Hello <<First Name>>
May, for me, is the loveliest month of the year, with all the buds bursting and the birds singing, busy building their nests, or are already sat and the smell of the new grass giving all animals contentment that the winter has at last passed.
Not forgetting, of course, the May Tree (Hawthorn or 'May' Crataegus monogyna) and its history steeped in Folk Lore
The birthstone for May is emerald. The emerald is a type of Beryl coloured green by chromium. Perfect emeralds are among the rarest of gemstones.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summers base hath all too short a day.
|
|
|
When April steps aside for May,
Like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten;
Fresh violets open every day:
To some new bird each hour we listen.
But winter lingering chills the lap of May.
Oliver Goldsmith.
|
Spring
I love the spring.
For every day
There's something new
That's come to stay.
Another bud
Another bird
Another blade
The sun has stirred
Unknown
|
|
|
A Few Notable Dates for May - Click the link to read about them:
May 8 - Victory in Europe Day 1945 - The celebration heard around the World.
May 29 - Oak Apple Day or Royal Oak Day was a formal public holiday celebrated in England on 29 May to commemorate the restoration of the English monarchy, in May 1660. In some parts of the country the day is still celebrated. 
Also called : Royal Oak Day; Shick Shack Day; Oak and Nettle Day
Events in May - Visit England Website with things to do in May
|
|
The first time I heard about a hay box and what it was for was when my husband Graham mentioned that his Arbroath granny made porridge in a hay box overnight. Recently I was looking through a very old cookery book (around 1935) that had belonged to my mother and found the following:
Hay or Cooking Box Cookery - Read how to do it and save money on your Electricity or gas bill .......find out more
|
|
|
I found this story on our Wiki written way back in 2010
How Things Began
It is very hot and the tropical sun is burning down on the grassland. The group of huntsmen crouching and lying down in the long grass have fanned out and are working their way slowly towards the target animal, which is upwind. The animal was slightly detached from the main herd. It somehow appeared to sense the presence of something near and moved away from it. Away from the main herd! This allowed the line of huntsmen to get between it and the herd. The hunt was on!......Read More
If you would prefer to listen to some short stories I found this on YouTube Best Short Videos
I hope you will find at least one you like.....
|
|
|
Life lessons my Mother taught me
What did your mum teach you? Jacqui has written down some of the things she learnt from her mother in a comical recount … Read More
|
|
|
It has long been known that listening to music has positive health benefits, so I have put a small selection together for you.
The music chosen is from our Private Wiki, that our members enjoy themselves and wanted to share, as you will see the range is diverse..... Read More
 Plenty of men have thought this song is about them.....
But what song am I referring to? Have you guessed? Listen to the song, Yes it's Carly Simon, but who is he, she is singing about ,,, find out more It's a great song.
|
|
|
This months featured health issues:
|
|
|
The simple test that could prevent permanent blindness...
Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, and sadly, so many cases are preventable...Read More
|
|
What is Mindfulness
You’ve probably heard of the term Mindfulness, but might not know exactly what it means and how it can help. Mindfulness is about being present – about noticing the feel of the keys under your keyboard as you type, or the taste of a cranberry as you chew. Read More
|
|
Fads, fashions and lifestyles'
We had a discussion in the coffee shop not long ago about this, and I came across this:
'Funny housewives’ tips show how times have changed...'.
An extract from a 1950's home economics book is giving social media a laugh and it shows just how times have changed.
Could you pass a 1954 Home Economics Class? Try it
Remember learning how to be a good housewife in school back in the 50's and 60's?......Read More
|
|
|
12 Ways your Smartphone can make your life easier
Your phone is a camera, an encyclopedia, a messaging device, a GPS, a weather adviser and a watch – not to mention a device that offers easy access to anything you need over the internet. For some, actually making a call is the least likely use for it!
But there are so many other ways your phone can make your life easier. Which of these tricks have you tried? Read More
|
|
|
Useful Websites
The Retirement Advice Centre - 'Taking care of tomorrow today.'
Webopedia - Extremely useful site if you are struggling with computer jargon
Age UK - The UK largest charity working with older people
The Open University - Free Courses Open learning courses and Adult Education
Citizen Advice - For a wealth of very useful information
The Old Farmers Almanac - If you love Gardening you will love this site.
Arthritis Research UK - Useful website helpful and informative
Glaucoma - The international Glaucoma Association
Mindfulness - The NHS Explains and there are many other websites to offer you help
|
|
And don't forget,  If you find something of interest in this e-newsletter or previous ones, then you will most certainly find something to interest you on our Private Wiki.
If on the other hand you have something to offer then why not join us  and share it, and if you want to, get it published.
Take care
Ann
Web Editor
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the May 2017 Newsletter 
