By Nancy Whitaker

IT IS HERE!

It is amazing how much better we feel physically and emotionally when the sun is shining. After what seemed to be a long, dreary winter, the appearance of sunshine has improved our moods, eased our aches and pains and made us feel good all over. At least we know that the elusive sunshine is paving the way for a nice hot summer.

In addition to birds chirping, flowers blooming and the appearance of those pesky ants, I look at some more things going on that lets me know, “Spring is in the air.”

By Nancy Whitaker

IS IT IN THE WATER?

How many products do you see on the market designed to help YOU look, feel, act and stay young?

I do believe that men as well as women are continuously looking for that magic tonic, pill, drink or powder which will reverse the aging process.

There are face creams to erase wrinkles, serums to make lips fuller and colored contacts to make eyes a different color.

There are gel nails, spray tans, false eyelashes, toupees, wigs, extensions to make our hair longer, lifts for shoes and surgery on selected places which could make a woman (or a man) look bigger or smaller.

By Nancy Whitaker

PAMPERED OR SPOILED?

Our dog, Baylee, is a spoiled little Shih Tzu. At age seven, he is still frisky and has became an important part of our family. Born with only one testicle, cross-eyed and with a double set of teeth, we fell in love with him at first sight.

At the time we got Baylee, we also had an old wiener dog named Brownie. Baylee and Brownie became best friends until Brownie hit age 19, became ill and left this earth for “Doggie Heaven.”

Since then, Baylee gets all of our attention and trust me, he knows it. He turns his nose up at his dog food almost daily and knows we may just share our dinner with him if he doesn’t eat his own.

By Nancy Whitaker

Sitting on the board

I was amazed to find out how many groups and organizations there are in Paulding County and how many are ran by a group of board members. In fact, there is a list of organizations in a public online report, which includes schools, churches, hospitals, mental health facilities, senior centers, health departments, nonprofit groups and many more entities where decisions are made by a board.

Sometimes a board of directors will have as many as 12 members or as few as three. Some board members are elected and get paid but the majority give of themselves and are volunteers.

If you are sitting on any type of a board, you must take the position very seriously and be familiar with group policies.

ONE A PENNY TWO A PENNY

One of the big treats at Easter time is all the different kinds of Easter candy. Some of them have been around for years and we never grow tired of them.

When my own kids were growing up, we used to wait until they were asleep and make up their Easter baskets and hide them. Those were the days.

By Nancy Whitaker

ME AND JACK SPRATT

It seems like since I am older, it takes me forever to go grocery shopping. I think I am just going to stop for a few items and it shouldn’t take that much time. Wrong!

Now, since I am older, it takes me quite a while to grocery shop, as I spend more time reading labels. My husband has to watch salt and sugar intake. We both have to watch fats as well as carbs and proteins.

If I read a label on something it may be low in sugar and fat, but high in sodium. If I find a food low in sodium, nine chances out of ten, it is high in carbohydrates. It seems as if our diet and menu has evolved into chicken, turkey and fish.

By Nancy Whitaker

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Most of us here at the office are organized; at least we think we are. When it comes to our desks and work stations, it is pretty much up to each of us as to what we want on and in our desks.

Of course there are the necessities we have such as paper clips, rulers, tape, scissors and rubber bands. Personally, I like keeping those items out on my desk, so I can have quicker access to them.

Of course, there is the phone, computer, and file folders on my desk which are items I use every day. I also see business cards, pens, pencils and a stapler. So far so good.

By Nancy Whitaker

PEAS PORRIDGE OR DEAD RINGER?

There are so many old sayings, beliefs and old wives tales which are passed down through the years, sometimes it is hard to distinguish fact from fiction.

I know there is probably some type of story as to how each of these old sayings got started, so I did some research on the topic. I was very surprised to find out some of the stories behind some of the old sayings so I thought I would ask you, “Did you know?”

By Nancy Whitaker

IN THE TRUNK

I am the first to admit it, I know nothing about the mechanics of a car. My main expertise is to put the key in it, press on the gas, shift the gears and go.

I am sure there are a lot of women who can check the oil, pump up the tires and put water in wherever it goes. I envy these ladies, because I am not even sure I would know how to get the hood up on a car. In other words, I am saying that if I had any car trouble, my only alternative would be to call someone who knew something about the internal and external workings of a vehicle. In other words, a repairman.

Now, in no way does that mean I don’t know how to drive. I think I am a good driver, at least I feel safe riding with myself. My husband and kids would probably beg to differ, but hey, their driving scares me, too.

By Nancy Whitaker

THE CRUISE FROM HELL

Sometimes a couple saves their money all their lives and wait until the kids are grown to take that perfect vacation. Perhaps, they want to go on a cruise to relax and enjoy the warm sun. Everyone dreams of sitting on a lounge chair on the deck soaking up rays and drinking cool drinks.

The food is promised to be the best you have ever eaten and luxurious surroundings will be right at your fingertips.

Personally, I have never had the desire to go on a cruise. First of all I don’t care for the sea or the ocean and getting my feet off of dry land scares me half to death.