest problem, build a fence around your vegetable garden. For my tulips, I have found that a product called Animal Stopper is excellent. It’s a combination of essential oils and egg whites so it smells good, the bunnies hate it, and it works for 30 days even if it rains.
Anything you grow will be delicious and more fun to eat.
Growing our own food also helps us appreciate our farmers.
Much love,
Health Coach Carol
“Gardens and children need the same things – patience, love and someone who will never give up on them.” —Nicolette Sowder