World Fiddle Day May 20, 2017

DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate World Fiddle Day

On this day, it’s time to celebrate the music of one of the world’s most favorite string instruments, the violin. Or the fiddle, as it is sometimes affectionately known.

World Fiddle Day happens once a year and is meant to celebrate everything that everyone loves about the chirpy, fun and feisty art of fiddle music. You’ll see it being celebrated on the third Saturday of each May.

Around the world, this day is celebrated with dancing, music, and of course plenty of fiddle playing!

This day was founded in 2012 by one Caoimhin Mac Aoidh, a professional fiddler from Donegal in Ireland. The day was birthed from a deep respect for one of the most expert and revered violin makers in history.

This month was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the death of the Italian violin craftsman Antonio Stradivari’s way back in 1737.

Stradivari is today considered the most significant creator of violins in history, with his surviving instruments today seen as the most prized and finest ever created. Although he also made the larger string instruments cellos and violas, it’s the violins which he lovingly crafted that he is most well-known and remembered for.

Though only a couple of hundred of his works still exist, they have been known to capture some huge prices at auction and are especially sought-after among professional violin players.

If you ever learned how to play the violin in school, or you frequently play it either for pleasure or for work, today is a great day to get out your fiddle and play a couple of tunes! Perhaps play a little for friends or family, or show your children how to play some simple themes.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have learned how to play this string instrument, you can celebrate its day by listening to some of the fantastic performances by string artists easily found on Youtube or Spotify. Add a spring to your daily commute with some Mozart, Barber or Brahms!

And if you’ve always fancied trying your hand at the violin, perhaps today you could take a trial lesson learning how to play? Who knows – by the time the next World Fiddle Day comes along, you could be able to play along with everyone else who is fiddling away!

thanks for the dog wisdom, Helen (part 2)  

Word of the Day

apportionment
Definition:	(noun) The act of distributing by allotting or apportioning; distribution according to a plan.
Synonyms:	parceling, assignation, allocation, allotment
Usage:	The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives is based on the relative population of each state.

 

Idiom of the Day

keep (something) straight (in one's mind/head)  — To be able to understand something clearly and comprehensively; to keep the details of something clear in one's mind.

History

Cartographer Abraham Ortelius Issues the First Modern Atlas (1570)

Prior to 1570, maps were often unreliable, illegible, and unwieldy. When Ortelius published his Theatrum orbis terrarium, it was the first comprehensive, easy-to-use, and fairly up-to-date collection of world maps. It drew from the works of 87 cartographers, all of whom were credited. Demand was immediate and persisted for decades, during which time dozens of editions were published in several languages. 

James Maitland "Jimmy" Stewart (1908)

Stewart was an American actor known for his self-effacing screen persona. His slow, halting line delivery initially made him difficult to cast, but his idealistic characters in films such as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) soon endeared him to audiences, and he won an Oscar in 1940. His role as the quintessential small-town man helped make It's a Wonderful Life (1946) a Christmas classic.

Armed Forces Day (United States)

Before President President Harry S. Truman proclaimed the third Saturday in May as Armed Forces Day in 1949, the major branches of the United States armed forces held celebrations on different days in the year. The purpose of Armed Forces Day is to promote their unification under the Department of Defense and to pay tribute to those serving in all the armed forces. In addition to the parade held in New York City, the armed forces often hold "open houses" to acquaint the public with their facilities and the latest technological advances. 

The T. Rex Chomped with the Bone-Crunching Force of Three Cars

Call it the big chomp. The T. rex was impressive in its might and so was its bite —more than twice as bone-crunching as the bite of its relative, the fearsome crocodile, a Florida State University researcher found. 
READ MORE:

The T. rex chomped with the bone-crunching force of three cars

• 1310 Shoes were made for both right & left feet

1609 Shakespear's Sonnets are first published in London, perhaps illicitly, by the publisher Thomas Thorpe.


1830 D Hyde patents fountain pen


1873 Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patent the first blue jeans with copper rivets

• 
• 1916 Saturday Evening Post cover features Norman Rockwell painting

1927 At 7:40 AM, Charles Lindbergh takes off from New York to cross the Atlantic for Paris, aboard Spirit of St Louis (1st non-stop flight)


1932 Amelia Earhart leaves Newfoundland 1st woman fly solo across Atlantic


1960 13th Cannes Film Festival: "The Sweet Life" directed by Federico Fellini wins the Palme d'Or

• 1978 US launches Pioneer Venus 1; produces 1st global radar map of Venus

1979 1st western pop star to tour USSR-Elton John

• 1980 710 families in Love Canal area (Niagara Falls NY) are evacuated

• 1986 Flintstones 25th Anniversary Celebration airs on CBS-tv

• 1989 Walter McConnel, 57, is oldest to reach 27,000' Mt Everest top

• 1993 274th & final "Cheers" on NBC

2015 David Letterman, after 33 years, hosts the "Late Show with David Letterman" for the last time

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, May 20

You possess much strength of character, warmth, sensuality, and intuition. While grounded and steady overall, you have a flair for the dramatic. You are exceptionally self-aware and spend your life learning, largely through intuition and observation. You are loving and kind but seldom forget a slight. Famous people born today: Honore de Balzac, Cher, James Stewart, Dolly Madison.

READERS INFO

1. 

Rochester Lilac Festival 2017

May 12-21, 2017

Highland Park

450 Highland Ave Rochester 

Rochester, NY

Upstate New York knows how to bring in the spring in style. As the largest free festival of its kind in North America, the Rochester Lilac Festival brings 10 showstopping days and nights of non-stop fun. There’s glorious gardens, musical gems, exhilarating events and exhibits and something new behind every corner. Each day brings an entirely unique experience, no matter if you’re a first timer or a regular attendee.

further information: Rochester Lilac Festival - Rochester Events 2017

2. 

Texas and Neighbors Art Competition 2017

Apr 29 - Jun 3, 2017

Irving Arts Center

3333 N MacArthur Blvd

Irving, TX

This annual, multi-day festival brings together top artists from Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Each year, a juror is selected to evaluate work from the contributing artists. Artists can place in multiple categories from colored pencil to oil-based.

further information: Texas & Neighbors - Home

3. 

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2017

May 9 - Jun 11, 2017

Franklin Square

200 6th St  

Philadelphia, PA 

Benjamin Franklin croaked about 200 years too early, otherwise he could’ve enjoyed this yearly spectacle. Scaly dragons, blossomed flowers and ancient Chinese structures cast a warm glow throughout Franklin Square that probably would’ve blinded the Founding Father permanently if he were alive today. The colorful beams will make your nightly walk through the park that much brighter.

further information: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival At Franklin Square

Pictures of the day


A Company of Danish Artists in Rome, painted by Constantin Hansen in 1837. This painting depicts several members of the Danish Golden Age, a period of exceptional creative production in Denmark in the early 19th century. In the painting, the architect Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll is lying on the floor with a fez and pipe. Martinus Rørbye is sitting beside him on the floor, looking somewhat critically into his tiny coffee cup, while the artist sits in a chair. Wilhelm Marstrand, Albert Küchler, and Ditlev Blunck are on the balcony, and Jørgen Sonne is sitting on the table.

SUNWARD

When the Mediterranean Mantis opened its wings, It seemed very impressive at the sunshine… Photo Location: Nicosia, Cyprus

 

knit

LEAF MOTIF SLIPPER

Yapraklı patik örelim mi?

knit

thanks, Marcy

Rowan Dr. Owl

knit

Girl's Old-Time Raglan Banded Dress

knit

MC Escher Sky and Water knitting pattern

knit
thanks, Linda

Gail (aka Nightsongs) pattern by Jane Araújo

 

 

crochet
thanks, Lisa

Cool Crochet Buttons pattern by Marinke Slump

				Cool Crochet Buttons pattern by Marinke Slump Perfect to decorate anything from garments to postcards!
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet
thanks, June

Warm Weather Jacket pattern by Joyce Bragg

				Warm Weather Jacket pattern by Joyce Bragg Perfect for all ages and sizes, this lacy crochet jacket is a wonderful addition to your wardrobe. Wear it with everything from jeans to date night attire.
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet

Chapstick / Lip Balm Holder pattern by Kristy Ashmore

				Chapstick / Lip Balm Holder pattern by Kristy Ashmore These are so fun and easy to make. I experimented with several different yarns, IMO Creme de la Creme’s tight twist works up the best.
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet

Bucketful of Sunshine hat pattern by Nerissa Muijs

				Bucketful of Sunshine hat pattern by Nerissa Muijs A great sunhat for toddlers that is light, bright and breezy.
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet

Crochet Doily Bike Seat

 

 

RECIPE
thanks, Shelley

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

 

 

CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks, Dana

Slow Cooker Crustless Broccoli Cheese Quiche

 

SWEETS

Strawberry Shortcake No Bake Mini Cheesecakes

 

 

ADULT COLORING

CRAFTS

Button Craft

 

 

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... bubbles

Fun Bubble Activity

sciencekids

So how does a bubble work? Take a close look at water, what does it look like? Does it have a certain shape? Can you see the ‘skin’ holding the water together? This is called surface tension and it's a very important concept when it comes to bubbles. Have you ever tried blowing a bubble with normal water? If you have then it probably didn't go so well. The skin of normal water is too tight and doesn't stretch enough to form a bubble. The soap in the bubble solution allows the skin of the water to stretch further and makes it possible to blow bubbles.   Making your bubble mixture and wand: This bubble recipe is easy. Start off with a clean container that will hold as much bubble mixture as you want to make. Pour around 2 cups of water into your container and add around a half a cup of dishwashing liquid (to make double just add a cup of dishwashing liquid to 4 cups of water). Being exact with the amounts isn't important, you can enjoy great bubbles with a little more or a little less of either the water or dishwashing liquid. If you want to be a professional and make the best bubbles possible then try adding a tablespoon of glycerin (glycerol), corn syrup or sugar to the solution. Mix the ingredients together carefully. To make your bubble wand just find a piece of wire and bend one end so it forms a small circle. For bigger bubbles just make the circle bigger (not too big though as it might not work).   Fun bubble activities: Make double bubbles and bubble domes: Put a spoonful of bubble mixture onto a tray or flat kitchen surface and add a teaspoon of water. Put a straw into the bubble mixture and blow through it gently to make a dome shaped bubble. Blow again to make another dome shaped bubble inside your original one. Now you've got a double bubble! See if you can add even more bubbles inside your double bubble. How many can you make? Make bubbles with your hands: Make a circle using your finger and thumb.  Dip it gently into the bubble solution and try blowing a bubble. Next you can try cupping both hands together and dipping them into the bubble solution. Try blowing a bubble with a triangle or diamond shape using your hands. Make sure you wash your hands after doing this. Bubble trumpet: Take a soft drink bottle and carefully cut around the top third of the bottle. You have now created both a bubble trumpet and a container to keep your bubble mixture in.

PUZZLE

Yellow Parasol Sea Jigsaw Puzzle

WORD SEARCH

addition adult afraid blast bore chain clean complete court

detect drum dumbfounded effort erne front furniture gardens

heard ibis intervene lien lion mane maximum midget mold

obese organ rear remember shrub spree survive

tier tire title trim unable under untidy until veer volume

 

QUOTE

thanks, Sally

CLEVER
PINE CONE FEEDERS

Pine cone feeders are sort of traditional. You can spread them with peanut butter and then add birdseed or spread them with lard and add birdseed. Whatever you prefer, these are really easy to make and are great projects for the kids. Make several of them and decorate your outdoor trees with many little feeders.

EYE OPENER

10 Rules For Knitting While Watching TV

robinsyarns

I like to knit while I'm watching TV. I'm really bad at just sitting still so this is about the only way I can sit through a whole TV show. So here are my rules. Your mileage may vary.

1. Knit during the commercials. This is the best time to get some serious knitting done without missing the good parts of the show.

2. Stop knitting if the suspense gets to much for you. I don't generally watch scary shows but I do like mystery shows and if the actions get to suspenseful you could tense up. You could end up with an hourglass shape in the middle of your knitting because the tension went from nice and easy to oh my gods tight.

3. Don't knit from charts. The constant looking back and forth will make you either screw up your knitting or miss your show. This is not the time to do complicated intarsia.

4. Do knit patterns with lots of repeats. Simple lace, simple cables, plain textured knitting are all good choices for TV watching.

5. Wait to count rows or stitches until the commercials. You'll be less distracted.

6. Don't watch really funny comedies. One rerun of Coupling was enough to make me laugh so hard 3 stitches had fallen off the end of the needles before I even noticed.

7. TV time is great for boring knitting. TV is what gets me through 96 rounds of stockinette on that really big felted bag.

8. You can't eat and knit and watch TV. Generally you can't eat and knit any way but this is especially true while trying to watch TV. But then this is not a disadvantage if you're dieting.

9. Don't let your knitting take up the entire couch. If you live alone you can pretty much ignore this rule but I have to share my couch with 4 cats a husband and 3 kids. Husband gets grouchy when there is no where for him to sit because of all the yarn, patterns, notions, needles, et all. He also gets upset when he sits on double points, go figure. The cats just walk all over everything and lay on my knitting any way.

10. Be prepared. Have your knitting, patterns, notions, a drink and everything handy. So you don't have to get up. You can also ignore this rule if you have children you can send to fetch you the things you need. First you have to teach them what a cable needle is though, and you run the risk of them playing with your measuring tape.

All rules can be ignored if you're in the same room as the TV but aren't actually watching it. Husband likes to have me in the same room when he's watching movies. He calls this spending time together. He is mistaken. He is watching TV. I am ignoring the TV and doing something constructive. We are merely in the same room. Oh well, it makes him feel better.