This salad is full of fresh, seasonal flavors and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying dish to enjoy during the spring.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

1  pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup lemon juice

2  tablespoons honey

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and transfer it to a medium saucepan. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15– 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 10–15 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the roasted asparagus, lemon juice mixture, Parmesan cheese, walnuts and parsley. Toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

They look exotic, like butterflies and ballerinas. They have faces like monkeys or figures like humans or long trails of petals like hair.

They smell like nothing or they smell of chocolate, vanilla, mint, pepper and roses. To a bee, they smell like a bee.

They are orchids and their fans are legion.

Orchid cultivation, one of the world's most-widespread hobbies, is surprisingly social. In every state and every country, orchid enthusiasts meet regularly to exchange tips and tricks for growing this flower that attracts every type of person, from farmers to attorneys. In fact, you can travel along “orchid trails” to visit the greenhouses of growers in every state. Travel destinations from California to Malaysia attract enthusiasts worldwide to see some of the 28,000 accepted species. In fact, more orchid species exist than species of birds and mammals. Only the number of species of bony fish come close to the number of orchids.

Because of their historical link with wealth and style, growing orchids is sometimes said to be expensive and difficult, but it really is neither. You can buy a stem for about $20 at a grocery store. The flowers are best grown in pots because the microscopic seeds require specialized conditions to grow. Orchids mostly require bright light, but not direct sunlight. They do require the grower's attention because they need water and airflow, but not too much; and some might need mist, but only at certain times. Orchids require a certain level of care and attention to thrive, which can provide a sense of accomplishment when they bloom successfully.

Spring is a wonderful time of year, with warmer weather and blooming flowers. However, for many people, it's also allergy season. Sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes are just a few of the symptoms that can ruin this time of year. If you suffer from spring allergies, then here are five tips that can help alleviate your symptoms and make the most of this beautiful season.

1.   Keep windows closed: During allergy season, make sure to keep your windows and doors firmly shut. This simple step can help reduce the pesky allergens that enter your living space.

2.   Wear a mask: Keep the sneezes and sniffles away with a simple mask! Masks act as an effective barrier by keeping pollen particles from invading your nostrils.

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the unpredictability of life and the importance of being flexible in the face of adversity. Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs when we least expect it.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in life is the importance of trust. Trusting in ourselves, in others, and in the journey of life itself is essential to successfully navigate through unpredictable ups and downs.

1. When we trust in ourselves, we have the strength to persevere and find new solutions to problems.

2. When we trust in others, we build a supportive community around us that can get us through tough times.

3. When we trust in life, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities, even when things don't go as planned. 

Being flexible is key in navigating unpredictable moments. We must be open to change, be willing to adapt, and embrace new perspectives. When we are rigid in our thinking and our approach, we limit ourselves and miss out on opportunities for growth. On the other hand, when we are flexible, we are more resilient, more creative, and more capable of overcoming obstacles.

Wishing you all the best,

Gino Pezzani

May Day, May 1: A celebration of spring and workers' rights, observed in many countries worldwide.

National Teachers Day, May 2: A day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.

Cinco de Mayo, May 5: A holiday that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Mother's Day, May 14: This is a day to honor mothers and mother figures, and their influence in society.

Memorial Day, May 29: A federal holiday in the United States, observed as a day to honor military personnel who have died in service. It also represents the unofficial start of summer.