I’M JUST CURIOUS: Different uses for beer, soap, coffee grounds

by Debbie Walker

This column will make some folks happy and some probably not so happy. I am going to start with beer:

For some who the thought of using beer for anything other than drinking could cause them painful thoughts, this might make you feel a little better: Do you have any yellow patches in your lawn (possibly from a fungus)? IF you have any flat beer in the house, feed it to the yellow (finding flat beer a problem?) and watch it improve.

Need help falling asleep? Not a drinker, you don’t have to be. I don’t know where to find it but I read you need to buy some India pale ale, no, not to drink. Wash your pillowcases with three to five tablespoons of the ale, the hops make quite the sedative.

Wish Mom and Dad knew you could use beer to wash the smell of skunk off your dog. If my Mom was still alive I would love to tell her this one! Mom went into our barn one night and came back into the house smelling of skunk. We dug through the pantry looking for anything tomato trying to find the cure. Of course, the skunk had sprayed Mom close to our front door and that smell lasted just way too long! Got any stories?

Do you have gold jewelry? You don’t need the expensive cleaner. Pour some pale beer in a shallow bowl, add the jewelry. After soaking for 10 minutes, buff with clean cloth – it sparkles again.

Do you ever have slivers of bar soap? Slivers have uses, too.

Do you have a zipper that sticks? Rub the sliver on the teeth of the zipper, a couple of ups and downs and ta-da, it works.

Do you have a cabinet or room door that sticks? That’s right, just rub the soap sliver where it seems to be sticking. Works like a charm.

Do you have a pet who likes to chew, and is trying to chew electrical cords? Wipe those cords with your sliver of soap and your pet will decide the taste is not appealing.

Coffee grounds are usually a throw-away item in the home. There are uses for the used grounds.

Do you have black clothing that’s faded? Revive them with coffee “dye”. Steep ¼ cup of coffee grounds in one gallon of water for 10 minutes. Pour in washer with clothing and run on gentle cycle (no soap). Once the dying is over run a cycle of the washer with a cup of vinegar.

Coffee grounds for the garden. Sprinkle a thin layer of coffee grounds over the soil. When it rains, nitrogen will seep into the dirt. It will create a healthier environment.

I am going to get a little personal for a few minutes. I guess most people are aware that Florida, as well as a few other states, just experienced a hurricane. When I first moved here from New England my family and friends thought if the news said “Florida” then it must be affecting me. Not the case. I live in what is referred to as “Central West Coast” Florida. It means we are on the west coast of Florida and midway down the coast.

I have been here the better part of 40 years and have always considered myself lucky this is the area I landed in! David moved here from Maine in March and he was feeling uneasy (to say the least) about all the talk of hurricanes. I explained to him there are many types of areas here just as in Maine. There are miles of coast and some lowlands in Citrus County but for the most part we have comfortable elevation. Dave kept the TV on and watched here as it rained, and we had some wind. The TV is, of course, showing all the hardest hit areas of the coast and across state.

I recommend whenever anyone is relocating, please research the areas you are interested in. I have met too many people who moved here with so little information. For instance, because you visit here once and the property appears dry, next time you come, it looks like a lake. Get the idea?

Are you curious about anything Florida? Let me know, I’m not selling anymore but I haven’t forgotten what I have learned! Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Meet me for lunch

by Debbie Walker

It was a wonderful idea to go to lunch with Ms. Gloria, and for a bigger treat her husband Russ came, too. The two of them are very entertaining. I worked with them both, well…. Maybe more years ago than I am willing to admit, but there was never a dull moment.

I arrived first and actually enjoyed my wait in the little tea shop. The name of the place is “SWEETIES”. The building begins to give off her age, you will be caught up in the outside and plants. There is also a rocker, at least the day I was there.

Inside, the tables were all full, except for me by myself. I was a bit embarrassed sitting there at a table for six as groups came in and left! I was there for a while and I decided to order a cup of soup, the best potato soup I have ever had in my life. I was more than glad to see Gloria and Russ come through that day.

Once they got in, picked out their orders (including that potato soup), and then turned their attention to me and what was I up to (they know I learned a lot of what I know from them).

Debbie Walker at lunch

I explained I needed some pictures of me, for my column. Just then Gloria laughed because she knew where my head was going. She began looking around the room for the right hats. Russ, having been left at the table alone, he started making the rounds with his many, many jokes and stories. He could have done this for a week and not repeated himself. So he was happy.

It may be possible to introduce you to some of Gloria’s photograph skills. It all depends on what Eric and Roland have to say about the subject.

Let’s see if we get some of the picture’s printed and you turn in a name for each one. It might just be fun!

Okay, so now I will share some tidbits that I found last night:

I found some information in one of my Farmer’s Almanac about fishing and folklore. *Never tell anyone how many fish you have caught. *When owls hoot during the day it’s a good day for catfishing.

What would you do if you went fishing or camping and you forgot to bring anything to protect yourself from those darn biting bugs, what would your answer be? Salt! Mix a ¼ tsp. of salt with two drops of water, rub the paste over bites.

Ice Cubes: I love rice but only that first meal, the rest is usually just too dry. Guess what. Add an ice cube to the plate or bowl and loosely cover with a lid before heating on high for 2 -3 minutes: Fluffy.

I’m just curious what names you came up with for the hat pictures. I have to tell you that was so much fun. Wish there were easy, inexpensive ways to come up with some of the older style, maybe there is, sounds like another lunch with Ms. Gloria.

Can’t wait to hear your comments, questions, etc. Have a great week. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Wow! It is a hot summer!

by Debbie Walker

I have been in Florida for about 39 years. How did that happen, I thought I was still only 34 years old. I am not sure what is going on, why some things are almost impossible to do. My family loves to tell me it is because I am getting older, they must be mistaken.

As I was trying to say it is one burning hot summer! Poor David is suffering and wondering if Florida was as good an idea as he first thought. There is no convincing him that it is going to get better. He will just have to stay here for the winter with no snow work to do!

I want to pass on a few things that might make your hot spell just a little easier for you. Let’s start with BUGS:

Did the mosquitoes find you outside trying to enjoy yourself? They will find you and you can relieve yourself with banana peels. Rub the inside over your bite for about a minute.

Are you like me and lost the screw from the frame of your sunglasses? I have three kits to repair glasses at home. Of course, I never loose the screw when I am at home. Well, get a toothpick and slip it in where the screw goes. It works. Saves buying new glasses immediately.

Gardening your thing? It can be great for the mood but can cause some ‘ouches’ to your body. I’d like to share a few more ideas from Woman’s World.

Hand pain: Fix hand pain with a sponge: Use a rubber band to wrap the sponge around the handles. Much easier on your hands.

Mowing: Sidestep mowing stickies: The reason behind the sluggish mower is likely grass gunk collecting on blades. Turn the mower and swipe the blades with a rag dipped in white vinegar. It will remove buildup, so your mower glides easily. (Make sure you turn off the mower first.)

Kids or no kids: If you work outside, you need one of those smooth, round bottom, sled. It would be cheap, and you can pile your tools or plants, etc., on it and drag it around the yard. It’s easier than rolling a wheeled cart.

Wrist strain: A regular, adult watering can is a bit hefty to handle. I love this one. Get a child’s watering can. Also, if you are buying dirt, buy the smaller, to be less strain for you to handle.

Make a pillow for your knees with pool noodles. Cut the noodles down to the right width to put your knees upon. Attach them together with rubber bands and enjoy some comfort, cheaper than buying one especially in the garden department.

Banish weeds cheap: Low cost, all-natural way to banish pesky grass killer: Mix ¼ C of salt, and 4 C of white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz on weeds. Don’t spray this near your flower plants. Come to think of it, I am going to hit my weeds. They need to go.

As usual, I am just curious if you will try some of these. I am going to do the weeds tonight. Contact me with comments or questions anytime at DebbieWalker@townline.org . Have a great week!

P. S . Remember most of these ideas come from Woman’s World or FIRST magazine. Great magazines!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Some summer tips

REMINDER OF SUMMER PAST: Judy Mathiau, of Vassalboro, snapped these colorful flowers last summer.

by Debbie Walker

I have been collecting seasonal tips for some years now and once again they are for what’s left of your summer. Wish I had been able to get them out sooner. Of course, summer weather for Florida lasts a lot longer.

I don’t know if you have seen your can make a temporary waterer. I like this cheap one. In a pinch to water your yards and your little people, grab a two liter soft drink bottle and put holes in it for watering. Use waterproof tape to be sure to hold the bottle on a hose. Yardwork and emergency fun for children for cheap!

You left your swimsuits without drying them. It is not perfect but a good idea just the same. Do you have one of those salad spinners that I don’t have? You can spin the extra water right out of it! Or, you can place the suit on a towel and roll it up until it squeezes out water. Works like a charm.

To grow lush green yards place wet paper teabags over your lawn. The bags will release nutrients, seeping into the ground, you can even dust with dry powdered iced tea mix for bigger areas.

You don’t have to cool your wine or other drinks with ice that will water them down. I love frozen grapes in the summer for a cooling snack but also learned they were better than ice for drinks!

Pool noodles are handy in the summer months.

I love this one. How many times have you tried to fill a bucket with water, but the bucket is too big? So, you put the noodle over the faucet and let the water flow through.

Have you ever had trouble picking up or moving a heavy plant. The dirt or the pebbles in the bottom make it almost impossible, and then add water. Cut up pool noodles for the bottom of the pot and then add the plant and soil. Still have the drain needed but much lighter.

You have tools such as rakes, hoes, and shovels. Slit a pool noodle in every so many inches, just enough of a slit that will hold the noodles in place, noodle horizontal and slits are vertical cuts. Attach to your wall. You could make another one to hang mops, brooms, and possibly a lightweight vacuum.

I also like the noodles for making a knee rest for when you are on your knees gardening. The instructions I read in my latest First magazine about the noodles. Cut three sections from the pool noodle wide enough for your knees to rest on and bind them together with rubber bands so they look like a raft. Inexpensive and with a little thought we could find other uses for adults and comforts.

I read there is a different spray against mosquitoes that smells a bit better than usual. Fill spray bottle with distilled water and 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Spray around the deck, or on outdoor furniture and on yourself. It is said they hate the smell of lavender.

I’m just curious which ones you will try, me, too. The First magazine never fails to give me new ideas and some I can add to as well. What are your favorite magazines? Any comments or questions, if I can help find me at DebbieWalker@townline.org . Have a great week!!

PS: don’t throw the old grills away, bet it makes a great planter and on wheels to move around. From First, also.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Do you mind if I complain?

by Debbie Walker

This column is a little different from my usual. If I knew all the answers, I would call this my Public Service Announcement. Truth is I only have questions at this point. I am sure it will sound like a high school “Gripe Paper”.

The story reads something like this: About six weeks ago I started having trouble with what I thought was possibly ‘Sciatica’, I had it before, but it only lasted a few days. Since the pain doctor treated it before I went to him again. He did a shot right where it hurt. Unfortunately, the shot only helped a little for the next couple of days.

I called the pain doc again and he did a prescription of steroids (I think), to be taken for six or seven days, again, no change. One more call to him and he said to just give it a couple of days to see if the medicine kicks in. Four days later I called and left the message that I was in no less pain. His office called me with the message to go to the ER at the hospital. I was more comfortable with going to my primary care doctor.

Last August there were pictures taken of my spine and lower back. She looked at them and said it wasn’t the sciatic, I have severe arthritis and she was sending me home to take arthritis formula Tylenol and referring me to physical therapy.

Tylenol does nothing for me on a good day and what is not understood about the amount of pain I have and what I am limited in doing? I waited another day and gave up and had Dave take me to the hospital. I spent the afternoon having a CT scan and a few X-rays and then the wait. I won’t complain about the time because I really think it was reasonable. And what did they come up with? They said they could give me three days of hydro…whatever. And I should see my pain doctor. First of all I wouldn’t even get to see him in three days. And second, he had already passed me on. So, I wound up with 10 days of a muscle relaxer, they think it is a muscle deal. Oh, and let’s not forget the physical therapy. I can hardly get the nine feet from my car door to house door.

Fortunately, my primary care doctor gave me a referral to get into a spine specialist office, I am desperate at this point. It has been so long with this, and do you think I will walk out of that office that afternoon with no pain anymore? There will be more tests, more time, more pain.

I am not sure, but I think there was a point in time when you went to the family doctor, and they took care of you or at least oversaw your medical treatments. Your doctor would show up in the hospital, mornings, and evenings. Your doctor knew what medication you would be using when you left the hospital.

So, I am just curious if you will let me forget people used to bite down on a stick for pain! I’ll let you know what I have learned when this is over.

Contact me with any questions or comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great holiday.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Just passing on more information

by Debbie Walker

I keep coming across information that interests me and I am hoping you will find some of it useful, too. You would think with all the information I find and pass along to you that my mind would be overflowing. It might if my memory worked at all! That is not the case!

This week I found some information in my Woman’s World magazine. The info had to do with making things last longer, such as making laundry detergent go further, using baking soda. Cut your use of detergent in half and then add ½ cup of baking soda. You will save money on detergent, and they will come out fresher.

I am by no means a computer knowledgeable person and printers fall in the same bracket as computers to me. There was a note about extending the life of printer ink by changing the setting. Woman’s World said you could cue up ‘draft model’, ‘fast/quick’, ‘green’, or ‘economical’. It will use half the ink of normal mode. The quality of print won’t bother most unless you are copying pictures.

Save on sponges. Every couple of days you could microwave a damp sponge for 30 seconds. This kills mildew.

Did you know candles will burn longer if the wick is ¼ inch long? It allows them to burn more slowly and evenly, prolonging life.

This was from a First magazine. Keep in mind I have not tried everything I read; I do plan on trying this one day. The Mr. X, of my life used to always have those white marks from his deodorant and I fought the battle with every week’s laundry. The First’s tidbit says to soak a clean sponge in equal parts white vinegar and water then dab over marks. Good luck. I am going to try it, too.

Now let’s have a little fun. Do you know what Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime soda is? The inventor, before marketing his new product, decided a name change was necessary. The new name was/is 7UP. (got another one to follow this one. Brad’s drink was a concoction of water, sugar, caramel, lemon oil, and others. This, as well as others, were considered medicinal drink ends. This one was designed to promote its benefits in relieving dyspepsia or indigestion. It’s name is Pepsi-Cola.

Bruce Lee was known to have said, “If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.”

Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine. In 1834, it was sold as a cure for an upset stomach by an Ohio physician named John Cook. It wasn’t popular as a condiment until the late 19th century.

Eye of newt, toe of frog, and wool of bat are just archaic terms for mustard seed, buttercup, and holly leaves.

The Bloody Mary started out with the name Bucket of Blood. After Bucket of Blood, it became Red Snapper and then finally settled on Bloody Mary.

I’m just curious what I will find next to share! Please contact me with any comments or questions at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a wonderful week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Busy with First magazine

by Debbie Walker

If you have pennies, I am giving you ‘uses’ (they are not just for the piggy bank anymore). I have no idea who wrote these, but I knew it was time to pass them on to you, too.

Let’s say your little bird house has developed a leak in the roof. Use some strong glue to attach the pennies needed to keep your birds dry. (Not a fix I would have ever thought of.)

I make rice bags for my family and friends. A sock filled with rice, sew it closed and you have a rice bag. Put it in the freezer and when needed you have a comfortable cold pack. My great-granddaughter, Addi (3 years old now), calls Her’s a Cold, and I believe we are on or third or fourth generation now. They can develop a hole now and then.

In the First magazine, they mentioned putting pennies in a sock (in place of rice). Put a generous number of coins in a sock. The coins get very cold and will not melt and drip water. No mess.

Do you have fresh flowers, an arrangement brightens up most any room. Drop a penny dated before 1982 in the vase. Copper from the older coins kills wilt-causing bacteria, flowers stay healthy.

You might need to tighten a screw someday and not have a screwdriver handy. Insert a penny into the slot on top of the screw. It will fit into the slots of medium and a large flathead screw.

Do you get slugs in your garden? Place a circle of pennies (again before 1982) on the soil around the plant. The copper in the coins create a tiny electric shock on contact, so the critters will move along.

Rubbing alcohol uses:

If you overdid it spraying your new perfume you can dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the area you sprayed. The alcohol will evaporate some of the fragrance oils.

How about some fire starters? These will help with campfires. Fill an empty glass jar with alcohol, drop a few wine corks inside then seal and store (away from fireplace). When you are ready toss a cork under the kindling and light as usual.

Suffer from motion sickness? Fortunately, I don’t but I read this in another First magazine. Keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol handy and as soon as you get feeling queasy, open the bottle, hold it close to your nose, then take a deep breathe. I was thinking maybe those little alcohol pads (at Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) would do the trick and take up less space.

Others:

Make your own Wipes – Layer coffee filters in a sealable container, pour in enough multi-surface cleaner to coat the filters then seal, Filters last longer than regular paper.

The janitors in the Corinna school I worked at knew when I had been in. I did most of the art/crafts and that usually meant some work done with colorful sprinkles! Kids loved it, janitors not so much. Then I introduced a new activity. I used those lint removers that are rolls of sticky, just peel off when it’s not picking up. Works like a charm and the kids loved dong it.

I’m just curious what you might like to share. I will be right here waiting for your ideas. Any ideas or questions or comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Worries to colors

by Debbie Walker

Two women, Mary and Sue met on the sidewalk and started chatting. Mary is pretty well settled in her life; Sue is in the middle of a lot of life changes and is in fact, troubled. She decided to share some of her confusion with Mary. After talking for a while Mary told Sue, “I know just what you need to do, it’s helped me in the past”.

So Mary gives Sue an address of a woman she had met with on several occasions in the past. Mary explained that this lady lives on the corner of a well-established street and some of her neighbors are not very happy with her. They call her Mrs. Flowers because her landscaping is “over-run”, in their opinion, with flowers growing everywhere.

Mary said there was no need to call first, in fact, she didn’t know if Mrs. Flowers even had a phone. Just knock on her door with a plant in your hand and introduce yourself. She will welcome you inside with a wave of her hand.

She thought this was all rather strange. She was to go to this woman’s house, not even knowing her real name and just knock. Well, Mary did assure her she would be welcome.

The next day Sue went to a local nursery and bought a little flowering plant. She followed Mary’s directions to the house; she found it with no problem at all. The description of Mrs. Flowers was understated as Sue tried to take in all the different colors.

Sue took her time walking to the door, taking in all the sites and fragrances. She reached the door and tapped gently. In just a few seconds the door came open and she was greeted by Mrs. Flowers, a much older lady. She welcomed Sue into her home and put the flowers on the table. It was a smaller cottage type home and decorated with: you guessed it: Flowers.

As they walked to the living room Sue tried to take in all the sites inside this wonderful cozy home where she immediately felt at ease. Mrs. Flowers said, “Come on in, find a comfortable spot to sit and we’ll chat. Tell me what’s on your mind today”.

Sue described to Mrs. Flowers how she was going through all these changes in her life. She was recently divorced after a 40 yar marriage, her children were grown and scattered across the country, and she has just taken on a new job. She said , “I am feeling overwhelmed”.

They discussed her problems and at some point, Mrs. Flowers was referring to Sue’s problems, as opportunities. She explained that all of what Sue saw as problems, she saw them as opportunities to learn and grow with fewer limitations.

The divorce would allow her to concentrate on herself and things she might want to change. Sue had said she hated grocery shopping anymore. She found it difficult because she knew what her kids and husband would want for meals, but she had no idea what to buy for herself. It felt lonely. Mrs. Flowers explained that it was a wonderful opportunity to try new foods.

Her home felt lonely. Mrs. Flowers suggested Sue might try her hand at redecorating and please herself with her choices. At that point Sue looked around and realized she had already thought of a couple of things Mrs. Flowers had done here that she might like to try at her own home.

Sue’s new job was an opportunity to meet new people and to use her skills of running her home to operating a business. Some of the skills needed for this job were very similar to a schedule to run a business with.

Their chat had done wonders for Sue, she no longer felt overwhelmed and in fact she had things running through her mind that she was looking forward to doing with her new opportunities.

On their way to the door Mrs. Flower’s picked up the new plant Sue had brought, and her little shovel and they walked out into the yard. Mrs. Flowers dug the hole necessary for the plant. She told Sue, “Your flower represents the problems you came here with. Now they represent worries changed to colors.

As Sue looked over the yard, she realized at one time all these colors had been someone else’s worries. She walked out the driveway knowing that one thing she wanted to do was start her own flower garden.

Problems can be opportunities.
Worries can become colors
It’s all in how you look at things.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Celebrate in May (continued)

by Debbie Walker

I am curious if anyone still does May Day? I remember it from when I was a little kid, but I hear nothing about it now. Why did we lose that one? What else have we lost?

We’re starting out with May 15th:

15 – National Choc Chip Day, Straw Hat Day.
16 – National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day, National Love a tree Day.
17 – National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Mushroom Hunting Day, National Walnut Day.
18 – National Cheese Souffle’ Day.
19 – National Devils Food Cake Day, Plant Something Day.
20 – National Women in Aerospace Day, National River Cleanup Day, Plant a Lemon Tree Day, World Bee Day.
21 – Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, International Tea Day, National Talk Like Yoda Day.
25 – National Tap Dance Day, National Wine Day.
26 – National Blueberry Cheesecake Day.
27 – National Grape Popsicle Day, National Italian Beef Day.
28 – National Hamburger Day, Whooping Crane Day.
30 – National Creativity Day.
31 – National Macaroon Day, World Otter Day, World Parrott Day.

I do want to add that I got these May Days from a newspaper called Senior Voice of Citrus County. How many do you think you will celebrate?

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend from work or school. However, that’s what you hear about on Tuesday morning. People get dressed up in red, white, and blue to enjoy their get-togethers. What gets less attention is the reason you have the time off.

Memorial Day deserves its own place on my page. The same little paper also had a title of Memorial Day Facts, and here they are:

The holiday started after the Civil War which ended in 1865. The Civil War claimed 620,000 soldiers’ lives. This made it necessary to create the first national cemetery. And over the next decade Americans started to hold their own rituals each spring to honor lost soldiers, by decorating their graves.

After World War I, it became a time to honor all who have died in all American wars. In 1971 it became a national holiday by an act of Congress. It was originally known as Decoration Day, when the emphasis of the holiday was on the memory of our soldiers who fought for us.

In May 1868 Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared the holiday be observed at the end of May. It is believed he chose that date because flowers would be blooming and ready to be used to decorate the graves.

Federal guidelines indicate that flags on the holiday be hung at half-staff. But only until noon, then they should be raised the rest of the way. There is also a Moment of Remembrance, at 3 p.m., local time, around the country.

The finish today will be some morning statements:

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – by Robert Louis Stevenson.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius.

I’m just curious what May holidays you will enjoy!! Contact me with any questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org . I’ll be looking forward to them!! Have a wonderful week!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Holidays of May

by Debbie Walker

I have to admit that most of this column has come from a local paper here in Florida. It’s the Senior Voice of Citrus County. The most recent one was full of May days and celebrations. We’ll start out with Mother’s Day. (Miss you Mom)

Mother’s Day was made official on May 9, 1914. President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring Mother’s Day an official holiday, but the idea began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis started Mother’s Day to honor her mom.

Phone calling has been the centerpiece of Mother’s Day for years, 122 million phones, with families spread out around the world.

Greeting cards are the top of the list of Mother’s Day gifts, followed by flowers, special outings, gift cards, clothing, and jewelry.

The carnation is the official flower of Mother’s Day. The tradition began when Anna Jarvis sent hundreds of carnations to her West Virginia home church to honor mothers in that congregation. That single gesture landed the carnation in the top spot as official flower of Mother’s Day. Today the colors of the frilly blooms have specific meanings – white to honor deceased mothers and red to celebrate the living.

Americans will spend approximately $31 billion this Mother’s Day. By any measure that would be a lot of flowers, dining, greeting cards and macaroni necklaces.

It is well known that Easter and Christmas yield large church attendance. Something about mom makes people want to show reverence and focus on faith and family. Many Americans will start their Mother’s Day celebration by attending church with their moms, making it the third most attended church service.

What do mom’s want most? To quote my mom with this question, her answer would be “time”. According to a survey by RetailMeNot, what mom’s want most for Mother’s Day is to dine out with family. Many moms site reasons like not wanting to cook or wanting to get out of the house. Perhaps that’s why it’s the biggest restaurant day of the year.

I don’t want to upstage Mother’s Day, but I thought I would share some Other Things to Celebrate in May, also from the Senior Voices of Citrus County.

May 1 – National Chocolate Parfait Day, School Principals’ Day.

May 2 – International Harry Potter Day, National Brothers and Sisters Day, National Play Your Ukulele Day.

May 3 – National Chocolate Custard Day, National Textile Day.

May 4 – International Firefighters Day, National Orange Juice Day, Star Wars Day.

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo, National Astronaut Day, National Hoagie Day.

May 6 – National Scrapbooking Day.

May 7 – Pilates Day, World Laughter Day.

May 8 – National Coconut Cream Pie Day, National Give Someone a Cupcake.

May 9 – National Lost Sock Memorial Day (Who knew there was a holiday for Orphaned Socks!).

May 10 – National Clean Your Room Day, National Golf Day

May 13 – International Hummus Day, National Apple Pie Day, National Miniature Golf Day.

May 14 ­­– Mother’s Day.

Hopefully I will remember to finish this next week when I have more words.

I’m just curious how you celebrate mom rather she is here or passed. Contact me with any comments or questions, or anything you want to share, at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a wonderful week.