Help! The Dog Ate My Ice Cream ~ Thoughts on Memorial DayWritten by Candyce Fulford
I remember Memorial Day celebrations from my childhood. This was day that signaled beginning of summer! As parents grumbled about us being out of school for so long, we kids were planning games like "Kick-The-Can" marathons well into night hours. But first, we had to get that dreaded 'parade' over with! You know parade I mean. That Memorial Day parade, where we had to stand for what seemed like HOURS in hot sun all dressed in our clean and pressed Girl Scout uniforms, while some unknown dignitary spoke volumes about unknown soldiers and fallen comrades. How boring it all was to a ten-year-old girl. And, what did all of that have to do with me? In wake of September 11th, (2001), I see evidence every day that brings to life that unknown dignitary's words. It may be bravery I see in faces of those who now face disaster, as they enter burning and crumbling buildings. It may be pride I feel when I see my young granddaughter rise and place her hand over her heart whenever and where ever she hears "The Star Spangled Banner" being played. Memorial Day now holds such a different definition. We are living in a changed world, and it took a great shock to our nation for us to realize just how changed it has become. Patriotism has been reborn! In our small New Hampshire town, every pick-up truck worth its name flies 'Old Glory'. It is no longer considered 'corny' to stop and be silent as National Anthem is being played at sporting events. Even high school senior class has changed its class colors to red, white and blue.
| | TINY GREEN THUMBS Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Gardening is considered one of America's greatest pastimes. People enjoy going out and communing with nature. They like feel of earth between their fingers and excitement of seeing tiny sprouts and plants opening up to drink in sunshine and warmth. It just makes you feel good inside. How about letting your child experience joys of gardening? No matter where you live, you can introduce gardening and miracle of plant life to your child. They will thrill to see their seeds sprout and grow. That very first strawberry, pickle, or parsley leaf will bring true delight and amazement to them. You would be instilling in your child a love of nature, an appreciation for life, and knowledge that with a little work and care, you can grow food, flowers, and other things of beauty. Begin with small, fast-growing plants. A child's attention span is still limited so long, slow growth may lose its appeal. Strawberry plants are a perfect way to introduce your child to wonder of how that ruby-red berry in his/her cereal grew. A small patch of ground that will allow plant to grow and spread its "fingers" will amaze your child with each day's accomplishments. Then when that first flower appears, prospect of a strawberry grows, and then finally that first berry becomes a reality. Aw, taste of first berry you ever grew contains untold feelings of victory.
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