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Halloween Survival Guide

Today I will attempt to answer the age-old question "what is the significance of children in costumes going door-to door and demanding treats?"

Some 2,000 yrs. ago the Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that on the Eve of Nov. 1st (their New Year) the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead faded enough to allow spirits of the dead and magical faeries to cross into the living world. The Celts feared that the spirits would damage crops and cause all manners of trouble. These ancient people built huge bonfires to keep[ the evil spirits at bay. They celebrated throughout the night with a variety of games, sports and revelry. A custom arose called "the guisers" in which certain people wore disguises made of animal heads and skins to represent the otherworldly spirits. The "guisers" masqueraded through the villages in an attempt to confuse and thwart the malevolent spirits. Of course, the holiday we know and love today as Halloween underwent many transformations in it's long evolution but many believe that "guising" was the real beginning of our current day custom of Trick or Treating. Instead of animal heads and skins, however, you may want to choose more modern costumes that are more convenient, not to mention sanitary!, and therefore can be reused!

 For some great ideas from Angels to Zombies! Click here:






 Oh, I almost forgot - my dedicated and knowledgeable team of Celebration Consultants has informed me that an unusually high number of zombies rumored to be lurking about this Halloween. In order to protect yourself and your family from these creatures and from werewolves and vampires of course we recommend you refresh your memory regarding standard precautions.

In order to avoid any hint of favoritism I will list them in alphabetical order:

1. Vampires: Well, of course, the first thing one may think of is Garlic. I would say keep some handy but don't count on it alone. I suspect that just like certain viruses become immune to their antibiotics, vampires by now must be onto the garlic thing. As a matter of fact, I've heard that iron is the new garlic! Vampires apparently detest it so much they will not enter your room if you have an iron door! (a regular door covered in iron should work, too) To be on the safe side we also recommend incorporating some age-old standbys such as bright lights, crucifixes (the larger the better) and wooden stakes.

2. Werewolves: Now, contrary to popular belief - STUDIES NOW SHOW - werewolves can transform at night - EVEN WHEN THE MOON IS NOT FULL! SO, BE EXTRA CAREFUL. Avoid areas known to be frequented by werewolves UNLESS you have a silver bullet (Preferably in a gun) or a priest along with you to perform an exorcism if necessary. Don't hang out with werewolves in their human form. They may seem perfectly nice but it's just not worth the risk.

3. Zombies: Now, I try to be impartial but I kind of like, or at least feel sorry for zombies. Most of them were average hardworking individuals who just got caught up in some random Voodoo Hoodoo stuff. According to one Afro-Caribbean belief system zombies are the undead being controlled by a powerful sorcerer as LABORERS! Come on! Worki9ng for minimum wage for a psychotic boss is bad enough! Zombies are supposed to be interested in harming humans but personally, I just don't buy it. I think it is wiser to look out for their Sorcerers who perpetrate this evil system. I'm told they use promises of instant success (which never materializes) through "spells" or amulets in exchange for often large sums of money! These Sorcerers are actually the hardest to recognize because they look exactly like normal human beings; some hiding online or even boldly appearing on late night TV.

Don't be afraid to go out on a limb~

From the smallest:
(Bonsai tree)




    









To the LARGEST:
(Giant Redwood tree)..............

.............They are EVERYWHERE!.....THANK HEAVEN!

OK, Darlings, you may be thinking, HELLO? Arbor Day was April 30th in America!......BUT..........
while I was researching something totally unrelated, I came across the fact that July 28 is National Tree Planting Day for schools throughout Australia and July 30 is National Tree Planting Day for the rest of the Nation.

In the Central African Republic National Tree Planting Day is on July 22.

In Mexico National Tree Day is on the 2nd Thursday of July.

New Zealand's first Arbor Day planting was in Greytown in the Wairarapa on July 3, 1890. The first official celebration took place in Wellington in August 1892, with the planting of pohutukawa* and Norfolk pines along Thorndon Esplanade.

I didn't realize how many "tree days" there are all over the world! We hear so much every day about the damage mankind is inflicting on the Earth it's nice to hear about one of the things people are doing to replenish it!
If you would like to be a part of this, see what TreeGivers (below) can do to help you!






* New Zealand Christmas Tree

FOURTH of JULY

Fireworks most likely originated in China about 2,000 years ago. Some say that fireworks were discovered by accident by a Chinese cook who happened to mix charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter.

The Chinese named this black powder "huo yao" ("Fire Chemical") and developed it further. When the mixture was inserted into the hollow of a bamboo stick and thrown into a fire, the gases produced a bang. The basic fire cracker was born.

From that point forward, fire crackers played an essential part in Chinese festivities -weddings, religious rituals -any cause for celebration heard their bang due to the belief that they were thought to be powerful enough to scare off evil spirits. Chinese New Year is a particularly popular event that is celebrated with firecrackers to usher in the new year free of the evil spirits.

Did you know??!!... you can have your own fireworks display for the 4th of July- or your wedding or any event! Look at:   http://www.pyrotecnico.com/index.html I promise you'll be pleasantly surprised!

For the "smaller" picnic and party items see:



This is a great time to think about getting a grill to provide a center of backyard entertainment and eating! for friends and family.  Before you buy,  peruse ww.shopperschoice.com for helpful information. Shoppers Choice says:
"These gas grill videos and charcoal grill videos show all of the great features on some of our top BBQ Grills. No need to read reviews or wonder how something will work at your house before purchasing. Get a feel for the size and its ability! Featured Explantions, Product Demosratations, BBQ Grill Reviews & more."

So, relax and enjoy time with friends & family but, as always, be aware of safety!  If the Police and/or the Fire Dept. show up at your party it may indicate that somewhere along the way your plans went awry!

cuckoo

We have all heard of Groundhogs Day, but apparently there is another creature who is also a meteorological
predictor!! 

June 21st is known as Cuckoo Warning Day.  If the cuckoo sings on June 21st, then you may expect a rainy summer. If she does not, then the summer will be dry.

Very Interesting! This is a new one on me- but I wonder where you can find a cuckoo. Do they announce the outcome on TV? How will we know!?  Well, here's what I found out about cuckoos:

---They range across all the continents except Antarctica.

---The majority of species occur in forests and woodland, principally in the evergreen rainforests of  tropics.

---Their calls are usually simple, resembling whistles, flutes, or hiccups.

---Cuckoos eat insects, such as caterpillars. Some are large enough to eat lizards. If you can't find a cuckoo
     bird, or if you live in Antarctica, perhaps you will be happy with a Cuckoo clock!
Cuckoo clocks have pipes that imitate the call of the Common Cuckoo in addition to striking a wire gong.  The mechanism to produce the cuckoo call was installed in almost every kind of cuckoo clock since the middle of the eighteenth century.  To take a look at some, click on the clock below.

Father's Day Reminder

Just a reminder darlings, this Sunday, (June 20) is Fathers day. Yes, I know I already wrote about this (see previuos blogs) but we still have a few days. I hope my suggestions for gifts were helpful. Enjoy time with your Father, Dad, Grandpa, etc.!

                                     BETSY ROSS

Elizabeth "Betsy" Griscom was brought up a Quaker and educated in Quaker schools. On her marriage to John Ross, an Episcopalian, in 1773, she was disowned by the Society of Friends. Her husband was killed in 1776 while serving in the militia, and Betsy Ross took over the upholstering business he had founded.


Ross was visited in June 1776 by George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, her late husband's uncle. The story is that they asked her to make a flag for the new nation that would declare its independence the following month. A rough sketch presented to her was redrawn by Washington incorporating her suggestions. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the national flag.

A person who likes to study flags is called a Vexillologist! Yes, when I first read this I thought- study? flags?

However, I learned a little about just how many different types of flags exist;  Countries, States, Sports, Military, Religious, Historical and even Nautical!

Take a look at all the flags and their accessories available from one of my recommended retailers below.  (click on picture) (I'm sure you may have noticed by now, I am technologically challenged.  Ex: a lot of open space on blog, odd placement of some  pictures, but I hope you can still enjoy and learn from me) Thanks!  Madeline 

Oh, I almost forgot, darlings!......Uncommon USA has a wealth of information including a section on "When To Fly the Flag"   For those of you who are interested in more detailed instrucions on flag protocol, visit this website I found in a newspaper:   www.legion.org/flag/code

Father

Father's Day (June 20th this year) is to honor and commemorate our fathers and forefathers.  

The original idea for Father's Day came from Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Mrs. Dodd  was listening to a church sermon at Spokane's Central Methodist Episcopal Church in 1909 about the newly recognized Mother's Day.

Mrs. Dodd felt strongly that fatherhood needed recognition, as well. She wanted a celebration that honored fathers like her own father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who was left to raise his family alone when his wife died giving birth to their sixth child.

Personally,  I feel it is somewhat more of a challenge to find the perfect gift for a man than a woman.
BUT! I love a challenge, darlings. Think chocolates are only for women? Think again- zChocolat.com has luxurious gifts, many in boxes that can be engraved, for the personal touch. Does your Dad enjoy wine? Does he love to sample coffee from around the world?  Peruse the many and varied gift baskets below.

Is your Dad more the adventurous type?  Consider an "adventure" gift!  Give Dad an Adventure Gift He'll Always Remember - Coupon code: fathersday for 10% Off Gift Vouchers






Maybe Dad is an "armchair adventurer!" HobbyTron.com has a large selection of electronic kits at the best prices. (Even obscure kits/projects.)


Is he a sports fan? Sports Memorabilia Gifts! www.prosportsmemorabilia.com Click Here!

Last, but not least, darlings, we rise to the challenge of  "THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING".  My definition of this includes wonderful men, like my husband, who are content with their lives and are always doing for others. It can be next-to-impossible to elicit a response from them as to what they would like for Father's Day (or Christmas or birthdays....!) Well, my dears, consider this! For the person who has everything - a Title! Apply now at Elite Titles!

R.S.V.P. = répondez s'il vous plaît

If RSVP is written on an invitation it means the invited guest must tell the host whether or not they plan to attend the party. It does not mean to respond only if you're coming, and it does not mean respond only if you're not coming (the expression "regrets only" is reserved for that instance). It means the host needs a definite head count for the planned event, and needs it by the date specified on the invitation. *

 
Are you invited to a wedding this month? (or any upcoming month?) Don't forget to RSVP! It's very important Darlings! 

If the Bride-to-be has set-up a registry, of course that is the best guide for gift selection.  If not, think about the Happy Couple's current situation.  If the wedding is being held at a County Club with "500 of their closest friends and relatives" and they are touring Europe on their honeymoon, perhaps we need to rethink blender.

If the Happy Couple will be setting up house after a honeymoon at Six Flags, kitchenware is great!

As always, look for a gift that will be appropriate and special to the recipient. Think outside the box--  for the couple who already has everything,  how about a His & Her Adventure gift?  Look atGreat American Days, unbelievable gifts, amazing experiences GREAT AMERICAN DAYS. has everything from house cleaning for a year to a guided fishing tour for two, from Hot Air Balloon Rides to His & Her Massage!
                                                    

*from About.com:entertainment

"Went to a garden party.. to reminisce with my old friends.."

(sorry, I can't help myself. Everything reminds me of a song. Anyone know this one?
O.K....for those of you who are too young to recognize the lyrics:  "June is Bustin' Out All Over!" (see previous blog title) , it is from the Rodgers and Hammerstein play "Carousel". 



June is a great time to start enjoying SUMMER!  Take your cue from the Queen of England!  Every summer she holds a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Requiring 8 full-time and 3 part-time gardeners, the British Royal Garden consists of a 42-acre site, over 2 miles of gravel pathways, exotic foliage, a mulberry tree dating back to the time of  James I of England, a large 19th-century lake complete with a flock of flamingos, a tennis court, a summerhouse and a helicopter pad!

OK darlings, are you up to the challenge?  You can do it!  Get out in the yard,  spruce it up!,  plant flowers, add a garden gnome, plan your own Garden Party! So, maybe it's not as elaborate as the Queen's, but your Garden Party can be more personal and fun! 

Well, granted, the couple below from Yardiac.com do not look like they are ready to party but, trust
 me!,  they have everything you need to make your yard a beautiful setting for entertaining and enjoyment.

Peruse the plentiful and unique party goods offered by:

                                                                                                     
     See!? You can have flamingos in your garden, too! So, the Queen of England has a helipad in her garden?

YOU can "BE THE KING OF THE SKY"!with your own personal helicopter, click on to the Hobbytron picture below to see remote-control helicopters and a fascinating variety of electronics, toys, magic kits and more!

Darlings, don't let the fact that the Queen has her own tennis court discourage you! - you can find badminton, bocce and croquet sets at Dazadi.com Products to Enjoy Life!

OK friends- I have lots more to share with you about June but that's all for today....after all, it IS quickly approaching Tea Time!  See you in a day or two!

"June is Bustin' Out All Over!" ...anyone recognize these lyrics?

Hello, everyone!  I hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day weekend!  The most important element of any celebration, in my humble opinion, is spending time with loved ones. The gift of your time is priceless.

My daughter & I recently returned from a trip to New England to visit relatives.  Although they were busy with their own lives, jobs, school and children- they took the time to welcome us, entertain us and feed us! YUM!

Their locale is the antithesis of mine (tourist city) and it was heavenly to just relax and enjoy Nature, birds, 100-yr. old trees, the occasional deer and ( I kid you not ) wild turkeys in the back yard!

So, once again, enjoy the special people in your life, and have a safe and happy holiday!

P.S.  Come back and visit me Tuesday June 1st, and I will be sharing with you my ideas and information       on celebrating the great month of June! (hints: Garden Parties, Flag Day,  FATHERS' DAY!, Cuckoo       Warning Day (June 21st) and more!

FORGET ME NOT

Darlings, I am dedicating this blog to a certain group of people. You may personally know some. Or you may not recognize these individuals when you see them. They may include perhaps, your neighbor who plays catch with his young children on Sat. mornings while you drink your first cup of coffee. They may include the elderly gentleman across the street who sits silently on his front porch all day. They may include a woman who insists on baking a cake for coworkers to celebrate any and every holiday. They may include a scruffy person of indeterminate age, wheeling their shopping cart, filled with their life’s belongings, past your business every day.

                                                                            http://www.dav.org/

Who are these people? They are Veterans, past & present, who are directly responsible for the fact that we Americans live where we choose, work where we choose, say what we want to say or choose not to speak, own our own business if we choose, celebrate or not, as we wish.

                                                                             

                                            

So, my friends, on Mon. May 31st, enjoy your day off, get together with family & friends, picnic, barbecue, play ball!

AND please, remember our Veterans this Memorial Day, especially all those who laid down their lives so that we can continue to live free. Visit a Veterans cemetery or memorial. Place a flag on the grave of a Veteran. Fly the Flag of the USA. Buy a red poppy from the members of VFW to display on your person. Just show you care.

 
American Global Flag                                            www.uso.org/