Kidney Month - March 17, 2019

DIANE'S CORNER ... 

Celebrate Kidney Month

Deep within our torso lay two little bean shaped organs that do a big job, and are in fact vital to our continued health. Introducing, the Kidney!

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It filters 53 gallons of blood a day, keeps your blood pressure in check, and even assists with the production of red blood cells. While these useful little organs spend their day happily performing their function, as many as 26 million Americans may already be suffering from kidney disease and may not even know it.

Kidney Month reminds you that you need to take care of these amazing little filters, your life may very well depend on it!

History of Kidney Month

Kidney Month was established by the National Kidney Foundation to help spread awareness of Kidney disease and ways it could be tested for and prevented. With so many Americans in danger of contracting kidney disease from high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of the same. Kidney disease is so prevalent that it’s the 9th leading cause of death in the United States, and over 95,000 people are waiting every day to get kidney transplant, surviving each day on dialysis.
Kidneys are most commonly associated with the creation of urine, but they do so much more than that. While yes they help to break down and excrete waste into the bladder, they also are vital in reabsorption of certain nutrients, include the ever important amino acids. They also serve a vital role in making sure that your bodies pH balance is maintained to help prevent ketosis, and produce hormones that are important in several functions of the body. Blood cell production, absorption of calcium, and regulating aldosterone levels are all important roles the kidney plays. These bean shaped organs do much much more than they’re given credit for, and Kidney Month is your chance to give them the care they deserve.

Why do people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day?

Because real rocks are too heavy.

Word of the Day

swellhead

MEANING:

noun: A vain, conceited person.

ETYMOLOGY:

Alluding to a person’s having a high opinion of themselves, as having a big swelled head. From swell, from Old English swellan + head, from Old English heafod (top of the body). Earliest documented use: 1845.

USAGE:

“Flynn’s Corbett, who has been an overbearing swellhead through most of the film, shows humility and compassion.”
Bob Bloom; History of CIA Brought to Life in ‘Good Shepherd’; Journal & Courier (Lafayette, Indiana); Mar 29, 2007. 

What happens if you cross poison ivy with a four-leaf clover?
You get a rash of good luck!

Idiom of the Day

GET THROUGH

Meaning 

• to make it to the end of a particularly arduous or stressful experience
• to assist someone in dealing with a traumatic event
• to reach someone by telephone
• to communicate with someone in such a way that makes them understand or acknowledge something
• wear out
• go through
• use up

Example Sentences

1. I didn’t think we would get through the last week of exams.
2. I can’t wait to get through the first Christmas since my divorce. It is going to be very tough few weeks.
3. We all need to help Andrea get through the death of her mother.
4. After trying for hours, I was finally able to get through to their head office in Germany.
5. His high school guidance counselor is the only person who was able to get through to him. She convinced him that he needs to apply for colleges soon if he wants any chance of a future.

Origin

The exact origin of the phrase is not known. However, in the context of “completing something or reaching the end,” it has been used since the 1600s.

In the 1700s people started using the phrase to describe surviving or passing something, like an illness. It is easy to see how it relates to the first meaning.

In the late 1800s, the phrase was expanded to include reaching someone. It is not easy to surmise how they came to this definition.

The last definition is closely linked to the previous. Since the 1900s people have been using the phrase “get through” to mean making oneself understood. It is an informal use of the phrase

Where can you always find gold on St. Patty's Day?
In the dictionary.

This Day in History

0461 - Bishop Patrick, St. Patrick, died in Saul. Ireland celebrates this day in his honor

1756 - St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in New York City for the first time. The event took place at the Crown and Thistle Tavern. 

1870 - Wellesley College was incorporated by the Massachusetts legislature under its first name, Wellesley Female Seminary.

1884 - In Otay, California, John Joseph Montgomery made the first manned, controlled, heavier-than-air glider flight in the United States. 

1910 - The Camp Fire Girls organization was founded by Luther and Charlotte Gulick. It was formally presented to the public exactly 2 years later. 

1930 - In New York, construction began on the Empire State Building. Excavation at the site began on January 22. 


1941 - The National Gallery of Art was officially opened by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Washington, DC. 

1958 - The Coasters recorded "Yakety Yak." 

1967 - Snoopy and Charlie Brown of "Peanuts" were on the cover of "LIFE" magazine. 

1969 - Golda Meir was sworn in as the fourth premier of Israel. 

1992 - White South Africans approved constitutional reforms to give legal equality to blacks. 


1999 - A panel of medical experts concluded that marijuana had medical benefits for people suffering from cancer and AIDS. 


2004 - NASA's Messenger became the first spacecraft to enter into orbit around Mercury. The probe took more than 270,000 pictures before it crashed into the surface of Mercury on April 30, 2015. 

"I married an Irishman on St. Patrick's Day."
"Oh, really?"
"No, O'Reilly!"

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, March 17

As sensitive, changeable, and deep as you are, you are also very determined and self-motivated. Inner restlessness is likely, especially in your youth. Many of you feel that you have a calling, and it can take some time to tune into the right path. Spiritual and perceptive, you are one who looks for a higher meaning to your existence. However, you seek love first and foremost and make a loyal and loving partner. Famous people born today: 

1910 Bayard Rustin, American civil rights leader (March on Washington organizer, Social Democrats USA), born in West Chester, Pennsylvania (d. 1987)

1919 Nat King Cole, American singer (Unforgettable, Mona Lisa), born in Montgomery, Alabama (d. 1965)

1951 Kurt Russell, actor (Thing, Overboard, Mean Seasons), born in Springfield, Massachusetts

1967 Billy Corgan, American musician (Smashing Pumpkins), born in Chicago, Illinois

1992 John Boyega [Adedayo B. Adegboyega], English actor (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), born in London


1997 Katie Ledecky, American swimmer (5 Olympic gold 2012, 2016), born in Washington D.C.

Are people jealous of the Irish?
Sure, they're green with envy.

READERS INFO

1.

2.

Henderson St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival 2019

Mar 17, 2019 | Henderson, NV 

Henderson Events Plaza|200 S Water St

Dating back to the 1960s, the Henderson St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival in Henderson, Nevada, is a community staple and a beloved tradition. The three-day event features traditional Irish cuisine and music, folkloric dances, carnival attractions for all ages and a vintage car show, all culminating in the float and marcher-filled parade.

further information: St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

3.

Boyne Mountain Carnival Weekend 2019

Mar 17, 2019 | Boyne Falls, MI

Boyne Mountain Resort|1 Boyne Mountain Rd

Each spring, the Boyne Mountain Carnival Weekend in Boyne Valley, Michigan, combines aspects of Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day to create an event that locals refer to as “Crazy Daze.” Revelers can attend a wig & crazy hair party, listen to various live music performances, zipline through local mountains and enter an adult costume contest. In addition to these fun events, attendees can also sample from a wide range of food and beverage options at the Bloody Mary bars, Sunday brunch and several delicious buffets.

further information: Canadian March Break

When is an Irish potato not an Irish potato?
When it's a French fry.

SUNDAY'S INTERESTING FACTS

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What do they call the Irish jig at McDonalds?
A Shamrock Shake

PATTERN BOOK SUNDAY

Debbie Bliss Design It Knit It Babies

Who was St. Patrick's favorite superhero?
Green Lantern.

Pictures of the day

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) is a research reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory in the United States. Constructed in 1967, the ATR is the second oldest of three reactors still in operation at the site. Its primary function is the intense bombardment of materials and fuels with neutrons to replicate long-term exposure to high levels of radiation, as would be present after years in a commercial nuclear reactor. The ATR is one of only four test reactors in the world with this capability. The reactor also produces rare isotopes for use in medicine and industry. In this picture the ATR is glowing bright blue. This is due to Cherenkov radiation, which emits photons in the blue and ultraviolet range.

Some Quick Aerial Flybys of the Glory Hole Spillway at Monticello Dam

I really want to slide down it, but then I'd be dead

Why should you never iron a four-leaf clover?
You don't want to press your luck.

knit, vintage
thanks, Patty

Kitchen Set Patterns

knit
thanks, Heide

Lizard People Fingerless Gloves

knit

Pimpelliese pattern by Christine Ebers

knit

Entangled Stitches pattern by Julia Mueller

knit

Izmir Hat pattern by Shana Schasteen

How did the Irish Jig get started?
Too much water to drink and not enough restrooms.

Crochet Pattern of the Day: Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

Oatmeal Cable Slouch Hat

What do they call the Irish jig at McDonalds?
A Shamrock Shake

crochet
thanks, Kay

Crochet Pizza Coasters

crochet
thanks, Helen

Arugula Scarf

crochet

Comfort Shawl

crochet

Faux Knit Pinwheel Beanie (All sizes)

crochet

Adult Jiffy Jacket

What would you get if you crossed Christmas with St. Patrick's Day?
St. O'Claus!

RECIPE .. slow cooker  ... St. Patrick’s Day

thanks, Shelley

Slow Cooker Irish Potatoes Recipe

What's Irish and stays out all night?
Paddy O'furniture.

CROCKPOT RECIPE ... St. Patrick’s Day

thanks, Patsy 

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders (with Guinness Mustard!)

What kinds of spells do leprechaun witches cast?
Lucky Charms!

SWEETS ... St. Patrick’s Day

thanks, Valerie, Canadian Correspondent

St. Patricks Day Crispy Treats

Why are so many leprechauns gardeners?
Because they have green thumbs.

COOKBOOK SUNDAY ... vegan

https://www.vitalita.com/docs/DessertsOfVitality.pdf

Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
Because they're always a little short.

ADULT COLORING ... St. Patrick’s Day

CRAFTS ... St. Patrick’s Day

thanks, Kathy

Toilet Paper Roll Stamp

These directions show you how to create a shamrock stamp by bending and combining toilet paper rolls. Talk about resourceful.

Jack: On what musical instrument did the showoff musician play his St. Patrick’s Day tunes?
Ally: I have no idea.
Jack: On his brag-pipes.

CHILDREN'S CORNER ... St. Patrick's Day craft

thanks, Lana

St. Patrick’s Day Kids Craft: Perler Bead Bowls

Keenan: What do you call leprechauns who collect aluminum cans, used newspapers and plastic bottles?
Liam: What?
Keenan: “Wee-cyclers!”

PUZZLE

Ski Run 21 Jigsaw Puzzle




WORD SEARCH

alarm answer champ discover drink early escape

ghoul hardly haste learn leave little moan nightmare

often party personality please poker pure raise repair

responsible right roar seed shallow short shred slap stage storm

toes tuna unconscious wasp weird whip

What do you call a diseased Irish criminal?
A leper con.

SUDOKU ... easy

solution:

Irish puns are the most O'ffensive.

QUOTE ... St. Patrick’s Day

Why are leprechauns so hard to get along with?
Because they're very short-tempered.

Peyton: What did the leprechaun say on March 17?
Cody: I dunno.
Peyton: “Irish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”

CLEVER ... St. Patrick’s Day

How to Cut a Pair of Socks 

and Make Them Lace Up the Back

This page features a pair of socks that have a line of lacework up the back center that is so beautiful. I thought I could steek a pair of socks and add some lace trim to make them lace up the back.

How I made my lace-up the back socks: 

I tried the socks on and marked the spot I wanted to cut down to and I also measured the socks while they were on me from the bottom to the top edge. I did this because I knew the socks were stretching a bit and the lace trim I was using did not stretch. It ended up being about an inch and a half longer than when the socks were off.

So all I did was cut from the top edge down to the back of the ankle.

Then pinned on the lace trim to each side stretching the sock evenly to be as long as the trim.

I sewed the trim on using a stretch stitch and slightly pulling the sock as I sewed.

I did take great care to make sure both sides of the trim matched up.
I then used 1/4 inch organza ribbon to lace the two sides back up.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Irish!
Irish who?
Irish you a happy St. Patrick's Day!

EYE OPENER

thanks, Becky

50 Years Ago in Photos: A Look Back at 1969