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Dear Friend,

February is my birthday month, and I have always felt blessed to have been born around the time spring starts emerging here in Alabama. My wife, Pam, says that when I see the days stretching longer and the first blooms of spring appear, my mood always becomes much happier. One of the first plants I look for each year is forsythia. My favorite is the clear-yellow, oldfashioned border forsythia. Senior Writer Steve Bender tells how to grow this beauty in the landscape, starting on page 48, but let me give you a hint for enjoying it indoors: As the buds begin to show that wonderful yellow, cut off some stems, and put them in a vase. Mine have lasted as long as two weeks.

Several months ago, I asked Associate Foods Editor Mary Allen Perry if she could develop five meals for four folks for less than $25. I meant $5 for each whole meal, not per person. Now this is risky, and she had to shop local grocery stores' specials to accomplish the task. Still, all the recipes (starting on page 124) received terrific ratings in taste testing, and preparation times come in at less than 30 minutes. Now that is my idea of the perfect meal for our busy family.

Have you heard all the stories and myths about oysters? For instance, eat them only in months spelled with "r." Or what about: They are a love potion. Well, we've written our own story about this ocean pearl. Senior Writer Donna Florio and Senior Photographer Charles Walton traveled the Southern coast to research it. Not only did they go harvesting with an oysterman, they also visited great restaurants. They tasted my favorite oyster dish-a po'boy-but they found other great traditional Southern oyster recipes as well. If you have never tasted one steamed, try it, and if you have never cooked oysters at home, treat yourself to one of the recipes. The story starts on page 70.

Finally, if you are wondering where to take your sweetheart this month, be sure to see our opening story about romantic places to stay; it starts on page 16.

Happy Valentine's Day, Best regards,

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Feb 2005
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