Fun Facts about New Year

2013

The Year of The Snake

Image: 'Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus)' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15745225@N00/4113623099
Found on flickrcc.net

New Year's Eve

(Source)

Throughout the year, visitors to Times Square in NYC can write their New Year wishes on pieces of official confetti. At the end of the year, the wishes are added to the one ton of confetti that showers the crowd at midnight. (I didn't know this! We were in Times Square a few months ago!)

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball came about in 1907 as a result of a ban on fireworks. 

The first ball was an illuminated 700-pound iron and wood ball adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs.

The modern ball, designed by Waterford Crystal, weighs 11,875 pounds, is 12 feet in diameter and bedazzled with 2,668 Waterford crystals.

The ball was not lowered in 1942 and 1943 due to wartime restrictions.

In Columbia, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, families stuff a life-sized male doll with memories of the outgoing year and dress him in old clothes from each family member. At midnight, he is set on fire.

In Brazil, a sacrificial boat filled with jewelry, candles and flowers is pushed into the ocean from the beach in Rio de Janeiro.

In Belgium, New Year's Eve is known as St. Sylvester Eve. 

In Wales, the back door of the house is opened and shut immediately at the first toll of midnight. At the 12th toll, the door is re-opened to welcome the new year.

The Spanish eat a grape at every toll of the clock, to symbolize the coming twelve months of the year. 

In the US, people believe that kissing at midnight is a lucky gesture that purifies everything that is evil.

New Year's Day

Image: '2010' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7487149@N03/4232510139
Found on flickrcc.net

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more vehicles are stolen on New Year's Day than on any other holiday.

40-45 percent of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. The top resolutions include:  weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking, and better money management.

By the second week of January, 25 percent have abandoned their resolutions.

Lucky traditions around the World

Image: 'Maneki-neko 招き猫' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62559061@N06/5879827507
Found on flickrcc.net

In Italy, people wear red underwear.

In England, the first guest of the year should be a male, bearing traditional gifts such as food for the kitchen, drink for the head of the family, and coal to light the fire.

In Denmark, people throw old dishes in front of friends' doors. This symbolizes friendship and brotherhood. The home with the most dishes outside has the most friends.

In China, every front door is painted red and all knives are hidden. 

In Germany, people pour molten lead into cold water. Whatever shape the lead takes predicts the future.

In Greece, special bread is baked with a coin buried inside the dough. The first slice is offered to God, the second to the head of the home, and the third is meant for the house. 

In the Philippines, they believe round things are lucky. They consume grapes, carry coins, and wear polka-dotted clothing. 

Lucky Food

Image: '.fortuna.' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72008043@N00/5712873585
Found on flickrcc.net

Grapes

Cooked greens

Legumes

Pork

Fish

Cakes (especially round or ring-shaped)

To avoid setbacks, you should NOT eat lobster and chicken . Lobsters move backward and chickens scratch backward. 

On New Year's Eve, my family holds money in our hands at midnight. 

What are your plans for the New Year? Does your family have any special traditions?

This Is It...

I've run out of time.  Whatever is not done is not getting done.

The craziness will start in about 12 hours:

Tonight, Amanda's flight lands in Allentown, PA.
Tomorrow is our company Christmas party.
Sunday, I will pick up my mother and sister, and then the festivities will be in full swing.
I'm gearing up for lots of hugs, and four days of cooking, gift exchanging, eating, wrapping paper tearing, and smiling.

Here's wishing you and yours the same.

Merry Christmas!

No Post Today

I should have scheduled a post for today. I meant to schedule a post today, but this is me right now:

(Source)

Image: 'pataleta / temper tantrum' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8741914@N07/5623272456
Found on flickrcc.net

Image: 'Drained of all purpose' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22779530@N02/4184032085
Found on flickrcc.net

Hope your Holiday preparations are going smoother than mine...

To Do

(Source)

I'm so busy, but I'm getting there. I think. Let's see what's on my list...

1. Write and send Christmas cards...Check.
2. Bake 8 varieties of cookies. A 1/2 Check.
3. Clean house. Check. Well, sort of. Is the house ever really clean for long?
4. Buy Christmas gifts. Check. But there's always that one more gift...
5. Wrap Gifts. 
6. Food Shopping.
7. Decorate house.
8. Hang stockings.
9. Trim Tree.
10. Set up Spare bedroom.
11. Pick up Amanda from airport.
12. Pick up Mom and Sister from Bayonne.
13. Make Stuffed french toast for Christmas breakfast.
14. Make Baked zit and meatballs for Company Christmas party.
15. Make Christmas dinner.
16. Read The Night Before Christmas to Amanda.
17. Relax. (Yeah, right.)

I'd better get back to work.

What about you? Are you almost ready?

Fun Facts about Kwanzaa

Image: '2005_1206Image0003' 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47383196@N00/71894760
Found on flickrcc.net

Kwanzaa began in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Dr. Karenga was concerned at the loss of identity of The African American people and wanted a celebration of their cultural heritage and roots.

This holiday reinforces community, family and good social values. The community comes together to teach young people to be proud of who they are and reaffirm the commitment to family and community. Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and lasts for seven days.

The word kwanzaa is Swahili. The origin comes from an ancient African tradition of celebrating the first fruits.

Principles

Image: 'The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa' 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/63406831@N00/342794044
Found on flickrcc.net

Each day of Kwanzaa has a different theme or value.

Umoja (unity) To come together as a family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (self-determination) To have a separate identity and to let others know about it.

Ujima (cooperation) To build a community and solve problems together.

Ujamaa (support) To build business and places of work especially to support others in the community.

Nia (purpose) To rebuild the community ties and maintain them.

Kuumba (creativity) To improve the community and make it a better and more beautiful place.

Imani (Faith) In the leaders and the community.

Symbols

Image: 'Kwanzaa Candles' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22240911@N06/2142111739
Found on flickrcc.net

This holiday has many symbols.

The candleholder, or the kinara, holds seven candles.

The center candle is black to symbolize the face of the African people. Three red candles (symbolizing the blood of the people) are to the left, and three green candles (symbolizing the land and hope of new life) are to the right.

A table is covered with a piece of African cloth. On top of the cloth is a straw mat, or mkeka. The kinara is placed on the mat.

For every child, an ear of corn, or muhindi, is placed on the mat. There is also a cup of unity (kikombe cha umoja)

Celebration

Image: 'Lighting of the candles' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46141808@N07/4445464598
Found on flickrcc.net

Each day, the family, or several families, gather to discuss the principle of the day. Traditionally, the youngest person lights the candle. Starting with the black candle in the center.

After the discussion, the candle is put out.

The next day, the black candle is lit again, and then a red candle for the next principle. The red and green candles are alternated on the remaining nights.

On the last night, a karumu, or feast is held. Authentic African food, dancing, story telling and stories about Kwanzaa. Everyone drinks from the Cup of Unity. Gifts of books, heritage symbols, and homemade crafts are usually given to the children. Some celebrations may include drumming and musical selections.

 Decorations

                           

  

Image: 'DSCF2852' 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79891443@N00/2162340671                       

Found on flickrcc.net

Image: 'Kwanzaa Pendant' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21851386@N06/3099951817
Found on flickrcc.net

Homes are decorated with objects of art and colorful African cloth such as kente.

Celebrants wear dashiki (shirt or suit) Kaftans (dress) and Kufi (cap) made of the cloth. 

Image: 'Cloth with african pattern' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58836902@N00/614724494
Found on flickrcc.net

In 2009, the first film about Kwanzaa was a documentary The Black Candle, narrated by Maya Angelou.

The greeting is ‘Joyous Kwanzaa.'

Previous posts: Christmas and Hanukkah

Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Why don't you share your favorite tradition with us all?

Fun Facts About Hanukkah

Image: 'Chanakuh on Union Square' 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/78394477

Found on flickrcc.net

Whether you spell it Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Chanuka, this Jewish holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights. The name Hanukkah derives from the Hebrew verb meaning 'to dedicate.'

The eight-day and night celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2^nd century BCE.

Hanukkah starts on the the 25^th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar. The date may occur at any time from late November to late December. This year, Hanukkah begins on December 8^th.

The story of Hanukkah, along with its laws and customs, is entirely missing from the Mishna. It was believed that information about the holiday was so commonplace there was no need to explain it.

The story is preserved in the books of the First and Second Maccabees, apocryphal books.

The miracle of the one-day supply of oil miraculously lasting eight days is described in the Talmud, written 600 years after the events described in the books of Maccabees. After the forces of Antiochus IV had been driven from the Temple, the Maccabees discovered that almost all of the ritual olive oil had been profaned. Only a single container sealed by the High Priest was found. It contained only enough oil to keep the Temple menorah lit for a single day. They used it, but it burned for eight days (the time it took to have new oil pressed and made ready).

The festival is celebrated by a series of rituals performed every day throughout the eight day holiday. Some are family-based and others are communal.

The Menorah

Image: 'Golden Menorah' 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65768710@N00/3119568407
Found on flickrcc.net

The Menorah or Hanukiah is a unique nine-branched candelabrum. The typical Menorah consists of eight branched with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash (attendant) and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, because using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden.

The lights can be candles or oil lamps. Electric lights are sometimes used. The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for lighting the house within, but to illuminate the house without, so that passersby are reminded of the holiday's miracle.

Kindling the Lights

Image: 'Lighting the Menorah' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8246716@N04/4189089032
Found on flickrcc.net

Hanukkah lights should burn for at least one half hour after it gets dark. On the first night, the shamash is lit and may be used to light a candle on the right side of the Menorah. On the second night, the shamash and two candles are lit, and so on.

Typically, three blessings are recited during the festival. One the first night, Jews recite all three blessings. On all subsequent nights, they recite only the first two. The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit.

Each night after lighting the candles, the hymn, Hanerot Halalu, is recited, and the hymn, Maoz Tzur, is sung.

Other Customs

Image: 'Chanukah Kick Off!' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30952578@N00/82806857
Found on flickrcc.net

Singing Hanukkah songs is customary in many Jewish homes. Some families recite Psalms. It is common in North America and Israel to exchange gifts.

A large number of songs have been written on Hanukkah themes. Some of the best known are 'I Have a Hanukkah Menora', 'Eight Little Candles', 'Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel' and 'Chanukah, Oh Chanukah'.

Food

Image: 'Happy Hanukkah' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21593523@N04/3125174037
Found on flickrcc.net

The custom of eating foods fried or baked in oil (preferably olive oil) commemorates the miracle of a small flask of oil keeping the Temple flame alight for eight days.

Tradiitonal foods include potato pancakes (latkes), Sephardi and sufganiyot(jam-filled doughnuts), and bimuelos (fritters).

There is also a tradition of eating cheese products in honor of Judith and other women in the events of Hanukkah.

The Dreidel

(Source)

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that children play with on hanukkah. Each side is imprinted with a Hebrew letter, maarking what the players win or lose.

The dreidel commemorates a game devised by the Jews to camouflage the fact they were studying the Torah, which was outlawed by Greeks. The Jews would gather in caves to study, posting a lookout. If Greek soldiers were spotted, the Jews would hide their scrolls and spin tops.

Gelt

Image: 'gelt (365-338)' 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29233640@N07/6457382385
Found on flickrcc.net

Yiddish for 'money', gelt is often distributed to children to add to the holiday excitement. In the 1920s, American chocolatiers picked up on the gift/coin concept by creating chocolate gelt.

Previous post:  Christmas

Next post: Kwanzaa

Do you celebrate Hanukkah? Can you share some of your family traditions?

Fun Facts About Christmas

Hello, and Happy December. Welcome to the first Fun Facts post about holidays. December has a few holidays, so I'll be doing three Fun Facts posts this month. Enjoy!

Christmas (from the Old English, meaning 'Christ's Mass') is a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday on December 25 by billions of people around the world.

According to popular tradition, the birth of Jesus took place in a stable surrounded by farm animals. A manger (a feeding trough) is mentioned in Luke 2:7. The precise date of Jesus' birth is unknown.

The original date of the celebration in Eastern Christianity was January 6^th, in connection with Epiphany. The Western Christian Church had placed Christmas on December 25^th sometime in the 4^th century, possibly to coincide with the solstice.

The holiday has been known by various names throughout its history, such as Midwinter, Nativity, Xmas, Yule, and Noel. The popular customs associated in various countries have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes.

Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include China (except Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Turkey, and North Korea.

Christmas Controversy Throughout the Years

(Source)

Following the Protestant Reformation, groups such as the Puritans strong condemned the celebration, considering it a Catholic inventions and the 'trappings of popery.'

England's Puritan rulers banned Christmas in 1647. The Restoration of King Charles II in 1660 ended the ban.

The Presbyterian Church of Scotland also discouraged the observance of Christmas. James VI commanded its celebration in 1618, but attendance at church was scant.

The Parliament of Scotland officially abolished Christmas in 1640. It was not until 1958 that Christmas again became a Scottish public holiday.

In Colonial America, the Puritans of New England shared disapproval of Christmas. The celebration was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. The ban was revoked by English governor Sir Edmund Andros, but it was not until the mid-19^th century that celebrating Christmas became fashionable in the Boston Region.

Christmas fell out of favor in the US after the American Revolution, since it was considered an English custom.

President Theodore Roosevelt, an environmentalist, banned Christmas trees from the White House in 1912.

In 1870, Christmas was formally declared a United States Federal holiday, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant.

The American Civil Liberties Union has initiated court cases to bar the display of images and other Christmas material from public property, including schools.

In November 2009, the Federal appeals court in Philadelphia endorsed a school district's ban on the singing of Christmas carols.

Christmas Trees and Decorations

(Source)

The Christmas tree is considered by some as Christianisation of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice. The first artificial trees were made using dyed goose feathers.

The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by paper chains made by children.

The words, 'Christmas tree' was first recorded in 1835. By the 1870s, people in the US had adopted the custom of putting up a Christmas tree.

The traditional colors of Christmas are red, green and gold.

The earliest known Christmas tree decorations were apples.

The poinsettia is a native plant from Mexico and has been associated with Christmas since the 19^th century. Other popular plants are holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus.

Poinsettias are NOT poisonous, but holly berries are.

The tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221 foot Douglas fir, displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, WA.

Christmas Cards and Carols

(Source)

'Jingle Bells' was copyrighted in 1857.

The first commercial Christmas card was produced by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843.

The earliest Christmas hymn appear in 4^th century Rome.

Each year, more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the US alone!

The songs we know as carols were originally communal folk songs. Later, they were sung in church.

Christmas Cuisine

(Source)

Sicilians serve 12 kinds of fish on Christmas Eve.

In England and other countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes a turkey or goose. Special desserts are also served, such as Christmas pudding, mince pies, and fruit cake.

In Poland and other parts of eastern Europe and Scandinavia, fish is traditionally used for the main course.

In Germany, France, and Austria, goose and pork are favored.

The Maltese serve a chocolate and chestnuts beverage after Midnight Mass.

Gift Giving

(Source)

The exchange of gifts is one of the core aspects of modern Christmas, making the season the most profitable for retailers throughout the world.

Gift giving was common in the the Roman celebration of Saturnalia and may have influenced Christmas customs.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were given to the infant Jesus by the Biblical Magi.

Santa Claus

(Source)

A number of figures are associated with Christmas and the giving of gifts: Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus, Pere Noel, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Joulupukki, Babbo Natale, Saint Basil, and Father Frost. 

The modern popular image of Santa Claus was created in the US and made his first appearance in 1810, drawn in bishops' robes.

The German-American cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902) drew an image of Santa Claus annually, beginning in 1863. By the 1880s, Nast's Santa had evolved into the figure we now recognize. The image was standardized in the 1920s.

Current tradition in some Latin American countries hold that while Santa makes the toys, he gives them to the Baby Jesus, who is the one that delivers them to the homes.

Each year, there are approximately 20,000 'rent-a-Santas' across the US who undergo seasonal training on maintaining a jolly attitude under pressure from the public.

Family Traditions

My family celebrates Christmas at our home. In the morning, we open our gifts and eat a special breakfast of stuffed french toast, before changing into our personalized Christmas pajamas. Yup! That's the family's Christmas outfit! (The family is growing—a new set with additional pairs is required for next year!) We pop open English Christmas crackers before sitting down to a big Italian dinner (We used to have a traditional Polish second dinner also!) One of my favorite traditions is reading 'The Night Before Christmas' with my daughter on Christmas Eve.

Next post: Hanukkah

Do you celebrate Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?

Thankfulness

So sorry to interrupt your broadcast of ridiculously early Christmas carols, (what's up with that anyway?) but this is in fact Thanksgiving week. What better time for a blog post on being thankful?

Sure, we should count our blessings every day, but Thanksgiving is a time when we are shaken from our hectic lives and reminded to slow down for a day (After cooking enough food for an arm, and before the stress of Christmas shopping for things we can't afford for people who don't need anything, of course.) and be mindful of the abundance in our lives.

So, I thought I would share with you all some of the things I am thankful for:

“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching -- they are your family. ” 

― Jim Butcher

~Our family, of course. Most of them are bitchy, crazy, sarcastic, mixed-up, and quite dysfunctional, (except for the new babies, but it's inevitable...) but I love each and every person. Oh, and by the way, only I can say that about them. 

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.”― Albert Einstein

~My creativity. Whether I'm writing, drawing, crafting, or whatever--it's all mine. I only wish I had more time to enjoy it and share it.

“Home is the nicest word there is.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder

~Our warm safe home. So many people have lost their homes in the recent hurricane and I thank God every day we are so fortunate.

“You're going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it's always their actions you should judge them by. It's actions, not words, that matter.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue

~My friends. Whether they are the online friends I've never met personally, or the ones I've shared laughter, tears, day trips to NYC, or margaritas (salted rim, please) with, they are all so supportive, inspiring, and comforting.

“There's no luck in business. There's only drive, determination, and more drive.” ― Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

~Our business. After 16 years of hard work, we still have a thriving business. Sure, we've had our ups and downs, and some days are harder than others when the cash doesn't flow as smoothly as I need, but we are grateful for our customers and the ability to survive and offer a service to our community. 

“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” ― Napoleon Bonaparte

~YOU! Yes, you keep me posting on this blog. Just knowing that someone has taken the time to read my thoughts is the ultimate compliment. Thank you!

I wish you the happiest Thanksgiving, and I hope you get a chance to surround yourself with the people you love. Don't eat too much. And remember, I'll be thinking of you. 

Before you go back to listening to that ridiculously early Christmas music, why not share something you are thankful for?

*****
Connect with me on Twitter--Facebook--LinkedIn--Google+

Plus, sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

*****

Holiday Sampler

Books make terrific holiday gifts, but finding perfect books for friends and family is always a challenge. If only we could flip through a few sample pages on our own schedules. If only the bookstore could come to us. Well guess what readers? We’re doing just that!

Twelve amazing authors have come together to offer you an amazing opportunity to sample their latest novels just in time for the holidays—12 awesome samples and quirky holiday-themed interviews in one FREE downloadable PDF.

Whether you like to read mysteries, romance, young adult, women's fiction, or suspense—this group has a book for you.

First Snow – Christine Cunningham
After The Fog - -Kathleen Shoop
A Charming Crime -  Tonya Kappes
Come Back To Me – Melissa Foster
Read Me Dead – Emerald Barnes
The Halo Effect – MJ Rose
Dancing Naked In Dixie – Lauren Clark
The Last Supper Catering Company – Michaelene McElroy
The Hurricane Lover – Joni Rodgers
The Hounding – Sandra de Helen
Milkshake – Joanna Weiss
The Ninth Step – Barbara Taylor Sissel

Each excerpt is prefaced by information about the book and its author. Concluding each excerpt is an order page with clickable links to several online retailers.

You can download the PDF “Holiday Sampler” here http://bit.ly/eBookSamples, and share it with friends by sending them this link: http://bit.ly/eBookSamples.

So go ahead and sample these fantastic novels from amazing writers! And don’t forget to help spread the word!

Happy holidays and happy reading!

Fun Facts about November

I know, you were all wondering, "Where is this month's Fun Facts?" Please forgive me for being a slacker this month. Here it is:

(Source)

November is the 11th month of the year and one of four months with a length of 30 days. November starts on the same day of the week as March and ends on the same day of the week as August.

Those born during the first half of the month are under the Zodiac sign of Scorpio, and those born in the latter part of the month are Sagittarians. The birth flower is the chrystanthemum, and the birthstones are topoz and citrine.

Events:

1st--First day of Winter in Ireland.
2nd--Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico.
        National Deviled Egg Day
3rd--Sandwich Day
5th--Guy Fawkes Night in Britain and New Zealand.
7th--Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
10th--National Heroes Day in Indonesia.
          The birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
          Vanilla Cupcake Day
11th--Saint Maartens Day (Dutch version of Halloween) in the Netherlands. Songs are sung for candy.
          Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Nations and various European countries.
          Veterans Day in the US.
12th--National Pizza With The Works (Except Anchovies) Day
13th--Indian Pudding Day
14th--Children's Day in India.
17th--The Leonids Meteor Shower reaches its peak.
19th--Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico in 1493.
          International Men's Day
21st--National Adoption Day
22nd--Thanksgiving is observed in the US and Puerto Rico.
23rd--National Parfait Day
          National Cashew Day

The first Tuesday of the month, Australia holds the Melbourne Cup horse race.
The first Tuesday after the first Monday is election day in the US.
November 11-17th is Geography Awareness Week.
The third Thursday of the month is The Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society and also International Philosophy Day.
The day after Thanksgiving is known as 'Black Friday' in the US.
The Monday immediately following Thanksgiving is known as 'Cyber Monday' in the US.

Famous Author's Birthdays

November 7, 1913--Albert Camus
November 8, 1847--Bram Stoker
November 8, 1900--Margaret Mitchell
November 9, 1818--Ivan Turgenev
November 11, 1821--Fedor Dostoevsky
November 11, 1922--Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
November 13, 1850--Robert L. Stevenson
November 18, 1939--Margaret Atwood
November 22, 1819--George Eliot
November 22, 1869--Andre Gide
November 26, 1905--Emlyn Williams
November 26, 1922--Charles Schultz
November 29, 1832--Louisa May Alcott
November 29,1898--C.S. Lewis
November 30, 1667--Jonathan Swift
November 30, 1835--Mark Twain

November is the National Month for:

National Novel Writing Month
Aviation
Epilepsy
Diabetes Awareness
Stamp Collecting
Toilet Tank Repair
Peanut Butter Lovers
American Indian Heritage Month
Hunger Awareness
Raisin Bread
Pepper

Bizarre Holidays:

November 4th--Waiting For The Barbarians Day
November 6th--Marooned Without a Compass Day
November 9th--Chaos Never Dies Day
November 10th--Forget-Me-Not Day
November 11th--Air Day
November 20th--Absurdity Day
November 21st--False Confessions Day
November 22nd--Start Your Own Country Day
November 28th--Make Your Own Head Day (???)


Well, people, Fun Facts about the 'Months' posts have come full circle.
In December, I'll have to switch gears. I'm thinking of doing 'Holidays.' What do you think?

Trick-or-Treating, Costume Parties, and RSVPs

(Source)

Since we live in the country, we don't get many trick-or-treaters. As a matter of fact, we haven't had one child ring our doorbell in the past 5 years. Since the town's Halloween Parade runs right down the center of Main Street, the residents in that area get hit the hardest. Our local A&P actually accepts candy bag donations for the homes there. Then, parents will drive to a development with a big cluster of homes and tire out their children in one area. I find it disappointing. I love to see children in costume. I guess I'll have to wait until the grandkids show up for their treats.

We recently attended my girlfriend's amazing 50th birthday bash. Costumes were mandatory. While most people moan and groan at those three little words, I was ecstatic. I love dressing up in costume!

If you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of Johnny Depp, but a real FanGirl when it comes to him in the Captain Jack Sparrow role. I got the idea that John could dress up as Capt. Jack, and I would dress as Angelica, from On Stranger Tides.

I figured that since the movie came out in 2011, the pirate fad was over and there wouldn't be too many of the same costumes. I was wrong. I think there were about 10 different pirates at the party. It felt like we were in Penzance.

I promised I'd post a photo of our costumes.

Johnny and Penelope? Definitely not.

Now, since nobody RSVPd to my Costume Party Post, no one won the prize of 31 More Nights of Halloween. Oh well, maybe next year. 

I hope Sandy didn't ruin your fun. 

Did you go trick-or-treating this year? Did you wear a costume? 

Hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm...EPIC!

I'm writing this post on Sunday morning. When it goes live on Monday, we will be under a hurricane warning. Thanks a bunch, Sandy.

Here on the east coast, the media hype started three days ago. They say this storm will be EPIC. By now, the local A&P is probably sold out of water, milk, and bread, and the Home Depot and Lowes stores in the area have probably made a killing on generators.

We can't be too careful. Last August, when they were hyping Hurricane Irene, I poo-pooed the whole thing. We live 60 miles inland and in the mountains. Surely, they were talking about the people on the coast...Well, 6 downed trees on our property and 10 days of no water or power later, I was a believer.

Our town flooded (thankfully, our repair shop was built on a slight knoll) and people were either flooded or stuck in their homes for days.

So, when I walked outside this morning and saw this in the sky:

And this map on The Weather Channel:

Can you see the storm from the west heading toward NJ? Yeah, that should collide with Sandy soon.

I figured we'd better batten down the hatches.

Stay safe, everyone!