A Wedding With Whimsy May 31, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Humor, People.comments closed
When my niece got married in December, the ceremony included more than a few touches of whimsy.
From sunglasses . . .
And silly poses . . .
To the groom’s cake . . .
The Bride and Groom included touches designed to give guests a grin . . .
Because as we all know, life is better with laughter!
Aah . . . that’s better!
More Garden Magic May 29, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Home & Garden, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
As we toured the parks, especially Epcot, we paused to admire the gardens and topiaries.
Here’s Tigger giving an impromptu pep talk to passers-by . . .
We always enjoy his Tiggeriffic enthusiasm.
And here’s Rabbit harvesting carrots for dinner . . .
While Piglet catches a ride on Eeyore’s back . . .
And Pooh holds fast to the string of his ephemeral balloon . . .
Near the entrance, we watched Donald marching Huey, Dewey, and Louie off for garden chores.
And we noticed that Figment’s got a primo viewing spot to enjoy the Spring gardens.
On the other side of the lagoon, Timon and Pumba espouse the notion of Hakuna Matata . . .
No worries!
Unless you sneak up behind Pumba’s behind and get a whiff of you don’t wanna know what!
And my favorite . . . Lady and the Tramp about to share a plate of spaghetti in Italy.
Aah . . . that’s better!
When You Wish . . . Watch Out! May 27, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Joke.comments closed
A married couple in their early 60s are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant.
Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table. She said, “For being such an exemplary married couple and for being loving to each other for all this time, I will grant you each a wish.”
The wife answered, “Oh, I want to travel around the world with my darling husband.”
The fairy waved her magic wand and *poof!* two tickets for the Queen Mary II appeared in her hands.
The husband thought for a moment: “Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again. I’m sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me.”
The wife, and the fairy, were deeply disappointed, but a wish is a wish!
So the fairy waved her magic wand and *poof!* the husband became 92 years old.
The moral of this story:
Men who are ungrateful bastards should remember fairies are female.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Source: E-mail from unknown author (sent by Joe M.)
How Much Is That Camel In The Window? May 25, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
At Epcot, the first country we visited in the World Showcase was Morocco.
We decided to eat at the Tangierine Cafe.
We ordered a vegetarian lunch of hummus, falafel, couscous, olives, lentil salad, tabbouli, and pita.
Everything was delicious!
After lunch, we poked our noses into the four corners of the bazaar.
While admiring the African vibe.
I never could resist a camel wearing a fez.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Take An Aspirin & Call 911 May 23, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, People.comments closed
Last week, I received an e-mail about heart attacks that seemed to contain ample doses of both Fact & Fiction.
Not sure which was which, I headed round to Snopes.com to see whether they had “the 411” on heart attacks.
They did. From Aspirin and Heart Attacks:
In 1993 the American Heart Association began recommending a 325 mg aspirin dose at the onset of chest pain or other symptoms of a severe heart attack. That bit of advice is going unheeded, though; a follow-up report published in 1997 shows as many as 10,000 American lives a year could be saved if more people who thought they were having heart attacks took an aspirin at the start of chest pains.
Bottom line, if you think it’s a heart attack:
- Call 911
- Chew an aspirin
- Keep breathing
Aah . . . that’s better!
Best In Show May 20, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
We went to an antique car show at Gamble Plantation to check out some classy classic cars . . .
We loved this bright blue retro VW . . .
And this blast from the past . . .
We saw several amusing entries . . .
And a funky fire truck complete with boat awning . . .
Allowing passengers to enjoy the view along with a refreshing beverage. . .
But only one car got our vote for Best In Show . . .
Aah . . . that’s better!
Mexican Folk Art May 17, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Art & Photography.comments closed
At Epcot, in the Mexican Pavilion, we checked out the Mexican Folk Art Gallery.
I loved this Zebra, even if it was sitting down on the job . . .
And we admired the prickly personality of this porcupine . . .
We adored these two Billy Goats . . .
And got a kick out of Chicken Little and his best bud crowing about the sky falling . . .
Some of the art seemed more fanciful than others. Let’s hope these two dudes exist only in the artist’s over-active imagination . . .
Or Chicken Little will really have something to crow about!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Language Delays in Children May 15, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, Less IS More, People.comments closed
Smartphones do not create smart kids.
Just the opposite ~> early use of screen devices may cause language delays in kids.
In a new study of nearly 900 children between six months and two years old, researchers found that those who spent more time using handheld devices were more likely to have delays in expressive speech, compared to children who didn’t use the devices as much.
For every 30 minutes of screen time, there was a 49% increased risk of expressive speech delay. The research, which was led by pediatricians at the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada, was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies.
The researchers say they did not find any effect of screen time on other communication skills, such as gesturing, body language or social interactions. But the effect on speech is worth investigating.
After all, why bother learning to talk when you can just press a button?
Now, step away from the Smartphone!
Unless, of course, you want to prove the adage: “Monkey see . . . Monkey do.”
Aah. . . that’s better!
To read more: Kids Who Use Smartphones Start Talking Later
Have I Got A Travel Deal For YOU! May 13, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Less IS More, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
Earlier this month, I received an unsolicited travel brochure for an upcoming 12-day trip to the Arctic Circle.
By booking immediately, we could get 50% off the published rate!
Wow!
I decided to check out the savings . . . because I love BOGO offers at Publix.
Anyway, I clicked through and found that the price depended upon your desired cabin accoutrements.
Makes sense.
But that’s when sense turned into nonsense.
Even the least expensive cabin was ridiculously expensive.
No way am I spending $2,333 – $3,666 PER DAY to freeze my ass off!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Press The *PAUSE* Button May 11, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.comments closed
The myriad of challenges we face in our lives can create agitation and anxiety in our thoughts, crowding out feelings of peace and happiness.
When we take a few minutes to press the *pause* button, our calm center returns . . . and with it our feelings of love and gratitude for all the drops of good in our lives.
When we remember who we are at the core, our days overflow with peace, kindness, love, and contentment.
And we stop struggling with the current of life and enter its flow.
Want to dive in to the flow of life? Enjoy the calming cadence of Val’s recent post: Haiku – Notice
Aah . . . that’s better!