HealthMysteries

Just a reminder about sun care and using your sun screen.  Try to stick with at least 30 SPF for a good amount of protection and if you see any suspicious spots or moles, get thee to a dermatologist and get it checked out.

Take time for yourself this summer and get some fun and exercise as often as you can.  Living in the northeast is great this time of year and I spend my time between the house and a great summer cottage on a lake.  I hope to get in lots of swimming, fishing and boating.  I always wear a hat too, because of fair skin and freckles.  This puts me and others with my fair skin tone at greater risk for skin cancer and even heat stroke.

So enjoy the summer an be safe with sun screen.

We would all do well to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day and take the time to thank our living veterans and armed services friends for all they have done and continue to do for our country.  If you have the opportunity to attend a service, visit a veteran’s cemetery or stop by to watch your local parade, it will renew your feeling of appreciation for those who have given so much of themselves for our freedom and way of life.

My dad was a veteran of the Korean conflict and recently passed away.  I had the privilege of receiving his flag at his burial and it is a moment that will live in my mind forever.  He was very proud of his service to our great country.   

Thank you - vets and armed service men and women - from the bottom of my heart.

Down on the Farm

by Therese Haberman

Birds are the start of my busy day.

Singing in euphonic delight.

Twittering to me in every which way.

To fly like a bird someday I may.

How magical to be in flight.

Birds are the start of my busy day.

Yellow caps and feathers that sway.

Sweetly tweet at dawn’s first light.

Twittering to me in every which way.

Tulips beckon in colors gay.

Splendorous aroma is my respite.

Birds are the start of my busy day.

Sun climbs over the bales of hay.

Robins perch on pickets so white.

Twittering to me in every which way.

Farmers cackle going on their way.

Summer fills my soul with light.

Birds are the start of my busy day.

Twittering to me in every which way.

Here are some tips, in random order, of things you can do to improve your health today.

• Arrange to have a colonoscopy.  If you have had any symptoms of blood or irregular stools, or if you are near the age of 50, call today and schedule the procedure.  It could save your life.
• Eat lots of fiber in your diet including fresh fruits and vegetables as often as you can.
• Quit smoking and start exercising at least 3-4 times per week for about an hour each time.
• Drink lots and lots of water, green tea or seltzer throughout the day.  Don’t wait until thirst makes you drink, then you are already dehydrated.
• Park your car away from stores and run errands while getting a little extra walking in your day.
• Play with your pets.  Throw balls for the dog or take him for a walk, run your horses around the stable.  You can even teach your cat how to do tricks if you are very patient.. and she feels like it.
• Get some fresh air and sunshine.  Even a quick stroll at lunchtime gets you out of your desk and away from the computer and phones for a little while.  This is good for the soul.

 Here is Andy, my sweet puppy, now two years young.  When we got the dog about 18 months ago, we were reluctant, at first, to use the new fenceless pet control system we saw at the pet store.  So we talked to the vet and discovered that the very mild electrical shock can be turned down to zero once the dog is trained. 

For anyone who is considering an electric dog fence and is afraid it is cruel to the animal, reconsider this.  The vet told us that once they learn - and for Andy - it only took one shock, they usually learn forever.  But most importantly, he said that since the widespread use of these devices, the incidents of dogs being hit and killed or injured by cars has become a very rare phenomenon.  Further, it almost never happens with an animal trained on an invisible fence.  That was all the convincing I needed. 

As dogs go, my Andrew Kingsley is nothing shy of brilliant.  He can open gates on our deck, hold a ball in his two front paws, while lying on his back and can place a ball inside a round container with ease.  I am actually trying to teach him to talk and he says something like mmmmuuurm for Mama.  Quite an accomplishment for a very special canine boy.

Lovely forest fantasy photo from flickr.com

If you have similar life experience to me, you have met several people over the course of time who have a very downward view of everything.  Life sucks, they are always sick, stressed and complaining.  No wonder things don’t go well for them when they have a crappy attitude 24/7.

My view of life is that you can make it better, even when it throws you into a loop sometimes.  Everyone of us has problems, sickness, mental issues and so on.  Those of us who can turn the other cheek and keep a smile on our faces are the ones who will live longer, fuller and stronger lives.

Recently, I learned of a former work friend who passed away from cancer.  She was a good person down deep, but had become disgruntled and was caring for a sick relative for a long time.  She let the stress get to her and now she has paid the ultimate price.

Don’t let the negative stuff take hold of you.  Smile, think good thoughts and get yourself well.  Life can be a breeze, even during a tornado.

I am really looking forward to having the cottage again for the summer months and we are only 3 weeks away from the kick off date of May 23, Memorial Day weekend as the start of the rental.  It is a 2 bedroom cottage with a beautiful enclosed porch overlooking the lake (see pix for our porch view).

This is a great place to write and relax.  Every time I go there, I feel like I am on vacation and that is one great feeling.  Good for the soul and for the body too.  I do try to get some extra exercise with walking around and up and back from the shore, birdwatching and animal watching as well.  Then there are the boats, waterskiers and others gliding along the shore in kayaks, canoes and other vehicles.

Summer is just around the corner so enjoy every lovely minute with your family and friends.

 Here is a shot of Jonathan, my pet seagull from Newport, Rhode Island.  It was strange.  He would come to visit me everyday and did not want food.  He wanted to sit with me and he let me talk to him as he squawked once or twice in response.  It really was like having my own pet (wild) bird for five days.

Though the weather was horrid, I did spend several days bumming around Newport and visiting the gift shops, mansions and beaches for fun and distraction.  If you have never been there, it is one very cool place and the mansion tours are unbelievable.  I saw both the Breakers (Vanderbilt Mansion) and a haunted one called Belcourt Castle, now owned and occupied by the Tinney family.

Visit Newport if you have the chance, but wait until May, when all the boats are doing sails and touring.  You will love it.

Nothing like those mid spring seasonal allergies where you go down to get in your car in the morning and your vehicle is coated with a thick coat of green dust.  No wonder you are having problems breathing.  Many people take a daily anti-allergy medicine during this time of year.

I do take loratadine for those sneezes and sniffles that plague me from April through much of the summer months.  Keeping the windows closed on breezy dry days is also a good idea.  You may notice some relief when it rains as this washes the allergens out of the air temporarily, but several hours later, it is much the same.

Staying indoors is another way to minimize the symptoms, but who wants to stay inside when the weather is gorgeous, cool and sunny?  I guess I will deal with my sneezes and carry a bunch of tissues.

Enjoy the beautiful weather and happy gardening.  I am off to pick up some pansies.