The French stillremember D-Day while we forget

D-Day was 62 years ago today. So many young men from America and Britain stormed the beaches of France to rid the world of the Axis powers. And, to our great relief, they succeeded. So don't forget to honor our veterans any chance you get.

Karen Hinton, Steve Wassner and Mike Thompson just returned from France and a visit to Normandy and the American cemetery nearby. There were flowers everywhere, put there by the French people, and the graves were immaculate. They have people who do nothing but tenderly care for each gravestone, polishing and wiping them down. We can make jokes about the French for lots of things, but not when it comes to their remembering what we did for them in World War II. It's nice to know that "our boys" are well cared for and so honored.

•••

We just heard that Cattlemens, out in Washoe Valley, has been sold, and is now doing business as Washoe Flats Steakhouse. It was bought by some Reno folks as of this Thursday, and will still serve up a passle of good food.

•••

Which brings us to the Carson Rendezvous ... it starts Saturday at 10 a.m. and will run through Sunday at Mills Park (687-7410 for information). This is one of Carson's big events, at which we get to see "mountain men," Civil War re-enactments, dancing, rides, food and crafts of all kinds. It's fun for the whole family, and you'll have a blast.

•••

There are LOTS of things going on this weekend: CHS graduation at 10 a.m. at the football field (hooray ... Ryan Jesse and Harris Heller finally made it through); Free Fridays @ 3rd is back on the schedule (right by Mom's & Pop's Diner) ... music (it changes every week), dancing, food and fun (884-4411) ... starts at 7 p.m., and everyone is welcome; the Brewery Arts Center will present the frolicking "Love's Labor's Lost" by good ol' Willie Shakespeare, opening on Friday (883-1976) ... the play will be in the newly renovated Performance Hall and start at 7:30 p.m.; and our best wishes to Roberta and Merrill Simon ... they are in Boston this week for some "stomach repair" for Roberta. While they are gone, Francis Smith is watching their 10 children ... our best wishes to her, too.

•••

Connie Lord sent us the following (for those of you who've heard these jokes before, quit reading ... we certainly don't want to offend your sensibilities ... m'gosh, we forgot ... what sensibilities?): "Five tips for a woman: 1) It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job. 2) It is important that a man makes you laugh. 3) It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you. 4) It is important that a man loves you and spoils you. 5) It is important that these four men don't know each other." Amen.

•••

We took a fun ride around Genoa on Sunday. Dianna Borges, of Borges Sleigh & Carriage Rides, was giving rides around town in her buggy with her Belgian horse, "Chance." She also sings as she drives and is fun to talk to ... call 775-588-2953 for information ... 10 bucks a ride. They will also be doing dinner hayrides later in the summer ...

•••

Congratulations to the volunteers from General Electric. They spent many hours this weekend renovating the Brewery Arts Center ... new signage, lots of painting, removal of bushes ... you name it, they did it. Thanks to all of you who helped out ... and what a help to the BAC.

•••

More fun stuff: You can register at the Carson Library's "Breakfast for Books" on Saturday (8-10 a.m.) for its summer reading program (887-2244) ... all readers are welcome. The breakfast is an "all-you-can-eat" pancake affair at the library ($6 for adults, $3 children, or $15 for a family), and is sponsored by the library, Slot World and the Carson City Kiwanis Club ... all good folks. Also, Mallard's is having its "redneck" wine tasting on June 15 (885-1019 for reservations). Prizes to the best "rednecks," and burgers, hot dogs, mac & cheese and Tater Tots for "appetizers." Will it be too much to hope for that the wine is Ripple or Thunderbird? (naaaaah ... they wouldn't do that to us); Proscenium Players is having its annual meeting on the west side of the BAC Performance Hall on Wednesday, June 14, at 6 p.m. (884-0580). Let them know if you can make it and bring a "dish" to share (we always yearn for Brad Pitt or someone like that). And the Catholic Singles Network is holding a potluck the same night at 6:30 at St. Teresa's (852-2174 or 338-6788) for those 21 and older. They plan lots of fun things to do.

•••

Did you know that if the recent "tax cuts" had NOT been implemented, that ALL of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission could have been funded, without the 40 percent cuts they're giving to New York City and Washington, DC., much less denying the money needed to police our ports and borders? Just keep pandering to those who think "tax cuts" are music to their ears and forget that we're fighting a war out there.

•••

"Ma" Tate is 85 this week ... happy birthday, m'dear ... and to Al Nicholson, Barry Lane and Chef Don Rudin, too. "And many moooooore..." And Maizie sends thanks again to all blood donors ... United Blood Services can always use "your type" (887-9111). Also, our sympathy goes out to Sam Shad on the death of his father.

•••

We're very sorry to see so many good people gone from Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, and some of the programs there. We recognize there's always a shakedown after a new business opens, but we hope there are ways to find funds to continue the outpatient mental health programs.

•••

From JoAnn Gardner: A guy shopping in a market noticed a little old lady following him around. If he stopped, she stopped, then stared at him. Finally, at the checkout counter, she said, "I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease, but you look like my late son." "No problem," the man said. "I know it's silly, but would you call out 'Goodbye, Mom!' as I leave the store? It would mean so much to me." So as she left the store, the man called out, "Goodbye, Mother!" She turned and smiled at him. Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into her life, he asked the checker how much he owed. "That'll come to $121.85," said the clerk. "How come so much ... I only bought five items." The clerk replied, "Yes, but your mother said you'd pay for her, too." Mercy ...

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.