Don't Friday (That's Fry Day)

   Welcome to May 23rd everybody.
   It's National Don's Fry Day." It's
observed on the Friday before
Memorial Day. But it's got nothing
to do with the burgers or hot dogs
you'll be cooking up on your grill.
    The National Council on Skin
Cancer Prevention picked the day
to encourage Sun Safety Awareness.
     I've had more than a couple run
ins with Mr. Sunshine over the years.
     I've challenged him as a light
skinned guy who loves the beach
and a nice convertible.
     He's always won the battle!
     I remember one trip to Wildwood,
New Jersey when I was a kid when I
lasted all of one day!
     The sun burn that resulted from
my day in the surf left me with aches
so bad my parents had no choice but
to get me back home.
      Years later a severe case of skin
cancer led me into an operating room
where a very large tumor was removed
from my back.
      I did, at least, get two good stories
out of that experience.
     First, while I was recovering, my
first guest was the County Coroner!
I was hoping he wasn't there on a
Professional basis!
    Thankfully, since I knew him from
the News beat, it was just a friendly
visit.    
     Secondly, when the grand kids ask
about the large scar on my back I tell
them it's from a shark bite. They're
usually a bit more careful in the water
after hearing that one!
      I still enjoy being out in the
sunshine. These days my convertible's
accessories include a spare tire, a jack,
and at leas one large tube of sunscreen.
     I'm usually in a hat as well. My hair
is getting lighter without the benefit of
the sun's bleaching rays!
    I don't want to burn (or get too
blond!)
    Even though I try to watch, I'm come up
 with a couple instances of skin cancer which,
thankfully,have been treated successfully.
    I don't need any more "shark bites!"
    Hope you enjoy a holiday filled with
sunshine, that you're careful you don't
fry, and that all your NEWS is good!