Good Living 123

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.

“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!

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.

In 1803, the U.S. bought most of Wyoming from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The Cowboy State became the 44^th 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 10^th 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.

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.

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.

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!