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Article posted Wednesday, May 20, 2015 4:27pm

Dear Readers,

Since it is Memorial Day weekend, I thought we could all brush up on some holiday weekend basics:

1) If you are invited to an outdoor cookout and the host/hostess tells you not to bring anything, it would still be a nice gesture to bring a bottle of wine, a six-pack of (quality) beer or a little hostess gift.

2) If you are having a BBQ, consider inviting your next door neighbors too. If they are going to have to hear your conversations and smell the delicious scents coming from your grill, they may as well join the party. Plus, if they are your guests, you won’t have to worry about making too much noise.

3) Don’t drink and drive a car or a boat. Not worth risking someone else’s life or your own. Designate a driver or stick with lemonade.

4) If you are hosting a cookout remember that not everyone is a carnivore. Be sure to have a vegetarian option or two on hand.

5) If you are invited to a party at 4 pm and don’t show up until 5:45 pm, don’t be surprised if there is no food left. Cocktails and appetizers don’t go on indefinitely. Fifteen minutes behind schedule is one thing, but more than a half-hour and you are wading into the rude category.

6) Don’t try to fit too many events into your weekend. Over-committing your time creates unnecessary stress.

7) Unless you are on call for work or left your kids home with a babysitter, leave your phone tucked into your purse or pocket. You can scroll through your Facebook wall and texts later.

8) Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

9) There will be a lot of cars in the county all of a sudden and along with a lot of cars there will be a lot of boats and campers, too. This will make traffic a little hectic and it will take longer to get places. Accept it and relax. Unless you are a fireman/policeman/doctor/EMT responding to an emergency, what’s the hurry? Crank your tunes and look out at some fantastic scenery.

10) In between all of your fun with family and friends, let’s not forget what this weekend is all about. On Memorial Day, we remember all the servicemen and servicewomen who have died serving our country. Take the time to remember their sacrifice. Thank a veteran. Ask your grandpa about his time in the military. Stop by a soldier’s grave to say thank you. Be grateful.

For more info: doorcountyveterans.com.

Good luck,

Mary Pat