Feb

25

Ash Wednesday, the Beginning of Lent, a Time of Repentance

Posted by Pennie

February 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Today is Ash Wednesday, when the somber ceremony of marking a cross on the forehead in ashes is celebrated all over the world. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent with only 46 more days until Easter.
Marking the forehead of the faithful in a cross-shape made of ashes symbolizes repentance. The ashes are traditionally [...]

Feb

24

Mardi Gras, The Feast Before the Fast

Posted by Pennie

February 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Today, February 24th, is Mardi Gras which is French for Fat Tuesday, supposedly the last day for indulging before the somber weeks of Lenten fasting begin with Ash Wednesday. Also known as Shrove Tuesday in some areas, Mardi Gras is always a big deal in New Orleans and has been ever since French settlers landed [...]

Feb

23

Monday!

Posted by Pennie

February 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Well, here it is Monday again. As a retired Empty Nester, however, the thought of Monday doesn’t send a chill down my spine like it used to. Now it’s just the start of another week in Paradise, doing pretty much what we want, when we want.
Oh, there are ocassional things we have to do [...]

Feb

22

Happy Birthday, President Washington

Posted by Pennie

February 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment

In February, there are several birthdays of people important to America’s past. Today is the birthday of George Washington, our first President.
George was born in 1732 and died on December 14, 1799, of a disease almost unknown today, epiglottitis, which is an infection of the small tissue flap at the back of the throat. Thanks [...]

Feb

20

Six Ways to Get Fit on a Budget

Posted by Pennie

February 20, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Well, Empty Nesters, if you’re having to tighten your belt (forgive the pun) here are a few budget conscious ways to get fit:
1. Use Workout Videos. You’ll pay one price and have the video to use whenever you want. Or you could rent it first to see if it’s really what you want before you [...]

Feb

15

Happy Birthday, Susan B. Anthony

Posted by Pennie

February 15, 2009 | 4 Comments

Today, February 15th, is the birthday of a great American woman who fought most of her life to get American women the right to vote. Born in 1820, the oldest of seven children, she could read and write at the age of three. Fifty-two years later, in 1872, she became the first American woman to [...]

Feb

13

Paraskevidekatriaphobics–Huh?

Posted by Pennie

February 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Well, Empty Nesters, are you a Paraskevidekatriaphobic? If you are, today was probably not a great day for you. Paraskevidekatriaphobics is a morbid or irrational fear of Friday the 13th. Who’da thunk it?
Well if you have this, you’re apparently not alone, since it is estimated that between $800 and $900 million in business is lost [...]

Feb

12

Survivor Returns!

Posted by Pennie

February 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Hi, Empty Nesters. I just discovered last night that Survivor has its first episode of the new season TONIGHT!! I could have missed it! So if you’re a Survivor fan, maybe you already knew this but if you didn’t know, get ready.
There’s a great Survivor site here where you can see who the new [...]

Feb

11

Losing Weight as a Family or How to Make Your Family Hate You in Five Easy Steps

Posted by Pennie

February 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment

I just came across this article on how to “make weight loss a family affair.” They give these helpful tips (which include some comments by yours truly):
1. TIP: Discuss your goals.
Although they do suggest doing some fun stuff like going roller skating and canoeing, I have a hard time thinking a family with young children [...]

Feb

10

High Numbers or Low Numbers?

Posted by Pennie

February 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment

We play golf quite a bit, my husband more than me, but what golfers aim for is a LOW score. Now we also play Euchre and what you’re going for is a HIGH score. Now I’m going to give you some more numbers and we’ll determine if we want HIGH or LOW scores. Here we [...]

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