After the Earth Day feature last week, I got a visit from my friend Don. Now, Don has come to see me in the past requesting help to get the word out about an ongoing problem in the area. That problem is trash. See, Don lives on the outskirts and between where he lives and where he hunts, he spends more time cleaning up other people’s trash than he does enjoying the outdoors.

People, this is ridiculous! If you are driving into rural areas with the express purpose of dumping your trash, you should be absolutely ashamed and more than a little embarrassed. Don, his wife, his kids, and grandkids are picking up trash BY THE TRUCKLOAD on a regular basis. Over the years Don has pulled hundred of tires, tons of trash, parts of cars and more recyclables than you can imagine.

The recyclables are what really gets me. How many drop-offs did you pass on your way to dump your trash on someone else’s property? And a lot of this trash is being dumped on State Game Land, so that’s ALL OF OUR PROPERTY! I’ve said it before — recycling is FREE! In some cases, depending on the material, places like Staiman’s will PAY YOU!! And instead, there are people out there driving out of their way to drop trash on someone else!

According to Don, dumping isn’t the only problem. A lot of the trash he’s picking up is coming from disrespectful people who are just chucking their garbage out car windows as they are driving around. Really y’all? Is it that much of a hardship to keep your trash in your car until you can find an appropriate place to get rid of it? Do you have an idea how many trash cans are around? USE THEM!

We have one planet on which to live. We can all do better at taking care of it. So if you are out and see trash lying around, pick it up and dispose of it properly. Or, at the very least, don’t add to the problem. Dispose of your own trash and recyclables properly.

OK, now that we’ve gotten past that, let’s move on shall we?

With a little luck, by the time you are reading this, Mother Nature will have finally cut us a break and give us a little spring weather. I’m fairly sure we saw all four seasons this week, and I’m getting a bit tired of not knowing if it’s going to snow from one day to the next.

I have all sorts of spring outside stuff that I want to get done this year, so I could sure use some warmer weather and sunshine.

While I am waiting for spring to spring, I’m digging through the recipe books trying to find some lighter fare for the nicer weather. Erik has been hitting the gym and eating healthier, and I have been hitting the yoga studio and pretending to eat healthier, so I am on the lookout for recipes that will satisfy us both.

I found this sheet pan recipe that I want to give a try. Since I often don’t finish a yoga class until after 7 p.m., this looks quick and easy.
Sheet-Pan Italian Chicken, White Beans and Spinach for Two

Ingredients:

Chicken:
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 7 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
Beans and Spinach
• 1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese pearls (1/2-inch balls) Save $
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. Rub chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then rub in Italian seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place on pan. Roast 15 to 18 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).

In medium bowl, mix beans, spinach, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the pepper flakes and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Arrange around baked chicken in pan. Top bean mixture with mozzarella cheese pearls. Sprinkle chicken with Parmesan cheese. Bake 2 to 4 minutes or until cheese begins to melt and spinach is slightly wilted.