Intt'l Cat Day - August 8, 2018

DIANE'S CORNER ... 

Celebrate International Cat Day

International Cat Day is a full 24 hours of recognition and veneration of one of humanity’s oldest and most beloved pets. The festivities were put together for the first time in 2002 by IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, among other animal rights groups, to celebrate the most popular pet on the planet.

An estimated 500 million cats are thought to be frolicking in neighbours’ gardens across the world, which means that most every extended family is bound to have an aunt with more kittens than former husbands, whatever the country or climate. And that’s great, because owning a cat has been shown to improve mental health and to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. So when it’s raining cats and dogs outside and you don’t have someone to cuddle with, any black, ginger, Persian, Siamese, Burmese, Bengal, Shorthair, Munchkin, Balinese, RagaMuffin or any old stray cat will do the trick.

So roll out the red carpet and the catnip for your furry feline friend, because International Cat Day is that one day a year when black cats bring good luck and cat eye sunglasses match your entire wardrobe.

Word of the Day

protuberant
Definition:	(adjective) Swelling out from the surrounding surface.
Synonyms:	bellying, bulgy, bulbous
Usage:	The huge and protuberant stomach was amply supported by wide and massive hips, and the shoulders were broad as those of a Hercules.

Idiom of the Day

help (someone) out of a fix  — To help someone avoid or escape from some troublesome, difficult, or dangerous position or situation.

This Day in History

The Great Train Robbery (1963)

On the night of August 7, 1963, a postal train left Glasgow with a High Value Package (HVP) coach containing registered mail and a large sum of money. Before dawn the next morning, the driver sighted a red signal and, not knowing that the light had been tampered with, brought the train to a halt as was protocol. Fifteen robbers descended on the train, attacking the train's operators, restraining the postal workers in the HVP coach, and making off with £2.6 million. 

Matthew Alexander Henson (1866)

Orphaned in his youth, Henson went to work on a merchant ship at the age of 12. After nearly a decade at sea, he met American explorer Robert E. Peary and became his valet and assistant for the next 22 years. In 1909, Henson accompanied Peary on the first expedition credited with reaching the North Pole. Though Peary received many honors for this achievement, Henson, an African American, was largely ignored.

Old Fiddler's Convention A five-day concert in the small town of Galax, Virginia, the Old Fiddler's Convention spotlights old-time music in an outdoor setting. The convention was organized in 1935 as a fundraising event by members of Moose Lodge No. 733 and was dedicated to "keeping alive the memories and sentiments of days gone by." About 25,000 people now attend. Hundreds of contestants take part, competing for cash prizes and trophies in categories that include guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, dobro, clawhammer and bluegrass banjo, clog or flatfoot dancing, and folk singing.  The complicated truth about a cat's purr We think we know what a cat's purr means. It is arguably the most recognisable sign of animal contentment: a pleasurable rasp that erupts whenever a cat is tickled or petted, the soundtrack to countless sessions sprawled on an owner's lap. But that's ... READ MORE: The complicated truth about a cat’s purr

1876 - Thomas Edison received a patent for the mimeograph. The mimeograph was a "method of preparing autographic stencils for printing." 


1899 - The refrigerator was patented by A.T. Marshall. 


1950 - Whataburger opened its restaurant in Corpus Christi, TX. 


1966 - Michael DeBakey became the first surgeon to install an artificial heart pump in a patient. 

1970 - Janis Joplin bought a headstone for the grave of blues singer Bessie Smith. Smith was one of Joplin's idols. 


1991 - John McCarthy, a British TV producer, was released by his Lebanese kidnappers. He had been held captive for more than five years. A rival group abducted Jerome Leyraud in retaliation and threatened to kill him if any more hostages were released. 


2000 - The submarine H.L. Hunley was raised from ocean bottom after 136 years. The sub had been lost during an attack on the U.S.S. Housatonic in 1864. The Hunley was the first submarine in history to sink a warship.

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, August 8

You are always looking for meaning in your life and in the things and circumstances around you. You could frequently find yourself assessing what things may be worth, and your instincts are excellent for figuring out what is worth a further look. You dislike routine and love to keep yourself active; yet you crave stability and security. A long-term, stable job that also allows you to mix things up would be ideal. Your insatiable curiosity makes you extremely interesting to know, as your ideas are always intriguing. You make a wonderful friend and companion. Even so, there can be times when you are overly practical and logical when a softer touch is more appropriate. In love, you tend to go the distance, but you do need to feel that you're growing and improving through a relationship. You are ambitious and, while very loving, you can be quite stern when irritated. Famous people born today: 

1902 Paul Dirac, English physicist (quantum electrodynamics, Nobel 1933), born in Bristol, England (d. 1984)

1937 Dustin Hoffman, American actor (Graduate, Tootsie, Kramer vs Kramer), born in Los Angeles, California

1947 Ken Dryden, Canadian politician and hockey player (Montreal Canadiens, 6 Stanley Cups), born in Hamilton, Ontario

READERS INFO

1.

Aug 9-18, 2018 | Memphis, TN 

Elvis Week 2018

Aug 9-18, 2018 | Memphis, TN 

Elvis Presley’s Graceland|3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard 

Rock around the clock at Elvis Week in the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis fans from all over the country flock to Memphis to honor the King with several Elvis-themed events, parties, contests, panel discussions and more. There are also special concerts, dances and a Candlelight Vigil in the Meditation Garden at Graceland that lasts well into the morning. This festival not only spotlights the enduring legacy of one of America’s most iconic stars, but also the culture and history of the city he called home.

further information: Aug 09, 2018 - Aug 18, 2018 - Elvis Week 2018 - Events

2.

Palmyra Pirate Weekend 2018

Aug 10-11, 2018 | Palmyra, NY

Argh, Matey. The pirates have taken over the Erie Canal for one weekend of family-friendly activities and games. Find the secret treasure or embark on a journey through a mystical tale. Bed racing, 5K race, Pirate Kazoo Band Parade, children’s treasure hunt, canal trail tours, Historic Palmyra pirate tales and museum tours, and canal boat rides on the Sam Patch are just a few of the exciting events featured in this year’s celebration of Palmyra’s canal connection. The pirates know how to party.

further information: 2018 Palmyra Pirate Weekend HOME

3.

Valdese Waldensian Festival 2018

Aug 10-11, 2018 | Valdese, NC 

Downtown Valdese|Faet St NW & Main St

This festival celebrates a long history of exile and return of the Waldenses. Continue the tradition by experiencing the authentic cuisine, eclectic crafts, and great entertainment. There are plenty of different things to do for the whole family.

further information: Waldensian Festival | Town of Valdese

Picture of the day

View of Delft is an oil painting on canvas by Johannes Vermeer, painted c. 1660–1661. Depicting the artist's hometown Delft, it was completed at a time when cityscapes were uncommon, and has become one of Vermeer's most popular works. It is one of three known paintings of the city by Vermeer, along with The Little Street and the lost painting House Standing in Delft. The use of pointillismsuggests that the painting, which is held by the Mauritshuis in The Hague, postdates The Little Street.

Sunrise in Monument Valley

“This image was taken during a month long road trip throughout the American West, part of a project shooting with iPhone. Having spent much time on the road, I wanted to capture that feeling of wide-openness on the road that I experience so often.” Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

knit, vintage
thanks, Patty

Kitchen Set Pattern

knit
thanks, Sandy

Little Shell Top

http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/52/Issue52.php

knit

Drip

knit

Amalie pattern by Mary Kate Long

knit

Boat Knitting Pattern

crochet

thanks, Helen

Easy Crochet Popsicle Holders

crochet

thanks, Clara

La Paloma Wrap pattern by Kristin Omdahl

crochet

Crochet Bunny Backpack

crochet

Bow Clutch

Hello Speckless • Crochet/Craft/Home

crochet, vintage

Basket of Sunflowers

pattern1

RECIPE

thanks, Shelley

Shish Kabob Marinade Recipe

CROCKPOT RECIPE
thanks. Agnes

Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

SWEETS

thanks, Hazel

Easy Pretzel Turtles Recipe! {Just 3 Ingredients)

ADULT COLORING

CRAFTS

Denim Wall Storage
Home and Garden DIY Ideas, Photos and Answers

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... sewing

thanks, Betty

Harriet: A Simple Sewing Project for Kid

PUZZLE

Chandelier Jigsaw Puzzle

WORD SEARCH

actress alone assist attempt avoid bandage because

case claim coagulate crazy explode facts fence

heard human laugh lawyer lope pageant punish

recent scat space sunlight thrill today toll

trace treat troll vixen world worst young

SUDOKU ... hard

solution:

QUOTE

CLEVER

EYE OPENER

Help Groceries Stay Fresh Longer with 

These Clever Tips

ehow

One of the worst feelings is spending your hard earned money on groceries, only to have them go bad before you can use them. Here are a few tricks that you can use to extend the life of your groceries, and keep them fresh longer. These tips will save you time and money, so you can enjoy your food instead of tossing it in the trash.

How to Keep Asparagus Fresh Longer

Take the asparagus out of the plastic bag. If left in the bag, the stems of the asparagus will continue to harden, making it inedible after a few days. Instead, take the asparagus out of the bag and cut the bottoms of the stems off. Then place them upright in a glass with two inches of water. The water will help keep the asparagus fresh and it will last up to a week longer.

How to Keep Berries Fresh Longer

Berries are notorious for rotting and molding quickly. Berries should not be soaked in water and stored in airtight containers because they tend to mold faster. They also shouldn't be stored in your refrigerator crispers because of the humidity levels. Instead, rinse berries in a mixture of 4 cups of water and 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. Drain them in a colander and allow them to dry a bit. Then store them in a colander in your refrigerator so air can circulate around them. This will keep your berries from molding quickly and ensure they last up to a week.

Note: The berries will not retain the taste or smell of the vinegar.

Warning

• Cutting strawberry stems off of the strawberries will cause them to rot faster.

How to Keep Celery Fresh Longer

Celery stored in plastic bags can wilt quickly because the ethylene gas that the celery gives off becomes trapped, and causes the celery to wilt and deteriorate. Instead of leaving it in the bag, store your celery in aluminum foil. It will keep your celery fresh and crisp for up to a week and a half.

Note: If you'd like to pre-cut your celery, store it in a container for up to 2 days before use. Storing in water is not necessary.

How to Keep Bananas Fresh Longer

Bananas become ripe and can rot at a very fast rate. Typically, bananas are stored in a bowl on your counter top. Once you remove one of the bananas from the bunch, ethylene gas starts to release, causing the rest of the bananas to start ripening quickly. To keep the remainder of your bananas from rotting, wrap a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap around the banana stem and secure it with an elastic band. This will keep the ethylene gas from spreading to the other bananas and prolong the life of your bananas fro up to a week.

These easy tips will help keep your groceries fresh and save you money in the process.