Ups & Downs & All-Arounds

June 6th is an annual date on which we salute one of the world’s oldest and most enduring toys. Not to “string” you along, the yo-yo is iconic.

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Savoring Spring

I am greatly enjoying the last weeks of Spring with so many lovely flowers in bloom.

 

 

 

 

We mow many acres of lush lawns and meadows.

 

 

 

I repeatedly marvel at our fruit trees, and I had to remove more than half the plums from their branches to avoid breaking the boughs as they ripen and plump up.

 

 

Blueberries are plentiful and just about to burst into blue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blackberries are both in bloom and bulging with fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

And I have been harvesting luscious raspberries for several days now.

 

 

 

 

Tomato plants have already stretched up to my shoulders!

 

 

 

 

Baby birds of all sorts flit about gleefully, having recently left their nests.

 

 

 

 

Spring. Hope. Life. Nature. Miracles.

 

 

 

 

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Hope Lives

Photo by Joshua Earle

“I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.”

— Benjamin Disraeli (1804 – 1881)
British statesman, conservative politician, and writer;
Twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

 

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Positivity

 

“In times of great stress or anxiety, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”

Lee Iacocca (1924 – 2019)
American executive & automotive pioneer

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Thinking Is Not Overrated

“When uncontrolled, your mind can be very dangerous to you, but when controlled, it can develop unlimited power.”

— Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993)
American clergyman and best-selling author
(from his book The Power of Positive Thinking)

 

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Calmness Counts

“You can’t always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside.”

— Wayne Dyer (1940-2015)
American author

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Smile Power

“A smile can open a heart faster than a key can open a door.”

This common saying reflects on more than a mere ability to open a door. It indicates the chance for a positive attitude. No matter what the task… no matter what the anxiety, we fare better when we learn to respond to life positively. Mom taught me this when I was a mere brat child, as she calmly stated… repeatedly, “You can make your bed with a frown, or you can make your bed with a smile, but you will make your bed.” I’m still smiling!

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Patience, Pleeeease

 

“Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.”

— Plautus (c254 BC – 184 BC)
Roman playwright

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And the Reason Is…

 

“A person usually has two reasons for doing something: a good reason and the real reason.” 

— Thomas Carlyle (1795 – 1881)
Scottish historian and essayist

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Memorial Day

A deeply heartfelt thank you on this Memorial Day to all our fallen heroes and their families. We honor the ultimate sacrifices made in securing and protecting our American freedoms.

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Smoke Screen

 

“Whenever ‘A’ attempts by law to impose his moral standards upon ‘B’, ‘A’ is most likely a scoundrel.”

— H.L. Mencken (1880 – 1956)
American journalist, editor, and cultural critic

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National Wyoming Day

In 1803, the U.S. bought most of Wyoming from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The Cowboy State became the 44th state in 1870.

 

 

 

One year earlier, the Wyoming Territory led the nation and world in granting women the right to vote, later earning it the nickname of the Equality State.

 

 

 

Here we can follow the trails of both dinosaurs and cowboys.

 

 

 

 

One notorious outlaw, Harry Longabaugh earned the nickname “Sundance Kid” after being jailed for horse theft in Sundance, Wyoming.

 

 

The word Wyoming comes from the Delaware Indian language meaning “on the great plain.” The 10th largest state by land mass also has the lowest population of any US State, last tallied at under 580,000 people.

 

 

It’s tallest point is the 13,809-foot tall Gannett Peak.

 

 

 

Known for the spectacular views throughout the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming is a nature lover’s paradise.

 

 

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has the largest continuous vertical rise of any ski resort in the US with 4,139 feel of elevation to the top of the tram.

 

 

The Devil’s Tower, the first national monument in the US, soars as a giant rock tower, seemingly rising out of nowhere.

 

 

 

 

Wyoming also boasts the nation’s first national park. Yellowstone is located on top of a volcanic hot spot, creating its famed geysers… plus mammoth hot springs.

 

 

Numbering over 1,000, the largest herd of bison under federal management calls Wyoming home. The American buffalo is the official state animal.

 

 

 

Speaking of numbers, the National Elk Refuge is home to almost 9,000 elk.

 

Photo by Jeffrey S. Pippen

 

 

 

And the official state insect is the beautiful Sheridan’s green hairstreak butterfly.

 

 

 

 

Wyoming also has about 40% of the nation’s coal supply and one of the world’s largest coal mines.

 

 

Renowned for its wide-open spaces and wild west history, Wyoming is one of only 3 states with borders defined by straight lines.

 

 

 

 

One little-known fact is that long-time Yankees and Red Sox announcer Curt Gowdy hails from Wyoming.

 

 

 

Another? The state’s popular bison burger has fewer calories and more protein than other red meats.

 

 

 

 

It’s also believed that white water rafting originated here on the Snake River in 1811.

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Slow It Down

Painted turtle photo by Mark Olsen

 

 

Don’t be stuck in the past… Carry it with you just as the turtles do. For 25 years, May 23 has marked World Turtle Day.

 

 

 

 

Hawaiian sea turtle photo by Allec Gomes

 

 

 

Both celebration and reminder, it’s a “call to reflect on the lives of turtles and tortoises.” These calm and enduring creatures have roamed the land and sea for 200 million years.

 

 

 

Tortoise photo by Dusan Vedverkolvg

 

 

They move slowly, but positively impact entire food chains. This is simply a day to quietly care.

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Persistence Counts

If you ever feel like you want to give up, think of all the little things that have made you smile… Hang on and live for those things.

Just my thoughts today about persistence and never giving up.

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Be Richly Blessed

 

“Hope is the best part of our riches.”

— Christian Nevell Bovee (1820 – 1904)
American epigrammatic writer

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Springing Gleefully

 

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”

— Hal Borland (1900 – 1978)
American writer & journalist

 

 

I feel mightily blessed to be surrounded by gorgeous flowers and fruits that seem to be literally singing with spring happiness.

 

 

 

From the Japanese dogwood, hardy geraniums, and mountain laurel…

 

 

 

 

…to the baby grapes, blueberries, plums, and so much more.

 

 

 

 

They all make me feel very much alive with wonder!

 

 

 

 

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Greatful for Gardeners

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

— Marcel Proust (1871 – 1922)
French novelist & literary critic

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Bonfire Away!

Friendship is another word for love.

 

Thanks to everyone who shared our bonfire celebration last night!

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Ah, Friendship

“Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm & constant.”

—Socrates (c 470 – 399 BC)
Greek philosopher

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International Peace

Photo by Alonso Reyes

 

Celebrate the International Day of Living Together in Peace by practicing and promoting peace, tolerance, understanding, and solidarity. Divisiveness and negativity have no place. Let’s embrace differences and show genuine respect. Only together can we make this a reality.

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You Are More than Good Enough

“A person who tells you that you are not good enough knows that you are better than they are.”

— Cathy Burnham Martin (1954 – )
Author, voiceover artist, and dedicated foodie; from her 2017 book & audiobook “The Bimbo Has Brains… and Other Freaky Facts”

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Making Progress

 

“No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.”

— Victor Hugo (1802 – 1885)
French author, playwright, and politician

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International Hummus Day

For International Hummus Day, I bring you a colorful treat for anytime… from Spring to Christmas! Originally planned as a sort of brunch toast, I have served my Super Simple Beet Hummus Avocado Toasts as tapas with superb response!

Super Simple Beet Hummus Avocado Toast
This makes a great vegetarian breakfast or lunch entrée. Or cut your toast in quarters and enjoy a colorful tapas treat.

4 oz zesty lemon hummus (or plain or other preferred flavor)
4 oz canned, cooked beets, coarsely cut up
Salt & pepper
4-6 slices whole-grain, nutty bread
1-2 ripe avocados, pits removed; pulp sliced & spritzed with lime juice
½ c seeds, such as pepita, sunflower, and sesame (or all 3)

Combine hummus, beets, lemon zest & juice. Process with an immersion blender till smooth. Season with salt & pepper to suit your taste. Place bread on 6 small serving plates. Spread each with a thick layer of beetroot hummus. Arrange avocado slices atop the hummus. Sprinkle with seeds. Serve. Makes 4-6 slices.

KISS Tips: For non-vegetarians, layer in some succulent, cooked bacon bits between the hummus and the avocado. This is so colorful; it also makes a splendid Christmas recipe.

 

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National Provider Appreciation Day

Bravo to all providers, whether professional or heartfelt. National Provider Appreciation Day reminds us to share gratitude with anyone who helps those who need it. This may be in keeping a roof over someone’s head and food on the table… or providing positive education to help others become their very best selves… or serving as a caretaker for someone else who desperately needs that patient, steadfast, calm support. These are all selfless acts of love that too often go unnoticed. If you are one of these providers, thank you, most sincerely.

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Salute to All Mothers

Photo by Liv Bruce

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all loving mothers everywhere, and to all who have mothered those who have needed such love. Believe in the beauty and healing power of love.

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Add to Life

“We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life.”

— William Osler (1849 – 1919)
Canadian physician and founding professor of Johns Hopkins Hospital

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Thank You

 

“The only people I owe my loyalty to are those who never made me question theirs.”

— Anonymous

 

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Lemon Time

 

Ahhhhh… National Lemonade Day.

Enjoy a refreshing glass of cool citrus, pause, and rejoice.

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Wisdom, Please

 

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”

— Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)
British philosopher, mathematician, and Nobel laureate

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Bravo to All Involved!

 

Congratulations Xanthi Russell, Miss New Hampshire 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

The entire program was splendid, and everyone involved in making that production happen should be very proud.

 

 

 

It was my humble honor to be in attendance and celebrate my 50th anniversary of being selected to represent the Granite State on the Miss America stage. Sooooo fun reuniting with so many of my fellow Forever Miss NH sisters!

 

 

Best wishes to Xanthi for a splendiferous year!

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Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Mexican victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla.

Today we also celebrate National Enchilada Day. Enjoy!

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Shhhhhhhhh…

“Listen now to the gentle whispers of hope.”

— Charles D. Brodhead (1827 – 1913)
Postmaster and served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1859 – 1861

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50th Anniversary

Photo by Frank Kelly

 

Best wishes for dreams to come true for all the ladies in the Miss New Hampshire and Miss New Hampshire’s Teen programs this evening.

In the spirit of pageant week, I join my Forever Miss New Hampshire sisters and post my official Frank Kelly photo from 1975. Yup… 50 years ago.

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Live, Baby!!!

Photo by Daniel Mirlea

 

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

— Mae West (1893 – 1980)
American actress and singer

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Be Wise

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.”

— James Oppenheim (1882 – 1932)
American poet, novelist, and editor

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Yay, Bugs Bunny!

“What’s up doc?” For a little pop culture fun, be a little “Looney Tunes” and celebrate National Bugs Bunny Day.

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Wishing

 

For World Wish Day, I make this wish.

With all my heart and soul I wish for compassion, caring, and peace.

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Freedom is a Blessing Worthy Defending

Photo by Sulmanry Saavedra

 

 

“Freedom is never given; it is won.”

— A. Phillip Randolph (1889 – 1979)
American civil rights activist

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Faith Is Forever

“I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not to these little gods that are here today and gone tomorrow, but to God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968)
American Baptist minister & civil rights activist

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Believe and Carry Forward

Photo by Gary Walker Jones

Sometimes resilience is our very best friend. Embrace it and hold your head up. People may treat us poorly… repeatedly. Perhaps they do not know any better. Perhaps they are working out the trauma in their own head. Stay the course. You are worthy.

“I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.”

— Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014)
American poet and activist

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