In America, it is Memorial Day. Other countries have other days set aside for the same thing. Sometimes certain people aren't very nice. Then they make trouble, sometimes BIG trouble, where other people get hurt, or even killed.
We get wars.
Memorial Day is a day to say thank you for all those who have fought stop those big, stupid bullies!
It began as a day to remember Union soldiers after the American Civil War. But there have been many other times when people had to stop those bullies, right up to today, and not JUST in America!
It was set for the last Monday in May because that's when flowers were in bloom to put on the graves of those who died. It's an American "holiday," but wherever you are, please remember those who gave up so much.

Famous Sayings

Someone did a quiz for kids where they were to fill in the blanks for some famous sayings.

The pen is mightier than …. the pigs.

A penny saved is …. not much.

Two’s company, three’s …. the Musketeers.

Don’t put off to tomorrow what …. you put on to go to bed.

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you. Cry and …. you have to blow your nose.

If you lie down with dogs you’ll …. stink in the morning.

It’s always darkest before …. Daylight Savings Time.

I was about to have some pizza for dinner when Nicker came in a tugged at my pant leg. He whispered, "I had some visitors," and then smiled. "It was Kevin, Jeannette and Jennifer. And guess what? I think Jennifer likes to draw things."
I'm not sure how he knows that, but sea dragons sometimes just ... well, they just know things.
He asked, "If she sends me a drawing, can I send her a Nicker Sticker?"
I told him that of course he could!
Just before he left again, Nicker tugged at my pant leg again and whispered. "Guess what else. I think Jennifer is cute!"

http://www.parents.com/recipes/?_requestid=229055
Parents Magazine is one of my favorites. This link goes to some really fun recipes. I don't know how long it will stay the same as what I saw this morning, but if it IS the same, toward the bottom is a great set of recipes for Play With Your Food. FUN stuff, like making penguins from olives, snowmen from marshmallows, butterflies from peas.

The new issue is up for you, and the new FREE Nicker Calendar page for June. My sister knows most of the Nicker Stories, but when she saw the June calendar ... well, I had to get it out and read it to her. You can find part of it on the website, then go to Peek Inside.
Simon is Nicker's father. His job is to chase "bad creatures," and he is very good at it. He is so huge, so strong, that the bad creatures don't stand a chance. At first, Danny was quite afraid of him. Then Danny realized that Simon is really quite gentle and kind, and full of love.
Go take a look at Peek Inside. You can learn about Simon, and his father Gordie, and some of the other characters.

Hey everybody, the new issue is up. It's about Lucky Pennies.
And there is this, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5kifbVsHNM
Captain Kazoo has a DVD he just released.

Do YOU have a pet?

Here's one more shot of Danny's puppy, Cage. He's SO cute!
Nicker and Danny would sure like to see a photo or drawing of YOUR pet.

Lucky Penny Day

Next week there will be a new issue of Nicker Stories. It celebrates Lucky Penny Day. So, be looking around at pennies and other coins. Look at paper money, too. You'll be amazed at all the things you can find. Did you know that at one time the American dollar bill didn't have George Washington on it, it had MARTHA Washington.
Also in the next issue will be the FREE Nicker Calendar page for June. Tell all your friends.
And tomorrow in Nicker News ....

Danny's Dog

Danny has a new dog. His name is Cage. (You'll have to write to Danny to ask why he chose that name.) On Mother's Day, Danny came to visit and he brought Cage with him. Cage got to meet Gus. He also got to meet Mabel, and then he got to meet that 40 pound rock with legs named Gordie. And, he got to meet Nicker! Here he is meeting Gus.

Gordie the Social Tortie

As you can see, Gordie the Social Tortie has been busy again ... getting into trouble again. These tortoises love to dig. This hole is about 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep. I filled it in, even blocked it with a log and sticks. I'm hoping he finally gave up, but he can be very stubborn. For Mother's Day, he was more interested in being part of the family party, and playing in the sprinklers along with the dogs.

Mother's Day Visitor

We had a visitor on Mother's Day. His name is Cage, and he is Danny's new puppy. He met Gus, as you can see, and wasn't so sure about that. He also met Mabel the boxer, who wanted to play with Cage as though he was a cat. And he met Gordie the Social Tortie. Cage had never seen anything as big as Gus before. And he has never seen a "walking rock" that is 4 times bigger than him! But they all had fun, and even played in the sprinklers.
What did YOU do for Mother's Day?

Queen Edie, of Lake Edie, loves lilies. Next Sunday is Mother's Day. For my mommy ... I wrote a special story for the Mother's Day issue of Nicker Stories. I made her a silly drawing to make her laugh. I set up another visit to Lake Edie so I can pamper her. (She LOVES when I make bread! And when I make eggs and bacon at 4am.)
Do you remember her birthday last January? I sent her candy cane lilies. This time, I'm sending these.
What are YOU doing for Mother's Day?

Captain Kazoo and RePeet

Captain Kazoo and his robot parrot RePeet are coming for a visit next month. We're planning some fun stuff! For now, check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyZF_P56dlo