 The 4th of July provides a mid-summer celebration even with Covid 19 still here we can have a great time to gather with friends and family safely and with the proper social distancing. After all, celebrating a birthday the birth of our country marks a fantastic time to enjoy the refreshing and revitalizing nature of summer. Take your 4th of July entertaining to the next level this year with some simple party planning tips or simply adding a delicious fruit platter!
For example, every celebration needs to some delicious treats that set the ambiance and inspire the festivities. And America’s birthday is no different! “Celebrate the birth of the nation by hosting a cookout with all of your family and friends. The Fourth of July is a great reason to gather with all your closest friends, watch fireworks, and play outdoor games. After all, it is summer, and the weather is amazing.” Make sure to start off with being vigilant with you and your guests safety and proper hygiene. As your guests was there hand provide paper products instead of towels to prevent cross contamination. Hand Sanitizer for your guests as they mingle, Provide the elbow bump instead of handshake. Take a few extra per cautious and you and your guests are ready to have fun and celebrate. So, start with a 4th of July spread that is sure to impress. From finger foods as appetizers to a few hearty main courses and finishing with some tasty desserts, keep your food simple and your guests will have a great time. “No matter what your guests are in the mood for, this Fourth of July spread is sure to please. It’s got everything you could want from tasty appetizers, to delicious dinners, and out-of-this-world desserts.” For more celebration tips, our team breaks down the decorations, attire and games that will keep your Independence Day rocking! 4th of July Decorations: Do not forget this party is all about the Red, White, & Blue! Whether you are hosting your party inside or outside, make sure you decorate your party space with lots of red, white, and blue! You can DIY some great things like painted mason jars to hold candles or even buy some festive paper goods from a local party store. For example, red, white, and blue bandannas offer a variety of ways to express your patriotism and American pride. “These bandannas used as napkins are as simple as you can get. I love that they are the perfect size. Or how about wrapping some favors for your 4th of July celebration? Finally, consider wrapping up a VERY American apple pie and tie with a bandanna. Slip your pie server through the knot and attach a cute chalkboard label with twine. You can even carry this like a caddy from the tied knot.” This is the day to celebrate so do it in style with some great decoration, so for a more edible decoration consider adding some patriotic flair 4th of July Party Games Every summer party calls for fun games to play for both the kids and the adults. Some summer favorites are ladder ball, corn hole, can jam, and volleyball. These games are a great way to keep everyone busy and having a blast while you can host your party. “There is nothing better than celebrating Independence Day with friends and family and our kids always have a blast. This year at our Fourth of July Party, we put together the coolest station for Fourth of July Fun and Games! We carved out a spot for all of the goodies on the front porch. We set up a table with a burlap topper and included this adorable chevron flag art that we found at Hobby Lobby. Then, we set out the ultimate trio of July Fourth fun… bubbles, snaps, and sparklers, of course! They were cleverly labeled… snap, crackle, pop. The kids thought it was fabulous. Almost too cute to use! 4th of July Fireworks & Sparklers First and foremost, does the 4th of July even happen without some fireworks? Look online and find a nearby fireworks show for party goers. And if nothing is around, then there are sparklers! Do you remember being a kid and running around with the sparklers that your parents gave you? These are a must have for every 4th of July party for party goers of all ages. They are safer than fireworks and as you remember, kids love them! 4th of July Festive Attire Party in style with your red, white, and blue attire! This time of year every store has some awesome clothing that features the flag and where better to wear it than an awesome 4th of July party? “Red, white, and blue may seem like an obvious, predictable color scheme to work with for the Fourth of July, but there are actually so many ways to work those hues into your outfit. [Here are] 15 outfits you will want to wear to all those barbecues, picnics, and parties.” 4th of July Food Every 4th of July party always has an awesome spread of summer foods, so your party should be no different! It is the middle of summer and of course most people are in the mood for none other than BBQ. So, break out the grill and get cooking! There is an array of unique BBQ ideas, along with some other options to complete your menu and 4th of July party. “This Independence Day serve up a BBQ spread of star-spangled 4th of July recipes worthy of America’s birthday. We have got your meats, your sweets, and your boozy treats. All that is left for you to do is choose your 4th of July menu, throw up some red-white-and-blue decorations, and invite the whole neighborhood over for some delicious, old-fashioned summer fun. Can we get a U-S-A?” 4th of July Dessert Every party needs dessert and your party should be no different. When it comes to 4th of July food ideas, be unique with a splash of delicious red, white and blue maybe featuring plump, juicy blueberries that are paired with perfectly ripe strawberries and a large, pineapple daisy to create this incredible party piece. Plus, with an assortment of fresh baked cookies and a hearty helping of cheesecakes, it does not get much tastier than this on the 4th of July. Celebrate and be safe.
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 With Summer kicking off into high gear so quickly this year and 2020 being so different, I would like to take a moment and remind us that we have our 4 legged friends that still need to be remembered and having heat advisories for high humidity and 80-90 plus degree weather in the coming days ahead. With June, July, and August still ahead, we may have even more days of hot summer weather. Even with temperatures in the 80s, it is still hot outside. As we enjoy the days of sunshine, warmth, and relaxing fun outside, we need to remember to protect our companion animals from the hot weather. We hope we all know the dangers of leaving your pets in a parked car in the summer. Please be cautions about taking your dog with you in the car. "On a warm, sunny day, windows collect light, trapping heat inside the vehicle and pushing the temperature inside to dangerous levels !" Even if your car is parked in the shade, the temperature inside can reach 120 degrees within a matter of minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down does not help. Dogs are designed to conserve heat. I have done some research and found that their sweat glands, which are on their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool dogs. But if they have only overheated air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Dogs and other pets left in hot cars, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and even death. The symptoms of heat stress in a Pet is caused by exposure to extreme temperatures include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness. "Get involved. If you see a pet in a parked car during a summer day, go to the nearest store and have the owner paged. Enlist the help of mall personnel or call the local police department or local animal control office." DO NOT break the window, you can still be held accountable for the damages. If your dog shows symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, here is a list the following steps that may save your companion animal's life: • Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. • Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest, or immerse her in cool, -- not cold -- water. Let your pet drink small amounts or water or lick ice cubes. • Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. In addition to playing it safe and leaving our dogs cool and refreshed at home while we run our errands in the heat of the summer day, we need to: • Provide our animals with plenty of cool, fresh drinking water. • Avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws. • Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days, taking our dogs for their walks in the early mornings or evenings when the sun's heat is when you are out in the summer sun with your pet, remember, he too is susceptible to sun damage. Dr. Ruth MacPete notes excess sun exposure can lead to sunburn and skin cancer in our pets. Areas like nose, ears, lips eyelids and belly have little or no hair on them and are very susceptible to sun damage. MacPete has several suggestions for protecting our animals from the summer sun. Keep your pet indoors when the sun is at its strongest. If it is peak tanning time, keep your pet inside. Also, consider putting pet clothing with solar protection on your pet. Lastly, YES use sunscreen on your pet's ear tips, nose and other areas that are vulnerable to sun damage. Human sunscreen is safe if it does not contain zinc oxide, which can be toxic if ingested. Since there are ingredients in sunscreens that can be toxic to both cats and dogs, It is recommended using only a veterinarian-approved sunscreen. Consult your veterinarian about which sunscreen is best for your animal. We protect ourselves from the sun and hot weather. We need to protect our animals too and to keep our birdbaths full -- but out of the reach of our dogs -- to help the birds with the heat. Sitting in the shade with my dog is one of my favorite summertime activities. Enjoy the days of summer with your dog. So please take a make sure our companions are safe for the summer also. Like, share this story so no pet is forgotten. Thank you.  May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and warm temperatures have already coaxed many riders onto the road. Here are some motorcycle safety tips for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers already cruising the highways. Whether for the sense of freedom, the joy of the open road, or simply for better fuel economy, motorcycles are a fairly common sight on the road. Motorcycles can be dangerous, however, because riders are less protected than their automotive counterparts, no matter how much protective gear they don. Motorcycles take up less room on the road, especially when seen from the front or rear, and they can easily escape drivers’ notice. Motorcycle Safety Tips for RidersThe key to motorcycle safety is to drive defensively, be vigilant and drive as if other drivers are unable to see you properly. In states that allow lane-splitting, be extra vigilant. While riding, don’t hang out in other drivers’ blind spots. Although black is often associated with motorcycles, wearing bright colors instead can improve your visibility to other drivers. Getting into an automobile requires little more than your keys, license and regular clothes, but you need proper gear to ride a motorcycle. Protective gear should be appropriate for the season, including boots, gloves, a jacket and a DOT-approved helmet. Protective pants, body armor and shins guards add even more layers of protection between you and the road. Taking a safety course is essential for any rider, especially those new to the scene. Learning how to ride is one thing that most can handle with little practice, but learning advanced emergency evasive maneuvers can be a lifesaver one day. It may even save you money on insurance in the meantime. Every time you head out for a ride, perform a quick inspection of your motorcycle, making sure your headlights, taillight, turn signals and horn are all in working condition. Check and adjust your tire pressure, drive chain or belt tension, triple clamp, brakes and suspension. Motorcycle Safety Tips for Drivers. Since motorcycles aren’t as easy to see as other vehicles, motorists must pay extra attention to the road to spot riders. Your blind spots are especially dangerous when changing lanes or merging onto a highway. If an entire semi-truck can hide in your blind spot, imagine how much easier it is for a motorcycle. One way to improve your chance of seeing riders is to adjust your mirrors properly. Still, always check your blind spots before lane changes or merges. Riders have all the same rights and responsibilities as drivers do, including their place on the road. Road hazards, such as gravel, potholes, pavement seams and road debris, are a lot more dangerous for a rider than for a driver. Even though a motorcycle may take up only half a lane, respect that space and give them room to maneuver. When following a motorcycle, leave three or four seconds’ following distance to allow the rider space to slow down and avoid obstacles safely. Just like that old lady that forgot to cancel her turn signal five miles back, most motorcycle turn signals aren’t self-canceling, so don’t assume that a rider intends to turn before you pass on the other side. Finally, it’s already illegal in most states to drive distracted, including talking on the phone or texting, which can put other drivers and riders in danger. Pro tip: Just don’t do it! Unfortunately, because riders don’t have the same amount of protection, an accident with a distracted drivers can be fatal. A Guide To Personal Protective Gear (PPG)   I would like to share a blog to all PARR’s family and friends about Covid 19, as well as some inspirations, facts and thoughts about the men and women that we know and love who are giving 150% from the Trash collectors, Daycare providers, Mechanics, Trades people, EVS workers, Dietary works , Cooks, Nurses, Firefighters, EMT’s, Police Officers and Doctors ect. So many more needed people that Stay Strong and Survive every day. We will CRUSH this virus and survive.
I hope you all enjoy my story. The world is going through a period of crisis, but whether we look at it as a crisis or as an opportunity to reshape our thinking, depends on us. So, use this period as a lesson on how to live life with a concern for all of humankind.” “In the quarantine isolation, I felt the warmth of your love, even though you can't touch me. Thru the What’s UP app, who knew my 75-year-old parents would ever figure it out video chatting. I rest in peace with the warmth of love, faith and kindness of the humanity.” On Easter Sunday, a day that is usually spent with family and friends this year is more chill. That's all. Just hanging out by staying in. On the other side of this we will all talk about this time. It will be like where you were for the great quake of 1989 or 9-11 or where you were when JFK was shot. Our children graduating thru home schooling. It is going to be one of those kinds of moments. BUT we made it through those times. We will make it through this situation. We are stronger together. Plus, we will hopefully have a big Easter together next year! This year let us all just chill in place. It's not panic, it is not terror that I feel, I think most people feel it is a kind of gnawing anxiety where you say to yourself, I should not go out if I do go out, I might catch this thing, or I might give it to somebody else.” Now for some positivity. People talk about the replacement of the handshake. Some say a bow like they do in Japan, a peace sign, a wave and still others say a smile. There is No wrong idea. We could use a new gesture. Personally, for me it is the elbow bump! Stay strong Stay Safe Stay Home. Look it is bad! WE KNOW THAT. BUT also know that you are strong, and WE all got this and the new world after, it will be awesome! YOU'LL see. Trust me!” “Isolation allows us to get to know our family, our friends, strangers and ourselves. It will either break us or it will make our relationships stronger. We might have a lot of babies in 9 months or some divorce lawyers will get rich, or you will rise from this as a stronger family. If your alone shout out of a widow; put up a hand written window poster; call someone, watch TV, play games, but never let it win the loneliness stakes because that is when there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong because the world needs you to be who you are,” Nature is revolting to reclaim her kingdom. If now we don't make peace with her what's the point of us!” We will all come out of this OK, Lets lean on our family, friends, and others that we care about and care about us. God Bless BE SAFE BE STRONG BE KIND. Roy Dias  Hope is needed at any age from the moment that we cherish a child that is born to when we become parents to the love ones that we see get older in life. No child asks for the road they are given at such a young age. Eva and her family have been fighting this from the day she was born. We all come together and help ones in need at the time of need. Last night we had the pleasure in joining a room full of people at the Holy Ghost in Peabody, MA. that came out and enjoyed not sadness but, Joy in life and HOPE for Eva, from all the volunteers, host, guests, donations, raffles and great entertainers that brought sounds of Hope for EVA. The Portuguese American Riders showed their presences and helped in any way possible from providing technical support assisting in showing a recorded message from her parents to raising additional $200.00 from the members that attended and members that could not attend the event. The Portuguese American Road Riders would like to share future prayers and Hope for Eva. God Bless.  Ladies this months article for you! Spring is almost here and here are some thoughts and tips I researched.
Spring is a time of renewal: birds chirping, flowers blooming, and your skin emerging from a cocoon of intensive winter moisturizer and chap stick. After months of alternating between hot, dry indoor air and the harsh cold outside, your skin is definitely ready for a shift in seasonal skin care. I have looked up Eight great things for great looking skin. Use these eight steps to radiant springtime skin to wake your skin up from its winter hibernation, and get your healthy glow on. 1: Exfoliate You Skin: The first step on the path to glowing skin starts with exfoliating away the lingering layer of winter. Even though skin cells constantly regenerate, your heavy winter duds might have been keeping dead skin from effectively sloughing off. The best way to exfoliate skin is to run a hot bath, and give yourself a full-body exfoliation using a strong but gentle scrub, Scrub all over, especially those spots that are prone to rough patches – knees, elbows, feet, hands and back. Remember that most body scrubs are too rough to use on your face. Turn to a face-specific product to exfoliate your more delicate skin. Always follow with moisturizer to nourish your fresh skin! #2: Hydrate Yourself: Does it seem like drinking more water is at the root of every diet, workout and skin care routine? That’s because it really does wonders for your body! Your organs need hydration to function, and your skin is your body’s largest organ. The more water you drink, the easier it will be to keep your skin from getting dry and flaky. #3: Wear Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days: Sunscreen isn’t just for those days at the beach. Even overcast days can still send harmful UV rays down to attack your skin. Defend it! Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from sun damage. Look for a lightweight product that won’t clog pores.You can save time – and how many products you need – by using a moisturizer or makeup that already contains UVA/UVB protection. #4: Eat Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Speaking of hydration, a great way to get more water into your day is by snacking on fresh fruit and veggies. Fresh fruits and veggies can be a delicious snack, and ones that are packed with the water your system needs – plus vitamins and nutrients. Water also helps your skin retain its elasticity, which means it can help fight signs of aging. Great foods for healthy skin include lettuce, broccoli, grapefruit, carrots, apples, and watermelon. Studies have found that citrus fruits are especially helpful for skin health. #5: Use a Lighter Moisturizer: While winter had you slathering thick, heavy moisturizer from head to toe, the same products can start to leave a greasy layer on your skin as the days grow warmer. As part of your spring skin care routine, choose a lighter moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and hydrated without weighing it down. #6: Work Out: Getting to the gym or doing a home workout can feel like the last thing you want to squeeze into your busy day. The bottom line is this: exercise increases blood flow, which helps maintain healthy skin cells. Happy skin cells = happy skin! You don’t even have to hit the gym. If it’s nice outside, do 30 minutes of yoga on your lawn. Or, take advantage of the fresh spring weather and take a brisk walk in the warmer nighttime air with your kids or your dog. #7: Clean Your Makeup Brushes: While you’re spring cleaning your cupboards and closets, don’t forget to pay attention to your cosmetic products. Makeup brushes and sponges can build up a seriously yucky amount of hard-to-see grime and bacteria, and each use applies germs onto your face. Gently wash your brushes with a natural cleanser, then lay them flat to dry for 24 hours. Johnson Baby Shampoo is a great secret weapon, because it’s 98-percent natural and free from dyes, parabens, animal by-products, and many other irritants. Be sure to clean your loofah, and check the medicine cabinet for expired topical creams and gels while you’re at it. #8: Inspect Cleaning Chemical Labels: The cleaning products you use around your home become airborne parts of your environment – and get absorbed into your skin. Your poor skin is being exposed to any harsh, toxic chemical ingredients they might have. Always be sure to read labels, and seek out natural alternatives, such as organic products or homemade cleaners, such as vinegar or baking soda. Ladies read up on some of these great tips and yes, pass it onto your partner. He or she may enjoy this information. So when the sun shines and the temperature rises get ready and show those results!  PARR’S 24-Hour Winter Survival Experience An idea was evolved from one of the Brothers, Tony DaSilva to explore a winter survival night with his fellow brothers. Some wonder if this idea came from him watching too much Naked and Afraid and wanting it to become actuality but with a slight twist as Dressed and Exploitative. So the idea came to reality on February 22, 2020 at one of the brothers cabins in Weare NH, where the ground was still covered with snow and the stream was still frozen in spots. So, the teams were formed from the members that chose to embrace this experience Kenny, Tony , Matt, Jimmy, Branden, Manny V, Steve and Virg set out with only enough gear they could carry to survive the 24 hr period on over 50 acres of woods. While their partners chose to make a ladies night in at the cabin enjoying their own creative ideas. Each member brought their own backpack with what they thought would help them make it through this adventure along with 3 rabbits which was to be their main source of protein. Rabbit meat is well known for its high protein content which is even higher than that in beef or chicken. The meat also provides a wide range of minerals containing like 204 mg of phosphorous and 292 mg of potassium. Going back to our ancestors and the cowboy days when we watched westerns and saw it over a fire. Yes, that’s rabbit! So after a big morning breakfast at a local spot they prepared to head out on their mile and ¼ walk into the woods along a flowing ½ frozen stream, locating what they would call home for the next 24 hrs. They spent the rest of the day preparing and setting up sleeping arrangements while they still had sun light and daytime heat. The survival crew worked on preparing their dinner. In the mid-afternoon they were joined by the women to show some support and spent some time while the sun was still shining. They also brought gifts of warm chili that the men used any means necessary as a bowl some cut water bottles in half while others used cans. In return the men showed some fun teaching some of the women to shoot. As darkness approached the women chose to say their goodbyes and good luck to the survival crew. Darkness came quickly at 5 pm and it was dark as the men cooked their dinner and enjoyed some time before calling it literally flashlights OUT. During the night there were sounds that some had never experienced whether it be bear, snoring or foxes hissing or even turkeys gobbling it was all heard. Upon my arrival in the morning and seeing the crew despite the frigid temperatures and the and lack of sleep their spirits and laughs were good, their eyes and body language spoke of aches and pains. One thing that can never be taken away or questioned was that these Magnificent Eight PARR Brothers set out, completed and even enjoyed their Winter Survival Challenge. Next time you see these Eight they deserve a big handshake & pat on the back. Congratulations to the Magnificent Eight.
 Here are some gift ideas to show the motorcycle enthusiast in your life how much you care this Valentine’s Day:
Motorcycle Guide Book. Time to go on an adventure. The Great American Motorcycle Tour book, is a guide to some fantastic rides. Gary McKechnie has spent years exploring the nation by bike, and these are his top rides, from the rocky New England coast to the wide-open West, including tips on the best food, shopping, and nightlife to experience on the trips. Motorcycle Gloves. Protect your Valentine’s digits with a great pair of gloves like these which are lightweight and fast drying. Air Compressor. You never know when those tires will need more air. It’s always a good idea to travel with a compressor, and this is the perfect size for motorcycle saddle bags. Ear Plugs. It gets loud out on the road, and a good pair of ear plugs will do the job in protecting your Valentine’s ears. Motorcycle Care Kit. This kit contains all the items your motorcycle enthusiast needs to keep that baby clean and protect all surfaces including paint, plastic, leather and metal. T3 Vehicle Security System. Protect his/her favorite ride with the 911Tracker T3 Security System. The T3 will alert your Valentine in the case of unauthorized movement or an emergency. 2019 We had the honor and pleasure to visit a wonderful group of guys PCRR Portuguese Canadian Road Riders and there family's in the neighboring country of Canada. We were invited to join them in one of there feasts. Right from the moment we crossed the boarder into Canada they were there to great, meet and escort us. The weekend was full of laughs, stories and participated in the procession and turning of the saints.  |
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