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Did you happen to catch the Kentucky Derby last Saturday? One of the most spectacular races won by an outside lane horse was completely (and for good reason) overshadowed by a tragic mishap by another horse. The other horse, after finishing second, tripped shortly after the finish line. The horse broke an ankle and probably broke the other ankle on the way down. Then the trainers did something I have never seen, they proceeded to euthanize the horse right there on the track in front of all the spectators and the millions watching on television. Here is the reason I am writing about this. Maybe it is just me, but why on earth would they ever have to euthanize the horse on the track, and worse, why show it on television? I completely understand the tragedy of a horse falling, and I understand that some injuries to horses are virtually irreversible and result in putting a horse down. But why couldn't they have moved the horse to the stables before they put it down? Yes, I know the horse was in unbelievable pain, but there has to be a better way than on national television. Do you have any idea how many children were watching the race with their parents? Now their parents are forced to have a very uncomfortable talk with their kids that they shouldn't have to. Once again the television moguls think they know what is best for you and I.

With Earth Day now over, a few people have asked what's the deal with some of the local ditches, they claim have never been dirtier. Filled with garbage, some (not all) are in dire need of cleaning. Another person told me that she has seen garbage trucks rolling down the street with garbage flying out the top. In fact, one person told me that on a walk one day, they actually found their own garbage a mile or more from their house.

If you are a garbage hauler, please cover your loads. I know that there are many, many responsible haulers out there, but there must be some forgetful ones also. In a world where people are more active than ever when it comes to recycling, it's counterproductive if we have to walk the ditches and recycle the same garbage twice.

This Sunday marks the most important non-religious holiday we celebrate. I am talking about Mother's Day. This is the day we set aside to honor mothers. It's the day we do nice things for them and tell them how much they mean to us. I believe that no mother should do any work whatsoever on that day.

Unfortunately, even on Mother's Day, there will be moms who are in the kitchen cleaning up after the wonderful breakfast in bed their families have created. This Mother's Day make a big effort to show your mom, or your children's mom, just how special they truly are.

Being a mom is a monumental job. We are constantly guilty of taking them for granted. There are not enough thank yous in the world to adequately thank any mother. I would like to wish all moms, those that are with us and those who are in heaven, a very special Happy Mother's Day. God bless you for who you are and for all you do supporting all of us.

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