DIANE'S CORNER ...

Celebrate National Picnic Month

A book of verse beneath the bough,
A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness –
Ah, wilderness were paradise enow!
~ Omar Khayyam

When the weather gets warmer and the rains of spring have abated, the outdoors are beckoning all those adventurous families who are out to have fun in the sun. Local parks have finally come out from under the pall of cloud gray skies, and picnics can begin in earnest! Sausage rolls and Fried Chicken, Fresh Fruit and Lemonade, these are the hallmarks of a great meal out of doors. National Picnic Month encourages you to get out and celebrate the warm summer days and find your love and wonder of the outdoors again while enjoying some great food!

History of National Picnic Month
Throughout the recorded history of civilization, there has always been something special about leaving the stuffy confines of your home and eating a meal outdoors. We know there’s a beautiful world out there waiting for us to come visit it, and when summer comes around we’re reminded just how much time we’ve been locked inside or being eager to come in from the cold. The word ‘picnic’ is thought to have first been used by Tony Willis in 1692, and from that point forward everyone from the working class to the upper crust have been fascinated with taking their repast outside under the sky.
Picnics have been used for many things throughout the centuries, from a simply family gathering spent enjoying the outdoors, to being used as a peaceful protest in the Pan-European Picnic, which was held on the Hungarian/Austrian border in 1989. The most notable, and largest, picnic ever held spanned 600 miles, crossing France from coast to coast and celebrated the millennium’s first Bastille Day in 2000. Such a diverse resume for such a simple concept, don’t you think? National Picnic Month celebrates the history of this activity and the way it has been used to bring families, countries, and all humanity together.

thanks for Story People, Patty

A diverse group of people, artists, activists, healers, tinkerers who talk, laugh, eat great food & drink great wine, sometimes we disagree (passionately) & sometimes we agree (equally passionately) & it’s all part of the same gift of being alive together. Our wish is that other people experience this amazing world we live in as a world of imagination & possibility & healing. We believe our stories do that. We believe (fiercely) in the power of stories, not because they’re our stories, but because it is valuable & right to protect the precious connections between people.

Word of the Day

sallow

Definition:

(adjective) Of a sickly yellowish hue or complexion.

Synonyms:

sickly

Usage:

His face was sallow and shiny with sweat.

Idiom of the Day

be caught off (one's) guard

— To be taken by surprise; to be caught when one is vulnerable, careless, or inattentive.

This Day in History

Syngman Rhee, First President of South Korea, Dies in Exile (1965)

Born in Korea shortly before it was occupied by Japan, Rhee was condemned to life in prison in 1897 for anti-Japanese activity. Amnestied and released in 1904, he went on to become the first Korean to earn a doctorate from a US university. In 1919, he was elected president of a provisional government in exile. Following WWII, he was elected the first president of Korea, with US backing. Ruling as an anti-Communist dictator, Rhee went to war against North Korea in 1950.

Rosalyn Yalow (1921)

Yalow was a medical physicist who developed the technique of radioimmunoassay (RIA)—a simple way to measure tiny concentrations of substances such as hormones, enzymes, or drugs in blood or other bodily fluids. She originally applied RIA to study blood insulin levels in diabetes mellitus, but the method soon found hundreds of other applications. For these discoveries, she shared the 1977 Nobel Prize in medicine, becoming only the second woman to win the award in this field.

Kinderzeche

Kinderzeche is a festival in Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria, Germany, to honor the children who saved the town during the Thirty Years' War of 1618-48. In 1632, according to legend, as Swedish troops rode into town, a small band of children appeared before the commander and asked for his mercy. The commander's heart softened, and he spared the town. The celebration today is a reenactment of the event, with participants in costumes of 17th-century town councilors and soldiers. Highlights of the festival include the parade of the Dinkelsbühl Boys' Band and a performance of a sword dance.

Bananas are under threat of extinction - here's why Bananas might be in serious danger of going extinct. According to the BBC, a wild banana that may hold the key to protecting the world's edible banana crop has been added to the extinction list. The banana grows in Madagascar, where there are ...

READ MORE:

Image result for Bananas are under threat of extinction â€” here's why

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/bananas-threat-extinction-heres-133306981.html

Image result for 1799 - The Rosetta Stone, a tablet with hieroglyphic translations into Greek, was found in Egypt.

Image result for 1799 - The Rosetta Stone, a tablet with hieroglyphic translations into Greek, was found in Egypt.

1799 - The Rosetta Stone, a tablet with hieroglyphic translations into Greek, was found in Egypt.

Image result for 1848 - The Women's Rights Convention took place in Seneca Fall, NY. Bloomers were introduced at the convention.

Image result for 1848 - The Women's Rights Convention took place in Seneca Fall, NY. Bloomers were introduced at the convention.

1848 - The Women's Rights Convention took place in Seneca Fall, NY. Bloomers were introduced at the convention.

Image result for 1939 - Dr. Roy P. Scholz became the first surgeon to use fiberglass sutures.

Image result for 1939 - Dr. Roy P. Scholz became the first surgeon to use fiberglass sutures.

1939 - Dr. Roy P. Scholz became the first surgeon to use fiberglass sutures.

Image result for 1946 - Marilyn Monroe acted in her first screen test.

1946 - Marilyn Monroe acted in her first screen test.

Image result for 1960 - Juan Marichal (San Francisco Giants) became the first pitcher to get a one-hitter in his major league debut.

Image result for 1960 - Juan Marichal (San Francisco Giants) became the first pitcher to get a one-hitter in his major league debut.

1960 - Juan Marichal (San Francisco Giants) became the first pitcher to get a one-hitter in his major league debut.

Image result for 1964 - In Illinois, Cahokia Mounds was designated as a U.S. National Landmark.

Image result for 1964 - In Illinois, Cahokia Mounds was designated as a U.S. National Landmark.

1964 - In Illinois, Cahokia Mounds was designated as a U.S. National Landmark.

Image result for 1971 - In New York, the topping out ceremony for Two World Trade Center (South Tower) took place. The ceremony for One World Trade Center had taken place on December 23, 1970.

Image result for 1971 - In New York, the topping out ceremony for Two World Trade Center (South Tower) took place. The ceremony for One World Trade Center had taken place on December 23, 1970.

1971 - In New York, the topping out ceremony for Two World Trade Center (South Tower) took place. The ceremony for One World Trade Center had taken place on December 23, 1970.

Image result for 1984 - Geraldine Ferraro was nominated by the Democratic Party to become the first woman from a major political party to run for the office of U.S. Vice-President.

Image result for 1984 - Geraldine Ferraro was nominated by the Democratic Party to become the first woman from a major political party to run for the office of U.S. Vice-President.

1984 - Geraldine Ferraro was nominated by the Democratic Party to become the first woman from a major political party to run for the office of U.S. Vice-President.

Image result for 1985 - George Bell won first place in a biggest feet contest with a shoe size of 28-1/2. Bell, at age 26, stood 7 feet 10 inches tall.

Image result for 1985 - George Bell won first place in a biggest feet contest with a shoe size of 28-1/2. Bell, at age 26, stood 7 feet 10 inches tall.

1985 - George Bell won first place in a biggest feet contest with a shoe size of 28-1/2. Bell, at age 26, stood 7 feet 10 inches tall.

Image result for 1985 - Christa McAuliffe of New Hampshire was chosen to be the first schoolteacher to ride aboard the space shuttle. She died with six others when the Challenger exploded the following year.

Image result for 1985 - Christa McAuliffe of New Hampshire was chosen to be the first schoolteacher to ride aboard the space shuttle. She died with six others when the Challenger exploded the following year.

1985 - Christa McAuliffe of New Hampshire was chosen to be the first schoolteacher to ride aboard the space shuttle. She died with six others when the Challenger exploded the following year.

Image result for happy healthy passover gif

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, July 19

Some might call you an "old soul" — your intuition is very powerful and you often seem to see right through others. You also tend to have wise advice. Your sense of humor is entirely unique and your perspective on things similar. These are just some of the reasons why you make such great company. Even so, your emotions are powerful and you can be a little moody, needing your space from time to time. You possess a somewhat mysterious allure and appeal. Famous people born today:

1814 Samuel Colt, American inventor and industrialist (Colt 6 shot revolver), born in Hartford, Connecticut (d. 1862)

1860 Lizzie Borden, American woman acquitted of the murder of her parents (gave her mother forty whacks), born in Fall River, Massachusetts (d. 1927)

1929 Sofia Muratova, Russian gymnast (1952-60 Olympics: 6 gold, 3 silver & 4 bronze), born in Leningrad, Russia (d. 2006)

1946 Ilie Năstase, Romanian tennis player (US Open 1972), born in Bucharest, Romania

READERS INFO

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach 2018

Jul 5 - Sep 1, 2018 | Laguna Beach, CA

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach|650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Image result for Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach 2018 Jul 5 - Sep 1, 2018 | Laguna Beach, CA

Over 85 years old, Foapam has been celebrating art. The Pageant of the Masters is an imaginative recreation of historic art scenes with live people painted to fit the part. The Festival Art show brings local works to be out on display in a social scene. Set in Laguna Beach, it's a wonderful place to hold a festival that appreciates beauty.

further information: Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach 2018 in California - Dates & Map

2.

Chautauqua County Fair 2018

Jul 16-22, 2018 | Dunkirk, NY

Chautauqua Fairgrounds

The Chautauqua County Fair has rides, drives, and bikes. For over 134 years, the Chautauqua County Fair has been providing fun for the whole family. There is a demolition derby, carnival rides, and motorbike performances.

further information: Chautauqua County Fair

3.

California State Fair 2018

Jul 13-29, 2018 | Sacramento, CA

California State Fairgrounds|1600 Exposition Boulevard
Image result for California State Fair 2018 Jul 13-29, 2018 | Sacramento, CA

The California State Fair, held at the CalExpo in Sacramento each July, is a multi-week event that has been taking place for over 150 years. It’s a non-stop exhibition of fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, with activities ranging from thoroughbred racing to corn dog and pie eating contests and athletic events like soccer and motocross as well as engaging educational events for kids. There are also animal shows and competitions, live music from big-name bands and tons of delicious fair food. The State Fair is also the only time of year when people can ride the monorail, one of only two working monorails in California.

further information: Special Events - California State Fair

Pictures of the day

The Indian Head eagle was a ten-dollar gold piece, or eagle, struck by the United States Mint from 1907 until 1933. The obverse and the reverse, designed by the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, were originally commissioned for use on other denominations. As sculpted by Saint-Gaudens, it was in too high relief for the Mint to strike readily, and the necessary modifications took months. The omission of the motto "In God We Trust" on the new coins caused public outrage, and prompted Congress to pass a bill mandating the motto's inclusion. Later editions of the coin included the motto.

Woman Turns Boxes and Bags into Monsters

Mellie Z is an artist and craftswoman specializing in fine leatherwork. Based in Leighton, Pennsylvania, she is best known for her embroidered leather products and famous ‘Dragonhide’. In an ongoing series of amazing creations, Mellie hand pigments strips of leather, turning boxes and bags into monsters.

knit

thanks, Leah

Cherries free knitting pattern

knit

thanks, Adele

Caprino Wrap pattern by Rae Blackledge

knit

ONE HANK SOCKS

Black Dog Designs

knit

Baby Boat Neck Sweater and Sun Hat

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/baby-boat-neck-sweater-and-sun-hat?

knit

crochet
thanks, June

Diagonals for Days C2C Crochet Top

crochet
thanks, Ava

Peace Sign Granny Square pattern by JudyK

crochet

Free Crochet Pattern: Dragonfly Coasters

crochet

Free Crochet Pattern: Dragonfly Coasters Caddy

crochet

How to make crochet covered bead

RECIPE

thanks, Sylvia

Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. onion soup powder
1 tin tomato soup

Lightly brown the beef, then add the onion soup mix, and when that's all fine, add the tomato soup and turn it down, letting it cook for 10 minutes before serving over toasted buns. (EXTRA: I brushed them with some Cesar salad dressing and broiled them. No-one knew, but it blew their minds.)