Today is...
National Apple Pie Day

Apple pie is the quintessential American dessert! However, apple pie wasn't even invented in the U.S. Rather it was invented in Europe sometime during the 14th century. The first apple pie recipe was printed by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1381 in England. The ingredients in the recipe included apples, spices, figs, raisins, pears, saffron, and cofyn (a casing of pastry).
Dutch apple pie recipes date back to the late 15th century. These recipes were similar to the English recipes except they included a scoop of ice cream placed on top of the pie before it was served. This tradition—apple pie à la mode—was eventually brought to America where most people continue to enjoy their apple pie topped with ice cream.
To celebrate National Apple Pie Day, bake a delicious apple pie or pick one up at your local bakery to share with your family. Just don't forget the ice cream!

____________________________________________

Today is also National National Fruit Cocktail Day

This week is  American Craft Beer Week
 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 13 1607 - Jamestown, Virginia, was settled as a colony of England. 1865 - The last land engagement of the American Civil War was fought at the Battle of Palmito Ranch in far south Texas, more than a month after Gen. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, VA. 1867 - Confederate President Jefferson Davis became a free man after spending two years in prison for his role in the American Civil War. 1967 - Mickey Mantle hit his 500th homerun. 1968 - Peace talks between the U.S. and North Vietnam began in Paris. 1982 - The Chicago Cubs became the first major-league baseball team to win 8,000 games. 1985 - Tony Perez became the oldest major league baseball player to hit a grand slam home run at the age of 42 and 11 months. ______________________________________________________ "At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique human being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time." --Friedrich Nietzsche

Today is...
Clean Up Your Room Day

 Have you been avoiding your spring-cleaning this year? Today is the day to get motivated! Whether you decide to tackle a messy closet, a mounting pile of laundry, a whole room, or even the entire house, it’ll be well worth the effort.
The tradition of spring-cleaning dates back to the days when people relied on fire to light and heat their homes through the winter. After months of being shut up with no fresh air, everything in the house would be covered in soot and ash. Spring-cleaning traditionally took place on the first warm day of the season. The entire family would roll up their sleeves and move all the furniture and linens outdoors. They would then clean the house from top to bottom, scrubbing down the walls, beating the dirt out of the carpets, and dusting everything in sight.
Begin your spring-cleaning by putting things away in their proper places and creating piles for trash and donations. Once you’ve decluttered it will become much easier to do the actual vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing. When you’ve completed your project, remember to reward yourself for all your hard work! Happy Clean Up Your Room Day!

____________________________________________

Today is also National Shrimp Day & National Public Gardens Day & Military Spouse Appreciation Day

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week & National Pet Week
 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 10 1773 - The English Parliament passed the Tea Act, which taxed all tea in the U.S. colonies. 1869 - Central Pacific and Union Pacific Rail Roads meet in Promontory, UT. A golden spike was driven in at the celebration of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. 1924 - J. Edgar Hoover was appointed head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 1965 - The Rolling Stones produced their very first recordings when they recorded "Come On" and "I Wanna Be Loved" from the album "Out of Our Heads." 1969 - The National and American Football Leagues announced their plans to merge for the 1970-71 season. 1974 - Eric Clapton recorded "I Shot the Sheriff." ______________________________________________________ "When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves." --Eric Hoffer

Today is...
National Butterscotch Brownie Day

Butterscotch brownies, also known as “blondies,” are delicious baked goodies that date back to the 19th century. Recipes for these soft, chewy bars most likely evolved from Medieval gingerbread cake recipes. In fact, butterscotch brownies were around for almost a hundred years before chocolate brownies became popular!
To make butterscotch brownies, you need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and butterscotch. Popular add-in ingredients include walnuts, pecans, butterscotch pieces, chocolate chips, Nutella, banana, or cranberries. You can also choose to add a topping like chocolate Irish cream frosting or drizzled caramel. Yum!
To celebrate National Butterscotch Brownie Day, make a batch of homemade blondies to share with friends and family!

____________________________________________

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week & National Pet Week
 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 9 1502 - Christopher Columbus left Spain for his final trip to the Western Hemisphere. 1926 - Americans Richard Byrd and Floyd Bennett became the first men to fly an airplane over the North Pole. 1940 - Vivien Leigh debuted in America on stage in "Romeo and Juliet" with Lawrence Olivier. 1944 - Jimmie Davis became the Governor of Louisiana. He wrote "You Are My Sunshine." 1961 - Jim Gentile of the Baltimore Orioles set a major-league baseball record by hitting grand slam home runs in two consecutive innings (against the Minnesota Twins). ______________________________________________________ "Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think." --La Bruyere

Today is...
Have a Coke Day

Coca-Cola is the largest nonalcoholic beverage company in the world, and the classic Coke beverage we all know and love is sold in more than 200 countries. In fact, more than 1.8 billion glasses of Coke are served every day! Coca-Cola was named after the coca leaves that originally provided its flavor. The original Coca-Cola recipe contained 9mg of cocaine per glass. In 1903 Coca-Cola began using a non-narcotic coca leaf extract to provide that distinctive flavor.
John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in the late 1800s and it was originally intended as a patent medicine. The beverage was still largely unknown when he died in 1888. After buying the secret recipe for $2,300, Asa Candler founded the Coca-Cola Company and turned it into a household name.
To celebrate Drink a Coke Day, enjoy a tall glass of your favorite variety of Coca-Cola or plan a cocktail party with your friends to enjoy your favorite Coca-Cola based drinks. Enjoy!

____________________________________________

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week & National Pet Week
 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 8 1541 - Hernando de Soto reached the Mississippi River. He called it Rio de Espiritu Santo. 1794 - The United States Post Office was established. 1886 - Pharmacist Dr. John Styth Pemberton invented what would later be called "Coca-Cola." 1970 - The Beatles album "Let it Be" was released. 1977 - Olivia Newton-John made her New York City debut with a concert at the Metropolitan Opera House. ______________________________________________________ "Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." --Reggie Leach

Today is...
National Teacher Day

It’s National Teacher Day! Have you ever had a teacher who inspired you, challenged you, or even changed the course of your life? Today is the day to show your appreciation for all the remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to teaching. Send a free Teacher Day eCard to express your thanks and appreciation!
In 1944, an Arkansas teacher named Mattye Whyte Woodridge began a campaign to establish a national day that would honor teachers. Woodridge wrote letters to politicians, education leaders, and eventually the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1953, Mrs. Roosevelt convinced Congress to proclaim the first National Teacher Day.
Today, the National Education Association sponsors an entire Teacher Appreciation Week, which is full of events and activities. Learn more about the campaign on the official website.
To celebrate National Teacher Day, participate in one of the projects and take a moment to honor the remarkable individuals who have taught you or your children over the years!

____________________________________________

Today is also National Roast Leg of Lamb Day

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week & National Pet Week
 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 7 1789 - The first U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball was held in New York City. 1847 - The AMA (American Medical Association) was organized in Philadelphia, PA. 1940 - Winston Churchill became British Prime Minister. 1945 - Baseball owner Branch Rickey announced the organization of the United States Negro Baseball League. There were 6 teams. 1955 - "Rock Around The Clock" was released by Bill Haley & His Comets. 1968 - Reginald Dwight decided to change his name to Elton John. 1994 - The Edvard Munch painting "The Scream" was recovered after being stolen 3 months earlier from an Oslo Museum. ______________________________________________________ "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." --Winston Churchill

Today is...
National Nurses Day

 Today is the first day of Nurses Week, which begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday). Today we celebrate the contributions and commitments that nurses make each and every day.
In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland, an employee at the United States Department of Health, sent a letter to President Eisenhower proposing a National Nurses Day. Although Eisenhower did not make an official proclamation, people began celebrating Nurses Day the following year. Twenty years later, President Nixon made it an official holiday.
Today’s celebrations usually include banquets, award dinners, educational seminars, and community events. Participate in the activities taking place in your town, and remember to thank all the nurses in your life for their amazing work and dedication! Happy National Nurses Day!

____________________________________________

Today is also National Crepes Suzette Day



This week is Be Kind to Animals Week & National Pet Week

 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 6 1835 - James Gordon Bennett published the "New York Herald" for the first time. 1840 - The first adhesive postage stamps went on sale in Great Britain. 1915 - Babe Ruth hit his first major league home run while playing for the Boston Red Sox. 1946 - The New York Yankees became the first major league baseball team to travel by plane. ______________________________________________________ "A man is only as good as what he loves." --Saul Bellow

Today is...
National Two Different Colored Shoes Day

For 364 days a year, most people wear matching footwear, but today is your excuse to step outside the box.
Dr. Arlene Kaiser created National Two Different Colored Shoes Day to recognize and celebrate human diversity. According to Dr. Kaiser, the simple act of wearing two different colored shoes proclaims your individuality. By taking this “positive risk,” you can demonstrate your willingness to be different, and show your appreciation for the unique people in your life.
Wearing two different colored shoes can be as simple as wearing a black shoe and a brown shoe, or as outrageous as wearing a flip-flop and a boot. However you decide to express yourself today, do so with pride! Happy National Two Different Colored Shoes Day!

____________________________________________

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week 
 
May is National Hamburger Month & National Strawberry Month & National Bike Month

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for May 3 1802 - Washington, DC, was incorporated as a city. 1921 - West Virginia imposed the first state sales tax. 1937 - Margaret Mitchell won a Pulitzer Prize for "Gone with the Wind." 1971 - New York City's Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center announced that it would begin presenting rock, pop and jazz concerts as well as classical. 1976 - Paul McCartney made his first American stage appearance in 10 years. The "Wings Over America" tour began in Ft. Worth, TX. ______________________________________________________ "What people really need and demand from life is not wealth, comfort, or esteem but games worth playing. He who cannot find a game worth playing is apt to fall prey to accidie -- paralysis of the will, a failure of appetite, a condition of generalized boredom, total disenchantment -- 'God, of God, how weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!'” --Robert S. De Ropp