Trying to Get Rid of My Mother in Law

I'm trying to get rid of my mother in law. Not for forever... just for awhile. Today I came across YMT Vacations, a company that offers group tours at reduced rates for seniors. I keep telling her what a beautiful continent North America is, and that she should spend some time there.

She's been to the United States to visit, but she hasn't really seen its true beauty, as every other time she has gone she went to visit her children. When we lived in California and she came to visit, we took her down the coast to Big Sur, where we saw one of the few waterfalls that flow directly into the ocean. She was unimpressed, saying that there was a waterfall like this along the Garden Route in South Africa. But what of the trips to Hawaii and Alaska YMT Vacations has on offer? I asked her. She responded by saying that Alaska was far too cold and Hawaii far too hot for her tastes. She prefers the climate in the Cape and the scenery from her cottages in Cape Town and, looking out the window, can I really blame her?

I think I might tell my own parents about YMT Vacations, but they are not likely to go on vacation until my father decides to retire in a few years...

Corporate Responsibility in Difficult Times

It's nice to see that some bigger companies such as K-Designers have a heart, especially in such dire economic times as those in which we live. While other large corporations like AIG take gigantic federal hand-outs and in turn provide their employees with ever larger bonuses, K-Designers quietly does the right thing for all the communities in which they work.

Their efforts at community involvement are commendable. While it is understandable that they would donate their time and expertise to projects such as Habitat for Humanity and Seattle's Christmas in April, which involve remodeling - their area of expertise - the fact that they also contribute in ways that support schools, good health, children, and other noble causes is reason enough for K-Designers and their workforce to hold their heads high.

What it shows is that K-Designers is a good corporate citizen... and during these dark economic times, we need more companies like them.

Celebrating Mothers of the World Through Flowers

Flowers are the gift of choice for most mothers this Sunday, when most nations throughout the world will celebrate mothers of all ages. Mothers day is the day we honor those who brought us into this world, and it is also the day when husbands honor their wives who have given them children.

Flowers are fleeting, but you can make them last longer with a few simple tips. The longer these flowers last, the longer your special mother will remember the thought behind the gift. Keep flowers in a cool spot (18-22 degrees C), and keep them away from radiators, the tops of televisions or computers, out of direct sunlight, and away from fans. For flowers with woody stems, it is recommended that they be cut with sharp shears, which will make the flowers open. Leaves should not go below the water line, as this will promote bacterial growth.

Often flowers arrive in floral foam that is specifically designed to kill bacteria and nourish the flowers, so don't throw it out, and when it becomes cloudy, replace it. It is very important to follow directions about the floral food, however, as misuse can do more harm than good. Do all this, and your Mothers day flowers will last for days beyond the one set aside for mothers.