323- SMART REMINDERS For YOU!...And ME!....

a) Pull down gasoline receipt slip before pulling off!...someone can find numbers!
b) A "THANK YOU!"...join me in beginning a revolution of manners when someone DESERVES it!
c) DEER have the right away, no matter what you think!
d) FRESH plump blueberries are IN this summer...test one or three to see if they're sweet...if not, politely take back to market...and they're cheaper, too, now!
e) Mosquitoes are OUT!....
f) Cantalopes (mushmellons) are IN...and cheaper, also! If you want one that is still chilled, leave out on counter for a spell. And how do you know if one is ripe? Press slightly with a thumb on the end with the little round spot! Need to get the one that slightly gives. Also, thump it! If it is firm, not ripe, will be "hard" inside and not produce a slightly hollow sound. How did I learn this? Worked during high school at a local supermarket, learning all aspects of the grocery business, including what a wise produce guy who taught me the secrets to choosing veggies and fruit! Even worked in the meat dept. for a spell one summer. Manager trusted me, too, to tell him if a pissant had hidden something with the intent of stealing it....ha, the things you learn working in a grocery store.
g) BANANAS...more than one is a bunch. ONE banana is a FINGER! My grandfather told me about the early little town markets that bought huge bunches of bananas from the incoming South American ships. Market owner would hang them outside, when not cold, his store. Customers would walk by and pull off bunches to buy. And the bestest way to "open" a banana? Start at the opposite end with the crooked stem...opens easier and quicker, every time! Ripe 'nanners containt more sugar, by the way. Anyone like homemade banana puddin' or banana cream pie? That's a double YUMMY!!
h) "Turn the lights off in a room when you leave," my father insisted at home when I was a munchkin. When I began having to pay the electric bill, I understood!
i) Buy an inexpensive hummingbird feeder (diner)! Their antics and dive bombing you if you're too close will delight! AND, during the hot summer months, they NEED the "juice". And whup up your own brew: 4 parts water to 1 part sugar (4 cups of water/1 cup of sugar). Be sure to bring to a boil for a couple of minutes in a pot or pan. LET COOL IN SINK!! I use a quart jar, sealed, and store ahead in fridge. PLEASE rinse out feeder, with hot sink water, each time BEFORE you fill again! Remember to treat the miniature "'copters" as if they were a member of your family 'cause they are for a few months in the warm months.
After a spell, I hear and feel them zoom up near the feeder (diner) and stare at me, face to face. And, if they're really thirsty and see me, they will really zoom through the porch VERY CLOSE....but missing me! "Leave!" they're thinking? By the way, they usually arrive the last of March or early April and stay until September or so.
j) Remember to make a cool Smoothie a bunch of times during the summer. If you feel really adventurous, throw, in the blender, some fresh blueberries, watermelon (sans seeds), cantalope (sans seeds), strawberries and a bit of moo juice, some cracked ice in the blender all together. DO NOT ADD SUGAR! Oh mi ga, they're sooooo good and refreshing!
k) Blueberries II..."wild" ones are those tiny ones and cost more...maybe not as sweet. Those larger, plump ones are the domesticated kind. You decide....
l) Wanna feel better at bedtime and sleep better? Take a quick, slightly chilly shower this summer...or try a warm one...your choice.
m) Purchase a new T-shirt or sweatshirt? Look down...have you ever left that stick-on "large" tag on and walk out and about "showing it off"? I did, recently.
n) Do you act like a respectful and caring driver while out and about in traffic? Better yet, do you drive according to the Virginia laws? Only problem?...who else does, act respecful in our society?
o) Riding a bicycle? Did you know that there are bike laws?...that a bicyclist is required to use the SAME laws as a car driver???? I see them often riding right around a car at a light...riding two abreast...riding in and out of traffic...riding coming the wrong direction...riding on a sidewalk. Ignorance...or "I don't care!"? By the way, I am a bicyclist, too.
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