MAY 2022

The saying above by Thumper the rabbit is one of my favorite sayings. I think he said "My mama told me, 'if you can't say nuffin' nice don't say nuffin' at all.'" My Mother gave me lots of great advice and yours probably did as well.  But did we listen?  We celebrate our Mothers this month, and when I think of my Mother I think of flowers - she loved to garden. I think of delicous food - she was a fantastic cook. And I think of her gentle spirit.  I dedicated my most recently published book to her memory, and the title of the book is Gentleness. [You may order from Amazon. I think you would enjoy. I loved writing it.] We need more gentleness in this world I believe. People all around us seem angry, afraid, confused, and depressed.  We need to be gentle in our spirits when dealing with others. Try a little kindness. When it would be so easy to lose our tempers and snap back, retaliate, or speak unkind words - let's try to think before we speak or act and try a little gentleness. Gentleness doesn't mean weak - it really takes strength to remain calm and in control when all around there may be chaos. 

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Proverbs 15:1

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24

"Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]."

Colossians 3:12 (AMP)  

"A Mother's love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain."

-Helen Steiner Rice

In May, strawberries ripen in West Tennessee where I live, and they are sweet and delicious. The following recipe sounds yummy to me, and I hope you will enjoy.

Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Tacos

2 tablespoons butter

6 flour tortillas (6 inch)

1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup vanilla yogurt

1 3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

In large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon butter on medium to low heat.

Add 1 tortilla - cook each side until light golden color. (1 to 2 minutes)

Transfer tortilla to wire rack to cool.

Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Beat together cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon. Slowly mix in yogurt until blended well. Spread tortillas with mixture. Top with strawberries.

You may also use low-fat ingredients to make this more healthy.

It's always good to use local fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible in our diets. May is the month when gardeners get busy.  My yard doesn't have enough sun to grow a vegetable garden, but I do love to grow shade plants and flowers. I have started working in the yard, soaking in some vitamin D, breathing in fresh spring air, and getting a bit of exercise from the garden work.  

Mixture for Chemical Free Weed Control:

1 gallon vinegar

1 cup table salt

1 teaspoon dish washing soap

Mix well, and spray on weeds to kill  them.  Try to get mixture just on the weeds, not on the soil so much. 

We honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Military each Memorial Day, which is the last Monday in May each year.  This year Memorial Day falls on May 30th. 

Let us be thankful to those who served our country and sacrificed for our freedom. We may not agree with everything our government does; however, we can still show respect and honor for our military - those who gave the most for our freedom.

"This country will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

-Elmer Davis

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."

-Unknown

"I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it's marked by the blood of those who died defending it."

-John Thune

"The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude."

-Jeff Miller

"God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with the light from above. From the mountains to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam. God bless America, my home sweet home. God bless America, my home sweet home."

-Irving Berlin

I love to hear from you. You may e-mail me at sandykwright@yahoo.com