Independence Day - 2011

By Diane Forrest,

Today is July 4th, a day that is recognized as a federal holiday celebrating the separation from Great Britain's rule. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was penned by Thomas Jefferson and signed by Congress on July 4th approving this separation.  In a letter written by John Adams to his wife, Abigail, he stated that "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." 

Americans celebrate July 4th with parades, fireworks, barbeques, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.  I hope we have done John Adams proud!

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays.  We had a cabin on the lake and would spend a week there prior to the 4th.  We would swim, fish, ski, for days building up to the main event.  When the big day finally arrived you could just feel the excitement in the air.  Decorations went up, and tables were spread with food that would rival Thanksgiving!  There were hams, turkeys, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, every kind of vegetable, cakes, pies...enough for a small country, or the group of the starving kids who had been playing in the lake all day.  The night would end with the explosion of fireworks across the water and was a beautiful magical sight.

As I got older, I joined the church choir.  One of the best concerts we performed was the 4th of July concert after the Gulf War.  The church was decorated with red, white and blue, and the choir sang every patriotic song imaginable.  The symphony orchestra accompanied the choir to make the music even more special.  One medley that we sang included the hymns of each branch of the military.  During this song, the congregation members who served in each branch were asked to stand while their hymn was being sung.  That was such a special event, and still brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.

Today, let your patriotic pride flow, raise a flag, spend time with friends and family, go to a parade or watch some fireworks.  If you are not in an area that has fireworks or parades, check out the television.  I recommend the Boston Pops Orchestra and fireworks over the nation’s capital!  Don't forget to say a prayer for thanks and safety for our service men and women who are still constantly fighting for our freedoms. 

Happy 4th of July!

July belongs to Berries Month

What is this Holiday for?

This Holiday is set aside for people to appreciate berries for their good taste and for good health as well. During this month make it a point to add more berries in your diet and familiarize yourself with all the different ways berries can be used in cooking. Make this month fun by planning some of your favorite berries and enjoy eating them off the vine or bush.

Berry Cuisine

For National Berry Month, search out some great dessert recipes that's packed full of berries and enjoy a nice hot or cool berry treat. Berry drinks are popular too, let's not forget about them. You can find some great drink recipes over the Internet along with some great shakes and smoothie recipes jam and jelly recipes too. All of which include the healthy berry.

Berries and good health

Did you know that berries are bursting with vitamins and minerals, many of which are classified as antioxidants?  In fact, blueberries and strawberries are at the top the list of antioxidant-rich foods.

In botanical language, a berry is a simple fruit having seeds and pulp produced from a single ovary; the ovary can be inferior or superior.

Examples of botanical berries include: Banana; Barberry; Bearberry; Cranberry; Crowberry; Currant - red, black, and white types; Elderberry; Gooseberry; Indian gooseberry; Grape; Honeysuckle: the berries of some species are edible and are called honeyberries, but others are poisonous; Cowberry/Lingonberry; Mayapple; Nannyberry or sheepberry; Oregon-grape; Pumpkin; Strawberry tree; and Watermelon.

Modified berries

The fruit of citrus, such as the orange, kumquat and lemon, is a berry with a thick rind and a very juicy interior that is given the special name presidium.

Not a botanical berry

Many fruits commonly referred to as berries are not actual berries by the scientific definition, but fall into one of these categories:

Drupes

Drupes are fleshy fruits produced from a (usually) single-seeded ovary with a hard stony layer surrounding the seed; Plum; Peach; Hackberry; and Bayberry.  Other drupe-like fruits with a single seed, that lack the stony endocarp include: Avocado.

Pomes

The pome fruits produced by plants such as apples and pears, have a structure (the core) that clearly separates the seeds from the ovary tissue. However, some of the smaller pomes are sometimes referred to as berries. Bright red haws from Crataegus are sometimes called hawberries. Amelanchier pomes become so soft at maturity that they resemble a blueberry and are known as Juneberries or Saskatoon berries.

So, what are you waiting for?  If you a lacking fresh berries at home, take a quick trip to your market and pick up a good variety of berries.  They are great at each meal and as snakes throughout the day.

Scarecrow - all he wants is a brain ...

By Diane Forrest,

Today is build a scarecrow day.  I usually think of scarecrows being a Fall fixture, however the purpose of the scarecrow is to scare crows.  Crows are a major pest around vegetable gardens, so farmers place scarecrows in their fields to discourage them from feeding on their crops.  I have many scarecrows that I decorate my home with in the Fall, but since I don't have a vegetable garden, my neighbors might think me odd for putting up one now.  Mine are "store bought" but making your own is not a hard task at all. 

What you need:

• Old Clothes
• Stuffing
• long poles
• rope
• paint

To assemble your scarecrow, firmly tie the ends of the pants and sleeves on the shirt and stuff them with your choice of stuffing. Stuff the socks and gloves and tie on the ends. Fasten the socks (or boots) and gloves to the pants and shirt on the inside with safety pins (or bent paper clips.) Tuck the shirt into the pants.

A pillowcase works best for the head.  Use a pencil and draw on the face. Follow up with the paint and markers to give him facial features. Then stuff the pillowcase and fasten it to the body with safety pins.

Top off your scarecrow with a hat. A straw hat gives it a classic look. Fasten the hat firmly so it doesn't blow off on windy days.

You can sit your scarecrow on the bales, or prop him up against them. Consider attaching him to some stakes with a hammer and nails to have him in an upright position.

In Case of an Emergency (ICE)

Keeping it Simple and Just do it!

ICE was first put into general use in Britain a few years ago and has since gone Global!  If  you have yet to do so - PLEASE do it!

It lets first-responders know who to contact if you are injured where every second save could be critical.

Couple ways of making sure medical providers are aware of these. Go online to Medids and get a Free Medical Emergency Information Alert Card, fill out the information and keep in with your driver’s license, provide copy to your ICE list, and keep it with you.  While you are online, visit ICESTICKER.COM.

Make sure that the folks you have selected to your ICE list know they are, and that the following information is available:

• Medicines –List all current medications you are taking, including herbal and organic supplements because they can and do interact with some medications.
• Allergies – List all known allergies, especially to medications, but also to foods.
• Doctors – Include the names and phone numbers of doctors or other medical providers responsible for your regular care.

There are several apps available online for downloading on just about all digital devices, take a couple minutes, do your search, download, install and complete the information – it could SAVE your life.

Always carry that information with you.

Be aware of Strangers!

One of the greatest concerns of parents for their children is “stranger danger.”  The secret to teaching children about safety concerns is to educate without scaring.  Let your child know that most people are okay, but there are some who cannot be trusted. 

Let them know that if they learn the techniques for abduction prevention, they will be more likely to be able to protect themselves.  It is okay to be afraid because their fear will remind them to watch out for strangers.  Focus on prevention strategies rather than quoting details from new stories, which elaborate on the frightening experiences of the child victims.

Children Questions and Answers

• What is a stranger?  A person that you and your parents do not know.
• How might a stranger try to fool you into getting into their car?  By telling you that your parents couldn’t come and he/she was sent to give you a ride home.
• How can you protect yourself?  By asking the person to give you the family’s secret code word. ƒ
• Is it safe to accept gifts from strangers?  No!
• If a stranger stops his/her car near you and asks for directions, what should you do?  Stand at a good distance from the car, even if asked to come closer.  Suggest the person ask an adult.
• If you become separated from your parents at a store or mall, what should you do?  Tell someone who works in the store that you are lost.  Do not wander.  If you cannot find a store employee, you might go to another adult with children.
• What should you do if someone grabs you and starts taking you out of the store?  Yell, “I don’t know you!”  Clearly and repeatedly.
• What should you do if a stranger grabs or hurts your friend?  Run for help from your parents, a teacher, a police officer or another safe looking adult.  Try to write down the license number.
• In the event of an emergency, how can you call the police/fire?  Dial 9-1-1
• What is a secret family code word used for?  To let you know that it is safe for someone to pick you up.
• If you come home to an empty house after school, what is the first thing you should do?  Lock all of the doors.
• Are all strangers harmful?  No.  You can respond politely as long as you protect yourself.  It is okay to be rude if you feel at danger.

Parental Recommendations. Families should provide children with a secret code word, which you will give to an adult who must pick up your child in an emergency.  Without that word, children should be taught to never go with anyone, not even a family friend.  Teach children about answering the telephone.   Children should never tell someone on the phone that no one is home, rather than their parents can’t come to the phone right now!

If your child gets separated from you in a public place, they may wait for a few moments in the place they last saw you and call out for you.  After a few moments, they should ask for assistance from a store employee, uniformed security personnel or a uniformed police officer.  Always have them ask for a person of authority.

If a stranger asks your child for help,  the child should tell them to ask another adult.  Children want to help, but they must understand they need to maintain a safe distance from strangers.  Remember, a stranger is merely someone that your child does not know.  Do not let them be fooled by a stranger playing on their emotions, such as helping the stranger look for their lost puppy.  This is a ploy, which happens too often.

Many children may have occasion to sell or distribute a variety of items “door-to door” for their school, church or club.   Children should be counseled on polite techniques of turning down offers to go inside someone’s home or business.  They should remain in visible site outside at all times.

Avoid buying clothing, which publicizes a child’s name to potentially dangerous strangers.  Label clothing in inconspicuous places.

If a stranger comes to the door, children should not let him or her in.  They may answer through a window or a closed door.   If the stranger “has a package,” tell children to advise them to leave the package on the porch or to come back later.

There may be an emergency when your child may need to ask for help from a stranger.  Instruct your child; if possible, to say repeatedly and loudly, “I don’t know you!”  You can tell them that “safe” strangers may come to their assistance.

Avoid leaving your child unattended in a car.

Teach children to get in the habit of locking house doors automatically when they come home, particularly if they come home alone.

It is often advised that children walk the same path to and from school so they may be located if necessary.

Children need to understand that abductors may pretend to need help, and sometimes ask children to ride along them to find a “lost pet” or to give them directions.  Advise children to stay clear from the vehicle!  If children do not want to be rude, they may direct the stranger to another adult.

Be aware that on one hand, we teach children to be respectful of adults while on the other hand, we are teaching children to avoid strangers and, if the situation dictates, to directly disobey an adult.  Be understanding.  With experience and your help, children will learn to differentiate between adults who should be obeyed and those who probably should not be obeyed.  It is often the most obedient and respecting children who are preyed upon because they think it always wrong to disobey an adult. ƒ You might wish to try some “role playing” games with your children.  You may consider doing this with neighbors and their children.  Some discussion questions might include:

Remember that it is important to review these subjects with your child on a regular basis to insure they remember the information provided.

World UFO Day

Today is the anniversary of the supposed landing of the alien aircraft in Roswell, New Mexico. Though the government denies that such an event ever took place, many people speculate that aliens have indeed visited Earth.

Now good readers, I know you simply don’t believe that our government would ever, on purpose cover up something like Roswell or Area 51.  Or would they?  If you were ask Fox Mulder, who spent several years to uncover a government conspiracy to hide the existence.  Did you every wonder where the first 50 areas are located?

Fox Mulder Believes – do you?

Do you believe in extraterrestrials?  Do you believe they have visited our blue planet call Earth?  My wife Pat and I both believe in extraterrestrials. David Morse tells Jody Foster in the movie “Contact”.

Young Ellie Arroway: Dad, do you think there's people on other planets?

Ted Arroway: I don't know, Sparks. But I guess I'd say if it is just us... seems like an awful waste of space.

The idea of aliens has always spiked human curiosity. Our imaginations run wild when we think about life from outer space.  So it isn't surprising that aliens have a prominent spot in Hollywood. If you're up for it, celebrate World UFO day by renting a science fiction movie. Some of our favorite alien flicks are "E.T.", "Signs", "Alien", "Independence Day", “Contact”, and "Star Wars" to name a few. Think about all the books, articles, TV series and specials on UFOs/Extraterrestrials.

Whatever you choose to believe today is the celebration of the possibility that there is life beyond Earth.  Go have fun, and may the "force" be with you!

Summer Safety and Health Tips

Summer Health and Safety Tips will be our primary theme on Keeping it Simple KISBYTO) for the month of July.  We have been busy researching, gathering information, and compiling data into key topics and have found a few quizzes to keep you sharp.

So let’s start July off on the right foot, refresh our memory on Summer Safety with a short, 20 question quiz.  Go ahead and take it now, check your answer, and them come back here.

How did you do?  Please don’t feel bad if you missed a few – Diane and I both missed some as well.

In June, we covered Home Safety on the 20^th, those pesky insects on the 24^th, skin rashes on the 25^th, dehydration on the 26^th, and fireworks safety on the 27^th.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.

Healthy Habits Tips – Get a Jump on Summer

The weather is getting warmer and summer is just around the corner. Are you ready to put on shorts and a bathing suit? If your answer is no, realize that it is not too late to get in shape.

First step, figure what type of exercise you are going to do. Make sure you consult with your physician and if you need information about exercise programs the American heart association, the president’s council on fitness and the department of health and human services are all excellent sources.

Exercise Information

• www.americanheart.org
• www.fitness.gov
• www.smallstep.gov

The next step is to ask yourself one simple question: "Do I really want to do this?". If your answer is no, or if you are kind of on the fence, try this quick exercise. Write down answers to this set of questions:

Motivation Booster

If I don’t exercise ...

• How will I look this summer?
• How will I feel this summer?
• What will my health be like this summer?

If I don’t exercise, how will I look this summer? How will I feel this summer? What will my health be like this summer? Most people find that this gives them a boost of motivation and reminds them of the benefits of exercise.

Once you’re motivated, you need to put things into action by changing your habits and routines. I want you to change your habits:

• Set new exercise goal
• Keep track
• Small actions
• Ask for help
• Weekly reward

Start fresh today with a goal for the summer. Keep it simple and maybe take a short walk three times a week - you can always make it more difficult. Once you start exercising, keep track of what you are doing to help you stay motivated. Remember the simple things that will help you succeed like taking your exercise clothes out the night before, keeping your gym bag in your car, or blocking out time on your calendar.

That ought to get you going, but to keep it up I want you to do two things. 1) Find someone who will encourage and support you. Family and friends are your best bet, but if you can’t find someone close, a phone or email buddy will also work. 2) Be good to yourself by coming up with a small weekly reward for sticking with your exercise program.