Umbrella Month March 5, 2018

DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Umbrella Month

Over four thousand years ago the first umbrella took shape. Whether the inventor was looking for a way to beat the heat or to stave off the rain is anyone’s guess. The one thing that we do know is how indebted we are to the invention of this great device. It has branched well beyond the weather to become a fashion accessory, a useful device for photographers and even a great prop when jumping off of a building (this only works in the movies!).

Since March is Umbrella Month, it’s a good idea to know at least seven great things which will help you to be able to make the most out of the month.

7 Important Things to Know for Umbrella Month

1. Buy an Umbrella – One of the greatest ways to celebrate umbrella month is to go out and buy a cool umbrella. Have you had your eye on one for a while? Now is the time to go out and buy it. Guaranteed you will get a lot of use out of it as spring takes hold.
2. Learn a New Dance – While Fred Astaire might have tossed his aside to dance in the rain, there are plenty of traditional dances in China and Japan which incorporate the use of a good umbrella. You can kick off umbrella month by learning a fun new dance.
3. Decorate the Porch – One of the many ways that you can use an umbrella is through decoration. Whether you are adding an umbrella to the patio furniture or you are hanging a decorative umbrella on the wall, you will enjoy the look it gives your home for umbrella month.
4. Get to Know the History – The original version of the umbrella might have been invented over four thousand years ago, but it was not until recently that the folding version we know today was invented. It can be fun to get to know the history of the umbrella as a tribute to umbrella month.
5. Go to a Jazz Funeral – There are many people who celebrate death rather than mourn it. This is the idea behind the jazz funeral in New Orleans. The parasol is used often as a decorative part of the dancing and pageantry which surrounds the affair.
6. Umbrellas in Art – Look at many of the paintings throughout history in the different nations around the world and you will be able to see all of the different umbrellas which have been used. You will be able to enjoy looking at the many different ways in which umbrellas have been used as you celebrate umbrella month.
7. Go Out in the Rain – Probably one of the best ways to celebrate Umbrella Month is to get out in the rain. Enjoy being able to stand out in the rain while not getting soaked. Your dry clothes will be a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have these devices in our lives.

Whereas in the 1800s it was not considered to be appropriate for a man to go out in public using an umbrella, now it is suitable for any person to use an umbrella for anything they like. Remember this and all of those who have helped to add to the modern design of the umbrella as you enjoy umbrella month.

Word of the Day

cavort
Definition:	(verb) Play boisterously.
Synonyms:	frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, run around, skylark, sport, disport
Usage:	The children cavorted in the water, splashing and ducking each other.

Idiom of the Day

make a wide stride  — To make great and rapid progress or advancement.

History

First Meeting of the Homebrew Computer Club (1975)

In 1975, computer hobbyists in Silicon Valley, California, decided to meet regularly to exchange ideas. The first meeting took place in a garage. Members of the club would go on to become some of the most influential players in the burgeoning computer industry, including, most notably, Apple founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who formed their company the next year.

Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac (1658)

Originally of the minor Gascon nobility, Cadillac came to America in 1683 to seek his fortune. He became a favorite of the governor of New France, was placed in charge of a frontier post at Mackinac, and eventually proposed the creation of a new fort with a better strategic position against the English. With a band of colonists, he founded in 1701 what would become the city of Detroit

Feast of Excited Insects

Known as Gyeongchip in Korea and as Ching Che in China, the Feast of Excited Insects marks the transition from winter to spring. It is the day when the insects are said to come back to life after hibernating all winter. In China, it is the day when "the dragon raises his head," summoning the insects back to life, and people perform various rituals designed to prepare for the onslaught. In Korea, this is one of 24 days in the lunar calendar that marks the beginning of a new season. Farmers prepare their fields and begin planting their barley, cabbage, and other vegetables.

All teens should be screened for depression, new guidelines urge

Depression is a growing threat to American children and teens. As many as 1 in 5 teens experience depression at some point during adolescence, but parents often miss the clues, and as many as two out of three young people with depression go undiagnosed, research ...

READ MORE:

All teens should be screened for depression, new guidelines urge

1750 - "King Richard III" was performed in New York City. It was the first Shakespearean play to be presented in America. 

1872 - George Westinghouse patented the air brake. 

1918 - The Soviets moved the capital of Russia from Petrograd to Moscow. 

1922 - "Annie Oakley" (Phoebe Ann Moses) broke all existing records for women's trap shooting. She hit 98 out of 100 targets. 

1923 - Old-age pension laws were enacted in the states of Montana and Nevada. 

1924 - Frank Caruana of Buffalo, NY, became the first bowler to roll two perfect games in a row. 

1934 - In Amarillo, TX, the first Mother's-In-Law Day was celebrated. 

1960 - Elvis Presley was honorably discharged from the Army. 

1985 - Mike Bossy (New York Islanders) became the first National Hockey League player to score 50 goals in eight consecutive seasons. 

1998 - It was announced that Air Force Lt. Col. Eileen Collins would lead crew of Columbia on a mission to launch a large X-ray telescope. She was the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. 

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, March 5

There is a restless quality to you that is unmistakable, and this can lead you to your share of adventures, but it can also get you into trouble at times! You easily feel stifled and bored by routine, so that is essential that you choose a life path that allows you the freedom to grow and learn. You may move forward prematurely, failing to complete projects you start, until you discover that your talents lie in inspirational, motivational, and other such fields. You are enthusiastic, versatile, and very humorous. Famous people born today: Rex Harrison, Chuck Baldwin, Andy Gibb, Eva Mendes.

READERS INFO

1.

Lexington One World Film Festival 2018

Feb 4 - Mar 10, 2018 | Lexington, KY

Kentucky Theatre and UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital Pavilion A Auditorium|214 E Main St

Don't leave your brain unattached at the popcorn counter. The One World Film Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, insists you keep it while you watch an exceptional selection of thought-provoking films. As society becomes increasingly more diverse and complex, so do the films shown here. Don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion as you watch these powerful films with your fellow movie-goers. Be sure to check the Lexington One World Film Festival website for exact film dates and venues.

further information: 2018 Festival - One World Film Festival

2.

The Armory Show 2018

Mar 8-11, 2018 | New York, NY 

Piers 92 & 94 on the Hudson River|12th Ave & W 55th St 

New York City has long been known for its extensive and vibrant art scene, which is directly reflected in the number of artists, galleries and annual shows that call the city home. The Armory Show is one such event that displays the richness of NYC's contemporary and modern art world. By highlighting some of the most stunning pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, the show has become an internationally recognized and respected event.

further information: The Armory Show | Welcome

3.

Shreveport Downtown Artwalk 2018

Mar 7, 2018 | Shreveport, LA 

When your everyday surroundings get boring to look at, leave it to Shreveport’s local artisans to give you something new and exciting to remember. Rather than populating one measly street, original artwork can be found scattered around the downtown area. You can give your calf muscles a serious workout or hop on a shuttle to save your breath; either way, you’re bound to discover some marvelous work.

further information: March Downtown Shreveport Artwalk

Pictures of the day

The puma (Puma concolor, or Felis concolor) is a type of large hunting cat found in North and South America. It is also known by the regional names of cougar, mountain lion, panther, catamount and painted cat. Pumas have the largest distribution range of any New World land animal, spanning 110 degrees of latitude.

GUANJIANG

Guanjiang Shou troupes are one of Taiwan most popular activities that may be seen all over Taiwan at traditional folk religion gatherings. With their fiercely painted faces, protruding fangs and powerful, choreographed performances, they are easily recognized, They may be described as underworld police or gods' bodyguards. 

knit, Easter

Easter Egg Hat

knit

thanks, Dawn

Toddler Kimono Sweater

knit

thanks, Helen

Heartstrings Slouch Hat

knit

Floats Cowl pattern by Jake Canton

knit

Eyelet Round Capelet pattern by Kathy North

				Eyelet Round Capelet pattern by Kathy North Forms an interesting pattern on the inside, so could be considered reversible.
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet, Easter

thanks, Helen

Bunny Egg Basket

http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/bunny-egg-basket.html

crochet

thanks, Lisa

Northling pattern by Johanna Lindahl

crochet

Caterpillar Baby Slippers pattern by Susie Oui Crochet

crochet

Augusta Shawl

crochet

Ripple Bathroom Set pattern by American Thread Company

RECIPE

thanks, Shelley

Italian Potato-Pasta Soup With Greens Recipe

CROCKPOT RECIPE

thanks, Amy

Slow Cooker Satay Chicken

SWEETS

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

ADULT COLORING

CRAFTS, Easter

Frozen Fruit and Floral Ice Bucket

Are you looking for a stylish way to chill champagne for Easter brunch mimosas? Well, look no further. This magnificent fruit and floral ice bucket will be the hit of any party. Large colorful flowers and vibrant fruit make this exquisite bucket the perfect adornment for even the most refined table.

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Easter crafts

thanks, Gwen

How to make bunny finger puppets

PUZZLE

Cat Balti 2 Jigsaw Puzzle

WORD SEARCH

above accept after believe cede chips coach consequence

deceit deer doubt educational exist guide heart hotel

large leave lose metro nobody point press protect

regret rules satisfied sees shame sire sleep sound

speedy spend sports table tempo toes women wrong

SUDOKU ... hard

solution:

QUOTE

CLEVER

EYE OPENER

For Those Who Hate the Kitchener Stitch

interweave

Grafting on the Needles

1. Knit until the point in the sock pattern the instructions tell you to graft together the final stitches.
2. Divide the remaining stitches evenly between two double-pointed needles.
3. Hold both needles parallel in your left hand, so that the working yarn is on your right, and is coming off the rightmost stitch on the back needle.
4. Cut the working yarn to a reasonable length, say, 12″.
5. Using a third dpn, PURL the first stitch on the FRONT needle.
6. DROP the stitch off the left front needle, and pull the yarn all the way through the dropped stitch so that there is no longer a stitch on the right (working) needle.
7. KNIT the next stitch on the FRONT needle, but this time LEAVE the stitch on the left front needle; pull the yarn all the way through as before.
8. KNIT the first stitch on the BACK needle.
9. DROP the stitch off the left back needle and pull the yarn all the way through.
10. PURL the next stitch on the BACK needle.
11. LEAVE that stitch on the left back needle and pull the yarn all the way through.
12. Repeat Steps 5 through 11 until you get to the last two stitches; work these two stitches together as established and drop both stitches off the needles. Pull the yarn all the way through. Thread yarn onto a tapestry needle, bring yarn to inside of sock, and weave in ends, tacking down the last “ear” loops as needed. (You can pull any excess loopage to the inside to make tacking it down a bit prettier.)

I made up a little shortcut chant for my sock-knitting husband Nicholas to help him remember what to do when:

PURL FRONT OFF — purl first st on front needle, drop st off
KNIT FRONT ON — knit next st on front needle, leave st on
KNIT BACK OFF — knit first st on back needle, drop st off
PURL BACK ON — purl next st on back needle, leave st on