Now that May is finally here, I hope you will all remember that it is also National Military Month. This is the time to fly the flag all month to honor those who have served, and are serving, their country.

Having three sons who have all served in the Army, two in Germany and one in Viet Nam, no matter where they served they all deserve our heartfelt thanks and our remembrance.

I also remember my best friend's husband, who served in Korea. He was always somewhat bitter, feeling that the Korean War was somewhat of a "forgotten conflict." Well, Al, you will be glad to know that here in Pensacola, there will be a Korean War Memorial dedication. It will be held on May 26th at the Veteran's Memorial Park on Bayfront Parkway.

So no matter what American conflict stands out in your mind, Germany, Korea, Viet Nam, and now Iraq, be sure to fly the flag in salute to our men and women in all branches of the service. I know I will.

*****

Here is an opportunity for those of you who are interested in looking better (and who isn't?) Now opening another location right here on the Midway section of Highway 98, The Skin Care Center is right next to the Hershey's Ice Cream store.

Be sure to ask for a Bobbi Brown makeover. The makeover is complementary, and any products you purchase can be sent directly to your home with no bothersome pickups.

How can you pass up an opportunity to find 'the real' you just waiting to appear? Make a reservation now at 916-9969.

******

With Mother's Day the first big event in the month of May, most of us recall our own mothers. There are those fortunate enough to have their mothers still with them, and others like myself may have had ours for 96 wonderful years.

And of course I still have a fund of memories and stories about things she said and did.

My first stories were ones she read to me each night when I was put to bed, from the Howard Garis series, "Uncle Wiggly's Adventures." They kept me enthralled through my entire third and fourth years.

Uncle Wiggly (a rabbit, what else?) and his side-kick, Nurse Jane Fuzzy- Wuzzy (a squirrel), had so much fun that it was hard for a child to wait another day to hear more. They were constantly beset by their nemeses, the Skeezix and the Big Bad Bazumpus, comical villains who continually threatened to "have Uncle Wiggly's souse," whatever souse may have been.

Each chapter ended with a clever saying (well, I thought so at the time anyway) that kept me waiting for the next chapter. Here's one : "If the dish doesn't run away with the spoon, the next chapter will tell us about Uncle Wiggly's first ride in his bunnymobile!" Boy, I was young!

When I grew older, I was also proud of my mother on Parents Day, when she turned up at school. I was sure she was the prettiest mother in the room. Even when I reached dating age, my boyfriends all thought she was cool. Well, she was only 35 when I was 17.

We were always friends as well as mother and daughter. I could go on, but I know you all have your own stories. So pass them down to your own children, and make your own memories that your kids will never forget.

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers, everywhere.

**********

From my 'Strange Facts File'

For all you fellow bridge players out there, here's an interesting tidbit. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history.

The King of Spades = King David; King of Hearts, Charlemagne; King of Clubs, Alexander the Great, and the King of Diamonds, Julius Caesar. And now you know.

See you next week!