AUNTS AND UNCLES - CELEBRATION

By Diane Forrest

A few days ago we celebrated Cousin's Day.  That day wouldn't be possible without our Aunts and Uncles.  These are the brothers and sisters of our parents and their spouses.  My mother has one sister.  I remember spending a lot of time with her when I was younger.  She is a schoolteacher and would give us "kits" to put together to occupy our time and hands, and exasperate my father.  She got married late in life, or so it seemed at the time.  She was in her 30's, had moved to Texas, and then started having children of her own.  Her visits became less frequent, but still very special each time she came with her family.

Tragically her husband, my uncle, died suddenly and unexpectantly, and his death not only broke our hearts, but also changed the amount of time we got to spend with her and her daughters.  Fortunately we can still talk by phone or email and keep in touch that way.

My Father has a brother and a sister.  His sister, my aunt, is more like a second mother to me.  I grew up around her and her family, and am still as close to her today as always, and I can call her any time and know she will be there to listen to my problems or cheer me up.

His brother also moved to Texas, so spending time with him was infrequent.  I recently went to visit him in Texas after the sudden and unexpected death of his wife, my aunt.  She had fallen and hit her head on the concrete garage at their home, the day before they were planning to come here to visit me for my birthday.  She remained in the hospital for the rest of the month, and I had planned to visit, however she passed away before I got the chance.

According to holidayinsites.com, Our Aunts and Uncles mean a lot to us. Among other things, they are most likely:

• The backup caretaker when mom and dad go out, or are at work.
• Real characters at family get-togethers and events.
• Someone we can talk to and related to – some things we just can talk about with "parental units".
• Sound counsel and advice.
• Someone who takes you to fun places and events.
• Someone whose house is a great place to sleepover, especially if you have cousins.
• The ones who give you great presents for birthdays, Christmas and special events.
• And, the benefits of Aunts and Uncles go on, and on, and on

Today is Aunt and Uncle Day.  If you are able, visit them while you still can, or give them a call or even email.  Let them know what a special place they have in your life, and even if time, distance and other obligations may prevent you from visiting, they are never far from your heart.

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY 2013

By Diane Forrest

When my son was young, my mother would occasionally take a pack lunch and take him down to the Mississippi River, where they would play, watch the boats rolling by and eat a sandwich or two.

Today is a good day not to cook.  It's International Picnic Day.  A day to pack a lunch in a basket, grab a blanket, head to the nearest large oak tree with lots of shade.  Make a few sandwiches, or some cold fried chicken.  Invite some friend and grab a quick lunch and relax and talk about the weekend, before heading back to work.

This style of dining is thought to originate from the French word, Pique-nique - Piquire meaning to pick at food and unique - something small of no value. Many historians believe that picnics date back to Medieval feasts that would occur after village hunters had a successful kill.

When I was younger, my grandmother would take me to the zoo, and pack up a basket full of food.  We would walk around and see all the animals, then go outside the gate where there was a little pond.  We would spread out our blanket and dig into the sandwiches, chips cookies and fruit that she brought.  We would eat until we were stuffed, then laid back and listened as she read stories to us…well until we fell asleep that is.

Having a picnic is just a nice way to break away from the hustle and bustle of the office, and traffic, and noises and other people, and just have a little while to gather your thoughts and breath fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature. You can even kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in the grass.  If it is raining, and you can't get out today, try watching the movie Pretty Women, where she takes Edward out on a picnic, then try to go out on one another day.

(Photos from Google) 

Go Fishing Day 2013

Great photo of having fun

By Terry Orr

A Big Happy Birthday wish to my nephew Wayne – an avid fisherman!!  Take some time off Wayne and enjoy the fishing!!  After all, bad day fishing is always better than a good day in the office!

Time of year to have handy your “gone fishing” sign to leave on your door – take along friends and family and enjoy the day.  Also to keep your fishing gear in the car/truck – to spend some quality time with nature and feed the fish.  Enjoy the fresh air and relax a bit before heading home.

(Photos from Google)

Things to Ponder

This and That to Share

By Terry Orr

Good Monday Morning,

Here are some odds and ends to share and hopefully get you Monday on the right track.

A DEA Agent stopped at a ranch in Texas and talked to an old rancher. He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher said, "okay, but don't go into that field over there...", as he pointed out the location. The DEA Agent verbally exploded and said, "look mister, I have the authority of the federal government with me!" Reaching into his rear back pocket, the arrogant officer removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher. "See this badge?! This badge means I can go wherever I want... On any land! No questions asked, no answers given! Do you understand old man?!"

The rancher kindly nodded, apologized, and went about his chores. Moments later the rancher heard loud screams, he looked up and saw the DEA agent running for his life, being chased by the ranchers big Santa Gertrudis Bull. With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it was likely that he'd sure enough get gored before he reached safety. The officer was clearly terrified. The old rancher threw down his tools, ran as fast as he could to the fence, and yelled at the top of his lungs.

"YOUR BADGE! SHOW HIM YOUR BADGE!"

Family Month

By Diane Forrest

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday...I had been receiving threats from my cousins for a "payback” for my treatment of them for their milestone birthdays.  When my younger cousin turned 40, I started 40 days before her big day, and began sending her things with skull and crossbones on it, vulture’s black roses and other party fun.  Two years later, I repeated the fun when my older cousin turned 50.   He lives in Texas, so I hadn't seen him in 30 years, so wasn't sure how he would take my good-natured ribbing, and for the past couple of years I have thrown in a few jabs here and there.

As the time approached for my special day, I had not received any skulls, tombstones or any other references to being at death's door, and was actually a little disappointed that their payback was somewhat lacking.  Unbeknownst to me, the two of them had been scheming together for the past year planning efforts to really "get me".

Last Saturday, I was at my parent's home waiting to go out to a birthday lunch with my aunt and uncle, when a surprise visitor appeared.  It was the grim reaper showing up to take me to the other side!!!  He was dressed all in black from head to toe, and I just assumed it was my cousin's husband, but in fact it was my long lost cousin from Texas whom I haven't seen in 30 years!  It was a wonderful surprise...and a fantastic payback!  We all spent the weekend together; almost my entire family, and it couldn't have been more fantastic, well unless the rest of the family was there too.

May is National Family Month.  It starts on Mother's day, and ends with Father's day.  What a great time to get together with some of your family.  You don't have to have a big blow out like I did, but you never know how much you miss seeing your family, until you get together again.  So this month - set aside a few days to spend time with your children, siblings, parents, aunts uncles, cousins - everyone you can.  You will love it and so will they!!

(All images from Google) 

March 22 is Goof Off Day

By Terry Orr

Yeah boys and girls! 

Today is in fact National Goof Off Day!  

So how are you planning on celebrating?  

Lets see some interesting and different ideas on how to have a great time this Friday.

(All images from Google)