Miscellaneous Mondays: Three Reasons to Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Dental hygiene requires more than regular brushing and flossing the teeth. Most people I know change their toothbrush on some type of schedule because the practice has been ingrained since childhood. 

Bacteria and other microbes unseen by the human eye hang out on the bristles. That isn’t surprising as they share the same air and environment we live in. The American Dental Association is quick to assure us that there isn’t enough evidence that growth on a toothbrush will result in “specific adverse oral or systemic health effects.” 

That’s good news, and there’s more! Proper care of your toothbrush removes bacteria and retains its brushing power.

1.Keep your toothbrush in the open. Bacteria and other microorganisms thrive without light and fresh air. If it’s undercover during travel, take it out once you arrive at your destination.

 

2. Use tap water to rinse the brush after every use. Check to be sure all the toothpaste is off the bristles.

3. Have a spot for each toothbrush to dry standing straight. Keep brushes separate. 

 

Most of us are in the habit of changing toothbrushes every 3 months or so, or after being sick. As a mom, I know how important it is to replace younger kids’ toothbrushes more often than that. The soft bristles wear down quickly. 

Change the brush every two months for better brushing. Select the youngster’s favorite color, character or design to encourage them to keep brushing. 

What kind of toothbrush makes your smile bright?

Thankful Thursdays: Grateful for the USO

USO Center in Hawthorne NV

We're a military family representing all branches of service. Few organizations have made as much of an impression on us as the non-profit, non-political USO. It's been around for over 70 years with permanent facilities in 27 states and 14 countries. In addition, celebrities participate in USO shows to provide entertainment and a brief respite from duty to personnel and their families. Neal McCoy, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Robin Williams, and Gary Lewis and the Playboys are just a few of familiar names that have donated their efforts and time to the organization.

I remember a smiling group of women offering coffee, punch, sandwiches, and cookies while waiting at the airport in Seattle for my plane to Korea. The friendly ambiance of the lounge provided a wonderful opportunity to relax and watch TV before the long flight.

An event I will always remember is the group of Korean country-western singers at the Osan AFB USO Center. The Grand Old Opry-style presentation was part of their warmup tour. It truly did help provide a sense of home away from home to US military personnel.

Robin Williams in Italy with the USO

Bob Hope at Lackland AFB

Gary Lewis and the Playboys

Bing Crosby USO show during WW II

Robin Williams 

Neal McCoy during USO tour in Iraq

What better way to celebrate Thankful Thursday than by remembering the individuals and groups that get up and do for others rather than sitting down and wondering what can be done?


Has a volunteer agency or individual made an impact on your life?

Traveling Tuesdays: Armed Forces Day at Hawthorne Nevada

Armed Forces Day recognizes the roles covered by the five military branches of the United States. Personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force frequently train and fight together to defend the country and allies.

Although the idea of making one uniform date was to replace individual recognition, all branches celebrate their own birthday as well as the consolidated date.

We traveled to Hawthorne, Nevada on Friday, May 15, 2015 where the community was preparing for Saturday’s celebration. It was wet, windy and cold, but I refused to yield to the weather and forget taking pictures.

These are some of my favorites. 

back with propeller

USS Alabama (sub) missle

Don't mess with the US

Is your McDonald's this protected?

Hawthorne Ordnance Museum

Underwater Mines

God bless the USO volunteers!

Traveling Tuesdays: Jaunting Along in the Great Basin Desert

The Great Basin Desert is the largest desert in North America. It's outside my door every morning and when I noticed a few flowers blooming, I headed out to the wilderness to snap a few shots of native and wind-delivered flora.

This is the view coming back into Fernley NV near I-80.

 The soil and the flowers don't vary much, but it is such a delight to have natural beauty and color struggling for survival during this years-long drought.

Although these look like dandelions, I'm fairly certain they are a different flower altogether. The black plastic bag was probably blown in by the high winds we've been having for months. Desert critters have a habit of taking refuge in the warmth of the bags, so I left the bag where it was, half buried with sand.

It is fun to get out and walk around to take pictures of the bright, cheerful flowers clinging to the Northern Nevada landscape. It's a great example of the internal battle of nature, where one part stubbornly takes its place for survival against all odds - and wins year after year!

What amazing things are taking place near your home?

Thankful Thursdays: The Community Garden

Veggies at the 2010 West Show Jersey (byMan Vyi)

It takes a lot of energy to create a community garden. Not the “Oh, gosh, the power bill is sky high!” energy, but the physical type. Weeding, planting, watering, harvesting, and sharing.  Learning is another part of the event. What plants thrive in a certain area and when should seeds be planted? Can I transplant a certain fruit tree from one area to another?

I saw a video on FB today that made me smile from ear to ear. It’s about an Ag (agriculture) instructor and students at Sylmar High School, located in Southern California’s Los Angeles County. Students pitch in to grow vegetables and fruit trees to share with their neighbors. Organic vegetables are donated not only to feed the hungry, but to show others that food is accessible to anyone willing to grow it.

A friend once told me that he was proud to have fulfilled the purpose of his life by teaching his children how to survive well, including growing their own food. Years later, his kids now teach their kids the same skills. 

Do you want a break from the dismal highlights of today’s news? Treat yourself to the seldom recognized effort of teachers and students to make a positive difference in today’s world.