“One father is more than a hundred Schoolemasters.”
~George Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs, 1640

I hope you are enjoying some time with friends and family this holiday weekend. Please join the EzGreatLife community in remembering those who have served and died for this great country so we could remain free. Free to think. Free to speak. Free to express our ideas. Free to be you and free to be me. We may not be perfect, but I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be.

I just wanted to take a minute and say “Happy Mothers Day!” to all the moms out there! I hope you enjoy your day with family. We are having my Mom & Dad, Mother-in-law, Sister and family, my Grandmother and of course my wife, over for brunch. My daughter and I will be cooking up a huge spread! Wishing you all the best on your day. Enjoy!

Just in case you’re wondering, you can thank Anna Marie Jarvis (1864-1948) for all her hard work and effort to establish Mothers Day as a National Holiday. Anna worked tirelessly for this cause following the death of her mother on May 9, 1905. President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation designating the Second Sunday in May as “Mothers Day” on May 14, 1914.

And, yes, those flowers were picked fresh this morning in my backyard, by yours truly, for your virtual viewing pleasure!

Cinco de Mayo, meaning the 5th of May in Spanish, is the celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over the invading French forces on May 5, 1862. It took place at the Battle of Puebla, where 4000 Mexican soldiers defeated Napoleon 3rd’s 8000 strong French Army. However, it was a short lived victory. A year later the French invaded Mexico City and occupied Mexico for two years, until being ousted in 1867.

Many people mistakenly confuse Cinco de Mayo for Mexican Independence Day. It is not and the latter is actually September 16th. This is when Mexico declared it’s independence from Spain in 1810. Spain did not recognize Mexico’s independence until 1821. Cinco de Mayo is of mild importance in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. Where as, Mexican Independence Day is considered the most important patriotic holiday across Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated around the world and in the United States. It has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. It is marked by food, music and beverages. Ah yes, beverages! If you indulge in the “beverages”, please act responsibly and designate a driver or arrange for a ride home.

For some time now, my family has had a Cinco de Mayo celebration of our own. We crank up some festive Salsa music and cook all kinds of Mexican goodies. I prepare, low-fat soft tacos, burritos, home-made salsa, home made tortilla chips and all the fix-ins. It’s a great time!

So, Happy Cinco de Mayo! Hope you’re cooking up a celebration with friends and family! Enjoy the day!

I didn’t intend to send this post so late. My wife and daughter are gone this weekend to my sisters’ house to visit my new born nephew! They left Friday. My daughter is staying the week down there for spring break. My wife should be home tonight. Next Friday we are both going to pick her up, so I can meet him, as well. That being said, I have had a nice size to-do list this weekend! So I have been running between the computer and chores all day! But don’t feel bad, we had our family Easter Dinner last Sunday. I cooked a turkey with all the fix-ins! What a meal!

So why are we celebrating? Because Saint Patrick was one of the patron saints of Ireland, of course! Today Saint Patrick’s Day is an Official Government Holiday in Ireland and is a widely celebrated un-official holiday around the world. Let’s face it, it’s a good excuse to eat, party and paint things green! If you are planning on consuming any alcohol, please drink responsibly and arrange for a designated driver or a ride home. Better yet, you could grab a hotel room.  So whether you’re going to a parade or a party, go have some fun!

And remember, “Wherever you go and whatever you do, May the luck of the Irish be there with you.” - unknown

My daughter planned to make my wife and me breakfast in bed this morning. However, it snowed last night and school was delayed by two hours. So, back to bed she went! Oh well, it’s the thought that counts. I sent my wife flowers at work and got her a heart shaped box of sugar-free chocolates and a card. I actually got home from work by 6:00PM and made her dinner. We had a wonderful low-fat meal.  Connie got me a thoughtful card and we had a great Valentines Day!