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Tips for family vacations
The saying that “the family that plays
together, stays together” has been sup
ported by several recent studies. Strong
. families are ones that do both work and
leisure activities together. This doesn’t
mean that healthy families do every
thing together, a balance of shared and
individual activities is desirable. In
most busy families, however, the
leisure time spent together doesn’t occur unless it is
deliberately planned. The family vacation is an impor
tant way for families to strengthen their ties.
Choosing a vacation
You like the beach and your spouse likes the moun
tains? The kids want to go to Disneyland? Differing
leisure preferences are the rule rather than the exception.
In one recent study, 75 percent of the families reported
disagreeing sometimes about what to do with their
leisure time. These differences are more likely as chil
dren get older.
Holding a family council, especially with grade school
and teenage children, is a good way to decide on the
family vacation. A family council is not just calling the
children together to tell them what mom and dad have
decided. It is away to go about reaching a decision that
everyone has helped make. These basic steps should be
included:
1. Identify the issue (where to go, what to do on vaca
tion).
2. Brainstorm ideas (without evaluation at this stage,
just get all the ideas from everyone).
3. Evaluate the alternatives.
4. Select an alternative.
5. Think about it a few days, gather more information.
6. See if everyone still feels the same about the deci
sion, modify it if necessary.
7. Implement the decision and begin planning.
Some families may have a summer vacation tradition,
an activity that they do each year, that has become
accepted and “right.” That may make the deciding easi
er. These vacation traditions can be an important part of
a family’s identity and roots.
Traveling with young children
“Are we there yet?” “How much further is it?” These
are words often heard by parents traveling with young
children. A few factors may help them enjoy the family
vacation too.
1. Prepare them: discuss how you will travel; what you
will see; read some books about vacation.
Pine straw plentiful, popular mulch in Georgia
Picking out a perfect mulch is mostly a matter of
preference, said a University of Geoigia scientist.
“As long as it acts like a mulch, what it is doesn’t mat
ter,” said Mel Garber, a horticulturist with the UGA
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Good mulches, he said, can do four things: keep water
near the plants’ roots, prevent runoff, keep down weeds
and eventually improve the soil.
Whether the mulch you use is pine straw, pine bark,
.-shredded newspapers or composted yard trimming
' depends on what you like and what you can buy at a
■ pace you’re willing to pay, he said.
* And in the South, pine straw often wins on all counts.
“We see people all the time who just rake it up and
»use it for mulch,” said Dave Moorhead, a UGA
■Extension Service forester with the D.B. Wamell
’ School of Forest Resources. “But it’s also readily avail
. able in bales.”
■ Georgians spend more than $25 million on pine straw
. every year, said Lynn Hooven, chief of forest manage
ment at the Georgia Forestry Commission.
* “That’s a good estimate of first sales,” he said. “If it’s
resold through retailers, that’s not included. Pine straw
. is big business in Georgia.”
‘ No matter if you rake your own or buy bales,
Moorhead said it’s best to use fresh, “clean” straw.
< “Baled pine straw should be bright reddish-brown and
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ing the child for hugs and kisses with these “semi
strangers.”
4. Be kid oriented: adults like to see things, kids like to
do things. Both adults and kids will be happier if kids
are not expected to behave like adults.
Too much togetherness
One paradox about families spending time together on
vacations to become closer to each other is that too
much time together may create conflict The family has
not been used to being cooped up in the few square feet
of car space or spending all day together, when they
ordinarily have been together only at dinner time. Such
changes will require adjustments and may create con
flicts. That’s all normal. It’s a good idea, then, to plan
some free time and some time for independent activities
while on the family vacation. Different groups within
the family can combine for some activities. For exam
ple, dad and daughter can go shopping while mom and
son look for shells.
Preserving the experience
A travel log, some postcards, photographs, or video
tape movies are all excellent ways to preserve the vaca
tion memories. The recollection of shared, happy experi
ences can be as important in creating closeness as was
the actual vacation. As children grow and leave home
for school, military, or other experiences, these memo
ries will be more valuable than the things vacation
money could have been spent on instead.
The main benefit
The primary benefit of shared leisure activities, like
vacations, may be the resulting enhancement of interper
sonal communication. A change of routine allows us to
see a family member in a new way and to learn more
about them. When free from daily pressures, it is often
easier to discuss problems or concerns that have arisen
earlier. Hopefully, a vacation will provide opportunities
for expressions of appreciation and for enjoyment of one
another that will fill the reservoir of family unity and
caring to sustain through dry spells that may come.
flexible.” he said.
Garber said if it doesn’t bend without breaking, don’t
buy it.
Bales shouldn’t contain weeds, pine cones or other
grasses, he said. Pine cones add bulk to the bales, but
they’re not as useful as mulch. Weeds and grasses can
spread seeds into your flower beds that you’ll have to
pull up or kill later.
“The point is for the mulch to give a finished look to
the beds. And weeds can negate any effort you’ve
made,” he said.
Pine straw, along with other plant matter, helps build
the soil, too.
Eventually.
“Using pine straw as a mulch is essentially compost
ing in place,” said Wayne McLaurin, a UGA extension
horticulturist.
“It will last about a year before it starts looking
dingy,” he said. “But as it decomposes, it’s adding
organic material to the soil right there around the flow
ers, shrubs, trees —whatever it’s around.”
As the straw begins looking gray, Moorhead said it’s
easy to add another thin layer of fresh straw.
The price you’ll pay for pine straw varies across the
state. But expect to pay more for longleaf pine straw
which has longer needles that last longer in the land
scape.
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2. Plan activities: help each child pre
pare a shoe box with a few selected
toys, crayons, etc.: learn some games to
play in the car; take books/tapes,
music, to play on the tape player.
3. Grandparents and relatives: help
the child be ready to see relatives they
haven’t seen recently by reviewing
photos, talking about them, and prepar-
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answers to Sunday’s crossword
Abby
By Abigail Van Buren
Universal Press Syndicate
DEAR ABBY: Everyone has heard about teen-age
girls who think they’re fat when they’re not. I’m 13
years old and a little overweight, but I try not to think
about it all the time. I know lots of gifts who do, and
many of them are slim, healthy and attractive. Parents
and teachers try to tell girls that size doesn’t matter, but
most teens think it does.
Magazines, television and even our peers recognize
only thin people as being beautiful, so how can you
blame girls for wanting to be thin? I’d like to give some
advice, especially to other teenagers.
Girls, if you are with someone who is heavier than
you or uncomfortable with her body, don’t complain
about your own. It will only make them feel worse.
Believe me, I should know—l have been hurt many
times by behavior like this.
Guys, let a girl know she doesn’t have to have a per
fect body or look like a model for you to like her. One
reason a lot of girls go on diets is so that guys will
notice them.
Everyone: Compliment others. Make them feel loved,
accepted and beautiful. Focus on people’s good points,
not their flaws. Not only will this make them feel good,
it will make you glad to know you have made some
body’s day a little brighter.
BEEN HURT BEFORE
IN MINNESOTA
DEAR HURT: Excellent advice! It is unfortunate that
someone who is as thoughtful and caring as you has
been hurt by the thoughtlessness of others. The insight
you possess will take you far. I hope those around you
conduct themselves by your example.
DEAR ABBY: I am one of those abused husbands
who took your advice and moved out 18 months ago.
Horoscope
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Work interests at a
distance prosper. Check to see what’s happening.
Creative types should meet with agents, while chil
dren’s interests are accented.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) There are still things
to be worked out concerning a trip. You’ll be doing
more home entertaining in the near future. You could
spruce up your living quarters over the weekend.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) For a while, you’ll
grumble about work that interferes with socializing.
But there will be no complaints about the new career
opportunities that come your way. A phone call brings
good news toward the latter part of the week.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Work problems are
on your mind and you’re not at your gregarious best
till the later part of the week. Accepting invitations for
happy times will be indicated. A question a child
takes you by surprise.
LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Manners and little
niceties seem to count in business. Social life finds
you quite popular. Accept invitations for enjoyable
times during the weekend.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Background maneu
vers are favorable for your career. It’s a time for
preparation and research, rather than action. You need
some time for yourself once the weekend arrives.
PUBLIC AUCTION
The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public auction for
surplus items on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m.. The surplus auction will be
held at the Dawson County Road Department located at 860 Hwy. 53 West.
Phillip Burt will be the auctioneer.
VEHICLES:
Dodge P/U 4x2, yr., ser. # unknown, inoperable
Seagrave Fire Truck, ser. 54922, mounted on 350. Ford Chassis,
yr. unknown
1 used water tanker body
78 Dodge 4x4 ambulance
73 Ford FIOOO rescue
‘BS Ford LTD Crown Vic., white
‘9l Ford LTD Crown Vic., ser #59542
76 Chev. Chassis, ser. # 26272
‘Bl GMC Chassis, ser. #84407
2 Barrel intake w/carb.
Edelbrock 4 barrel intake
4 used Goodyear 5 ply 800 x 20 tires
2 Chevy Box Dumps C7O, year unknown
1 GMC Tractor Low Boy, trailer
Ford Truck, Fl5O 4x4 1997, model #
IFTDFIBW2VNCB7O74
Ford Taurus, 1990. model # 1FACP5046LA235452
Ford Crown Victoria, 1984 model #1FA8P7267JX125254
GMC Sierra SL, 1989, modeI«IGTDKI4HSKZS3B29O
Trailer Frames
Cat ROPS
Galion Grader TSOO w/side cutter, ran when parked
Cat 12 E Grader w/side cutter, ran when parked
‘B4 Jeep Wagoneer SR. UCNJISNIFJO4I3B4, bad transmission
Wrecked Ford Mustang, body only
‘B3 Chev. Blazer, IGBEKJBH3OFI2B9, bad transmission
‘B2 Chev. Pickup 4x2,IGLDCI4HCI4HSDJI4I
Junk Chev. trucks, cabs and frames only
73 Chev. P/U 4x4, cky. 1448107853, no motor
Misc. small items
2 Chevy Box Dumps C7O, year unknown
1 GMC Tractor Low Boy trailer
‘B3 Chevy P/U 4x4, wrecked
Lot used truck bodies
Dodge P/U 4x2, yr. unknown, Ser.« unknown, inoperable
1977 or 78 Chev. 1/2 Ton P/U, #CKL178F396064
OFFICE EQUIPMENT:
2 copiers
1 Apple computer and printer
1 NCR cash register
11BM Selectric typewriter
1 Citizens CXIOOO adding machine
IBM Computer keyboard, ser.« 20823125150A
1 Victor Calculator S # 4596-055
IBM Typewriter Mac., brown, corr. sal. 11l #27-67593
Posture desk chair, all steel, #1935
Pediatric exam table, brown wood
Victor 1900 calculator, S#soßo-495
Alton 12* monitor keyboard 510106848
DTK 1832 computer
FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS Friday, June 5,19 M I
Fortunately, I had the means to have my own place. I
am a healthy, retired professional. My wife is also a
retired professional with strong willpower. I was a wid
ower (married 35 years with three children); she, a
divorcee of about 12 years with a college age daughter.
We were associates at work who had known each other
about 25 years.
We started out great and had some great times, but she
has a violent temper. She resorted to extremely abusive
language, coupled at times with physical attacks. Abby,
I never struck back.
My departure was occasioned when, nine days after I
returned home from a hospital following a painful knee
replacement, she attacked me physically and verbally
and told me to leave. At the time, I could barely walk.
With the help of my son-in-law, I found a place and
moved out.
I presented my wife with a separation agreement
which she ignored. She has hinted several times that we
should live together for financial reasons. I say that is a
poor reason to maintain a relationship.
After about seven months, I filed for divorce. She has
responded quite greedily and is trying to wipe me out
financially. Yes, Abby, we had a prenuptial agreement,
but a lot can be acquired in 11 years together. So now
we’re gearing up for a complicated and expensive trial.
Nevertheless, I am happy to be out of that relation
ship. My family is also happy for me. My daughter, her
family and my sister can visit me anytime they want.
My son is visiting me again. There is no tension now.
So, Abby, I want to tell you that I heartily agree with
your advice to abused husbands: Get out. It may be
tough at first, but you’ll adapt.
FREE IN FLORIDA
DEAR FREE: Thank you for the firsthand testimoni
al. Divorce is never easy, and it can be costly—but in
your case, I’d say it’s the better option. Enjoy your free
dom; you’ve earned it.
LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct. 22) First, you argue about
how to have fun. Then, you could overstay your wel
come while out visiting. Reasoning in social matters
is not at its best.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov. 21) You could com
plain about not having enough time to do your work
and then when left to your own devices, you could
dawdle the time away. Listen to a friend. This per
son’s advice is sound.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Home-based
activities are best. Catch up on sleep and relaxation
once work is done. Some shoppers find a wonderful
bargain, but don’t dwell on a career problem.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Romance is
favored over friendship. Put aside career concerns and
let yourself have a good time. Happiness comes
through children, love and leisure events this week
end.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) If you are given
enough time by yourself, there’s no telling what you’ll
accomplish. You’re the one who’s pulling the strings
from behind the scenes. Keep this to yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Slow down and do
the job right. Both an old and a new friend are impor
tant to you. Doors seem to open for you and good will
breeds benefits.
Epson LQ 1000 printer, POOH 065
Zenith Monitor
IBM disk drive, 20823125150
Minolta EP 4301 copier, 3632497
Kodak Carousel 750, #1164951
IBM computer monitor, 851300118M3513
Xerox 605 Memory Writer
Sharp EL 1197 H
Victor Medalist 306 calculator
MISCELLANEOUS:
Uniden Bearcat Scanner, BCS6OXLT, sr. # 5029205
4 channel Regency Micro Com. H 448, sr. # 41-A38387
Assorted pagers and chargers
Assorted radios and speakers
7 sections of 2-1/2’ hose
11 sections of 1-1/2" hose
1 section of 2” hose
1 Army stretcher
17 outdated air bottles
1500 gal. water tank (tank mount)
4’ Centrifugal pump
Quasar TV, TU 982WPA5431120227 irrepairable
FURNITURE:
5 drawer metal desk
Hot Point refrigerator, CTFI4CJKBZT34O2BI, irrepairable
INVENTORY:
2 filing cabinets (5 drawer)
8 filing cabinets (4 drawer)
3 filing cabinets (2 drawer)
6 Meridian telephones
1 Ricoh copier, model #FTSB32
1 Hewlett Packard lasar computer printer, model # U5C8694700
11BM wheelwriter typewriter, model #6783-011
1 Samsung FX4OOO fax machine, model # 831GA00074
1 Radio Shack tape recorder, model 1 7072341
1 Olympia 7030 adding machine, model #395001261
1 Canon MP 31D adding machine, model # 102959
1 Global office chair, model # 69A7019
1 HOA office chair, model# GE42I
6 office chairs
1 Princeton EOSO computer monitor, model # 0372044005
1 Pionex Elite computer, model # 122959
23M computer monitor screen, model» BFIOL
1 AST 6066 CPU computer, model #035ANV029907
1 Compudyne computer monitor, Model <0558006062
ACER CPU computer, model # 3600018564
ACER VIEW 34T computer monitor, model • 9175402067
Texas Inst. Tl 513011 calculator, model #114584
1 White/Westinghouse refrigerator
1 Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, model #86400
1 Panasonic microwave
PAGE 9A