Holiday Previews for the Week

September 13 - Defy Superstition Day - Defy Superstition Day was created to help you to eliminate superstitions that have been haunting you. Use today it is intended....... to blow away the superstitions in your life.

September 13 - Fortune Cookie Day - Did you know that the Fortune Cookie did not originate in China. Rather, it was invented in California. There appears to be some uncertainty over who invented it. Some historical references suggest it was Makoto Hagiwara who invented the fortune cookie at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco in 1914. Others believe that David Jung, founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Company, was the first to make fortune cookies in Los Angeles in the 1920s - and reading the fortune part is just the best!

September 13 - Grandparent's Day - National Grandparent's Day originated in 1978. Then President Jimmy Carter declared it to be the first Sunday after Labor Day. If you still have any of your grandparents you should take today as a great reminder to show them how much you appreciate them and all that they have done.

September 13 - National Peanut Day - National Peanut Day is the peanuttiest of days. Native to South America, the locals there couldn't keep this great nut to themselves. Actually, peanuts are not nuts. They are "legumes", like peas, beans, and lentils. Peanuts are one of America's favorite snack foods. And, its more than a snack food. Peanuts are the main ingredient in peanut butter. Peanuts star in a variety of recipes, and is a topping for countless foods and desserts. Many Chinese recipes use peanuts in main menu items. So if you are not into the sweetly snack that represent Peanuts (like THE BEST: Nutter Butters) then have dinner out and enjoy a Chinese dinner with peanuts!

September 13 - National Pet Memorial Day - This very special day for pet loves was established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories(IAPC). Ways to commemorate National Pet Memorial Day: Spend a few minutes reflecting upon pleasant memories of your pet; If you buried your pet somewhere, go for a visit; Contribute to an animal protection group; Volunteer at an animal protection group; Create a small memorial in a flower garden in your yard
Plant a tree or a shrub as a living memorial.

September 13 - Positive Thinking Day - The power of positive thinking is absolutely astounding. Medical research confirms that a positive attitude works wonders at fighting disease and ailments, from the common cold to cancer. People with an "I think I can" attitude, are far more likely to succeed at work, and in accomplishing every goal they set in life. Plus with all the holidays to remember today we need to remain positive.

September 13 - Uncle Sam Day - There are two theories as to how Uncle Sam emerged. Both date back to the early 1800's.
The officially recognized theory dates back to soldiers stationed near Troy, New York during the war of 1812. Barrels of meat they received were stamped "U.S." The supplier was Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York. Solders jokingly referred to him as "Uncle Sam". In 1813, the first image of "Uncle Sam" appeared. In 1961, the U.S. Congress issued a resolution recognizing "Uncle Sam" Wilson, and authorizing a monument in his hometown in Troy, NY.
There is a second, less popular theory of the creation of Uncle Sam. During the early 1800's, Irish immigrants were coming to America. Some believed that Uncle Sam emerged from these immigrants. In their Gaelic language, the United Stares of America was "Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá", abbreviated "SAM".
Uncle Sam Day became official in 1989, when a joint resolution of Congress designated September 13 "Uncle Sam Day". This date was selected, as "Uncle Sam" Wilson was born on September 13, 1776.

September 14 - National Cream-Filled Donut Day - today is getting better already, DD's here I come!!

September 15 - Make a Hat Day - So it does not imply that you HAVE to wear the hat, so you can make it as fun and crazy as you want- but let's face it: wearing it will make everyone elses day!! OR - you can make hats for others to wear :)

September 15 - Felt Hat Day - Back in the early to mid 1900s, hats were popularly worn by both men and women. It was stylish. At that time, felt was a common material for men's hats. With cooler Fall weather approaching, the guys went to the coat closet and dusted off their felt hats , and began to wear them once more. On this day, men traditionally put on their felt hat, but us women can participate in this day and not let those guys have all the fun.

September 16 - Collect Rocks Day - like Rocky Road??? ok - so, my dad has always collected rocks, not special rocks - well not to anyone else - but rocks, small size rocks from places he visits. Which I always thought: What a great idea! nice way to commemorate a trip or visit. Problem is he never documented the rocks in any way so now he just has a pile of small rocks (that he won't put out in the garden because they will get ruined) .....I suppose he looks at his small rocks and remembers all the places he has been...I can only suppose...

September 16 - Step Family Day - Decades ago, most marriages lasted for life. Separation and divorce was often looked down upon. But sadly we now have a holiday to fit this situation in. Step Family Day was first celebrated with a picnic on September 16, 1997. The suggested method of celebration is a picnic at a park. Since it's inception, it has slowly gained recognition and popularity. This holiday can become VERY involved in some families today...like mine....double and triple steps make for a happy dance

September 16 - Mayflower Day - Key Facts About the Mayflower:
The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth England on September 16, 1620.
The Pilgrims were headed to the settlement in Virginia. They had an agreement to settle there.
The voyage took 66 days. They landed at Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1621.
102 passengers were on board. This included three pregnant women. One of these women gave birth just before landing.
On November 21, 1620, the passengers signed the Mayflower Compact, which set forth the rules of governance of the fledgling colony.

September 16 - Mexican Independence Day -
In 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo of Dolores, Mexico was planning a revolt to free the country from Spanish rule. On September 15, 1810 at 11:00 pm, Father Hidalgo rang his church bell to call his parishioners, and rally them to fight off Spanish rule. He then made a speech to his congregation, and the fight for freedom began. Today, Mexican people mark this very special holiday, by repeating the ringing of the bells at 11:00 pm on the 15th. It is followed by a day of celebrations on the 16th.

September 16 - National Play Doh Day - Play-doh was created in 1955 by Joseph McVicker of Kutol Chemicals in Cincinnati, Ohio. It hit the market in 1956, and has been a popular play toy ever since. It was created because McVicker's sister-in-law wanted a safe, clay-like product for her nursery school children to use. Noah and Joseph McVicker received U.S. Patent No. 3,167,440 for Play-Doh. Play-Doh is just fun to play with, and who of us hasn't eaten some in our childhood? huh? not me..

September 16 - Working Parents Day - Working Parents Day gives recognition to moms and dads who work hard to provide for their children. Every day dad, and often mom, go off to work. They work hard to earn money to make ends meet. They work hard to be able to afford the extras that kids want and need. This includes things like school trips, funding the proms, athletics, music, dance classes, clubs, and much, much more. So if the kids don't know about this one just kick back and pat yourself on the back and do something enjoyable for yourself.

September 17 - National Apple Dumpling Day - With the arrival of fall and cool weather, two things happen: the apple harvest begins, and people turn indoors to cooking and baking again. It's only natural that apples are a big part of the cooking scene. Among the most popular of fall treats is apple dumplings. For those of you who enjoy ice cream, some apple dumpling recipes include a scoop of ice cream atop a generous piece of Apple Dumpling. Anyone have any awesome recipes?

September 17 - Citizenship Day - On February 29, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill establishing Citizenship Day on September 17 of each year. The roots of this holiday go back to I Am an American Day, which was established in 1940 by Congress as the third Sunday in May. This day was moved and renamed to Citizenship Day to coincide with the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. This special day is for all citizens, both native born, and those who chose to become Americans. It is a day to be proud to be an American. It is a day to appreciate being a citizen of this country and the rights and freedoms it brings.

September 17 - Constitution Day - The Constitutional Congress held it's final meeting on September 17, 1787. Do you have any idea why? That's right! It was to sign the Constitution of the United States of America, a document for which they so painstakingly labored to create and perfect. After the meeting there was still much to do. Individual states then had to meet and vote on it. The U.S. Constitution did not go into effect until two years later on March 4, 1789.

September 18 - National Cheeseburger Day - not into the burgerking/mcdonalds deal? Make your own gourmet cheeseburger at home for dinner!

September 18 - POW/MIA Recognition Day - Third Friday of September -
POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of remembrance and hope for the speedy and safe return of American Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action. It also seeks the return of the remains of fallen soldiers.
The first official commemoration of POW/MIAs was July 18, 1979. It was the result of resolutions passed in Congress. The first national ceremony was held on this date. Over the next several years, it was held in varying dates of the year. Finally, in 1986, The National League of Families proposed the third Friday in September as a day to recognize and remember POW/MIAs. This date was selected, as it is not associated with any wars. Each year, the president of the United States issues a proclamation on this day.
Did you know? Federal law requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown on the following days:
Armed Forces Day, May 16
Memorial Day, May 25
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
POW/MIA Day, 3rd Friday of September
Veterans Day, Nov. 11

September 19 - International Talk Like A Pirate Day - AAAARRgghhh Matey! Did u' know that John Baur and Mark Summers created the concept of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on June 6, 1995. While playing racquetball, they began to talk to each other in Pirate-speak". After leaving the court, they decided that there was a need to create this day. After much thought, Mark Summers selected September 19th as the date. This was his wife's birthday. So, he thought it would be an easy date to remember. And so, International Talk Like a Pirate Day was born. Have some fun with this one, and watch your booty!!

September 19 - National Butterscotch Pudding Day - " happy days are here again..." YYUUUUMM! one of mans best inventions!!