Jan 04
National Spaghetti Day on January 4 recognizes that long, thin cylindrical pasta of Italian and Sicilian origin. Usually made from semolina flour, this pasta has been a worldwide favorite for ages and loved by millions. The word spaghetti is plural for the Italian word spaghetto, which is a diminutive of spago, meaning “thin string” …
Jan 03
Another of those “Who Knew” Holidays. National Fruitcake Toss Day is annually observed on January 3. Manitou Springs has hosted the Fruitcake Toss tournament every year since 1995. During the competition, fruitcakes are thrown, hurled, catapulted and cannoned into the air using a range of inventive devices. Those braving this event would be wise …
Jan 01
Also, my DH and DS graduated from UMass Amherst! Many of my best friends were in the marching band…but I couldn’t take my piano. LOL The internationally televised parade steps off at 11 a.m. EST. UMass joins 20 other marching bands selected from around the country to participate in the parade, as well as …
Dec 12
Hanukkah 2017 begins at sunset (4:48 where I am) on Tuesday, December 12 and ends on Wednesday, December 20. Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the victory of the ancient Israelites over the Syrian Greek army and the subsequent miracle of restoring the menorah in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle …
Nov 11
Giving thanks to our Veterans today I’m not sure how Veterans Day turned into a Friday holiday and a day to sell stuff, but then, most every holiday has turned into a day for stores to run “sales”. Possibly, the original intent was to give our veterans a break but it has sure morphed …
Sep 06
Shouldn’t every day be Read a Book Day? In another of the “Who Knew” Holidays… National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th. Don’t keep it to yourself. Share the experience! Read aloud to anyone who will listen. Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults …
Sep 04
Labor Day was celebrated for the first time in New York City in 1882. It was originally celebrated on September 5th, but was moved to the first Monday in September in 1884. Labor Day started out as a state holiday, getting voted in by individual states. As the day gained popularity, Congress declared Labor …
Aug 28
This year we’re in Scotland on August 28, so we are affected by the August Bank Holiday. The August Bank Holiday was instituted by the Bank Holidays Act of 1871 to give bankers a day off so they could participate in cricket matches. Since then, however, its significance has greatly expanded beyond those narrow limits. Now, …
Aug 21
Today’s the day! Here in Fairfax, the Eclipse will be about 81 percent of the sun covered. The City of Fairfax will have a viewing party at Old Town Hall (3999 University Drive Fairfax). The event runs from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. featuring family-friendly activities like stories, crafts, music, and more while the eclipse becomes visible. You …
Jul 16
National Ice Cream Day is observed each year on the 3rd Sunday in July and is a part of National Ice Cream Month. This day is a fun celebration enjoyed with a bowl, cup or cone filled with your favorite flavor of ice cream. Thousands of years ago, people in the Persian Empire would …
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