The Country Store offers something very special this time of year: tomatoes, zucchini, berries and more, picked fresh from the garden just steps away.

A project of the Resident Association, this resident-operated garden serves the community in three important ways:

1. It yields delightful fruits and vegetables that residents can purchase at the Country Store;
2. The profits from these sales directly support the Emerald Heights Benevolence Fund, which aids residents who have outlived their financial resources; and 
3. Residents who love gardening, like Wendell Wonderly pictured above, have a way to put their talents to work for the greater community.

Take a closer look at the Resident Garden in this slide show. Photos courtesy of Marilyn Farrell.

Emerald Heights residents came out in force this year for the community's sixth annual Fitness Games. Representing four age divisions, 76 residents competed in a variety of athletic challenges while their neighbors and friends cheered from the sidelines. Three residents emerged as shining stars, sweeping most events in their age divisions. But camaraderie, good sportsmanship and a shared zest for life made the day rewarding for all. Click here for the rest of the story.

I can't claim to have a green thumb (at least not consistently), but I am blessed with friends who do. And this month, I had a great experience that reminded me of the joy of gardening and preparing my own meals from the harvest. Click here for the full story and photos.

Visit my blog anytime. And if you have a question or comment, please send me an e-mail. I'd love to hear from you!

Fresh Peach Smoothie
2 servings

• 1 medium fresh peach -- peel, pit and chop
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 carton nonfat vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together in a blender.
Pour into two glasses and sprinkle each with cinnamon.

• Calories 101, 5g protein, 0g fat, 3mg cholesterol, 65 mg sodium
• Diabetic exchange: 1 1/2 carbs

Fresh Fruit Slush
4 servings

• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh fruit
• 8-10 ice cubes

Using a blender, blend the fruit until smooth. While blender is running, add the ice cubes one at a time until blended and then pour.

• 25 calories, 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium
• Diabetic Exchange: ½ carbohydrate