Entrepreneurship starts early around Dayton it seems ... on a recent hot afternoon, I passed my neighbor's house to notice their children, Sam Alsheimer and his younger sister, in the front yard selling lemonade.

Of course, I had to stop in for a glass and was pleased that I did. It made for a refreshing end to the rush hour commute and I had a chance to visit with the neighbors. The kids have had a fun summer, which included a trip to Disney World. Sam is looking forward to starting second grade this fall.

Taking a cue from the younger generation, the next day, I came home to find my son, Andy, sitting at the end of the driveway selling cucumbers. He was all smiles as he told me about his sales for the day, and the people that he visited with.

It's been a challenging year for our vegetable garden. We have been battling deer and bugs and most of vegetables came in while we were away on vacation, so there is not too much left to share.

Having garden troubles of your own? Get some advice at the Master Gardener's Plant Clinic Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Glenwood Branch Library. Another clinic will take place Sept. 20 (same time and location). This is a perfect opportunity to stop by and "Ask the Expert" your gardening questions.

Local orchards face the challenges of raising produce on a daily basis, but that doesn't stop them from producing an abundance of fruit and vegetables for local consumers to enjoy. Peach season has finally arrived and will continue until early September. With 12 different varieties to choose from, there is sure to be a peach for every taste. Stop by Larriland Farm, in Woodbine, Baugher's Orchard, in Ellicott City, Harbin's Roadside Farm Market, in Marriottsville, or the Glenwood Library Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings to get your fresh peaches.

Speaking of peaches, the week before the Howard County Fair is a busy one for many households across the county, as residents are busy putting the final touches on items to be entered into the Fair.

While some projects are worked on throughout the year, baked goods need to be fresh, so are prepared in the week leading up to the fair.

This is always a busy time at the Ennis house, where they have a baking frenzy -- making a variety of baked goods to be entered by star bakers Clara and Claudia.

On one hot afternoon, the air-conditioning in the house was not working, but the baking had to go on. Ron-Air saved the day, as they sent someone out who got the air running again. Larry Ennis stopped by our house to share some of the leftovers of the girls' baking -- a peach pudding -- yum!

This fall marks the 45th season for the Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Glenwood resident Angelo Gatto.

The Orchestra, along with the Maryland Youth Preparatory Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Cheezum, will hold new member auditions Aug. 16 and 23 and Sept. 6 and 13 at the Community College of Baltimore County--Catonsville, in the Fine and Performing Arts Building, Room Q121.

Orchestra and audition information is available on the orchestra's Web site, www.myso.info, or call 410-442-5645.

In celebration of their 45th season, the MYSO is currently planning a concert tour of Northern Italy in June 2009.

My family traveled to Montana -- Glacier National Park to be exact -- in mid-July. We loved the day hikes through the park and the beautiful mountain scenery.

My kids thought it was fun to find snow and have a snowball fight in July, as we travelled to heights close to 9,000 feet high.

One evening we stayed in the Swift Current Motor Inn. Why am I sharing this you wonder? Because, that evening my daughter came back from browsing in the gift shop to share that she saw someone in the gift shop wearing a Western Howard County Soccer T-shirt.

She was too shy to say something to them, so I will never know who it was, but it was neat to know that one of my country "neighbors" was also visiting the park at the same time.

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