The Wonderful Month of May
Better lace up your track shoes folks, ’cause May is off to a flying start here in Shady Pines Story Town. 
Scoop the Cub Reporter with The Shady Pines Gazette news is literally running to keep up with events.
The first day of May – May Day – begins a month known for green grass, flowers and all bloomin’ things. What a great time for sharing and caring.
We really like those themes here in our small Southern town.
To help you express yourself, we’ve come up with some ideas for ways to spread random acts of kindness. How about making up a May Day Basket that you can share with a friend, neighbor or loved one?
Who wouldn’t want to find a colorful little something hanging on the frontdoor? Or, maybe a collection of flowers on the porch?
It’s the kind of gift that would be welcome all month long.
How about this? You could write a thank you note
and leave it for the person who delivers you mail, walks your dog or mows your lawn.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated.
The Kentucky Derby
Meanwhile, every horse lover knows to mark their calendar for the first Saturday in May. That’s because it’s time for the Run For The Roses
Yep. The 151st running of The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 3rd at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
While the horse race may be many miles from where we live,
that $4 million dollar race is all that our Edna Sanders talks about.
Guess you could say Edna has “Derby Fever.” She can’t wait for the site of 20 of America’s best 3-yr-old thoroughbred colts running like a calvary charge into the first turn. You can watch all the action on NBC starting around 4pm with the Derby set to go off just before 7pm EST.
The Sanders’ house is the place to be on Derby Day. Edna and her husband, Harold, go all out.
They get gussied 
up like the folks do who actually go the the event. Edna says watching the 
fashion choices people make – especially those hats – is part of the fun.
Edna tells us that people go crazy screaming for their favorite horse to win. She does, too! Plus, there are all sorts of wonderful Derby traditions and you can read about them HERE
You no more than hang up your Derby hat and here comes another event.
Cinco De Mayo
Yep. May 5th may be just another Monday to you. But to a whole lot of folks it’s Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5th in Spanish.
Our favorite postal worker, Kim Dunworthy is putting the finishing touches on a day filled with activities for children of all ages. What do you really know about this day?
Here are some Fun Facts Kim found:
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican 
army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day.
It’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but in the United States Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. 
Kim is planning a dance downtown with tables of food.
The kids will have a special section where they can learn about Mexican history and have something to eat, too.
They will also have the chance to swing at a pinata. That’s when the children are blindfolded and given a bat to whack at a colorful, swinging object.
If they hit it hard enough, candy pours out.
Wait. There’s one thing more.
You better not forget this important date.
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 11th is the day we celebrate the endless contibutions of all the moms out there. 
There’s no way to sum up all that mothers do for their children and their families. But it did get us wondering, who came up with the idea for a day devoted to moms?
Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 as a tribute to her own mother who died in 1905. 
It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.
Unfortunately, Anna Jarvis would later become upset that the holiday had become so commercialized with people feeling like they have to spend money to buy flowers, cards, chocolates and meals. She spent the later years of her life trying to remove it from the calendar.
At the Sanders’ household, Harold decided to make Edna a Mother’s Day card. He got their four legged children to help.
Whenever Boomer and Halley get involved, 
things never go as planned.
But fortunately, after Edna watches the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, enjoys Cinco De Mayo on Monday, by Sunday there will be a card waiting for her made by the family members she loves most.
For all the wonderful mothers out there we applaud the many things you do for your families and communities.
And for everyone, we in Shady Pines Story Town value you and hope you have a delightful Month of May!
The Derby was great. Now on to Cinco De Mayo. Thanks for keeping us on track Shady Pines
I love May! Lots of holidays and lots of fun! Thanks for reminding us!
You’re so welcome Sharon!
Can’t wait for the Derby. Love the hats and the outfits. The horses are pretty great too!
You’re right. A lot of fun packed into this month. Nice post
Thank you for reminding us about all the happenings in May. Will watch the KY Derby later today
So much happening in May! Thanks for a wonderful post about this amazing time of year when flora and fauna are truly coming alive.
Thank you Jerry. Glad you enjoyed it!
Can’t wait for the Kentucky Derby tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder Shady Pines
Shady Pines always seems to keep me on a positive path., Thank you
So much going on in May. Who knew?
What a way to start the month. Thank you Shady Pines for giving us the heads up
You’re very welcome Sharon!
May is truly a wonderful month filled with racing excitement, cultural celebration, and appreciation for all Moms… it also includes special birthday celebrations for my eldest daughter Tracy! Thanks for Remi ding us what a wonderful month May is.
You’re so welcome Teresa!
My goodness. So much happening in May. And it’s just the first week!
So true Jodie!
What a packed month May is
WOW Shady Pines will be buzzing
with activities…..all special to young and older citizens.All filled with love and kindness to horses, people of different nationalities &
ALL MOTHERS. 🤱🏻💃🏻🐎
Indeed Jane. A fun filled month for all!
May is certainly an exciting month in Shady Pines. Thank you for spreading positivity.
Thank you Tammy. I appreciate that!
I never realized how much happens in May. It has always been one of my favorite months, though.
Thanks for the reminder about the Kentucky Derby!
Oh yes Sheri. The most exciting 2 minutes in sport is just around the corner!
Just reading about all the happening in the first two weeks of May makes me tired!
I know. It’s so true Joanne. Just scraping the surface!
What a wonderful post. Makes me look forward to the month ahead
Just loverly! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you Amy. Glad you liked it!
So much and so fast coming at us in May. Thanks for the reminder
You’re welcome Jim!
Love my visits to Shady Pines where they cherish traditions to celebrate together. Thank you
That’s really nice. Thank you Elaine!
Just in time Shady Pines. I can’t take any more “real” news today. This was a breath of fresh air