What To Do On Your Vacation To Cancun, Mexico 2014

The name of Cancun, Mexico has become synonymous with Spring Break and over indulgent partying and drinking. But the successful growth of the area and proliferation of family hotels and resorts has created a vacation destination that isn't just a niche industry anymore. Vacationers of all tastes can find many fun and exciting activities to do in this tropical paradise.

Cancun is located on the western coast of Mexico and more specifically on the Yucatan peninsula. There are fourteen miles of white sand beaches that make up the beachfront of Cancun on the waters of the Caribbean Sea. As you would expect from any beach resort, all the usual activities from swimming to windsurfing to parasailing can be experienced there. If you are not the adventuresome type, you are perfectly welcome to just stretch out on a cabana chair and soak up the sun while you watch everyone else exert all sorts of energy.

For those of you who want to spend all of your time off of the beach and out on the water, you can charter any type of boat from small motorized crafts, power boats to large fishing yachts that will take you sport fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The marine life near Cancun is quite diverse among the coral reefs that are just offshore and they can offer countless adventures viewing vividly colored fish and the corals themselves. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular water sports to indulge in while you are in Cancun. The sparkling Caribbean waters offer some of the most beautiful underwater views. The network of lagoons in the area also offers a biodiversity of creatures, some of which you may have never heard of before.

Not far away are a plethora of archeological sites of Mayan culture that have become famous the world over. Places like Chichen Itza and Tulum provide the echoes of this ancient civilization that thrived hundreds of years before the Conquistadors arrived in the New World. While experiencing the crazy, party all night atmosphere of Cancun's clubs it may be hard to believe that these sights exist so close. But, there are many diverse tours that can escort you to visit these wonders and treat you to an experience that will certainly leave you impressed with the innovations developed by the Mayan people.

If you crave a challenge, you might like to take on one of the nine challenging golf courses in the Cancun area. All of them have famous pedigrees by being designed by some of the world's most famous names in course design, such as Nicklaus, Jones, Norman, and Dye. Especially thrilling are some of the courses built around some of the Mayan ruins, but whichever one you choose to tee off on, all of them have the most modern conveniences and features that one would expect from any private club in the United States.

Whether you are looking for a party, craving fun in the sun, or just looking for adventure, chances are you can find it in Cancun, Mexico. And it isn't mandatory that you have to experience it only during Spring Break.

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What Is The Best Historical Destination For A Mexico Vacation? 2014

When you think about history and Mexico there are a few locales that come to mind. The one that really stands out is the area of the Yucatan peninsula that encompasses the area once dominated by the Mayan people and where you can still find incredible evidence of their advanced civilization. Just a short drive from the high-octane resort towns of Cancun and Cozumel are examples to be found of the height of Mayan architecture and civilization.

Many travel providers can set you up with tours that will let you enjoy and explore several archeological sites and still put aside time to lounge on a beach to soak in the sun. This gives you the opportunity to have an educational experience as well as a relaxing vacation. Spend a few days traveling to several of the most well known ruins and then kick back with some typical water activities.

The most famous Mayan ruins are at Chichen Itza, which is close to Merida, the capital of Yucatan. It is estimated Chichen Itza was established in 432 AD and is one of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated. You can climb the pyramid known as "El Castillo" and learn how it is set up to have significance in how the Mayans viewed astronomy. There is also the largest ball court in Mesoamerica located here, which hosted games where the losers may have been ritually sacrificed. The blend of science, religion, and architecture in the city can be very impressive.

Another more recently found site is at Palenque, in which in 1952 the mummified remains of Lord Pakal, a ruler during the sixth century, were found in a large sarcophagus. There are many exquisite examples of Mayan architecture located here, such as comb-like decorations on the roofs of the temples and intricately carved wall panels. There are over 200 buildings at this site, which are probably more than enough to keep you exploring most of the day. 

A visit to Tulum can provide some seaside ruins to explore for a half a day or so, but it also gives you the opportunity to snorkel and check out some of the underwater caves that are near there. After that it is a short trip to either Cancun or Isla de Mujeres for some rest and relaxation so you can reflect on all the history you absorbed. And the margaritas are good there, too.  

Just south of Tulum you will find Sian Ka'an, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ecological reserve has a lion's share of natural beauty, but it also highlights 23 archeological sites of Mayan civilization and contains an ancient trade route that serviced the cities of Tulum and Muyil during the Mayan era. 

The entire Yucatan peninsula is chock full of the history and architecture of the Mayan civilization and it gives us a glimpse of what life was like in the prehistory of European colonization of the Americas. If your idea of a great vacation to Mexico is to learn about its history and heritage, then this is the number one place to go. 

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What Currency To Use When Vacationing In Mexico 2014

What Currency To Use When Vacationing In Mexico 2014

While it may seem a simple question to some, what currency you should use while vacationing in Mexico is often asked and more often gotten wrong. Most people know that the national currency of Mexico is the Peso, but most assume that the American dollar works just as well, if not better. It is a common misconception that Mexican merchants and vendors see the dollar as more desirable and revered, but that is not necessarily true.

Most retailers and merchants in Mexico will politely accept American dollars, but they prefer Pesos. The exception would be in Northern Mexico and Baja where merchants happily accept dollars and there isn't much chance to offend. You just need to make sure in these cases that you get a fair exchange rate. It is also a better deal for the tourist to use Pesos because prices are almost always less expensive when using Pesos. 

You can plan ahead and use a currency exchange service before you travel, although you may find that a currency exchange at the airport might give you the best exchange rate.  A good bill amount to obtain might be 500 Pesos, which would come in handy for tipping the bellman or a waiter. You can use your debit or credit card for all your other transactions and you can take along traveler's checks for any emergency that comes along. All of your cards and travelers checks can be replaced if stolen so don't take an inordinate amount of cash with you. 

If you run low on cash you can always replenish your pocketbook at the many ATM bank machines that are prevalent in resort areas. You can cash your traveler's checks at an exchange house or a bank, which will result in the face value of the check multiplied by that day's rate of exchange. If the place you go tries to charge a fee for doing this, go somewhere else, as it is not common practice to levy fees or commissions for cashing traveler's checks. 

And don't forget that friends and family will appreciate and enjoy seeing coins and currency from distant lands when you get home. Be sure to keep some Pesos to give a show and tell when you return. If you have children you will especially appreciate how much they will enjoy showing off your "booty" to their friends. And putting some of the Pesos you get while on vacation into your scrapbook or photo album will be a great reminder of all the fun you had in Mexico.

Using the currency of Mexico will not only make your cash go farther, but it will also stimulate your mind as you take in all the colorful images printed on the Pesos and immerse yourself into the culture of Mexico. Go to a currency exchange service and get a lot of different small denominations. Learning what certain everyday items cost and how little you have to spend to have a good time will only serve to better your vacation experience. Have fun!

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Hawaii Vacation with Kids 2014

There couldn't be a more relaxing vacation spot than Hawaii.  There are lots of activities on both the land and in the water.  The landscape provides the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities.  There will be plenty of things for the kids to do, so bring them with you.  

The whole family will love boogie boarding or body surfing on one of the great beaches in Hawaii, like world famous Waikiki Beach.  Waikiki even has a cheeseburger in paradise restaurant.  The kids will love it.  They can get any kind of toppings they want on these world famous burgers.  Don't forget the Honolulu zoo.  It is a small city zoo, but it's worth taking a tour.  The flamingo pond in the front is sure to please the kids and will offer a great photo taking opportunity.  The Waikiki Aquarium is another fun family stop.

It has a touch pond for the viewing pleasure of the kids and adults alike.  Lastly, the bishop museum is worth taking a tour.  They have demonstrations on the art of making lei's as well as hula dancing performances.  Before leaving the island take the kids to visit the world famous beaches of the North Shore.  It's worth the drive to see the very beaches where world class surfers congregate.    

When visiting Maui a sure bet is the Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest tropical fish aquarium in the United States.  The dolphin statues out front make a great background for a souvenir photo.  Don't forget to check out the whaling museum located in Lahaina.  If you are visiting during the winter months go ahead and take a whale watching tour from the Lahaina harbor.  It's sure to please. The beaches at the resort are of Ka'anapali are fun for kids as well.  Most of these resorts have awesome pools for little swimmers.  Some even have water parks within the hotel themselves. Parents should take advantage of the kids programs at these resorts for some quiet time to themselves.   

On the big island of Hawaii take a drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  You can see active volcanoes and possibly some lava flow from the comfort and safety of your own rental car.  Next take a ride over to Waimea and take the kids for a horseback ride through the valley.  You could do an all day excursion complete with lunch, or perhaps just pony rides for the little kids. Lastly you could go to North Kohala and try kayaking.  This is a great place for beginners.    

The island of Molokai will offer some good old fashioned rest and relaxation in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.  You could rent mountain bikes and explore the island together.  Be careful, however, not to go too far off the trails, because it's easy to get lost on the mostly undeveloped island.  On this island you should consider renting a house so the kids will have plenty of room to spread out.  Also there aren't too many hotel options here on Molokai.        

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Hawaii-Pearl Harbor 2014

When visiting Hawaii most people think of lush tropical trees and white sandy beaches.  After all, Hawaii is the perfect spot for relaxing and sipping fruity drinks. However, there is one somber tourist spot that should not be missed.  It is the memorial at Pearl Harbor.    

Pearl Harbor was once known only for its ample supply of pearl oysters.  No one would have ever dreamed that this harbor would become the reason that the United States entered into World War II.  Sadly today it is known only for the infamous attacks that happened December 7, 1941, when wave Japanese planes flew over an attacked an unsuspecting sleeping army.  Over 1.5 million people visit the USS Arizona memorial yearly.  Tourists of all kinds stop here to remember the lives lost on that fateful morning so long ago.  

2335 US soldiers died during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Roughly half of those killed were aboard the USS Arizona.  The giant ship was bombed and sank in less than ten minutes trapping over a thousand men on board.  Today, the ship lies exactly where it sank and is a giant tomb.  The bodies aboard the ship were never recovered.   A memorial was erected and floats directly on top of the ship.  The ship still leaks oil into the harbor in small amounts that have been said to be black tears.  

The mood at the memorial is somber even today over sixty years after the attack.  The park does a nice job of filtering the average number of 4500 guests through the memorial daily.  Upon arrival to the memorial you are given a ticket and told when your entry to the movie theater will be. The time of year of your visit determines your wait time.  During the summer months when crowds are at their highest you may have to wait a couple of hours. But, there is plenty to occupy your time.  There is a museum that contains memorabilia such as letters from soldiers to loved ones and uniforms.  The museum also has photos of Japanese planes as well as map showing the destruction of the harbor. 

 There is also a World War II submarine located at the memorial site.  The USS Bowfin Museum and Park are worth taking a stroll through.  They have kept the submarine intact and you can see pretty much how the men lived in the submarine.  You can actually walk through the submarine.  Be forewarned, this is not an activity for Closter phobic people, the ship's quarters are very tight.  

Once the wait is over the tour through the memorial runs fairly quickly.  They show a movie that lasts about twenty minutes.  It shows exactly what happened that early morning in December all those years ago, complete with video footage.  Once the movie is over you will take a short boat ride out to the actual memorial.  When the ferry arrives, you will walk all the way to the back of the memorial where there is a wall listing the names of all who died that day.    

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Hawaii is a beautiful vacation destination.  It makes for either a quiet and mild vacation consisting of countless hours lying on a beach or wildly active vacation sure to please event the most avid thrill seekers.  What thrill seeking vacation would be complete without exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO).  The national park occupies a vast array of terrain ranging from tropical beaches to the sub arctic Mauna Loa summit.   The huge park has two active volcanoes.  

Kilauea Caldera is the youngest and most active volcano on earth.  The landscaping is amazing complete with hardened lava and dozens of craters.  The park has 140 miles of hiking trails and is open to the public for camping.  The park is over 333,000 acres of land so plan to stay a while if you truly want to explore the park.  If you don't have a lot of time, you should plan to at least drive through the park.  It is worth the hour or so that it will take you to see everything.    The volcano erupts regularly, so in most cases you will get to see some sort of lava flow.  However, don't expect to see eruptions spewing into the sky like in the movies.  The flow is fluid and constant, not nearly as dramatic as Hollywood depicts. 

The terrain changes so frequently due to the ever changing lava flow that it makes it difficult to follow maps, however the most up to date versions will be available at the visitor's center.  The map can be used for driving as well as hiking. The park has a hotline that tells you what is happening with the volcanoes that day and where to best view the lava flow.  

Unlike the rest of Hawaii the weather can change very quickly in the park.  The temperatures can be about 15 degrees cooler here than in Kona, so plan to dress appropriately.  The park can have blistering heat from the sun's reflection off of the lava flow.  It can be hot and steamy one minute and change to a chilly downpour of rain with little or no warning.    

If planning to visit the volcanoes you should be prepared and dress appropriately.  Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring sunscreen and lots of water.  The heat can cause dehydration quickly so be prepared with lots of fluids because this little nuisance is preventable.  Always follow the signs and stay on the trails. Fatalities do happen here at HAVO.  The most common are due to people wandering off and getting lost in the park and people getting too close to newly formed lava paths. These lava flows can collapse causing injuries, or even worse death.  

If and when the lava reaches the ocean, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid permeate the air.  These gases are toxic.  Every one should be careful, especially pregnant women, young children and people with upper respiratory problems.  The smell of sulfur is strong in the air.   

Whether it's magnificent hiking trails you seek, or simply marking visiting a volcano off of your to do list, HAVO is sure to please.    

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Choosing a Home Security Company

Thefts and burglaries seem to have become very common in this day and age and as a homeowner, if you are not equipped with what it takes to protect your home, you are as well sitting as a duck that may as well be the next target of your neighborhood cat burglar. The safety of your family, your home and its valuable assets should be given the number one priority and if you’re up to the challenge of putting up a fight against these adamant thieves, then a home security system is probably the best solution that you have, or is it?

When we talk about home security systems, the first thing that comes to your mind is surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, motion detectors and other examples of what the modern day technology has to offer with respect to protecting your house. All you have to do is simply conduct a research and you will find a variety of DIY home security systems available in the online as well as the offline market places. At the same time, a thought that always comes to mind is that if you yourself can install a DIY home security system without breaking a sweat, it could be very much possible for a burglar to foil your attempts in protecting your home. The constant risk of these DIY home security systems is that you are informed about the burglary only after the event has taken place. You may as well lost thousands of dollars before you check the surveillance tapes for the robbery in your home. Therefore, in order to avoid these worst-case scenarios, it would always be advisable that you invest for a home security system that is monitored by a well-established home security company. 

Trusting your home and its belongings on a reputed home security company is perhaps the best thing that you can do to assure the safety of your home. Once the security surveillance systems are installed in your home, these home security companies keep a check on your house for any unusual activity. This means that whenever you’re not in your house and if any burglar even attempts to break into your house, the alarm is immediately tipped off, in the event of which the home security company either sends someone to check the house or they might just call the police and allow the officials to handle the matter thereon. This, however, depends on the service that you have signed up for with the home security company. This means that the home security company gives you the option of either sending in their professionally trained security staff or calling up the police in the event of any theft taking place in your house. 

Another best thing about these home security companies is that they are the ones who would always be there for the maintenance of you home security systems every year or whenever the situation calls for immediate maintenance. However, one thing that you shouldn’t forget that all this definitely doesn’t come for free. This means that these companies charge a certain fee for their services, so get ready to shell out some dollars for the installation as well as the monthly service charges. One best thing about these home security companies is that they can greatly lower your insurance premium payments since the insurance companies often offer a discount for those houses which are more secure. 

Some of the things that have to be kept in mind when availing such services of a home security company would include you to do some research about the company, i.e., how long has the company been operating, whether the company is insured or not, checking the background of the home security staff, etc. Home security companies often offer their services once the clients have signed a particular contract. Hence, it is important that you go through the contract thoroughly so that you don’t find yourself opting for the expensive security add-ons, which you really don’t require. 

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Summer Memory Jars

Instead of keeping a journal or starting a scrap book a child may be interested in making 
their own memory jar from the summer.  If all the memories will not fit into one jar they 
may want to make several for special days or outings that happened during the summer 
break.

What you will need is a large clear glass jar with a lid.  This can be used from an empty 
pickle jar or other food container that is empty and has been cleaned out.  If you are 
having trouble getting the entire label off, you can use nail polish remover to dissolve the 
glue and paper that is still stuck.

Have the child collect small mementos or other meaningful objects that will fit inside a 
jar.  They can be photographs, a special rock found, something they made, a friendship 
bracelet, the options are really only limited to their imagination.  A good example for a 
day trip memory jar is one from the beach.  Fill the bottom part of the jar with sand or 
pebbles that were collected from the beach, add in some shells and other interesting finds.  
Take a picture of your child at the beach and they can use it as a backdrop for the items.

As time goes on the children may want to open their jars, and rearrange them and as long 
as they are careful with the glass that is fine.  Put up a shelf in their room and they can 
have a collection of memory jars.  Put a label on the top of the jar with the date or date 
range and the location of where the items were collected.  These can be kept for years as 
a lasting reminder of the fun they had growing up and going to special places with mom 
and dad.

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Scavenger Hunts

A scavenger hunt is a fun way to keep little hands busy.  It can be pre-planned or spur of 
the moment, either way it will still be great fun.  This is a great activity for children of all 
ages, for younger children make it simple and tell them exactly what they are looking for.  
If you are playing with older children, give them hints and see if they can guess and find 
what they are supposed to be looking for.

The best type of scavenger hunt is a nature one that can be played in your backyard or in 
the park.  This will lessen the chances of children picking up garbage and having to leave 
your supervision to do their hunting.  A good rule of thumb for nature scavenger hunts is 
to incorporate a lesson for the kids and have them find items already on the ground so 
they can be gentle to nature.  Some examples of nature scavenger hunt items are:

* A special color or shaped leaf
* A flower – specify color or type
* Rocks – size, shape, or color
* Ladybug, ant, or a worm
* Moss
* Pinecone
* Anything of a certain color

With some pre-planning and a trip to the dollar store you can have a scavenger hunt with 
any theme you can think of.  Turn it into a secret agent mission and hide clues that they 
have to find or make it a treasure hunt and hide chocolate gold coins that they have to 
hunt for.  This is an activity that can take at least an hour or more.  If you have older 
children and know your neighbors quite well, you can include items that they can knock 
on doors to find – a penny from a certain year, a cinnamon stick, an unmatched sock – 
have fun with it.

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Homemade Play Dough

Store bought play dough is fun to play with but you can make your own at home for less 
and part of the fun is making it with the kids.  Here is a easy to follow recipe that can be 
made on the stove or in the microwave:

* 1 cup of flour
* 1 cup of water
* 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
* ½ cup of salt
* 1 tablespoon of oil
* Food coloring (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a pot or microwave safe dish and mix until it is lump-
free.  Then on the stove stir over low heat until the mixture starts to thicken being 
careful that it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom.  Stop when it is the consistency you 
want for the play dough.  When making the play dough in the microwave cook it in 
small increments on a lower power setting.  Take it out and stir at least every 45 
seconds.  Again, you are done when the play dough has reached the desired 
consistency.

Let the children play and build whatever they want.  If they don’t already have toys 
designated for play dough let them use some kitchen utensils such as cookie cutters 
and a rolling pin.  It is food safe and easy to clean-up afterwards.

If something is sculpted or made that the child is particularly proud of, set it in the 
sun for a day or two and let it dry out.  It should harden nicely and they will be able to 
keep it for some time.

Charge the children to use the dough to find different textures around the house or 
outside.  Gently press the play dough into the textured surface and see if the children 
can guess what it came from (like the bottom of a shoe or a cheese grater).

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Build your own Sandbox

Kids of all ages love to play in the sand.  It can be a construction site, made into a sand 
castle or add water for a muddy mess.  It is easy and inexpensive to build a sandbox in 
your own back yard to enjoy for the entire summer.

When you are deciding where to put your sandbox try and find a location that gets a lot of 
shade throughout the day.  When the sun is hot, and the kids still want to be outside this 
will be a great activity for them if it is out of the sun.

All you will need are four boards, a weed barrier for the bottom, a tarp or piece of 
plywood for covering and the sand.  Nail the four boards together into a square shape and 
then take the weed barrier and affix with a staple gun.  If you do not want to use a weed 
blocker or barrier, you can nail a piece of plywood to the bottom of the frame you made 
but this will require measurements and a bit more planning.  Then add your sand.  

The cover is a nice touch to keep out rain and unwanted animals such as cats digging in 
the sandbox.  But it is not a necessity.  Now relax as the children spend hours creating 
cities and other imaginative buildings in their very own sandbox.

If you do not have enough pails and shovels or other sand toys available for all the 
children, raid the recycling box and re-use old plastic containers to fill and pour sand 
with.  If the children want the sand to stay together like it does in at the beach you can 
give them some water to play with.  The sand will dry and if you use the weed barrier it 
will allow water to drain out of the sandbox.

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School Is Out – Keeping the Kids Busy

It’s the end of June, school is out and the kids are ecstatic.  You may be a bit 
overwhelmed not knowing how you are going to entertain you children for the entire 
summer.  They are used to being in school for the majority of their days and now they are 
free and clear to do as they please and it is up to you that they stay busy.  Or is it?

Yes, children need activities to learn and have fun but it is also just important for them to 
have some free play time too.  So while you are planning all of the activities and outings 
for them to participate in remember that they need some free play time too.  Depending 
on the age of your children and their level of independence the free play time may take 
different forms.  For younger children independent time will have to be supervised but 
for older children it can be a nice break for both of you to let them play alone in their 
room or outside in the yard.  

Let your kids have a say in what goes on too.  Have a couple of options ready; let them 
help plan how you will spend the day. Letting your kids plan what goes on in the day is a 
sure way to get their buy-in and participation.  Just be sure that if there isn’t any wiggle 
room in what you have planned for the day you make it clear from the beginning.  When 
there are choices (limit them to two to three) ask and when there isn’t a choice simply tell 
them what is planned for the day.

A good balance between planned activities and free play or independent time will make 
for a fun-filled summer for the kids and for you too.

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Obstacle Courses

This summer activity can be played in the park, the beach, or in your backyard.  You can 

use props, actions or a combination of both.  When you set-up an obstacle course it 
doesn’t even have to be for a bunch of kids, one person can play this game too.

In your backyard set up stations and have the child or each child move from station to 
station in a different manner.  The can somersault to one, run backwards to the next, and 
skip to the last one.  Other methods of locomotion could include walking like a crab, 
crawling on all fours, walking sideways, hopping on one foot, or any other sill movement 
that can be thought of.  Using this method is also a tricky way to get kids to move along 
when you are out for a walk with them.  Pick a marker not too far in the distance and 
have them do a silly move to get to it first. 

When out at the park, use the play equipment to set-up an obstacle course for the kids.  
They may have to zigzag through the swings, go down the slide and then touch a tree to 
win.  Involve the kids and ask them what they think should be involved in the obstacle 
course or race.

Equipment that can be used to make the course more challenging are jump ropes, safety 
cones, different size balls, and other sporting equipment.  An obstacle course is anything 
that makes it trickier to get from point A to point B.  You can add in a task for older kids 
to develop special skills like knot tying or balancing – have them balance on one foot on 
top of a log to the count of 15.  If they fall off they have to start all over again.

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Make a Wind Chime

The sound of a wind time in the summer breeze is very relaxing and making one can 
occupy the children for an afternoon.  The materials you will need are items that will 
make a pretty sound when they rub against each other (shells, beads, or even old 
utensils), something sharp to poke a hole through each item, a hammer, string, a round 
item (a lid or piece of wood) for the top, and a hook to hang the wind chime.

Once all the items are collected the adult should use the hammer and sharp object (such 
as a screwdriver) to make a hole in each object.  If the item is too hard to make a hole in 
(like a rock) tie string around it several times until it is secured.  After the holes are made 
tie a piece of string to each item.

Take your tools again and punch holes in the round lid that you are going to use, one for 
each item that will be hanging from the wind chime.  Thread the string through the hole 
and tie a knot so that it will not fall back through.  Poke two more holes in the lid and tie 
one piece of string through both holes and attach the hook. 

All that is left is to find the perfect spot for your wind chime.  Place it close enough so 
that it can be heard through an open window on a breezy day.  If the items do not knock 
against each other when the wind blows you may have to adjust the lengths of the string a 
few times until you get it just right.  Keep an eye on the wind chime to make sure it 
doesn’t loose any of the pieces.  If it does be sure to pick them up as they can pose a 
choking hazard to young children.

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Movie Day

Its summer time and you don’t want the kids cooped up in the house in front of the 
television set.  But a day here and there is not going to hurt and it could be a sanity saver 
for you on a wet and cold day.

Make it a planned event.  Go to the video store and let each child pick out their own 
video.  Make sure the ground rule is set.  They can pick out their own videos but have to 
agree to watch what the other children pick out too.  Make sure to pick up some popcorn 
if you don’t already have some at home.

Set the mood; let the kids create their own movie theatre in the living room.  Their movie 
theater can take the form of a fort, lawn chairs, or whatever else they can think up to 
make themselves comfortable for the movie marathon.

As the parent you will have to be in charge of the concession stand.  Popcorn is a given 
but also have some healthy snacks on hand to satiate their appetites.  Vegetable sticks and 
sandwiches are easy to make and if you are letting them eat in front of the television they 
won’t make a big mess.

When children are in front of the TV for extending periods of time their energy gets pent 
up and they are going to need a way to release it.  Come in between movies and have a 
stretch or exercise burst to shake away the sillies.  It can be just like the 9th inning stretch 
at baseball games.  Play follow the leader in the house or do jumping jacks – make it fun.

When the rain stops, send the kids outside.  You will find they won’t ask for TV as often 
with a few of these days thrown in each month.

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Bird Feeders

Kids are naturally attracted to animals and will love the birds that come to eat off of their 
homemade bird feeders.  The following instructions are for a very simple bird feeder that 
can be made again and again.  Once you put out food for birds and they start coming on a 
regular basis you should continue to feed them as they are rely on the feeders as a food 
source.

What you will need for this simple bird feeder is a piece of string or yarn, cereal in the 
shape of an “O”, peanut butter and birdseed.  It is going to be hung from a tree branch 
once completed. 

Give each child their own piece of string (can be anywhere from 6-12 inches) and have 
them string the cereal onto the string until it is full with about one inch left on each end.  
Take the string back and tie the ends together.  If you do not want this to turn into a 
messy activity, you can take the bird feeders outside as they are and hang on a tree 
branch.  

But to make them even tastier for the winged friends who will come you can smear 
peanut butter onto the cereal.  Once there is a coating on all the cereal pieces roll the 
string in a birdseed mix and it will stick to the peanut butter.  Bring the bird feeder 
outside and hang it so birds can come to eat.  

Be sure to place the bird feeder in a location that can be seen from inside the house.  The 
children are going to want to watch as the birds enjoy the meal they made for them.  As a 
bonus part of this activity, see how many different birds they children can identify as they 
come to eat the food.

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Bowling daily4info.blogspot.com

Kids love to bowl, being allowed to roll a ball to towards a target and knock it 
down takes skill and is fun to do.  You can take a trip to the local bowling 
alley or try these variations of the game that can be played at home - inside or 
outside the house.

If you have ten plastic soda bottles in your recycling box, fill the bottom with 
a small amount of sand or small pebbles.  Put in just enough that they will 
stand sturdily on their own but not too much that they are hard to knock over.  
And any ball that you have will do, the larger the ball the easier the game is 
to play.   Soccer balls and beach balls are ideal but if you really want to make 
it difficult you can use a baseball too.

Try to bowl on your kitchen table using a balloon as the ball and something very 
light as the pins (such as building blocks).  Instead of rolling the balloon try 
and blow it hard enough to move across the table and knock down the blocks.

For a version all kids will get a kick out of use yourself as a bowling ball.  
Somersault towards the targets (plastic pins you can buy at the store or the 
homemade version with pop bottles) and try to knock down as many as you can.  
Kids will think that this is hilarious, especially if mom and dad give it a try 
too.

If you do go to the bowling alley to play a game, ask them to put up the bumpers 
for the kids.  These are inflatable sections that fit into the gutters so the 
children do not get a gutter ball.  They will cut down on frustration for the 
younger and new bowlers.

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Making a Kite daily4info.blogspot.com

Flying a kite is good exercise and a lot of fun (even if you don’t get the kite up in the air).  

Instead of going out and buying a kite, make one instead.  You will need fabric (or very 

strong paper), strong glue, two wooden dowels and string.  

To begin, lay the two dowels in a cross position and use some of the string to lash the 

sticks together into that position.  You will do this by weaving the string in and out of the 

dowels.  Once the dowels are secure, put glue on the string and leave it to dry.  Once this 

is done you should have a strong frame for your kite.

The next step is to create a frame around your dowels using the string.  To make sure the 

string does not slip, cut a small notch at the end of each dowel.  Starting at one end, wrap 

the string around the dowel where the notch is and then bring the stringto the next dowel 

while keeping the string taut wrap it around the next dowel.  Continue until string is 

connecting all four dowels.  Again, put dabs of glue on the string where it meets the 

dowels and leave to dry.

Once you completed frame is dry, lay your fabric on the kite frame and cut it with an 

extra one inch on all sounds to wrap around the frame.  Use glue to secure the fabric 

around the kite frame.

The last step is to attach the string to the kite.  You will need to make what is called a 

bridle by attaching the string to the kite frame in two locations (they should be on 

opposite sides) in a loop formation.  Then attach the string you are going to use to fly the 

kite to the bridle. 

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Owner Operator Independent Driver Association

Truck drivers may have some difficult issues to face out there on the road, but they are not alone in their efforts. There are plenty of resources out there to lend a hand as they realize the importance of truck drivers and the work they do. They offer support and help to ensure that the rights of truck drivers are met while doing all they can to make the industry as a whole better for everyone involved.

One of the leading advocates for truck drivers is the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA). They offer a full range of services to support truck drivers including financing for trucks, advocating with the government to get certain issues addressed, and the opportunity to purchase health insurance and retirement plans.

OOIDA currently has more than 150,000 members and it continues to grow. They have been working hand in hand with the trucking industry since 1973. These members are from all over the United States and in recent years truck drivers from Canada have been allowed to join. This is one of the top organizations out there to give truck drivers a voice. 

With the information gathered by OOIDA, truck drivers can get the facts about various issues taking place. Too many times the information found from other resources is biased one way or another. This can make it hard to make an informed decision. Members of OOIDA know they will always get both sides of the story with accurate data and facts.

They also know that the OOIDA team takes their concerns and comments to legislation on state and federal levels. Based on the information that they have gathered from members they are able to take stand on the behalf of their members for important trucking industry related issues.

They work hard to keep truck drivers informed of current issues, and post all of them on their website. They also offer scholarship programs for children of truck drivers, call to action forums, and information on new rules and regulations. If there is something you need to find information about but don’t see it offered from OOIDA, contact them. They will do all they can to get you the right resources to take care of it. 

They have made significant contributions to the trucking industry over the past 30 years. Instead of focusing on the problems out there they focus on solutions. For example they pushed for more parking at truck stops and more rest areas with sufficient parking along common truck driving routes. This was in response to complaints that drivers continue to drive when they are tired or out of hours. 

When OOIDA started discussing this with the drivers they represent, it quickly became evident that there was a lack of places for them to stop and get some sleep or to wait while they regained driving hours. It is their dedication to correcting such issues that makes this profession better for all truck drivers and the roads safer for all people on the roads. 

If you are interested in joining OOIDA you can visit their website or complete a postage paid card from various magazines. The annual fee for the membership is $45, but it is a very worthwhile investment. You will find this is one of the best advocate programs for owner operators. 

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Goodwill in Family Practice Success

Goodwill is not just the name of a well known charity. Goodwill, in terms of valuing a medical facility or other business, is an important, intangible asset that can play a huge part in the success of a family practice.

We've all seen them. They're the person at the business that everyone enjoys seeing. The one person patients at a family practice may stop by to chat with even when they aren't ill. They are well liked, well respected and well known in the community. Sometimes they have enough personality and charisma to make up for the office crankpot or employees who tend to be rude. Often they are the principle force in the business as well as the driving force in the success of the business.

What is goodwill? Some professional appraisers define it as an overall talent, attitude or condition. It includes the ability to interact very well with people, to attract and hold clients and is usually part of the makeup of respected, well known members of a community.

Family practices can have practice goodwill attached to them. Practice goodwill is a term used to describe a professional entity that bears the same characteristics as someone with professional goodwill.

Practice goodwill is defined by several family practice characteristics including excellent location, a respected reputation, and often is applied to a business that has been operating for some time. Practice goodwill isn't created overnight. It takes time to build a relationship with the community, with patients and with other professionals. Once developed, practice goodwill is an excellent characteristic for a family practice to have and one that directly affects the bottom line.

If the family practice is one of goodwill, patients are more likely to tell others about the clinic in a good way, other physicians are more likely to refer patients and to speak well of the practice, as are general professionals. The location of the practice is good if not ideal. 

Professional goodwill is a characteristic demonstrated by one or more family practice staff members. Many different talents and skills and circumstances can affect professional goodwill. Most staff members who possess goodwill in a way that actually increases the value of the family practice get along well with everyone inside and outside the clinic. They have a good reputation and are considered trustworthy and reliable in the practice and in the community. 

Goodwill can rarely be measured in dollars and cents. It is measurable in that if it were to disappear, the family practice would suffer.  Family practice clinics that do their best to hire the type of employees who generate goodwill will go farther and last longer in the community.

Practice goodwill can be developed as can professional goodwill. Smart clinic administrators recognize the value of goodwill both in the practice and professionally in staff members. Hiring staff members who appear to be able to develop goodwill characteristics or who have already demonstrated them can be good for office morale and for the bottom line. 

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