Abundance time in Palmer

This is the apex—the time of year where Alaska just gives and gives. It’s the fish. And the berries. And the produce. And the sunshine. And the flowers. And the warm temperatures. We have overflow of everything. The loud and demanding song of the outdoors determines what we will do and we rejoice in all this summer music. August is our 8th month and the most generous of all.

Dragonfly Overload in Palmer—Have you noticed the increase in dragonflies in the Palmer area? They are everywhere, flying in fleets and couplets. One dragonfly can consume hundreds of annoying mosquitoes in a day. They also consume bees. It takes a few years for a dragonfly to mature but when they do—they fly skillfully and feed on a variety of insects. The dragonfly is our state insect surprisingly and undervalued, in my opinion. As a beautiful predator with gossamer wings, brilliant eyes, protruding jaws, and colorful, spotted abdomens, this insect deserves far more appreciation. Fortunately in the Palmer area, they are prolific this year.

Important Deadline is Saturday, August 7 at 7pm—If you are entering a “non-perishable” item in the Alaska State Fair, the deadline is this Saturday. Non-Perishable includes many fine things such as quilts, photos, art, woodworking, clay, fiber, fleece, sewing, needlework, canned goods, spirited beverages, and recycled art projects. The Alaska State Fair amazing entries are oftentimes the result of many winter hours and dedication to craft. There is no fee to enter but you must follow the instructions carefully to enter. Please check out the exhibits section at alaskastatefair.org.

Zucchini-ed in Palmer—Now is the time to “zucchini” your neighbor. Leave some of that wonderful produce on their porch. Share some with non-gardeners. Give away the extra flowers and the vegetables. Munch on a carrot. Chomp down on a yellow beet. Walk around with raw veggies to offer.

Berry Brain—Berry brain has consumed many. Once a picker, always a picker and Palmer berry pickers can’t stop. It’s nearly an obsession. But there still is that remarkable and ethical “berry code.” Always leave the lowest ones for the children. Always share your bounty. Never, ever pick all the berries. Let the elders get the easiest ones. Always lick your fingers.

Favorite spots are recognizable but are often referred to as “secret spots.” Hatcher Pass and Sheep Mountain are the top elusive destinations.

The first berries are in…Haskaps. This is an interesting berry that looks like a blue kidney bean and tastes like a raspberry grape without the seed. This berry bush is grown domestically for the fruit. The list of wild berries is long. Cloud berries, Golden Raspberries, Salmonberries, teeny tiny moss-berries, unripe sour bog cranberries, lingonberries, big blueberries, red currants, watermelon berries, and black currants. The berries are made into jellies and jams and scones and pie. Some are just frozen in wait for the cold times. Watermelon berries. Raspberries. Strawberries. It’s important to know what you’re picking. Consider buying a berry book as the most informative guide; Berry books are available at Fireside Book Store on Main Street. There are also three good apps—plantsnap, inaturalist and picturethis. Never, never eat berries you don’t know. And be grateful that real food is a generous part of our landscape.

Hot Summer Night in Palmer—Next weekend is “Hot Summer Nights,” which is another Palmer festival with a car theme. The main street, parking lots, museum lot and adjoining streets are packed with beautiful cars of all vintages. Bikes often join in. It’s a fun night.

Hello Stars in Palmer—About midnight you can now see some stars in the southern sky. I missed them and I am actually happy to welcome them back onto the Alaska night-sky theater. Say hello and welcome back!

Important Note: The 2022 Palmer Community Calendar is now in production. If you have Palmer area dates, please text them to 907-315-3222. Most all community events are welcome for inclusion in this large community calendar.

Stay Safe Palmer! Keep washing those hands!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. She is also the creator of the annual Palmer Community Calendar. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222.