Sometimes things slip through the cracks....sometimes we forget...and sometimes we are unaware of what we are supposed to do because no one has bothered to inform us. I am reminding everyone today that it is recommended that individuals who take immunosuppressants (methotrexate, Enbrel, Humiria or other similar drugs) should have the pneumonia vaccine (generally every 5-10 years) and a yearly flu shot. If you have not been vaccinated see your physician or visit your local health department - while your there it wouldn't hurt to check to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date. Do what ever you need to do to get yourself vaccinated...even if it means tying a string around your finger until you complete this important task!

It is the time of year again when millions of people slap on their sunscreen and get busy getting their fingernails dirty in mother earth. I have read that this year more people are expected to be working outside planting vegetable gardens. Apparently the recession has inspired people to purchase seeds and plants so that they can grow their own food instead of buying fruits and veggies at local markets. I personally find phenomena interesting. Having your own garden - especially a large one - is far from being cheap or easy in my opinion. You have to have the garden plowed (relatively expensive if you can't do it yourself) and purchase a whole host of items such as fertilizer, large amounts of water, pesticides, and support materials (tomatoes stakes/baskets, items to string up beans/peas, etc.) in addition to the seeds or plants. Oh and don't forget all of the hard labor you will be putting into planting and harvesting the crops. To me gardening is something that is to be done for pleasure and exercise. And for some people, such as Southern Belles like myself, it is one of your traditional duties. It really isn't about saving a buck...it is about de-stressing and getting a little sunshine. And if you get a few good fruits and veggies in the process, all the better! But if you can manage to save money - more power to ya! Please just let me know your secret - it is my experience that gardens are far from being cheap, require a great deal of work.

Today I was perusing the Arthritis Foundation website today and it hit me that I really have fallen off of the bandwagon - big time.  I have essentially stopped exercising.  I used to do Tai Chi, walk and swim for my arthritis.  Recently, I have just been gardening...but that is not enough for me - I want and need to do more.  I am especially disappointed that I have stopped doing Tai Chi and meditating - I really need to start doing both again.  For me a schedule is essential - unless it is written down, it will not happen.