Conversation 25

BROTHER’S DAY | May 24

Brother’s Day on May 24th honors the brothers in our lives. Whether we have one or many, they hold a special place in our hearts.

Even for those who don’t have one, someone in their life is usually like a brother to them. Brothers from other mothers are found in a best friend, a brother-in-law, or a cousin. They are the men in our lives we count on even when we don’t talk very often. We share memories, and challenges that frequently began with the phrase, “Watch this!” soon followed by a few stitches.

While minding their own business, they are also prepared to step in when necessary. That’s what brothers do.

Of course, they’ve been known to put toads on your head or gum in your hair. They may have been too cool for you once, too. Brothers come in many shapes and sizes and so do their relationships. Whatever yours is, take the time to celebrate your brother on Brother’s Day.

NATIONAL ROAD TRIP DAY

The Friday before Memorial Day is declared National Road Trip Day and serves as the official kickoff of the summer road trip season. Millions of Americans hit the road each year over the long weekend to visit friends and family, while paying tribute to our American heroes.

OFFICIAL DESTINATION FOR NATIONAL ROAD TRIP DAY 2023
National Day Calendar traveled to Pontiac, IL, to celebrate the Official Destination for National Road Trip Day 2023.

Americans are anxious to hit the road to kick off the summer road trip season. A recent surveys suggest an overwhelming majority prefer driving as the leading choice for reaching their summer destinations. According to The Vacationer, 80 percent of Americans are going to take a road trip this summer. In fact, most are making plans for Memorial Day weekend and plan on traveling by car.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, visiting family and friends, or making a business connection, road trips are often a rite of passage. National Road Trip day is about making this vacation season all about the journey to the destination.

Getting There
Road trips that begin and end with happy passengers are always the best. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Plan ahead. Even a spur of the moment trip requires planning. Two in five, or 42 percent of road trippers find travel apps very helpful when planning their trip. Mapping out your stops ahead of time can be a great way to save both time and money. The Pilot Flying J’s myRewards PlusTM app allows travelers to tailor their trip routes. In addition, the app helps travelers save on the go by showcasing specific amenities, fuel prices and more.
Vehicle maintenance is vital to any successful road trip. Beyond the routine maintenance, such as oil changes and sound tires, other simple checks will keep you on the road. Check your wipers and wiper fluid. Make sure your spare tire and jack are in place. Ensure all lights and signals are working. Look at the condition of your brake pads. Verify your car registration is current or not about to expire.
Plot your course. Consider construction, fuel and snack stops, shopping, and the interests of the other travelers. Prioritize your road trip for convenience and efficiency. About 58 percent of travelers want to stop at all-in-one rest stops that offer gas, food, drinks, coffee, bathrooms, and more. Grab your “road trip essential” snacks. These can include chips and salty foods, freshly made or grab-and-go foods, and fast food options.

NATIONAL COOLER DAY

What more could you need than a cold drink for the official launch of summer? Something to keep it cold, of course! National Cooler Day, the Friday before Memorial Day, makes staying cool easy this summer.

As simple as the design of a cooler may seem, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the first cooler or “portable icebox” made the scene. In fact, the material needed to make coolers didn’t even exist until 1944.

While we rely on coolers today to keep our food and beverages cold for various outdoor activities – they do so much more. Coolers save lives during disasters by carrying food (cold or hot) to areas affected by loss of power. Sporting events, fundraisers, and parades run more smoothly when volunteers bring their coolers along. They also keep medications at the proper temperature during shipping.

Of course, the combination of durable portability makes the cooler an essential tool in many ways. It is our spare seat, prep station, and umbrella anchor, too. Despite the wear and tear endured, they faithfully provide us with an ice-cold drink on a hot day – until the beverages run out.

Sheba, Happy 25! Do you feel young now? 🙂 25 Conversations threads is no easy task. You are amazing at it and wow so many years too. If your backyard looks like the picture then it is a beauty. The Hydrangea plant that I bought last year has one bloom appearing. I am thrilled it lived a year and hope it will start to really grow. I do have a 2nd one and if it lives will plant it soon. My blooms are pink. Still congested and a bit sick. Taking it easy and stayed in for the last 3 days. Glad you like Brentwood but if you go please don’t take your valuables. Just check the news and you’ll understand what I mean.
Have you or anyone you know hiked The Camino de Santiago? I am trying to talk my hubs into it but he isn’t crazy about the idea. My son said a woman where he works did it and she’s old like me. haha, actually she is a decade younger. All ages can do it though. Maybe Ms. Heidi will want to get her groupies to to it, oh i mean a group. haha. It looks fun to me. Why have I never heard of these things in my younger years? Well, guess I was busy working.
Have a great evening!

Oodie. thank you for the information about the ts pots. Please keep me posted on how they wear once being used. Just about everything is made in China. I get temu adds when playing the games here at HSN, and i do not plan to order from them.
You mentioned water issues and I wanted to let you know that quite a few years ago our water smelled heavily chlorinated. Whenever they work on the water system here, apparently they load it up with chlorine.
I bring a reusable water bottle when I hike (not the famous Stanley’s, guess i am not cool enough haha) and upon opening would smell the chlorine. We decided to filter the water dispenser on the refrigerator/freezer and I also bought a PUR Pitcher. The pitcher is easy to use and you can refill it easily. You also need to buy the purifier refills at any retail store. Maybe you have seen them, but if you have not it may help you. We also test our water and both filters work well.

@taci

The two pans are made well. When you look at them they are totally different from any other pan that food des not stick to. However, these are made in China and I did do some more exploring and asked tons of questions. Seems for now, most or all of the Hex Clad pots and pans are made in China. I checked my All Clad pots and pans and they are made in the USA, however these are all stainless steel. All Clad does use China, Germany and the United States for manufacturing and they do have the Hex Clad, but the price is out of sight.

According to what I have read, these pans can go into an oven up to 500 degrees. I’m not sure if I would trust these pans in 500 degree temps. People should be aware that the oven sometimes cooks at a higher temp. Safe to say 350 to maybe 400 would be OK. . Also, though the manufacturer says they are dishwasher safe, I would still wash by hand since most detergents are really harsh on any coating including stainless steel. I discarded all pots and pans that discolored or had pit marks as a result of using the dishwasher. The detergent used in the dishwasher is not the same as the one you use in cleaning by hand. I will be keeping these pans. Totally different from the ones purchased from Curtis Stone and is no where like the old Teflon either. It does not have the same surface as other pans I own. Cannot wait to give them a try since I enjoy stir frying.

I hope this has helped in some way. I will be picking up some freshly caught fish and will let you know how that comes out. I usually make my fish stove top. That’s so I do not over cook it. Different taste when it has not been frozen. Very sweet and moist.

@shoelady60,

Good evening just relax and rest. I love the Fawn in your yard. So glad it was safe. 💕

Glad you had a great day OZ is cooling off and it feels great. 😎💕

@oodiebom,

Glad you had a good time at Costco. 😎🎈Oodie so much better someone was handy
to help with the lifting.

I hope your day is going well. Oz is in the 50’s with a beautiful moon tomorrow we have
rain all weekend off and on.

No worries I have plenty to keep busy. 😎

Nancy Sinatra Lyrics
“You Only Live Twice”

You only live twice or so it seems
One life for yourself and one for your dreams
You drift through the years and life seems tame
Till one dream appears and love is it’s name

And love is a stranger who’ll beckon you on
Don’t think of the danger or the stranger is gone

This dream is for you, so pay the price
Make one dream come true, you only live twice

And love is a stranger who’ll beckon you on
Don’t think of the danger or the stranger is gone

This dream is for you, so pay the price
Make one dream come true, you only live twice