May Newsletter

Issue 2

May, 2022

In Flanders Fields        — John McCraeIn Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place, and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below

PONDER THISYou're in a dark, freezing room with a candle,a wood stove, and a gas lamp.You only have one match.What do you light first? (ANSWER AT BOTTOM)

NANCY’S INK 

     May 30, Memorial Day, which for most marks the start of summer fun. I wonder if the true meaning of this day, taking time to remember and honor all those who lost their lives while serving our country, becomes lost in this long weekend holiday.  The small flags and hanging banners are not just fluttering frills to celebrate the beginning of summer. The colors at half-staff do not signal a reminder to shop for holiday bargains at the mall, nor is taps a signal to light the charcoal on the grill.  In 1866, this holiday began as Decoration Day, when grieving families who lost their sons and loved ones to the Civil War gathered to decorate their graves. It was to pay honor to those lost while the memories of that war were still freshly raw and painful. Does everyone realize that the bits of red paper formed into poppies resemble the real vibrant blossoms among the rows upon rows of crosses in Flanders and are in memory of yet another generation who died in the horrors of WWI?   WWI was supposed to be “the war to end all wars,” yet it seems we just can’t get it right. Most towns have parades and lay wreaths, but do the young marchers realize that the freedoms they enjoy today were earned by men and women not much older than themselves whose memories we should hold sacred on this day?—Excerpt from WELL DONE, A WWII Memoir

  Q. Is it true that itchy, flaky skin is a sign that you should add more oil to your cat’s diet? A. No, some causes are fleas, mites, maggots, ticks, lice, food allergies or irritant or allergy contact dermatitis.   Take kitty to see your veterinarian.

  NO MOW MAY

    Bees are facing catastrophic declines. Nearly one in four native bee species is imperiled due to habitat loss, pesticide use and urbanization. We’re losing not just honeybees (which are European imports), but our native bees, such as bumble bees, mining bees and sweat bees.  A movement has begun, copied from the British (known for horticulture,) to leave our lawns alone for the month of May, and allow yellow dandelions, sweet violets, clover blossoms and blossoms from seeds birds may have dropped, to provide early spring food for bees emerging from hibernation.  It’s only April and along with the yellow dandelions, I see various violets, clover blossoms, lovely white blossom I can’t identify along with some pretty purple “somethings.”   Does it matter what the name is? They’re flowers, they’re pretty, it’s spring and the bees are feeding on them before gardens are in bloom.   Quite honestly, it has become fun to go out and see what new blossoming weed has sprung up each day. Far more interesting than counting blades of grass!

Tuna Spread with CapersServes 8 –10 Two 61/2-ounce cans Italian style tuna in olive oil3 tablespoons capers8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature 

1. Drain tuna

2. Put tuna, capers and butter in a food processor or blender and whip to a creamy consistency.

 Serve at room temperature as a spread with crackers or small toasts.This is quick, easy and makes a memorable aperitive. Doll up the top with strips of red pepper or olives if you wish.

THE CREATIVE LIFE

  I met Charles years ago when he helped this computer dummy. Much to my surprise, I found he had a second talent. That of a very modest, talented photographer who has a great eye for depicting what we see and pass every day as mini pieces of art and reflection. Spoken Word Photo by Charles ClatonCharles is a big city kid turned small town adult -- an amateur screenwriter and professional dyslexic, figuring it out one bicycle ride, one iPhone photograph and one long digital-diary entry at a time.  SITE: https://www.instagram.com/charlesclayton_/

A FAVOR –– POR FAVOR  🌺Please help build my newsletter and my book sales. Share this email with your friends. They can easily sign up by clicking the button below or visiting my website at https://nancyhungerford.com

CHAT OR BE NEXT MONTHS CREATIVE PERSON?Email to [email protected]. Indicate subject as: LIFELOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. ANSWER TO PONDER THIS: The match.

SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Email to [email protected].

Indicate subject as:

LIFE newsletter.

“Be The Goat in a World of Sheep.”

Nancy Hungerford

Author + observer of people, nature, and stuff.