For years I wanted a flower garden. I’d spend hours thinking of different things I could plant that would look nice together.
But then we had Matthew. And Marvin. And the twins, Alisa and Alan. And then Helen. Five children. I was too busy raising them to grow a garden.
Money was tight, as well as time. Often when my children were little, one of them would want something that cost too much, and I'd have to say, "Do you see a money tree outside? Money doesn't grow on trees, you know."
Finally, all five got through high school and college and were off on their own. I started thinking again about having a garden.
I wasn't sure, though. I mean, gardens do cost money, and after all these years I was used to living on a pretty lean, no-frills budget.
Then, one spring morning, on Mother's Day, I was working in my kitchen. Suddenly, I realized that cars were tooting their horns as they drove by. I looked out the window and there was a new tree, planted right in my yard. I thought it must be a weeping willow, because I saw things blowing around on all its branches. Then I put my glasses on - and I couldn't believe what I saw. There was a money tree in my yard!
I went outside to look. It was true! There were dollar bills, one hundred of them, taped all over that tree. Think of all the garden flowers I could buy with one hundred dollars! There was also a note attached: "IOU eight hours of digging time. Love, Marvin."
Marvin kept his promise, too. He dug up a nice ten-by-fifteen foot bed for me. And my other children bought me tools, ornaments, a trellis (棚架), a sunflower stepping stone and gardening books.
That was three years ago. My garden's now very pretty, just like I wanted. When I go out and weed or tend my flowers, I don't seem to miss my children as much as I once did. It feels like they're right there with me.
I live up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where winters are long and cold, and summers are too short. But every year now, when winter sets in, I look out my window and think of the flowers I'll see next spring in my little garden. I think about what my children did for me, and I get tears in my eyes - every time.
I'm still not sure that money grows on trees. But I know love does!
【小题1】By saying “Do you see a money tree outside .….,” the mother actually means “    

A.Observation is the best teacher.
B.Seeing is believing.
C.The outsider sees the most of the game.
D.It is not easy to gain money
【小题2】The best title for the passage would probably be          .
A.My flower gardenB.Marvin helps to realize my dream
C.Love in MichiganD.Money grows on trees
【小题3】The underlined word “no - frills” in the fifth paragraphs is similar in meaning to        .
A.wastefulB.tightC.absurdD.helpful
【小题4】From the last but the third paragraph we can infer that the mother is         .
A.divorced when she was youngB.not caring for her kids any longer
C.alone but not at all lonelyD.prouder with her garden than with her kids.

下面文章中有5处需要添加小标题。请从以下选项(A,B,C,D,E和F)中选出符合各段意思的小标题。
A.Get adequate iron
B. Keep yourself hydrated.
C. Get enough calories
D. A little exercise goes a long way.
E. Eat a balanced, varied diet
F. Spread your calories throughout the day.
The Energy Diet
How can I lose weight when every time I go on a diet, I'm so exhausted that I can barely make it through the day? So goes the complaint of many men and women who are concerned about being overweight. What many people don't realize is that a healthful weight-loss plan can actually boost your energy. The key is to eat smart. And then combine this healthful diet with some physical activity. Here are six pointers to get you started.
1.____
Consume too few calories and you'll have less energy, and decrease the amount of calories burned. "That's because one of the ways the body protects itself from starvation is to slow down its metabolism," explains Dr. Donald Hensrud, a nutrition professor at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn. So how many calories do you need to feel energized while also slimming down? A healthful weight-loss rate is roughly one-and-a-half pounds per week, and the calorie intake to achieve this depends on your age, weight, and activity level.
2.____
The key to keeping your energy level up when you diet is to eat balanced meals that supply all the nutrients you need. "Vitamins and minerals act like spark plugs," explains Kristine Clark, director of sports nutrition at Pennsylvania State University. "They help release the energy in nutrient-rich food." Try to follow USDA guidelines. They call for 6 to 11 servings per day from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta group; three to five servings of vegetables; two to four of fruits; two or three of milk or cheese; two or three of meat, fish, or eggs. Avoid fried and creamy dishes, and keep consumption of sweets and desserts to a minimum.
3____
When you go for five to six hours without food, the amount of fuel in your system starts to run low, and you begin to feel tired. Therefore, says Kristine Clark, it's important to eat at regular intervals to keep your energy up. If you exercise, it's important to make sure you have "fuel in the tank" before you head for the gym. Avoid eating a large number of calories at one time, since it's harder to control your total calorie intake, making weight gain more likely.
4____
About 10% of women of childbearing age in the United States are iron deficient. Iron is essential for energy and endurance because it is a vital component of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to working muscles. "Fatigue and listlessness can be directly associated with too little iron," says Frances Berg, a licensed nutritionist in Hettinger, N.D. The best sources of iron are meat, poultry, and some fish. Other sources: fortified cereals, dried beans, dried fruits, and peas.
5____
"I don't have the energy to exercise!" say many dieters. Indeed, a 1998 survey, developed in part by the Center for Sports Medicine at Penn State, found that over 70% of respondents cited "too tired" or "lack of energy" as key reasons to skip exercising. Yet exercise is exactly what these people need. And, lastly, don't try to do too much too soon. Consider breaking your exercise into small units. Instead of trying to do 30 minutes in one chunk, accumulate exercise in short bouts (一场,一回)every day by mowing the lawn, walking to work, or climbing stairs instead of taking an elevator. It won't be long before you reap (收获)the rewards. Imagine carrying a 15-pound sack of groceries around all day. Then think about how much more energy you'd have if you put that sack down.

Every year Chris Brogan posts his three words for a new year. many others and I have followed his lead for the past three or four years. They helped me a lot. My words for last year were “passion”, “focus” and “delegate” and I stayed true to them. This year, 2013, my goals are more personal and less professional.

FOCUS

Focus is making a repeat appearance on my list this year because I’m too much of a multitasker. The problem is that I have trouble finishing one thing with so many things calling me. When I was working as a writer, all my projects were handled via a schedule, I’m putting a fitness and housekeeping routine into my schedule.

HEALTH

I get so busy taking care of everyone else, and I forget to take care of myself and this has to change. My health suffers and my weight suffers. I have to get my health in check , not only for me but because I promised my 9-year-old son. I’ll make good food and lifestyle choices. I miss being thin, and it’s time to get it back.

CELEBRATE

What good is having it if I’m not taking time to enjoy it? I have a wonderful job, a happy family, and so much to be thankful for. So how come I spend all my time working? Last summer my family took our first vacation in four years, the best thing I’ve done for myself and my family in a long time. This year, I’m making sure to take time to enjoy life and celebrate its many blessings.

Do you have any words for 2013?

1.The underlined word “multitasker” probably refers to a person who          .

A.makes a living by writing

B.always fails to finish a task on time

C.has several things to do at the same time

D.pays more attention to fitness and housekeeping

2.Why does the writer have “HEALTH” as one of his three words?

A.He wants to take better care of others.

B.He’s gaining weight and feeling bad.

C.He did not take any exercise in the past.

D.He got the idea from his son.

3.What can we learn from the passage?

A.The word “CELEBRATE” can remind the writer to enjoy life.

B.The writer has a vacation with his family every four years.

C.The word “FOCUS” can help the writer focus on his family.

D.The writer used to be overweight for lack of exercise.

4.The best title for the passage might be      .

A.Three Words for 2013                   B.Health Should Go First

C.Keep Organized                        D.Goals for 2013

 

Well, Mrs. Evans, I’ve done my best to look after David. I’ve tidied his room up every day, got him a meal together whenever he needed one and made sure he’s always had a clean shirt to put on. It’s not been easy, with two of my own to worry about, as well. David had the best of attention, I must say. But now because I asked him to give up bringing that American friend to his home he has got quite miserable and unfriendly. He comes in at all hours and his behavior---- well, it’s quite hard to put up with---- and it’s all because of this friend. I’m sure he’s a bad influence. You see, David’s a visitor and doesn’t fully understand our ways.

He used to study most evenings. He’s got through quite a bit of work. He did up his room quite nicely, with bookshelves and large posters. He’d ask Mr. Smith and me up for a drink and cheer us up with songs from his country. He’s very good at the guitar, you know.

I don’t want to appear as if I’m running after him, but it’s about time we made it up. I’m sure he’s upset because I told him off. It might be a good idea to take him out for a meal, perhaps even with his friend. I don’t know whether it will do any good but we can try. I’m glad I’ve had this little chat with you, Mrs. Evans, and I’ll let you know how I get on.

1. Mrs. Smith believes that David is not the cause of the quarrel but that the main cause is __________.

A. Mr. Smith                                       B. too much homework

C. David’s behavior                              D. David’s friend

2. Mrs. Smith wants to make up the quarrel by _______.

A. cooking a meal                                B. inviting David and his friend out

C. running after David                          D. giving them drinks

3. David’s present attitude to Mrs. Smith is ________.

A. unfriendly             B. cheerful      C. very attentive         D. incomprehensible

4. David is ________.

A. an American friend     B. a singer   C. a visiting student             D. Mrs. Smith’s son

 

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