Now it comes as no surprise for pollen to be everywhere this time of year. But I don’t recall seeing and even eating it quite this much before. I have a constant taste in my mouth that seems exactly what I imagine pollen to taste like if I actually wanted to eat pollen. Our once-red truck that we rarely drive has turned a pasty shade of yellow on the hood and solid bright floral yellow on the windshield. It’s very intense. So there’s my rant on pollen and my thoughts on Mother Nature working overtime to bring new life! 

We want to give a special thanks to our very generous contributors who gave this week. You, our readers, keep The Bloom publication running and free for everyone. Thank You! It’s not too late to donate and get in on some free merch and possibly dinner with The Bloom! You can read all the details about our five-year celebration here, and to donate, click here.

This week we are heading to the Fair Grounds for the boat races. You can check them out this weekend if you haven’t been before. I believe the boat races won’t be back until October. It’s a must-do-thing in Lake County! And take a walk with Kathleen at the Clear Lake State Park. Read some poetry and find out what bands are playing where. Whatever your plans are for the weekend, let’s not forget to remember those who gave their all for our freedom. Have a great weekend Lake County.

My, how time flies, The Bloom is turning five this year! Can you believe it? Not only that, but The Bloom just incorporated and, you may have noticed, we have a new domain name, thebloom.news. Thanks to your monthly donations, The Bloom has been and continues to be free to all who subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

So what does all of this mean? We want to celebrate, of course! So here’s the deal. Donate $10 or more monthly, and you’ll get Bloom stickers in the mail. Donate $20 a month or more, and expect to get a Bloom hat or T-shirt–your choice! And for our top monthly donors, you will be invited to a one of kind dinner with The Bloom and its writers in late summer or early fall. So if you’re already donating, keep it up! And if you’re not already donating, it’s not too late. If you donate for three consecutive months, you’re in on the goodies. So let us spoil you as we celebrate together! Click on the button below to donate.

This week we’re happy to tell you about our recent trip to one of our local theaters. And don’t forget to check out our recent Pay It Forward article as we visit another local small business! Plus, don’t forget to check out our weekly poetry. Finally, in between visiting your live music venues, be sure to check out the annual Buckingham Test and Tune as the tradition returns to Lake County once again. Have a great weekend Lake County!