Patriot Day

On this day in 2001, American history was changed forever.

This was the day we remember all those we lost on September 11, 2001.

When the planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York, The Pentagon in Virginia, and the field in Pennsylvania-our foundation was shaken.

Before this, there had been little that reached American soil-terrorism or war. After this date, we couldn’t say that.

How should you observe Patriot Day?

Fly the flag in and outside your home, observe the national moment of silence at 8:46 Eastern Daylight Time, and volunteer in the name of all those we lost.

Why 8:46? That’s the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center in New York City.

In honor of the 2,977 people who were killed in the attacks, the flag flown at half-staff on all government buildings and locations.

Be respectful, and remember those who we lost and those who stand up to bullies. Sonja

It’s Labor Day!

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

And Salami Day!

What a great combination!

Go out, have a picnic, and eat a salami sandwich-or make an antipasto tray.

Labor Day celebrates the workers of America. They (you?) contribute to the economic stability of the country-and help people achieve what they want during the day.

In honor of their work, America’s workers are given the day off.

It’s time to explore our great nation: take in a view, enjoy a park, cookout in your backyard. However you want to observe today, it’s your choice.

Remember that you are enough, Sonja

It’s Time To Go al Fresco! #MondayMotivation

Photo by James Barnett on Unsplash

Be like this squirrel and take your meals outside-for today at least.

It’s Eat Outside Day, a fun holiday that happens to fall on #MotivationMonday.

For me, living in the desert, I won’t be sitting in the heat today, but eat outside a lot when the weather cools down. If you live in a more temperate place, and the weather allows it, I encourage you to take your plate and go outside.

Also, I urge you to take your writing outside. I like to take my laptop or my electronic reader outside onto the porch swing-again, when it becomes more temperate here. My godfather liked to eat soup outside when it was cold. He would come inside with a runny nose, an empty bowl, and a huge smile on his face.

“It’s the only way to eat soup!”

I don’t know if he still eats his soup outside. I live across the country from him now, and he requires 24-hour care due to cognitive issues. I hope so.

Go ahead, eat outside! Sonja

National Dog Day!

The mission of National Dog Day (from nationaldogday.com) is to encourage adoption and to celebrate all dogs.

The website recommends giving your dog a hug, adopting a rescue, and generally celebrating all things canine.

This isn’t just a holiday for purebreds (like Guinness the Therapy Dog) or for mixed breeds (like Lucy the Wonder Dog). It’s for all breeds, of all sizes and parentage.

Both Guinness the Therapy Dog and Lucy the Wonder Dog are rescues. Guinness was an owner release; and Lucy was adopted from a rescue organization. They’re both family dogs, with Guinness working as a therapy dog.

Guinness came to us when he was almost two years old and has worked his way into our family seamlessly. We went to dog school together and learned how to behave around people, how to walk on a leash, and how to be a good dog-human team.

Lucy was a stray. That’s why she’s so broken: she was on her own during her formative puppy months. I think she was abused because she was a stray. Judging from her fears, Lucy was hungry a lot and was likely chased from places where she felt safe. She also has a fear of boots, so it’s likely she was chased off by someone who wore them.

It’s also why she’s able to catch birds as they fly through our backyard.

Both of these dogs deserve to be honored for all they bring to our family. So, happy Dog Day, Guinness and Lucy.

You are loved. Sonja

If You’re a Leftie, and You Know It, Clap Your Hands!!

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

It’s time to celebrate your leftiness!

Today is International Lefthanders Day, so all you folks who don’t quite fit into the righthanded world can celebrate your oddity. (I am one of you!)

I was born left-handed and then trained to be right-handed. Subsequently, I am ambidextrous, which is very fun. I do things with my right hand (handwriting) and some things with my left hand (reaching). When I’m playing sports that require handedness, I start with my right and then go left when I get tired.

Are you a leftie or a rightie?

I’m glad I write with my right hand, which made for an easier schoolday experience. (I say easier because school was always a socially difficult place for me-scholastically, I did well.) I remember seeing lefties trying to use those desks with the half-table attached to the chair, and how difficult it was for them. Or they had to go sit at the weird left-handed desk, which marked them as ‘not normal’ (which is worse than being ignored).

Yes, I am glad I was made to write with my right hand.

Lefties of the world unite! Sonja

Happy Birthday, USCG!

Photo by Duurt Delger on Unsplash

The United States Coast Guard was founded on this day in 1790 with ten ships. They were initially tasked with the enforcement of tariffs, to prevent smuggling, and to protect the new nation.

While it was formed so long ago, it didn’t get it’s current name until 1915. That’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and the U.S. Life-Saving Service combined into one force.

The USCG is one of the armed forced branches that represent and protect the United States. Today, it’s mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the economy as they relate to the nation’s coastline. The Coast Guard also patrols the international waters and any maritime region that requires military intervention in the case of national security.

Happy birthday, USCG! Sonja

Happy Avocado Day!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

I hope you like avocados because this is your day! Whether you like them whole, chopped up and made into guacamole (yum!), or slathered on toast-avocados are a superfood.

They’re a good source of monounsaturated fat, which helps reduce your risk of heart disease. They also have a bunch of nutrients that you need. Although a lot of the calories from avocados come from fat, eat away! (Just don’t eat too many at one time because they are loaded with fiber.)

How do you know when these green gems are ripe?

They will give way to a gentle squeeze, but not feel mushy. Usually, the skin is greener, but going by color alone can yield disappointment.

Enjoy your day to eat the green fruit. Sonja

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash

The photo is of the U.S. National Korean War Memorial.

Today is the day we honor the men and women who fought in that war.

The Korean War was a fight against Communism-the first battle in the Cold War. Sometimes called the Forgotten War, the Korean War began in June 1950 and killed 36,000 Americans.

For three years America and its allies fought the North Korean forces.

Peace was attained by President Eisenhower’s government and on July 27, 1953 an armistice was signed. All fighting ended.

We honor those who fought in the Korean War.

You are not forgotten. Sonja

#fathersday

Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash

Moms had their day in May; now it’s time for the Dads!

First celebrated in 1910 on the third Sunday of June, this day is set aside for dads and anyone with paternal bonds. It became an official holiday in the United States in 1966, thanks to a bill signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Catholic Europe celebrated fatherhood as far back as the 1500s-in March. Before that, the Catholic Church observed it on St. Joseph’s Day. This goes back to the late 1300s or early 1400s.

How did it get to the Americas? It was The tradition was brought to the Americas by the Spanish and Portugese. Thank you to those explorers and settlers!

Different countries hold the celebrations throughout the year, from February to December, with the bulk of the countries observing Father’s Day in June. The earliest is Russia and Belarus. They also celebrate the men and women who served in the Russian Armed Forces. December is the month that Thailand celebrates fathers and also the birthday of the king. In every village, they will wear yellow, light candles, and listen to the king’s annual speech.

The say was originally spelled “Fathers’ Day,” but by 1913 the apostrophe had moved to make it “Father’s Day” in a bill during the first attempt to make it a holiday. This spelling is still in use today.

Happy Father’s Day to all those with paternal bonds! Sonja

#summersolstice

Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash

Today marks the time when we have the longest day of the summer-the most daylight. In the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, there will be continuous daylight!

I was in Alaska in the summer. There were midnight baseball leagues and room-darkening shades. It was fun for the short time I was there, but I think it would be tiring for longer.

This time of year has been observed for centuries throughout the world by festivals and rituals.

In Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the First Nations people participate in the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. Iceland has the Secret Solstice Festival and Sweden celebrates throughout the country with the Midsommer Festivals. (This actually took place yesterday). In Austria massive bonfires are lit on the mountaintops. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.

However you decide to celebrate today, be safe and check to see if things have changed due to the pandemic. Sonja