Caramel Apple Day - October 31, 2018

DIANE'S CORNER ... 

Celebrate Caramel Apple Day

The autumn air is crisp, the smell of fallen leaves wafts on breezes that bring showers of their fellows from the trees they caress. On every home we find the strands of fake spider-webs, ghouls and goblins in the bushes, and the bounties of the last harvest displayed as sheaves of corn and grinning Jack’o’Lanterns.

Among these favorites is the rich blend of butter, cream, and sugar cooked into a thick caramel, with the green and red bounties of the orchards dipped in them. When they said that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, we’re not quite sure this is what they were talking about, but one things for certain. If an apple will take a loose tooth out of your mouth, one of these delicious treats will work better than a string and a doorknob.

For those of us with healthy teeth, Caramel Apple Day is probably one of the greatest days of the year.

History of Caramel Apple Day

Caramel Apple Day is one of a collection of Candy themed holidays sponsored by the National Confectioner’s Association. Caramel apples have a long and tasty history of being created from some of the seasons favorite treats. Granny Smith’s are by far the most popular apple used in these confections, the tart-tangy flavor playing an amazing counterpart to the sweetness of the caramel. The grainy-texture and sweeter flavors of other apples just don’t quite bring the flavor palette together.

Word of the Day

dishearten
Definition:	(verb) To shake or destroy the courage or resolution of; dispirit.
Synonyms:	put off
Usage:	These difficult economic conditions dishearten people and undermine their hope.

Idiom of the Day

Potemkin village  — Something that is made to seem very grand, elaborate, and/or prosperous for the purposes of impressing others, but which in reality has no real worth or substance. Taken from a story about Russian minister Grigory Potemkin (1739-1791) who allegedly erected false, painted façades to mimic a thriving, successful village along the Dnieper River in Crimea to impress the visiting Empress Catherine II.

This Day in History

Harry Houdini Makes His Final Escape (1926)

Born Erik Weisz, Harry Houdini was an American magician and escape artist. He was famous for escaping from locks, handcuffs, straitjackets, and even sealed chests underwater, thanks to his incredible strength, agility, and skill at manipulating locks. His strength likely carried him through his last performance on October 24, 1926, while suffering from acute appendicitis. He was hospitalized and died on October 31.

Natalie Clifford Barney (1876)

Though she was a writer for all of her adult life, Barney is not widely known today for her poetry, plays, novels, or epigrams. Instead, she is remembered for her strong support of female writers and for her openness about her homosexuality. For more than 60 years, she hosted an international salon at her Paris home. The well-attended gatherings frequently featured women's works. She also wrote proudly about her love of women in a way that few, if any, had since heard.

Halloween (United States)

Halloween has its ultimate origins in the ancient Celtic harvest festival Samhain, a time when people believed that the spirits of the dead roamed the earth. Children go from house to house in costume—often dressed as ghosts, skeletons, or vampires—on Halloween saying, "Trick or treat!" Though for the most part the threat is in jest, the "trick" part if they don't receive a treat may include marking the house's windows with a bar of soap or throwing eggs at it. Most receive treats in the form of candy or money. Halloween parties and parades are popular with adults as well.

When it comes to living longer through exercise, is more better?

"Even in old age, exercise and moderation can preserve something of young vigor," Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero reported in 44 B.C. And since then, research into the important role of exercise for good health and longevity has confirmed ...
READ MORE:

When it comes to living longer through exercise, is more better?


1517 - Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace Church. The event marked the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany. 


1860 - Juliette Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was born. 


1864 - Nevada became the 36th state to join the U.S. 

1941 - Mount Rushmore was declared complete after 14 years of work. At the time the 60-foot busts of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were finished. 

1952 - The U.S. detonated its first hydrogen bomb. 

1956 - Rear Admiral G.J. Dufek became the first person to land an airplane at the South Pole. Dufek also became the first person to set foot on the South Pole. 

1985 - Producer Joseph Papp died of cancer at the age of 70. He was the co-creator of "A Chorus Line." 

1988 - Debbie Gibson held a séance at her Halloween party to contact the spirits of Liberace and Sid Vicious. 

1998 - KISS kicked off its Psycho-Circus tour with a Halloween extravaganza in Los Angeles, CA. The Smashing Pumpkins were the opening act. 

2008 - Distribution Video Audio, Inc. shipped its final shipment of VHS tapes to stores. The company was the last major United States supplier of pre-recorded VHS tapes. 




DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, October 31

You are a dependable person who can also be spontaneous and unique while steady and reliable overall. Some people might call you hard-headed! You can stick to something (or someone) longer than most people, and your ability to read between the lines is outstanding. People generally admire your conviction and your wit, and you inspire trust in others due to your "no-nonsense" approach to life. Family oriented and committed, you are also typically quite organized. Famous people born today: 

1632 Jan Vermeer, Dutch painter (Procuress, Astronomer), born in Delft, Netherlands (d. 1675)

1795 John Keats, English Romantic poet (Ode to a Grecian Urn), born in London (d. 1821)

1933 Hobart "Hobie" Alter, American surf and sailing entrepreneur and pioneer who created the Hobie Cat, born in Ontario, California (d. 2014)

1950 John Candy, Canadian actor and comedian(SCTV, Uncle Buck), born in Newmarket, Ontario (d. 1994)

1961 Peter Jackson, New Zealand film director(Lord of the Rings - Academy Award, Best Director, 2003), born in Wellington, New Zealand

1967 Vanilla Ice, American rapper (Ice Ice Baby) and actor (Cool as Ice), born in Miami, Florida

READERS INFO

1.

1963 - 

Ed Sullivan happened upon a European phenomenon while traveling through Heathrow Airport. Sullivan witnessed the fervor of Beatlemania firsthand, catching a glimpse of the British rock band, The Beatles, struggling through the terminal with a flood of fans blocking the way. This chance encounter would pave the way for the British Invasion in the United States -- a continuation of the craze already sweeping across the European continent.

The Beatles were unheard of in the United States at the time, but not for lack of trying. Their manager, Brian Epstein, had tried unsuccessfully to persuade his counterparts at Capitol Records, the American faction of British record label EMI, to give the British pop group airplay. Unconvinced that their sound would translate across the pond, Capitol declined to release Please Please Me, She Loves You and From Me to You. The singles were snatched up by lesser labels, given little to no promotion, and were left to languish on the pop music charts, ostensibly confirming Capitol's suspicions that The Beatles' style was incompatible with American tastes. In yet another effort to tap into the music industry powerhouse of the American mainstream, The Beatles wrote a song especially for release in the States: I Want to Hold Your Hand. Two weeks after writing this song, The Beatles were passing through Heathrow on the same day as American television impresario Ed Sullivan, who turned out to be their key to getting noticed on American soil.

The pandemonium Sullivan witnessed in the airport inspired him to learn more about the British foursome, and when Epstein traveled to New York to negotiate a contract with Sullivan, the band's manager pulled out all the stops. He guaranteed that The Beatles would book three headlining performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, as well as striking an agreement with Capitol Records to release I Want to Hold Your Hand as a single, backed by a $40,000 promotional campaign. As a result, when The Beatles first appeared in the United States in February 1964, they already had a No. 1 hit record and a rapidly growing fan base.

2.
1926- 

Harry Houdini (Erik Weisz)  (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) Magician Harry Houdini died of gangrene and peritonitis resulting from a ruptured appendix on this day in 1926. His appendix had been damaged twelve days earlier when he had been punched in the stomach by a student unexpectedly. During a lecture Houdini had commented on the strength of his stomach muscles and their ability to withstand hard blows.

3.

Earshot Jazz Festival 2018

Oct 7 - Nov 4, 2018 | Seattle, WA

Earshot Jazz Festival is a month-long event showcasing a variety of jazz musicians in various locations throughout Seattle. Celebrating the diversity of the genre, the concerts range from classical jazz to experimental as well as international showcases featuring the interpretation of jazz in countries like Brazil and Argentina. For new fans of jazz as well as age old jazzophiles, the event brings together the local jazz community, offering opportunities to jam with legends.

further information: 2018 Festival Tickets - Earshot Jazz

4.

Dallas Bachata Festival 2018

Nov 1-4, 2018 | Dallas, TX

Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel|4440 W John Carpenter Fwy 
The Dallas Bachata Festival is an opportunity to learn about and participate in several different forms of Latin dance. In addition to various styles of Bachata, guests can get acquainted with Salsa, Kizomba and other dances under the helpful and gentle guidance of seasoned instructors. With numerous workshops and lots of activity, the festival is sure to be a fun and sensual occasion.

further information: 2018 Dallas Bachata Festival - 10 year Anniversary

5.

Brown Bag in Bienville Square 2018

Oct 31, 2018 | Mobile, AL

Bienville Square | 150 Dauphin St. 

In Bienville Square, lunchtime is peppered with good friends and smooth tunes. Of course, you’ll want to eat and listen to music more than once. The good news is that Brown Bag happens several times a week, so your belly will be full and your ears will be pleased. Local jazz, country and pop musicians, among other favorites, will rock the stage while you’re scarfing down your meal.

further information: Welcome to City of Mobile Special Events

Pictures of the day

The Bolshoi Theatre is a historic theatre in Moscow, Russia, which holds ballet and opera performances. The company was founded on 28 March [O.S. 17 March] 1776, when Catherine the Great granted Prince Pyotr Urusov a licence to organize theatrical performances, balls and other forms of entertainment. Usunov set up the theatre in collaboration with English tightrope walker Michael Maddox. The present building was built between 1821 and 1824 and designed by architect Joseph Bové.

QUANG NAM, VIETNAM

The bridge is made of bamboo, build by the people living in the surrounding villages . The villagers use the bridge daily to cross the river to the vegetable field. The vegetables are brought home at the end of the days to prepare for sale on the next day at the village's market place. Their lives are routinely like that everyday.

knit
thanks, Jennifer

Rosina Schal pattern by FadenStille

knit, vintage
thanks, Patty

Large Pincushion

knit

Fall Berries Shawl

knit

MY PRINCESS ONCHO

https://www.marymaxim.ca/books-patterns/free-patterns/free-my-princess-poncho-knit-pattern.html

knit

Boldly Colored Plaid Afghan

crochet

thanks, Helen

Circular Poncho

crochet

Spiderman Hat

crochet

2 Sided Baby Afghan

crochet

Akamatra: Baby shoes

crochet

thanks, Sylvia

Scallop Tea Cosy 

Large Pot, 8 ply yarn, Size 8 or 4mm hook

Leaving a thread of about 30cm, chain 39

Row 1
Miss 5ch make *(1tr, 1ch, 1tr) into next ch, 2ch, miss 2ch, 1dc into next chain, 2ch, miss 2ch. Repeat from 8 across row finishing in a dc. You should have 6 treble V groups. Turn.

Row 2
1ch, 1dc into last dc of previous row. *Working around treble of V below, work 6fptr, 1ch turn work so that the V is sideways, and the point facing right. Work up 2nd tr post of V work 6fptr; 1 dc into next dc. Repeat across from * You should have 6 scallops and finish on a dc in to the 3rd ch of the first 5ch of row 1. Turn. The trick is in the front post treble. You need to work down the first treble from top to bottom, then up the second one from bottom to top.

Row 3
1ch 1dc into first dc. Ch2, *(1 tr, 1ch, 1tr) into next 1ch space between V, 2ch, 1dc into next dc, 2ch, Repeat from * across row finishing in a dc.
(Note: I have been doing these for so long I find it hard to explain, but this bit seems to trick people up. There are basically 2 rows, the V row which is the base row, and the scallop row. As you work you will end up with a definate right and wrong side.
On the 3rd row you do a ch 1, 1dc in the last dc of the row below. This will give you a firm edge for when you join this up. Do 2 ch, and then into the space made between your scallops you do 1tr 1ch 1tr. This forms a V. If the scallop row wasnt there you would see that all the Vs are on top of each other. Then do 2 ch and 1dc into the dc between the scallops. The scallops will point down so you are actually looking at the back of the tr. It gets easier as you go along and the fabric takes shape.)

Row 4 as for row 2.

Work 12 rows scallops (24 rows). To achieve a striped effect do 2 rows of each colour.
Leave a thread of about 30 cm on last row.

Make 2 pieces the same.


The back should look like this.

Using the starter thread, stitch sides together at bottom for 2 scallops catching dc only. Repeat at the top. You may need to stitch more depending on your pot size. You should have 1 hole at each side of the rectangle for the spout and handle.

Using double thread, crochet approx 60 cm of chain. Thread this through the 2nd last row behind the V and in front of the dc. Pull tight and make a bow.

Small Pot

Chain 33, and work with 5 treble Vs

Work 8 rows scallops

If you are unsure of how many stitches I make a chain of 27, 33, 39, 45.

Each 6 chain will give you one scallop. I measure this against the thickest part of the pot.

Make as many scallops as required until you have the height of the pot.

If it is a very small pot, say less than 5 scallops, I do 5 treble in each post instead of 6.

RECIPE ... Halloween

Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Bell Peppers Recipe

CROCKPOT RECIPE ... Halloween

Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

SWEETS ... Halloween

thanks, Shelley

Candy Apples

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019538-candy-apples?

ADULT COLORING ... Halloween

CRAFTS ... Halloween

thanks, Kris

How to Make Yarn Pumpkins Using Balloons

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... Halloween

Skein of Yarn Halloween Costume

PUZZLE

Harness Buckle Three Jigsaw Puzzle

WORD SEARCH

alien apples bats bears bees capes cars cemetery

disguise eerie fairy ghost graves

haunted heroines house Katniss late

masks morbid night pirates pumpkin sore special

terror tiara toga tombstone treat unexplained wizards wonderful

SUDOKU ... medium

solution:

QUOTE

CLEVER

thanks, Sheri

Candle Stub

Use the nub of a candle as a pin cushion. 

EYE OPENER

Celebrate Halloween

Some people put a lot of effort into decorating their homes, yards and drives. They may even construct life-size replica graveyards or dungeons and invite people from the neighborhood to view their creations or hold a themed party. Other people may organize fancy dress parties for adults or children. Popular activities at parties include watching horror films and trying to make fellow guests jump in fright.

Many children go out to play trick-or-treat. They dress up as ghosts, witches, skeletons or other characters and visit homes in their neighborhood. They ring doorbells and, when someone answers, they call out "trick-or-treat". This means that they hope to receive a gift of candy or other snacks and that they are threatening to play a trick if they do not get anything. Usually, they receive a treat and tricks are rarely carried out.

There are special types of food associated with Halloween. These include candies in packets decorated with symbols of Halloween, toffee apples made by coating real apples with a boiled sugar solution, roasted corn, popcorn and pumpkin pie or bread. Halloween beer, which is made by adding pumpkin and spices to the mash before fermenting it, is also available in specialist stores.

Children also take part in a long-standing Canadian tradition of "Trick-or-Treat for Unicef". Pumpkin-carving contests, pumpkin art tours, a reading marathon, and symbolic Walks for Water are just a few examples of the educational and fundraising activities schools and children develop to help provide thousands of children developing countries with basic quality education.

What’s Open or Closed?

October 31 is not a public holiday. Schools, organizations, businesses, stores and post offices are open as usual. Some organizations may arrange Halloween parties, but these do not usually disrupt normal affairs. Public transport services run on their regular timetables. If people are driving around the neighborhood in the late afternoon or evening, it is important to be particularly aware of children, especially those wearing dark costumes, who may be unfamiliar with traffic conditions.

About Halloween

Halloween has Celtic origins. In pre-Christian times, many people believed that spirits from the underworld and ghosts of dead people could visit the world of the living on the night of October 31. These spirits could harm the living or take them back to the underworld. To avoid this, people started dressing up as ghosts and spirits if they left their homes on October 31. They hoped that this would confuse the ghosts and spirits.

Halloween was also a time, when spirits might give messages to people. In some areas, it was traditional for unmarried girls to poor molten lead into water. The shape that the lead took when it hardened was seen as a clue to the professions of their future husbands. Halloween traditions were brought to Canada by Irish and Scottish immigrants. Halloween is now celebrated in a range of other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

Sunday nights were not a time to celebrate Halloween in some communities in the past. Some cities only started keeping their official Halloween celebrations on Sundays in the mid 2000s, rather than moving them to a Saturday if Halloween was on a Sunday.

not Rosko

thanks, Shelley