Ark Valley News - The View from Sunflower Gardens

The View from Sunflower Gardens
By Marilyn Bentley
Last Updated: March 12, 2015

Interesting facts about Kansas

Sometimes in March, the weather continues fine, but now — look out for a storm. Temps can be pleasant and then bring rain. Then in Kansas we have high winds. Sometimes in late March, it's time for sugar maple trees to give us good maple syrup, after the first day of spring.

Some folks plant seeds indoors. In our east wing, we have geraniums in bloom and the sights of indoor greenery in each wing where we do our puzzles to later frame for our hallway walls.

Verse of the week (Galatians 6:10): "Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Happy birthday to those born in March.

Get well soon to those not feeling well.

Did you know? We are in the Chinese New Year of the sheep and goat.

Keep praying for all our troops and their families.

As we read for fun and facts, Kansas has some unusual facts in the state's history.

Did you know? The first newspaper of Kansas was printed in Shawnee Indian language.

We see greenhorn limestone as fence posts in parts of Kansas due to a scarcity of timber there.

One of the great jazz band players came from Kansas City — as a saxophonist. Charlie "Yardbird" Parker of jazz era.

Did you know? That in 1905 a football game forward pass was used in college sports in Topeka?

Did you know? A Washington County newspaper advertised for Pony Express riders? They wanted young skinny riders at about age 19.

Did you know? The City of Atchison was named for a U.S. president of a one-day term?

The world's largest store for western clothing wear ca be found in Kansas City and Wichita. Shepler's for boots, hats, belts, jeans and shirts.

Some of the best scenic byways in Kansas are near the Flint Hills. Cassoday north to Abilene is a hilly, winding scenic drive.

Think globally, act locally. You can make a different to save our environment and animal habitat. Do not litter. Remember to recycle. Feed our birds and local bird feeders empty fast in winter.

There are scenic drives in Kansas near Lindsborg, and near Smoky Hill trails, also Gypsum Hills also near the North Solomon River and south near the Ozark Plateau of Cherryvale.

The Saline River near Interstate Highway 70 has good back roads nearby.

The National Wildlife Federation, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society and Rails to Trails Conservancy help save planet earth. They protest endangered species and help educate the public. Save our rivers, forests, parks and crop land.

"Be kind, anyway." Mother Teresa.