James Stabile Informational Newsletter

 June 2005

Discussion of the Month...

Summer is coming. My last day of work is Friday, June 3. I can't wait. We don't start back to work until August 2. With the new calendar, this will be the first time in history that I will be working at my primary job on my birthday. Or will I? Yes, I will. No retirement this year. Within the next four years, maybe five, and that's a promise. I plan to just hang out this summer. The summer of 1999 was the last summer that I worked my night job during the summer. I retired from my night job November, 1999. It seems like a long time ago. That was my first step in my retirement process. This summer I have a few things planned to do. A trip to northwestern Pennsylvania, a few summer matinees, some home improvements and rest & relaxation are some of the things on the agenda. 

Speaking of home improvements, my impact windows should be installed anytime. The sliding glass door has been in for awhile, we are waiting on the seven windows. As you may know impact windows, more commonly known as hurricane windows, are a great investment for a variety of reasons. The obvious, they offer protection in case of a hurricane. They do stand up to winds in excess of 150 mph and sometimes more. They provide security, noise and UV protection and lower heating and cooling bills. Once they are installed there is virtually no prep time when preparing for that dreadful hurricane. They are expensive, but I think I made a good investment. 

The 2005 hurricane season starts June 1, 2005. See the following graphic showing the possible scenarios for this year's hurricane season, courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, May 29, 2005 edition.

We really do not want to deal with a repeat of the 2004 hurricane season, really. I don't know any Floridian who thinks a hurricane is exciting, fun, daring or anything to that effect. I think we all have a definite respect for the dangers of a hurricane of any category. The watch word now is - prepare. This is the time to prepare for the storm. June 1 - 12 hurricane supplies are exempt from Florida state tax. There are some guidelines in determining the tax exempt status of the items. The guidelines have been set down by the state legislature. I'm sure businesses in the state of Florida are well aware of these guidelines. During these kinds of state emergencies, we Floridians, who are multicultural in many ways, are but one entity. During these times of peril, we are Floridians. 

Besides the start of the hurricane season, June is the start of the traditional summer season and those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. Those days of baseball and popcorn and beer. That's summer vacation in all it's glory. Enjoy the beauty of summer. Make the most of the beautiful days and nights. 

Summer Reminders and Tips:

• Watch the mosquitoes. Don’t fall victim to West Nile Disease. Use mosquito repellant when outdoors particularly at dawn and sunset. West Nile Disease is still a threat to mankind, protect yourself and your family.
• Watch the sun. Use sun protector, the higher SFP level, the better. Sunburn can cause discomfort, it can also cause deadly consequences to one’s health and well being. Children are very susceptible to the devastating effects of the sun. All races, ethnic backgrounds, in short, all people can and do fall victims to the debilitating effects of the sun. Be careful.
• Watch your diet and fitness level. Diet and fitness does not take a vacation. Overindulgence, in any area, will take it’s toll later in your life.  Remember, everything in moderation.
• Be careful when it comes to water sports. Be aware of water safety. Practice water safety. Be extremely vigilant when it comes to children and pools, lakes or any body of water.
• Care, patience, moderation, balance and respect in all you do this summer. I want you to enjoy next summer, too.

The quote for this month is a very inspirational one for me. “Don’t hurry, don’t worry. You’ve only here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers." By Golfer Walter C. Hagen. I think this is the essence of life whether summer or not. The amount of time that we are fortunate to have in this life is not important. The experience that we share in life is the really important part of living. We must live each day, experiencing the day to the fullest, never looking ahead or behind, rather living the moment in all of it's ecstasy.

Enjoy summer to the best of your ability. I hope that ability is of the grandest. Now, play ball!

June 2005 Newsletter  
Discussion of the Month     Entertainment     Health, Fitness and Lifestyle     Politics
 Religion and Spiritualism     Technology and Business     Too Strange, Weird or Just Funny