October 15, 2016

Today we celebrate:


Bridge Day – Celebrated on the third Saturday in October, this day commemorates the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge. It's a four lane bridge that was finished in 1977, but on this very special day, cars are not allowed on it, only pedestrians. Don’t worry, cars will be allowed on it again later tonight.

Sweetest Day – This day is also celebrated on the third Saturday in October. It is a day to remember friends, co-workers, family, and anyone else who has been kind and/or helpful to you by giving them a piece of candy. It was first celebrated in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio.

International Independent Video Store Day - This is a day for all the little neighborhood video stores where you go to rent a video to occupy yourselves with in the evenings. I’m not sure how many of these are left, there aren’t any in my neighborhood anymore. There aren’t even any big chains in my area anymore. But if you have one, stop in and rent a video today.

Breast Health Day - This day was created by The European Breast Cancer Coalition in 2008 when they had a special launch event in Milan, Italy. The theme this year is “Make Good Choices For Your Breast Health Every Day.” They want women to know that eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a normal weight and getting physical exercise all help reduce the chances of breast cancer recurrence. http://www.breasthealthday.org/media-center/2015/press-release

Global Handwashing Day - Believe it or not, even in this progressive country, there are an incredible number of people who do not regularly wash their hands. This is the number one way to reduce the spread of diseases and it is so easy to do, so it’s hard to understand why people do not. Then, of course, there are numerous other countries where the people don’t even have access to soap and clean water in order to wash their hands even if they know how important it is to do so. This day was created in 2008 by the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing for the purpose of raising awareness of the benefits of handwashing with soap and spreading a culture of handwashing around the world.

My Mom is a Student Day - This is a day for kids to support their mothers who have returned to school.  It certainly isn’t easy to balance being a student with taking care of a family and possibly even working full time. So kids, if your mom is one of these, fix her lunch for her today and put a little note in it to let her know that you think she’s doing a good job.

National White Cane Safety Day - Proclaimed by the President of the United States each and every year beginning with President Lyndon B. Johnson, this is a day to recognize the importance of the white cane as an instrument of independence for blind people. But however much independence the cane affords them, we have to help by remembering that they still cannot see you driving down the road so you have to be vigilant on their behalf and not run them over if they step into the road in front of you. I have been thinking lately about how my life would be different if I were not able to see. How hard it would be to do the simple things I take for granted now and how I would have to do almost everything differently. The white cane is the visual symbol as well as a tool of independence for blind persons so keep your eyes out for them today and do everything you can to make their lives easier.

Sewing Lovers Day - This is a day for people who love to sew. I couldn’t find out much about this day but it seems pretty self explanatory. So celebrate by sewing something that makes you happy.

I Love Lucy Day – The first episode of this famous television sitcom aired on this day in 1951. I don't think there is an American over the age of 20 on this planet who hasn't at least heard of this series. I certainly loved Lucy, I bet you did too.

National Grouch Day – This is a day to celebrate your inner grouch. Everyone needs to be grouchy now and then, so release your normal inhibitions and let your misery take over just for today so you can share it with the world.

International Day of Rural Women – Created by the United Nations, this is an opportunity to recognize “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.” Who knew rural women had such an impact? Do they know? Let’s spread the news so rural women can feel more empowered and realize that everyone can make a positive difference in this world.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day – This is a day to spread awareness among the Latino community about the symptoms of HIV/AIDS and the best way to protect yourself from being infected or spreading your infection to others.

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day – This is a day to show love and support to the many women who have lost a baby either through miscarriage or in infancy. I cannot even imagine anything more devastating than losing a beloved child so if you know someone who has gone through this, reach out to them today and make sure they feel your support.

National Mushroom Day – This is a day to honor edible fungus. Doesn't sound so appetizing when you put it like that, does it? The men in my household love mushrooms. I tolerate them and will eat them when I’m a guest in someone’s home. My daughters absolutely hate them. But I suppose I could get some for my husband and son.

National Roast Pheasant Day – Pheasant can be a little bit hard to find in the grocery store, but you need to track one down and roast it today. You will not regret it. I assure you that it is delicious if you cook it just right and with the internet at our fingertips, I know you will have no trouble finding a great recipe. If your husband is as good a cook as mine is, get him to cook it for you and you’ll have no worries.

National Chicken Cacciatore Day – This is definitely a fowl day today because in addition to the pheasant, you will be making chicken cacciatore, a delicious dish that originated in central Italy. Cacciatore means “Hunter’s style” and the dish was developed sometime after the year 1450. Even then, hunters didn’t generally hunt chickens so this can probably be made with other meats as well.

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