Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 26,2010

Sometimes we get so busy we forget to stop and remember what is really important. We are approaching one of those times. The long Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer season and, for many, the ending of the school year. It is a weekend filled to the brim with parties, picnics, sporting events, and short road trips with the family. All of these activities are great fun but they are not what Memorial Day should represent. The holiday is intended as a time to honor the men and women who have died while in the United States military service. The brave people who have fought and fallen so that the rest of us have the luxury of parties, picnics, etc.

In the midst of all the rush everyone needs to pause and remember our departed military protectors. If you have a family member who falls into this category consider including items from their military service on your evacuation list. I once saw a strong grown man reduced to tears after he realized that he had left his deceased father's flag and medals behind during an evacuation. We should all make the necessary preparations so his painful mistake will not be repeated.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Younger Friends

Wednesday May 19, 2010

Fate has conspired to both bless and curse me with considerably younger girlfriends. Of course this age difference often makes things difficult. The energy these younger friends have is impressive. When we exercise together they are running while I am walking. I am sure you get the picture.

However lately something has changed in my younger friends lives. Frankly, they haven't been looking quite so young and fresh. Indeed it is fair to say that their appearance would have to be placed in the exhausted and haggard category. Like mothers everywhere they are all trying to survive the end-of-the-school-year sprint. This is an extreme sport requiring strength, patience, endurance, and advanced multitasking skills. There are no first place winners in this sport. Instead there are a group of survivors who after the dance recital, the final t-ball game, and the last end-of-year class party come together to bond and exchange war stories over a glass of wine (also known as mommy juice). God bless them all for running the good race!

I have decided to over look my petty jealousy that they are younger, thinner, and nicer than me and give them a little hint to make their lives easier. You will need a 10x13" envelope. As you are emptying out the contents of your children backpacks or clearing off the pile of school papers and photos on your kitchen counter choose some school work, drawings, and photos which represent each of your children. Now place these items into the envelope and mail it for safe keeping to a trusted friend who lives outside of your area. If you ever have to evacuate it will be a great comfort to know that you already have some precious memories stored someplace safe.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

"Will Our Luck Hold?"

Thursday May 6, 2010

I live in paradise. Really, I do. My paradise is also known as Destin, Florida. Destin is a little city on the Gulf of Mexico which is blessed with sunny skies, sugar white beaches, and sparkling emerald waters. My community started out as a collection of fishing camps and, to this day, fishing has remained the heart and soul of the area. For generations the beautiful Gulf waters have provided abundant fresh seafood to residents and visitors alike. Destin has long proclaimed itself to be the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village". Ever since the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill I have been worried about the impact on my home. I wonder, "Will Destin's luck hold?"

For over two weeks 200,000 gallons of oil a day has been pouring from the well into our Gulf waters. No one seems to know what caused this explosion (which claimed 11 lives) or when the gushing oil flow can be stopped. In the meantime, the spill area has become massive and just continues to grow. As this environmental disaster slowly but steadily makes its way towards land, everyone is holding their breath to see which areas will be the most impacted.

It is important to realize that there is a very real possibility that some coastal residents will have to evacuate due to diminishing air quality. I am urging anyone with sensitive respiratory conditions living along the Gulf Coast to start making preliminary evacuation preparations.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com