May 02
We went back to the Virginia International Tattoo again and it was everything I remembered from 2016. A wonderful, but very exhausting time! There will be a journal of the rest of the weekend on my Travel Blog
This time around we went to some of the band competition, then went back to the hotel for a nap before the show. Fortunately, most of the afternoon events were live-streamed on Facebook so I didn’t miss much.
All of the 2018 Tattoo is on YouTube already.
A couple of my favorite acts:
and
And the Finale:
When they showed the videos of the Medal of Honor recipients, I thought it was amazing. There is no way I could do any part of what they had done.
Just before leaving, I bought a teeshirt which said “More Bagpipes”.
May 01
May Day is observed annually on May 1. In many ancient calendars, May 1 was the first day of summer. This was a cause for celebration. One of the more popular rituals was harvesting flowers and giving them to neighbors and strangers in cone-shaped baskets. These “May Baskets” become more commonly known as “May Day Baskets”. The current tradition is observed by hanging a cone-shaped basket full of flowers or other gifts on the outside doorknob, then knocking or ringing the doorbell and run away.
May Day has been a traditional day of celebration for centuries, with some of the earliest appearing in pre-Christian times. In English tradition, May Day is celebrated by crowning a May Queen and dancing around a maypole. The Finnish tradition is a carnival-type celebration in the streets that includes a special type of lemonade that is made with lemons, brown sugar and yeast. In France, it is correct to give people either dogwood or lily of the valley to celebrate May Day. In Italy, a seasonal feast is held to celebrate the arrival of spring.
When we were kids, we learned how to dance a Maypole dance but no one else I’ve ever asked remembers doing this. Maybe it was just my small town? This was the town that gave out cherry pies for Washington’s birthday, too.
I don’t remember much about learning how to do this, other than we always got the strands tied up, possibly on purpose.
Apr 30
National Bugs Bunny Day is observed each year on April 30. Bugs Bunny is the famous cartoon character best remembered for his roles in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies produced by Warner Bros. He is known for his popular catchphrase “What’s up, doc?”
Bugs Bunny first appeared in a short film on April 30, 1938, and has since been enjoyed by millions of viewers.
Apr 30
I love bubble tea (aka boba tea) and I’m so glad there’s a day for it. At one point, I considered buying a machine to make my own. Amazon now sells premade boba (of course!)
In the 1980s, the Taiwanese developed a beverage combining the refreshing goodness of tea, the wholesome creaminess of milk and the fun, delicious surprise of bubbles. The bubbles, also known as boba or pearls, are made from tapioca. The tea can be created with or without milk, ice, sugar, and toppings.
Apr 06
I have my Black Watch tartan ready to go to wear but we won’t be able to go the parade in New York this year 🙁
Don’t be surprised if you see people decked out in tartan this weekend. Today, April 6, the United States is celebrating National Tartan Day. The day is intended to recognize the contributions of Scottish Americans to the U.S.
Here’s a look at five things you didn’t know about Scotland…
Read the whole article at: Tartan Day: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Scotland – ABC News
Apr 06
April 6 is National Tartan Day. This is an official national holiday which kicks off Tartan Week.
National Tartan Day honors all the Scottish heritage that flows through this nation.
From its earliest beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for that freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood.
It was 400 years before they had declared –“For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.” – from the Declaration of Arbroath
It might be surprising to know that of the 13 governors in the newly established United States, 9 where Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence.
Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent. Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 43 Presidents who have taken office, 33 have been of Scottish descent.
Those with Scottish blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artist, skilled leaders and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Check local civic websites for parades, ceremonies and events. Wear your tartan and use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate passed Resolution 155 that designated April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day to recognize Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States.
On March 9, 2005, the House passed Resolution 41 and by Presidential Proclamation, it was signed by President George W. Bush on April 4, 2008.
On this day in 1320, Scot’s signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England.
For more information visit www.americanscottishfoundation.com.
Adapted from: NATIONAL TARTAN DAY – April 6th | National Day Calendar
Apr 04
I spent many years helping the school librarian in my son’s elementary school.
They do fantastic things!
April 4th is National School Librarian Day. It is set aside to honor all school librarians.
School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized, helping our children find the resources they need to keep learning and are dedicated to creating an environment they can learn in every day of the year. All of this hard work often goes unappreciated.
The school librarians aid our youth in many ways, and their patience sets an example for our children on a daily basis.
Read the entire article here: NATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARIAN DAY – April 4 | National Day Calendar
Apr 01
Q: How many critics does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Critics can’t change a light bulb. But they’ll watch you do it and tell you a hundred ways you could have done it better.
Source: A is for an April Fool’s Day Joke | ARHtistic License