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I love birthdays and guess whose birthday is in November?? That’s right, you guessed it… Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios in 1928. An anthropomorphic mouse who typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, Mickey has become one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in the world. Mickey first was seen in a single test screening (Plane Crazy). Mickey officially debuted in the short film Steamboat Willie (1928), one of the first sound cartoons. He went on to appear in over 130 films, including The Band Concert (1935), Brave Little Tailor (1938), and Fantasia (1940). Mickey appeared primarily in short films, but also occasionally in feature-length films. Ten of Mickey’s cartoons were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, one of which, Lend a Paw, won the award in 1942. In 1978, Mickey became the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beginning in 1930, Mickey has also been featured extensively as a comic strip character. His self-titled newspaper strip, drawn primarily by Floyd Gottfredson, ran for 45 years. Mickey has also appeared in comic books and in television series such as The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1996) and others. He also appears in other media such as video games as well as merchandising and is a meetable character at the Disney parks. Mickey generally appears alongside his girlfriend Minnie Mouse, his pet dog Pluto, his friends Donald Duck, and Goofy, and his nemesis Pete, among others. Originally characterized as a mischievous antihero, Mickey’s increasing popularity led to his being rebranded as an everyman, usually seen as a flawed, but adventurous hero. In 2009, Disney began to re-brand the character again by putting less emphasis on his pleasant, cheerful side and reintroducing the more mischievous and adventurous sides of his personality, beginning with the video game Epic Mickey. This information provided by Disney is very interesting to read. There’s so much that I didn’t even know about Mickey. How about you?

I love to see how days are recognized through the year. They have any day you can imagine! I almost got tickled with this day they recognize. It is push button phone day. Did you know that Bell Telephone introduced the first commercial push-button telephone on November 18, 1963? It was installed first in Carnegie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. The push-button phone replaced the rotary dial phone, which had been in use for decades. Customers had to be convinced to use the new phones. The push-button telephone was only one part of the package that completed the modern telephone system. One other major part was automating the signals sent down the wire after you pushed the buttons. To fill this gap, touch-tone dialing was also introduced on November 18, 1963 to speed the transmission of telephone numbers. Rotary dial phones had used pulse dialing, a much slower method of routing a call to an exchange to connect with another number. Until rotary dial phones were introduced, telephone operators at an exchange grabbed plugs on the end of long cord and pushed them into a jack on a board, connecting someone placing a call with the party they were calling, or with a long-distance operator in another city. “It happened in the ‘60s” website is the great website that I found this information on and there is so much information on there that is so interesting. Reading on push-button phones took me back to when I was a little girl. I can remember both of my grandmothers having the round circular dial phones. It seemed like it took forever to dial the number you needed. Then I can remember them getting the push button phones but it still was a little slow but nothing compared to the phones before them. We thought we were something when our grandparents got the push-button phones. With all the technology we have now, our children were basically introduced to cell phones from the beginning so they have no clue about push-button phones much less the ones we had to spend round and round to dial. It’s amazing to me when I think about the times when I was growing up. None of my grandparents, grandmothers and grandfathers included, even knew what a cell phone was probably. I know my daddy’s parents never had a cell phone and I don’t think my mother’s parents did. Technology has come a long way but to me when I was growing up, those were the good ole days!

Pneumonia Awareness Month is in November. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are like those of a cold or flu, but they last longer. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

· Fever, sweating and shaking chills

· Cough, which may produce phlegm

· Chest pain when you breathe or cough

· Shortness of breath

· Fatigue

· Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating. People older than age 65 and people in poor health or with a weakened immune system may have a lower-than-normal body temperature. Older people who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental awareness. Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your physician.

It seems as if the temperatures will soon be getting much cooler. I do like this time of year though. We are able to wear scarves, hats, gloves and warm clothes but sometimes people think about how they bundle up and we forget about how animals need to bundle up. One easy thing to remember is don't leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops! Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, wind-chill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia when they are outdoors during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. These are just a few basic tips to remember that was offered by the humane society. Just remember when the temperatures drop to bring pets inside if possible - laundry room or bathroom works well for outdoor pets. No pet deserves to be outside in this weather, without PROPER HOUSES, BLANKETS, AND HEAT SOURCE. Animal control will be actively watching for violations, and as always, non-compliant owners should be reported to Animal Control Division at (229)777-7774 (leave a message during non-business hours). Urgent issues should be reported to 911. Thank you to everyone for keeping our furry friends safe during what could be a very, very cold winter.

We open and close our mouths throughout the day whenever we talk, yawn or eat — and most of us probably don’t spend much time thinking about how this works. That is, until it hurts. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is what connects your jawbone to your skull. It operates like a hinge, and it’s responsible for your jaw movement. If the joint becomes injured or inflamed, you experience pain around your jaw and face, a condition commonly known as TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Whether you have jaw pain or want to avoid it, here’s what you should know about what causes TMJ, plus TMJ symptoms and treatment. Symptoms of TMJ can include a headache, toothache, earache or pain in your face, jaw or neck, especially when opening your mouth or chewing. Other TMJ symptoms can include a clicking or popping sound when opening your mouth, and a locked jaw — when the joint essentially freezes up, making it hard (and very painful) to open or close your mouth. TMJ causes can include grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), stress, an injury like whiplash, arthritis in the joint or problems with the alignment of your jaw and teeth. TMJ symptoms can often be a sign of other dental problems, like tooth decay or a sinus infection. Your dentist will review your TMJ symptoms and medical history to rule out issues like these and determine the cause of your jaw pain. Your dentist may also take X-rays or refer you to a specialist such as an ENT, orthodontist or an oral surgeon. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your dentist might recommend any of these TMJ treatments:

· Medications like pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants are to ease discomfort and reduce swelling.

· At-home remedies like applying heat or ice packs to your face or jaw area, limiting jaw movement and eating soft foods.

· Mouth guards or oral splints, which prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching. These mouthpieces may help prevent teeth clenching and grinding and may help correct your bite.

· Dental work to replace missing teeth, align teeth or balance biting surfaces. This may include crowns, bridges, braces or retainers.

In-office treatments, like a minimally invasive arthrocentesis procedure that removes damaged tissue to help unlock your jaw or steroid injections that help relieve muscle pain in your face. Chiropractic care, which may reduce pressure on nerves associated with TMJ pain. BOTOX® to help relax facial muscles. Oral surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery or open-joint surgery, performed by an oral surgeon. Mild TMJ symptoms occasionally go away on their own. But it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms are painful enough to interfere with your daily activities.

With the holiday’s coming up, we all seem to stay so busy but try during them to take a little time for yourself and relax! You can learn to relax with some practice and patience. Be sure to get advice by talking with your health care provider about methods that may work best for you. Check with him or her before changing your diet or starting an exercise program. Talk to people experienced in relaxation techniques, too. Set aside time every day. Many relaxation techniques take a bit of practice to achieve results so be sure to plan time in your schedule everyday to accomplish this. Always find a quiet place. You should feel comfortable and safe in whatever setting you choose. Dim the lights and add soothing background music and enjoy the moment! One thing that will help but is very hard to do is be patient. Don’t worry if you don’t notice results right away. Give yourself time to learn the techniques and relaxation will come. Relaxing is very important because it can help relieve or prevent problems related to stress. Health problems that relaxation can help include headaches, trouble sleeping, clenching or grinding of teeth, stomach and digestion problems and high blood pressure. Believe it or not, relaxation can help emotional distress. Through relaxation, you can reduce emotional response to stress, such as irritability, tension, anxiety and depression. So try to follow these to relax and enjoy the holidays!

Have you ever thought about sending a Christmas card to your family and friends or do you just send a Christmas text? I know a few just laughed when they read that but I am being very serious. When I was a teenager, being the youngest grandchild and a granddaughter at that, I took up much time with my grandmother. After Thanksgiving lunch every year that I can remember after becoming a teenager, I would help my Granny Louise fix her Christmas cards. She had them ready to mail out on December 1st or around there. She had her address book that we went through looking at who she needed to send a card to and she looked through the address labels of those that sent to her the year before, yes she kept them ALL! She enjoyed sending as much as she enjoyed receiving Christmas cards. She put a special message in each card. I think back on those times and it brings such great joy to me knowing that time with her was so precious to us both. I sure miss fixing those cards for her. She kept EVERY one of her cards from year to year to glance back over. Technology has advanced so much that many people do not send out Christmas cards any longer however last year I did for the first time in many year send them out and I am definitely sending them out again this year. I absolutely LOVE getting cards in the mail especially Christmas cards. Have you started getting your cards together yet?

 Get ready to kick the habit and become victorious over tobacco. The American Cancer Society Great American Smoke Out event is your chance to triumph over addiction. Every November, the American Cancer Society sets aside the third Thursday to encourage smokers to go the distance, and to finally give up smoking. About 34.1 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. As of 2018, there were also 12.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and over 4.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes which is another dangerous and addictive form of tobacco. By quitting, even for one day, you will be taking an important step toward a healthier life which can lead to reducing your cancer risk. It’s a race for your health, and it starts today. Today’s the day that quitters win. After 55 years of smoking, my daddy was able to quit. He lived 5 more years and said breathing was so much easier without smoking! If you are interested in stopping to smoke, please consult your doctor and see what he can do to help you. There are medications to help you along with programs that will step you down off of cigarettes. My uncle believed in chewing gum to stop smoking. See what will help you today to try your best to stop. 

Christmas is a time for giving, so give yourself a break. “But, what about the kids?”, you may find yourself asking with some frustration. Fear not! Callaway Resort & Gardens is the perfect Christmas vacation getaway for you and the kids! Nestled in Pine Mountain, Georgia just a short drive from Atlanta you’ll find one of America’s best Christmas vacation spots. Book a suite in the Lodge and Spa, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful view overlooking the lake, woodlands, and the garden. The gorgeous room interior will give you the same comfort as your own home. With quick access to the garden, swimming pool, spa and fitness center, and cabana-style bar, the Lodge and Spa suites are the perfect setup for a fantastic vacation. But, what about the kids? Well, the resort offers some of the best activities for families near Atlanta. Families can explore the amazing Callaway Gardens together. The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Overlook Azalea Garden, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, Pioneer Log Cabin, Meadowlark Garden, and Thornhill Hydrangea Garden are just a few of the outdoor attractions offered at the resort. There are plenty of nature trails to walk as well. If you’re looking for a unique nature experience, the Day Butterfly Center houses over 1,000 butterflies for your viewing pleasure–it’s one of North America’s largest tropical butterfly conservatories! You’ll have the chance to learn all about the wonderful butterflies that inhabit the Center and watch them in their natural habitat. At the Callaway Discovery Center, you can enjoy a show so spectacular, it that requires the approval of both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Callaway Gardens’ Birds of Prey program is designed to educate visitors about their impact on wildlife, but it also gives visitors an up close and personal demonstration of predatory birds’ strength, speed, and natural instincts. It’s definitely a must-see! If your kids are looking for a little more adventure, they’ll love the Callaway Resort & Gardens’ Treetop Adventure – Zip Lines & Obstacle Courses. The self-guided, in-air obstacle course will entertain any thrill seeker. The 10 zip lines and 34 challenges will take the average zip liner two to three hours to complete. The challenges and thrilling heights are sure to bring any family closer together and give a sense of accomplishment when completed. You can also sign up the kids for the zip lines and take those two to three hours to unwind. The resort offers two world-class 18-hole golf courses that take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in America. You can also work up a sweat at the Mountain Creek Tennis Center, where you’ll find both hard-surface and soft-surface courts. If you prefer the calmness of the waters, you can opt to rent a canoe, kayak, or jon boat and venture onto Mountain Creek Lake. Let’s face it, though—if you’re going to unwind, you’ll do it best at the Spa at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Sign up for massage therapy, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services, or botanical body treatments. While the kids climb sky high, you’ll be floating along on cloud nine. “That sounds great,” you might say, “but what about Christmas?” Well, if you’re at Callaway Resort & Gardens during Christmas, you’ll be treated to one of the world’s Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights, according to National Geographic Traveler. At Callaway Resort & Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights, there are eight million lights, 15 scenes and shows, and awesome Christmas characters that will bring the holiday spirit to your amazing Christmas vacation. You can even sign up to have breakfast with the Christmas characters! If you’re wondering where to spend Christmas vacation with kids, you’ll find all the makings of a perfect vacation at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Call today to book your stay! 

Source: Callaway Gardens 

With the shorter days, cooler nights, and bright, sunny days of autumn we put on an extra jacket – especially in the mornings. Deciduous trees and shrubs do the opposite. In preparation for winter, chlorophyll production slows down and leaves eventually drop off. The colorful pigments we’re beginning to see may have been in the leaves all along but were masked by the green from chlorophyll. Technically the yellows, golds and oranges are due to carotenoid which is in the leaves fairly constantly. Red colors are a different story. Sunny days allow the leaves to produce sugar, but the cool night temperatures prevent the sugar sap from flowing into the branches and trunk. To help the plant recover nutrients in the leaves before they fall off some trees produce anthocyanins. It is these anthocyanins that produce the brilliant shades of red and maroon. Lots of cloudy days can mean fewer red leaves. Lack of rain also affects leaf coloration and many leaves may simply turn brown and fall off rather than show brilliant fall color. As the larger trees turn color and drop their leaves, the smaller trees and shrubs will show their fall colors. In the Gardens at Callaway, the vistas around the lakes are always good places to see leaf color. Later in the fall foliage season, be sure to drive through Overlook and Meadowlark to see the Japanese maple colors.