Summer Day #74

Tuesday, 

August 6th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 218. 

Sunrise: 6:53am. 

Sunset: 8:24pm. 

13 hours 30 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Root Beer Float Day

What's better than an ice cold root beer?  Ice cold root beer AND ice cream!  Ever since Frank Wisner of Colorado decided to toss in a scoop of vanilla way back in 1893, we've been enjoying this tasty combo that's one part beverage, one part dessert, and totally delicious.

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Wiggle Your Toes Day

Those toes of yours spend so much time stuffed in socks and cramped in tight shoes.  All they want to do is dance!  So set your little piggies free and let them have some much needed wiggle room.

We all got up this morning and prepared for the 8th grade orientation. When we got there we took the yearbook photo first. Then in the gym I filled out the collection sheet. Wrote out the check. Stood in the team 82 line. 

Little Guy called for Wendy's. So off to Wendy's we go. Then a little Winn-Dixie shopping ($118) just for school lunch packing. 

Back at home I worked on installing the grommets into the checkered back drop and watched Longmire on the A&E app. 

Saving Gary's Mod, shower, and bed. 

This is the last day of this blog. 

It is the last day of summer for Viking students.   Tomorrow the bus runs and our stop is picked up at 7:05am. 

Summer Day #73

Monday, 

August 5th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 217. 

Sunrise: 6:53am. 

Sunset: 8:25pm. 

13 hours 32 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Work Like a Dog Day

If working like a person is wearing you out, take a break today and try working like a dog.  Beg for treats, bury your favorite toys, and always keep your eye out for pesky squirrels.  If this plan of action doesn't bow wow you, then spend today appreciating the people you know who work their tails off day in and day out.

Today we all got up early. Had a McD's Breakfast then headed up for 6th grade orientation. 

After 1 1/2 hours and $61 dollars we drove down to Target. We did a little pre-view shopping before the GA Tax Free day on Friday & Saturday. Then to Hobby Lobby, bought out their last 2 1/8 yards of 1" checkered fabric. Lunch to go from Arby's. 

We have a visitor sleeping over tonight. 

Summer Day #72

Sunday, 

August 4th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 216. 

Sunrise: 6:52am

Sunset: 8:26pm

13 hours  33 minutes.  

Hallmark Holiday: 

U.S. Coast Guard Day

This military branch was founded on this day in 1790 and was originally known as the Revenue Cutter Service. More than two hundred years later, we celebrate all that the Coast Guard has done to protect our great country!  Since 1924, The Coast Guard has been celebrated annually at The Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Michigan.

This morning so far so good. 

Getting ready for tomorrow.  

Summer Day #71

Saturday, 

August 3rd, 2013. 

Julian Date: 215. 

Sunrise: 6:51am 

Sunset: 8:26pm

13 hours 35 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Grab Some Nuts Day

Quit snacking on those chips.  You know they're bad for you!  Why don't you grab some nuts instead?  Almonds, walnuts, maybe even a trail mix with some dried fruit.  If you need a little something between meals you may as well get vitamins and minerals, and a good dose of those omega-3s that everyone's talking about.  Trust us, your body will thank you for junking the junk food.

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National Watermelon Day

Watermelon is the perfect name for this melon that is 90% water.  And 10% seeds, we presume.  As a kid, you may have been told that swallowing watermelon seeds would lead to watermelons growing in your belly.  You've likely since realized that's a bunch of hooey.  But if you have any lingering fears, you can purchase watermelons specially engineered to be seedless.  Square watermelons have also been created if you happen to need one of those, though we can't imagine why.

Kitchen still looks clear but my room has been re-invaded. I hate ants. 

Busted a toe nail with the vacuum cleaner. Ouch! 

 Managed to get out to Winn-Dixie for some grocery shopping. I think I got every thing on the list this time. Stopped by Taco Bell for our dinner before 5pm. 

Big Girl has gone to the neighbor's for a sleepover. 

Little Guy and I watch Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. 

Summer Day #70

Friday, 

August 2nd, 2013. 

Julian Date: 214. 

Sunrise: 6:51am

Sunset: 8:27pm 

13 hours 35 minutes

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

The ice cream sandwich is a frozen delight enjoyed the world over, though it goes by many different names.  Australia originally sold them as Cream Betweens, but now they go by the name Maxibons.  In Scotland, they're known as Sliders, which could lead to surprising results for American tourists who might order sliders and expect a plate of those little mini burgers.  In Singapore, ice cream sandwiches are available in red bean, yam and honeydew flavors.  But if you're not going abroad this summer, you can't go wrong with the classic vanilla ice cream between chocolate cookie 'bread.'

Got up early like 0600 early to get ready to leave and head up to Moody. Left a little after 7am. Drove thru McDs for Big Girl's breakfast Cinna-Melt and my large vanilla iced coffee.  Made it to find MSgt Hook before 0800. Stopped in at Daylight Dounuts on the way back down for a half dozen to go. 

Made out the AT&T Mobility bill. Put it in the mailbox. Walked the Dog (a little). 

Shopped at Lowe's for ant killer poison. 

Fixed Little Guy's bike chain. 

Ending the day with Lemonade Mouth. 

Summer Day #69

Thursday, 

August 1st, 2013. 

Julian Date: 213. 

Sunrise: 6:50am 

Sunset: 8:28pm

13 hours 37 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Girlfriends Day

As a woman, you simply must have a group of girlfriends you can count on and party with.  Gather all your besties today to have lunch, share some gossip, and go to the spa.  Or do whatever it is you do when you all get together.  Being girly can be fun, especially when you're doing it with a group.  Guys just don't understand.  But they don't have to.  They're not invited anyway.

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National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

Here we are in the hottest month of summer.  What can we prepare to satisfy our sweet tooth without turning up the heat in our already sweltering kitchen?  Raspberry cream pie? Ding ding ding!  Recipes vary, some use yogurt, some use pudding, and some use a chocolate crust (yum), but all can be made without turning on the oven.  What a refreshing thought.

The Awesomes are playing on Hulu now. Every now and then they drop a dirty word. 

Made it to the Post Office. Put the truck's sticker in the mail for the Big Guy. 

Netflix Disc is in the mail today. We watched Escape From Planet Earth. 

Trying to call the old Squadron.   

Made an appointment/meeting time with Sgt France between 0730-1000 tomorrow morning bldg 109 rm 17. 

It rained today; and I hate ants. 

Summer Day #68

Wednesday, 

July 31st, 2013. 

Julian Date: 212. 

Sunrise: 6:49am

Sunset: 8:29pm 

13 hours 40 minutes 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Mutt's Day

Some may love the preciseness of a purebred dog, but there's no denying that mutts are full of character! Mutts are a mix of any sort of dog breed.  Sometimes they are a mix of two, or maybe they are a mix of ten, and there's a good chance a mutt will get the best qualities of all the breeds.  Take your mutt for a walk today, or scratch his belly, or play an extra long game of fetch.

Big Girl was up by 6am all on her own. Then she heated up a slice of pizza and went to her room for a video call. 

Hot in Cleveland: The Proposal played for me on Hulu this morning. 

It rained again. I hate ants. 

Going to bed with a headache. 

Summer Day #67

Tuesday, 

July 30th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 211. 

Sunrise: 6:49am

Sunset: 8:29pm

13 hours 40 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Father-In-Law Day

While it's said (however unfairly) that mothers-in-law are something of a headache, fathers-in-law enjoy a pretty decent reputation.  They are the ones who foot the bill for the wedding, give home renovation advice, and hang out in the family room watching 'the big game' during holiday celebrations.  What's not to love?

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National Cheesecake Day

Here's a decadent dessert that's hard to turn down.  There are many different styles of cheesecake, usually varying by region.  New York - style cheesecake uses heavy cream and cream cheese in its recipe, while Pennsylvania Dutch-style cheesecake uses a tangy, curdy cheese called farmer's cheese.  Cheesecake can be served plain and simple or dressed up with fruit or chocolate.  We know, we're getting a really crazy craving for it too now.

I made it to Mediacom to pay for next month Internet. Saw Mrs. Rodgers turning in her cable equipment. Wished her a save trip to her new home. 

Shopped at Walmart.  

Went downtown to pay our vehicle road tax. $60 for all three for another year. 

Picked up lunch. One pizza half veggies. And the one taco and two Grillers. 

Back home. 

I covered some ant hills with any killer. 

And now we are ending the day with a rain storm. Thunder is so loud Little Doggie is hiding every where he can find. 

Summer Day #66

Monday, 

July 29th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 210. 

Sunrise: 6:48am

Sunset: 8:30pm

13 hours 41 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day

If you've got a house full of mice and you've been meaning to get around to trapping them, you can start the process today by purchasing some cheese to sacrifice on the trap.  If you don't have a house full of mice, or if you can't bear the thought of mousetraps, then spare the sacrifice and make yourself a grilled cheese sandwich.

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National Lasagna Day

There's a good deal of promise in layers of pasta and cheese, and that's why lasagna never disappoints.  While it's a clearly Italian dish, the name lasagna is believed to be from the Greek lasanon, which means pot.  Tonight cook up some lasagna and eat the whole lasanon-full yourself!

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Rain Day

Here's a weird little holiday, courtesy of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.  It all started back on July 28th, 1874, when a farmer told Byron Daly, the owner of a drug store, that tomorrow he should expect rain.  The farmer made this guess because it always rained on his birthday, July 29th.  When the farmer's prediction proved true, Mr. Daly made an annual game of it, betting store patrons and townspeople that they could expect rain on July 29th.  The typical wager for this bet: a hat.  Every year it rained, and every year Mr. Daly won himself a new hat.  Over the years Daly and his son amassed a huge collection of hats, which were donated to raise money for charity.  So next time it rains on Rain Day, just think, somebody out there is winning a hat.  And somebody's bare head is getting soaking wet.

I think the garbage pick-up truck is running a little late today. 

I still hate ants today. 

Summer Day #65

Sunday, 

July 28th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 209. 

Sunrise: 6:48am 

Sunset: 8:31pm 

13 hours 42 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Milk Chocolate Day

You might say milk chocolate is the star of the chocolate world.  While dark chocolate can be a little too bitter for some, milk chocolate finds its way into all kinds of candy bars and coats everything from peanuts to potato chips.    Even if you're normally a dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, fan give milk chocolate a chance for your afternoon indulgence.

I woke up today still hating ants. 

4pm we made it to Winn-Dixie to restock a few items. 

Got the trash can out to the curb. Well there isn't really a curb. I took it to the end of the driveway. And one can of yard waste. 

Summer Day #64

Saturday, 

July 27th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 208. 

Sunrise: 6:47am

Sunset: 8:31pm

13 hours 43 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Bagpipe Appreciation Day

For some, the bagpipe's combination of whines and drones is a little rough on the ears.  But today we should all take some time to appreciate this unique musical instrument.  After all, there are so few instruments that involve big pillows full of air and multiple pipes.  And nothing says 'parade' like a big bunch of bagpipers.  So if you see a bagpipe, give it a hug.  You might just make beautiful music together.

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Take Your Pants For A Walk Day

Well-exercised pants are happy pants.  And you don't want to see what happens when your pants get mad at you.

Could not get Awesome to play on the Xbox Hulu Plus. Played Wipeout instead.

I still hate ants.  

Summer Day #63

Friday, 

July 26th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 207. 

Sunrise: 6:46am

Sunset: 8:32pm

13 hours 46 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Aunt and Uncle Day

Here's the thing about aunts and uncles: they have the inside scoop on your parents.  They grew up as the siblings who witnessed all the bad behavior and missed curfews, not to mention they are the perfect source for embarrassing stories.  And on another note, they can be like extra parents, ready to give you advice, cheer you up, and look out for you.  So give your favorite aunt or uncle a call, pay them a visit, or send them a little present to thank them for all they do.

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National All Or Nothing Day

Stop letting things hold you back.  Go for it if you're gonna go for it and quit making excuses.  It's All Or Nothing Day!  So grab a plate!  You know, a plate for the all-you-can eat buffet.  Or, wait, is this about life or food?  Life.  Got it.  That works too.

Started the morning off with Rookie Blue.   

Still hate ants. 

Worked on making a half sheet monthly calendar for the Big Guys notebook binder.  I got through 2015 December. 

I need to take it out to 2017 March. 

 

Summer Day #62

Thursday, 

July 25th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 206. 

Sunrise: 6:46am

Sunset: 8:33pm 

13 hours 47 minutes

Hallmark Holiday: 

Culinarians Day

Culinarian is just a fancy word for chef, so today we celebrate anyone who loves to cook or perhaps does it for living.  We appreciate cooks because we appreciate eating, and in a way today is just another excuse to eat a delicious meal.  So very nicely ask your favorite culinarian to get in the kitchen and whip up something yummy for all us eatinarians.

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Threading The Needle Day

Sometimes it feels like it can take a whole day to get thread into that tiny little eyehole in the needle, but that's not why today was created.  While sewing is encouraged today, and every day for that matter, this holiday is also about metaphorically threading the needle.  This means to walk a fine line between two issues or be stuck in the middle of an argument between two friends.  Yeah' that sounds like hard work.  We'd rather just stick to sewing.

Today was the last day for the $1 10am shows on Tuesdays &  Thursdays for this summer. We didn't make it. 

My Little Guy started watching a different YouTube channel. He asked me how many heads on a $1 bill. In total front & back.  There are 14 if you want to know. Not just George & the Eagle. Arrows count too.   

Then he took us outside with a small juice bottle, a cup, & a straw, each. He said with leaving the bottle and cup on the table move the juice from the bottle to the cup.  No lifting. No pouring. At first I put the straw in the juice bottle, put my finger over the top and moved the straw to the cup and let go. Then I put the straw in the juice bottle. Bent it over the cup. Sealed the opening to the bottle with my mouth and pushed air into it.  The juice flowed up the straw and into the cup. 

My Big Girl started a new YouTube Channel. She calls herself HyenaScream. 

And oh yeah, my Big Guy called me today to wish me a Happy 15th Anniversary. 

Ants. I hate ants. 

Summer Day #61

Wednesday, 

July 24th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 205 

Sunrise: 6:45am 

Sunset: 8:33pm 

13 hours 48 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Amelia Earhart Day

This famous pilot was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic and is remembered for never letting anything stop her from pursuing her dreams.  Back then they'd probably say 'That dame has moxie!'  Sadly she never managed to complete her mission to fly around the world in 1937.  Her last radio transmissions placed her somewhere around Fiji, and she was never heard from again.

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Cousins Day

Thank goodness for cousins.  As kids, they kept us entertained at family get-togethers, saving us from the boring grown-ups and making the kids' table the place to be.  Ah, who are we kidding?  Now that we're adults, they're still the ones that make everything more fun.

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National Tequila Day

It's time to enjoy the liquor that is made from the agave cactus and native to Mexico.  Tequila was first produced in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors in Mexico ran out of the brandy they brought with them and started to distill the agave to make a new sort of liquor.  Looks like tequila's always been the go-to beverage to keep the party going.

I have too many cousins to list them all. 

Mowed, got gas, mowed, edged, hedges, exhaustion, shower, food, laundry, movie, thunder, rain. 

Did you know KFC closes at 9pm?  We learned this tonight. IHOP instead. 

Summer Day #60

Tuesday, 

July 23rd, 2013. 

Julian Date: 204. 

Sunrise: 6:44am

Sunset: 8:34pm

13 hours 49 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Hot Dog Day

Don't ask us what goes into hot dogs that make them so tasty.  No really, don't ask.  You don't want to know.  All we can say is they're the favorite food of ballparks, barbecues, and sidewalk vendors.  Dress em up with mustard, relish, sauerkraut, chili, or pretty much anything you can think of.  Treat yourself to your favorite hot dog today.

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National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Vanilla is the oft-overlooked flavor in a sea of complex flavor possibilities.  Or perhaps it's just considered the base ice cream to mix in fudge, cookies, caramel, peanut butter, etc.  And that's all fine and good for vanilla because everyone knows that when you're ready for a sundae or to make something a la mode, vanilla is exactly what you need.

Today we have hair appointments for the kids. 

Pictures at orientation in two weeks. 

Found some headphones at the BX. 

Didn't like the backpack selection. 

And then the rain again. 

Summer Day #59

Monday, 

July 22nd, 2013. 

Julian Date: 203. 

Sunrise: 6:44am

Sunset: 8:34pm

13 hours 49 minutes

Hallmark Holiday: 

Hammock Day

We could go into detail here, but we've fallen under the spell of our hammocks and we just can't get up.  Actually, can you bring us some more lemonade?

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National Ratcatcher's Day

Rat catchers, not to be confused with rat traps, are the exterminators who endure the ick-factor of a rodent infestation and figure out a way to kick the furry pests to the curb.  We celebrate these courageous folks on the day the most famous exterminator, the Pied Piper of Hamlin, used his musical prowess to play a little ditty and lead the rats out of town.  These days rat catchers tend to use chemicals rather than flutes, but you gotta admire the Pied Piper's humane methods.

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Spoonerism Day

William Archibald Spooner was an Oxford professor who famously mixed up his words and phrases, switching around letters or syllables to create whacky outcomes that came to be called 'spoonerisms.'  For instance 'Go and take a shower' becomes 'Go and shake a tower.'  So today, wicks up your mords on porpoise.

This Monday I was kept busy. As soon as I woke up my Little Guy was asking for Arby's. We had to wait until 10am to go. Then while we were out I tried to start some B-T-S shopping. All we found was Pens & Sheet Protectors. 

Had to fuel up Scarlett.  

Back at home Kids were actually playing nice with each other for a little while. Then Big Girl went to her room. Little Guy wanted me to play with him but we couldn't get me logged in. 

Before 8pm Big Girl asked for a Cheese Pizza. I found a $10 deal for a box at Pizza Hut. 

Tonight we are suppose to have a Full Moon, but I think it came early. It's not as bright as it was last night. 

Summer Day #58

Sunday, 

July 21st, 2013. 

Julian Date: 202.  

Sunrise: 6:43am

Sunset: 8:35pm

13 hours 51 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Junk Food Day

This holiday is celebrated by seriously overdoing it on all of your favorite fatty, fried, salty, sweet, cheesy treats.  And then when you're done, let out an 'Ungh, why did I do that?' groan and take a nap.  We'll see you tomorrow at the gym.

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National Tug-Of-War Tournament Day

Why settle an argument with carefully chosen words and mediation when you can get yourself a length of rope and a mud pit?  The tug-of-war is a favorite activity of family reunions and company picnics.  And while the game is all in good fun, have you ever noticed it really works out the tension between the two opposing sides?  So if you've got something to get off your chest, challenge your opponent to a tug-of-war today.

Got the Garbage & Recycle out for tomorrow morning. 

Summer Day #57

Saturday, 

July 20th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 201. 

Sunrise: 6:43am

Sunset:  8:35pm

13 hours 51 minutes. 

Rain. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Moon Day

The Eagle has landed.  On this day in 1969 the Lunar Module of Apollo 11 touched down on the moon's surface and, as the world watched, Neil Armstrong took his first steps on this previously unexplored territory.  Try celebrating this historic day by throwing a moon party.  We're not sure what constitutes a moon party, but maybe some astronaut costumes and a moonwalking contest will do the trick.

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National Ugly Truck Contest Day

Oh sure anyone can appreciate a nice, big shiny truck, but an ugly truck is really something special.  Maybe it's beat up from some serious adventures.  Or it's got a crazy paint job that makes it truly unique.  If you've got an ugly truck, take it for a ride.  And if you see an ugly truck' well, better not to say anything.  Its owner may think they've got a real beauty on their hands.

More Rain. 

Summer Day #56

Friday, 

July 19th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 200. 

Sunrise: 6:42am

Sunset: 8:36pm

13 hours 54 minutes 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Daiquiri Day

Daiquiris: they're not just for tropical vacations any more.  These sweet cocktails are a mix of rum, lime juice, and any variety of fresh fruits and juices.  The daiquiri was first mixed in 1900 at a bar outside of Santiago, Cuba, and gained popularity in the 1940s when Pan-American trade made Latin American culture more fashionable.  Today fix yourself up a daiquiri, shaken or frozen, kick back, and chill out.

http://www.food.com/food-holidays/daiquiri-day-0719?soc=edfh_pin

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National Flitch Day

On Flitch Day we recognize that 1980's comedy classic starring Chevy Chase.  Wait, that's not right.  No, Flitch Day recognizes the custom of awarding a flitch of bacon (the side cut of the pig) to married couples who make it through their first year and a day with no regrets.  This tradition started in 15th century England and is still carried on in some towns today.  So to all of you newlyweds out there, may your only regret be that you didn't get more free bacon throughout the year.

Today Rookie Blue will not play on HuluPlus. 

 

I made it to Winn-Dixie today. The kids were out of milk. 

I'm in trouble. McDonald's started the Monopoly again. 

Summer Day #55

Thursday, 

July 18th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 199. 

Sunrise: 6:42am

Sunset: 8:36pm

13 hours 54 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Caviar Day

Oh hey something is different about you.  You seem more sophisticated.  You look fancy.  And wealthy.  Did you win the lotto or something?  Oh, no you have a plate of caviar.  That's it.  Tres chic.

Not much to report today. 

Summer Day #54

Wednesday, 

July 17th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 198. 

Sunrise: 6:41am

Sunset: 8:37pm

13 hours 56 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Ice Cream Day

Today's the chance to eat all the ice cream you want and make no apologies for it.  Substitute ice cream for milk in your cereal at breakfast.  Plop a dollop in your morning coffee.  Trade your lunchtime turkey sandwich for an ice cream sandwich instead.  Well, maybe don't take it that far or you'll be so sick of ice cream you won't want it for the rest of the year.  And that would be a real pity.

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Yellow Pig Day

This day was started by two math students who began to go a bit bonkers from an extensive study of the number 17.    Somewhere in the midst of their work, and allegedly while taking a break to go to the bar, they came up with a whole story about yellow pigs with 17 toes and 17 eyelashes.  Over the years their crazy story has taken on a life of its own with Yellow Pig Day, a celebration of mathematics and a day to sing yellow pig songs.  We don't know any of these songs off hand.  Perhaps Yellow Pig of Texas?  Yellow Pigmarine?  Feel free to make up your own.

I had the pleasure of chaffering a Bridgeman to Band Camp this morning. 

 Why won't Hot in Cleveland play on HuluPlus?  Episode 14 is available to select. It starts, plays the first commercial and then quits. Goes back to main menu. 

Summer Day #53

Tuesday, 

July 16th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 197 

Sunrise: 6:40am

Sunset:  8:37pm

13 hours 56 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Corn Fritter Day

Traditional corn fritters are a mixture of corn kernels, egg, flour, milk, and melted butter, deep-fried or pan fried.  They can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, but even though they're technically corn, treating them as a serving of vegetables may be pushing it.  Though if you want to go for it, we won't burst your bubble.

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National Personal Chef Day

If you had your own gourmet chef chilling in your kitchen 24/7 would you dine on healthy fair and treat your guests to 5 courses dinners?  Or would you order up a plate of nachos at 2 am while you're watching TV?  Yeah, mm-hmm, we thought so.  For all of you lucky folks who have a personal chef, be sure to thank him or her for catering to your every crazy craving.  Without them you may have to (gasp!) make your own sandwiches!

Got up early with morning to start waking up the Big Girl so she could catch a ride with the neighbors parents to the airport. 

I had to drive down to pay the power bill because it was due yesterday when I got the mail. No late fee charges. 

Tried to pop into Sam's Club but had to wait 15 minutes until 10am. Would paying $41.14 be worth the extra early entry?   

Rain comes, rain goes, rain comes, rain goes, rain comes, I'm so confused.  Is it a rainy day or not a rainy day?  

Summer Day #52

Monday, 

July 15th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 196. 

Sunrise: 6:40am. 

Sunset:  8:38pm. 

13 hours 57 minutes.  

Hallmark Holiday: 

Gummi Worm Day

The worm may not have a great many fans, but the gummi worm is a real winner!  The very first gummi candies were the ever-popular gummi bears, first introduced in the 1950s in Germany.  Over the years gummi goop has been poured into all sorts of molds, including sharks, octopi, and cherries.  Today treat yourself to a pack of gummi worms, and make sure you bring enough to share.

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National Respect Canada Day

We may have gotten a little out of hand in our Canada Day celebrations earlier this month and now Canada is demanding a little respect.  Maybe it had to do with the Zamboni races and the dogs dressed in moose costumes' Anyway, today we commend Canada for their winter sports, their beautiful cities, and their welcoming attitude.  Here's hoping we can still be friends.

Upon waking up this morning I found my little guy still at his PC. I asked if he got to sleep any during the night. He said yes. We had toaster waffles for breakfast. He asked me to watch Journey to Mysterious Island with him. Shortly after it started playing I looked over and he was sound asleep. 

The mail showed up by 2pm. 

I made it through the bundle. 

Now it's catch up on the bills. 

Summer Day #51

Sunday, 

July 14th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 195. 

Sunrise: 6:39am

Sunset: 8:38pm

13 hours 58 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Nude Day

Come on, don't be shy.  If we all walk around nude there won't be any reason to get embarrassed.  Or maybe just start out by parading through town in a bath towel until you feel comf-- Oh, wow, never mind you just went for it.  Good for you.

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Pandemonium Day

Today IS National Nude Day, so we're already halfway to complete pandemonium.  Now let's see what we can do to really shake things up.  Dance party in the streets?  Driving golf carts through the mall?  A herd of pandas running amok?  PANDAmonium.

Woke up early to go shopping at Winn-Dixie to get milk, cereal, & toaster waffles. 

Took Big Girl to noon Mass to Altar Serve. 

A little lunch/dinner shopping at Winn-Dixie. Little guy asked for tacos. I got the fixings for nachos. 

Mowed the front and side lawn. It'll need to be remowed a little lower in a day or two.  

Set-up the pressure washer and sprayed off the back patio. 

I'm at war with the ants. 

It started to rain so I'll wait until it is dry enough to put down the ant killer. 

Took out the trash. It's Yard Waste week but I have nothing for yard waste. 

Called it an early night. Watched a little Zero Hour and Hot in Cleveland on Hulu. 

Found new episodes of Merlin on Netflix. 

Summer Day #50

Saturday, 

July 13th, 2013. 

10:32pm back at home. 

11:25 in bed. 

Summer Day #49

Friday, 

July 12th, 2013. 

Julian Date: 193. 

Sunrise: 5:53am

Sunset:  8:34pm

14 hours 41 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

Different Colored Eyes Day

About 1% of the population has Heterochromia, or different colored eyes.  It's variety like this that makes us all unique; so if you know someone who blinks with one blue and one brown, don't ostracize them.  Today's the day we can all see eye to eye' to other colored eye.

& 

National Pecan Pie Day

Pecan pie is the super-sweet and crunchy treat that's a holiday favorite and an American classic.  The earliest version of this recipe comes from New Orleans, where French settlers sought ways to use the pecan, which was native to the area.  Now, Southern orchards produce 250 million pounds of pecans a year to satisfy our cravings.  Today, let's see if we can eat 100 million pounds worth.  That'll still leave plenty for next Thanksgiving.

& 

Simplicity Day

We celebrate the simple things in life on the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, who wrote of simple living in his book Walden, the memoir of his time spent living at one with nature at Walden Pond.  Today, drop everything and spend some time relaxing in nature. No, you can't bring your laptop.

I pinned some Pecan Pie recipes on Pinterest this morning from food.com http://www.food.com/food-holidays/national-pecan-pie-day-0712?soc=edfh_pin

Headed out for lunch before our meeting at Panera Bread. . 

Signed my signature so many times my hand hurts. 

A little shopping at Staples. 

A little FroYo from the SweetFrog. 

Back at the apt every one else heads out for Macy's at the mall that is mostly empty. 

Summer Day #48

Thursday, 

July 11th, 2013. 

Julian Date:  192 

Sunrise: 5:52am

Sunset:  8:34pm 

14 hours 41 minutes. 

Hallmark Holiday: 

National Blueberry Muffin Day

The closest you can get to eating a cupcake for breakfast, the blueberry muffin is a healthy-ish way to start the day and much more portable than a bowl of oatmeal.    The people of Minnesota like them so much, they made the blueberry muffin their official state muffin.  So, in a way, when you treat yourself to one today, you're celebrating the muffin and Minnesota.  Kill two birds with one muffin.

& 

National Cheer Up The Lonely Day

If this task sounds like kind of a downer, then you may be sitting on the cheery side of the fence.  And you're just the kind of person we need.  We can all get a little lonely now and then, and sometimes all it takes to brighten our day is a visit or a phone call from a friend.  If you know someone who seems a little lonesome -- perhaps someone who celebrated Teddy Bear Picnic Day yesterday, for instance -- then send a little smile their way.

& 

World Population Day

Quick: what is the current population on our planet?  1700?  Really?  Was that an actual guess?  Jeesh, good thing we've got World Population Day to bring attention to this matter.  The United Nations World Population Fund began this day to shed some light on the growing human population and the issues our communities face with each new baby we welcome to the world.  To that end, this day focuses on sharing reproductive and family planning awareness to the global population of young people.

After Pancakes & Maple syrup breakfast we showered and dressed for an adventure. We drove out to the Fashion Center Mall. Walked to the Pentagon. Ate at Popeye's.  Walked through the courtyard. Looked at different hallways. 

Walked back to the mall. Big Guy had to visit the Microsoft store again. 

Drove back home.  Stopped in at Harris Teeter for a baking dish & Push-ups. 

Big guy is mixing up and baking an easy recipe I found.  http://www.graciousrain.com/2012/09/25/two-ingredient-lemon-angel-cake/

I pinned two other lemon bar recipes but they use larger cans of lemon pie filling. 

I have just enough quarters for two loads of laundry. No jeans this time. 

Our family is not good at the last instruction of the recipe directions. 

Let it cool. We let it cool as long as we could hold out.  Every one else wanted a second serving. I thought it was too spongie.