Here's another reading challenge for 2021. Read a book set in each state. See if you can read through the US in 2021.
Want a wider challenge? Add different countries to your reading repertoire. See how far around the world you can "go" in 2021.
Any genre.
It's officially Walt Disney Day even though his birthday was Dec 5. Fortunately, there are plenty of Disney options to help you celebrate.
What's your favorite Disney movie? I actually prefer Pixar movies to cartoon animation but real people are the best.
This time of year, my favorite Disney movie is The Santa Clause.
Sign up for the 2021 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge run by escapewithdollycas.
You have to say what your goal number of cozy mysteries you hope to read is but the lowest range is 1-25, so sign up today. There's also a Facebook group you can join if you want to share what you're reading.
It's amazing how dependent I've become on my microwave. It's hard to believe there was once a time when we didn't have one. Many of you probably can't believe that but it's true. I remember, in the early years of my marriage, there were no microwave ovens.
<a href="https://www.freepik.com/photos/food">Food photo created by yanalya - www.freepik.com</a>
Used to be we only had casual Fridays but now everyday working remotely is jeans day.
It's also Walt Disney's birthday. Lots of movie choices there that will appeal to the whole family.
I love this day!
Sign up for the 2021 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge that escapewithdollycas.com is putting on!
Follow the link for the rules and a link to the sign-up doc. There's also a Facebook page for the challenge.
Dolly's post (from 11/28/2020) says:
You can join anytime.
Read books between 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2021 with titles that begin with each letter of the alphabet.
Drop the "A" and "The" from titles. The letter that counts is the first main word of the title.
For Q, X, and Z, that letter needs to be somewhere in the title.
How much fun will this be for those of us who are bookworms?
Let's share what we're reading next year!
Do you still have leftovers from Thanksgiving? Today's there last chance. Now you have a legitimate reason to throw them out. Celebrate Throw Out Leftovers Day.
My wonderful hubby bought a lemon meringue pie when he was out looking for a berry pie for Katherine's Friday Thanksgiving celebration with her new in-laws. Lemon pie is my favorite. I'm looking forward to celebrating National Lemon Creme Pie Day while watching The Christmas Chronicles 2. I love Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn!
French Toast for breakfast. Yum.
Leftover turkey sandwiches for lunch. Let's have something for dinner that isn't poultry.
If you're refrigerator is bursting with leftovers, celebrate National Leftover Day. Enough cooking was done yesterday so turkey sandwiches, maybe open-faced with gravy, sounds like a good option for today. Maybe there's leftover mashed potatoes to make potato pancakes. There's probably leftover pie so enjoy a relaxing evening eating pie and watching movies. This should be recover from Thanksgiving overload day.
I hope your Thanksgiving is peaceful and pleasant. Will you watch the Macy's Day Parade on TV this morning?
If you need more food for your feast, it's also National Cake Day.
I feel like this week is on hold waiting for Thursday.
Is anyone else having a hard time figuring out what to fix for dinners before Thanksgiving?
Did you know Facebook has a Doctor Who page?
Digital Spy has an interesting article for us Whovians. "All 11 series of Doctor Who, ranked - from 2005 to 2018."
Go for a ride today. The weather is beautiful where I am, although a little chilly.
Haven't we all been watching more television this year? It's World Television Day and I plan to spend the day watching something on television. It may be a DVD since good shows are so lacking anymore.
I just finished watching Man With a Plan on Netflix. I was sad when there was no next episode. The family portrayed was so relatable and the actors were great. I especially love the actors playing the two main characters - Matt LeBlanc and Liza Snyder. There are sexual references and I wouldn't watch it with children unless you're ready to explain some things but it's a good G-PG grown-up sitcom. I think there's an occasional bad word but there must not be many and not very bad since I can't remember. There are no nude or sex scenes, no ugly fighting, just funny even in the serious. It's normal family life in a family that loves each other. After some google searching, I discovered that the network canceled the show. Of course they did because it was actually worth watching!
I made peanut butter fudge for today. I used Create Kids Club's recipe for Sweetened Condensed Milk Peanut Butter Fudge. I tried to put wax paper in my container for easy fudge removal but the wax paper kept tearing and wouldn't cooperate so I sprayed my container with cooking spray and am hoping for the best. (I haven't had any yet.) I also mixed the peanut butter mixture in with the melted chocolate chip mixture instead of getting frustrated trying to spread it on top. Hopefully, it will be good; all the ingredients are good.
It's also Universal Children's Day and Beautiful Day. Notice the beauty around you today.
Enjoy your favorite carbonated beverage today. You know I'll be enjoying Diet Coke.
It's also International Men's Day and my son Matthew's birthday. Celebrate your menfolk today.
Spend time with your princess if you have one. We have several in our extended family. Watch movies about princesses; there are lots of them. If you aren't into Princess Diaries or the princess Christmas movies, how about Princess Bride?
It's also National Educational Support Professionals Day. Katherine is a counselor at an elementary school and I, and some of my friends, are Admins at Wake Tech Community College in the Raleigh area. I guess this applies to us too.
I'd prefer to take my "hike" on the treadmill, unlike Forrest and Katherine.
I know the thought behind National Fast Food Day is to drum up more business for fast food restaurants but the more I think about it, the more foods fall into the fast food category.
What about microwavable foods? And instant oatmeal? How many of us like ramen noodles and microwaved chicken nuggets for lunch? Or open a can of soup and heat it? Even sit-down restaurants are pretty fast - not as fast as a drive-thru, but fast.
Can foods cooked in the Instant Pot or Air Fryer now qualify as fast foods?
Well, in the spirit of the day, plan a visit to your favorite fast food place today. You know I like McDonald's. What's your favorite? Don't forget food trucks.
Since Elmer Fudd hunted "wabbit" and Bugs Bunny was always too fast for him, wouldn't Bugs Bunny count as fast food even though he was never caught?
If you already got dressed today, it's not too late (or too early) to get back into PJs and celebrate National Family PJ Day.
It's also National American Teddy Bear Day so snuggle up with a bear, a cup of hot chocolate and your PJs and watch movies or play games together. (It's also the last day of International Games Week.)
Your family can look like the picture below. The pic was taken from Hip2Save, advertising up to 60% off The Children's Place matching family pajamas. And shipping is FREE! (Pardon the commercial; I felt like I had to if I used their picture.)
A salute to all moms and dads today. Most are hard-working, loving parents who deserve a thank you. Do something nice for the moms and dads you know.
That fits in well with World Kindness Day too.
It's also Actor's Day and Whoopie Goldberg's birthday. Time to watch Sister Act and Sister Act 2. How about Corrina, Corrina? One of my favorite Whoopie movies is Jumpin' Jack Flash but I have to watch it on commercial TV so it bleeps out most of the bad language. I enjoyed her role as Guinan in Star Trek Next Generation too. You might even be able to find some station playing Call Me Claus.
Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you to those who have served in our military. Even though they aren't veterans, thank you to those who are currently serving. Our newest family member, Forrest, is a veteran.
Katherine and Forrest, along with the rest of us, can celebrate Veteran's Day with an ice cream Sundae because it's also National Sundae Day.
While we eat sundaes, watch a Leonardo DiCaprio movie to celebrate his birthday today. He's made several but I've only seen 3. Of course, everyone knows about Titanic. Catch Me if You Can is another good one but does anyone remember The Man in the Iron Mask? I really like that one.
National Forget Me Not Day is to remind us of the sacrifices returning soldiers have made on our behalf.
It's also National Vanilla Cupcake Day.
Chaos Never Dies - that's feels so true. Chaos hides and jumps out when you aren't looking. Well, nothing more needs to be said about chaos; it's been the focal point this year. I hope your day is not chaotic, but peaceful and purposeful.
That's the only thing I found interesting to celebrate today so let's talk about next year's celebrations. I'm going to be focusing on week-long celebration topics. They will incorporate monthly and daily celebrations, but I'm stretching them out for a week. Those will be "Our..." because they're not "official." I'm looking forward to seeing how creative we can be with our interpretations. My 2021 calendar is still a little chaotic itself.
Sadly, my desk looks a lot like this today.
Parents have always also been teachers. Children are always watching you. However, this year, we especially remember parents who are working and trying to monitor children who are learning remotely.
It's Cook Something Bold Day and Gordon Ramsay's birthday and Try a New Recipe Day so make it a good one.
In honor of International Tongue Twister Day:
If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?
Eddie edited it.
A skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk, but the stump thunk the skunk stunk.
Grab a book and settle into a good story. Let it take you away, into another realm.
"Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks." - Dr. Seuss
"A book is a dream you hold in your hands." - Neil Gaiman
"Reading one book is like eating one potato chip." - Diane Duane
"Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else's shoes for a while."
- Malorie Blackman
Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere." - Mary Schmich
Denny made a big pot of vegetable soup last night so he's covered for today. I really appreciate all the cooking he does for us.
It's American Football Day, celebrating the AFL. I wondered why since the first American game was played on Nov 6, 1869; the rules were the same as soccer at the time. I did a little more research and the only reason I could find is that it's mid-season.
It's also Bank Transfer Day. Originally, the day was established to highlight the fee differences between banks and credit unions and to encourage people to transfer their money from the bank to a credit union. I look at Bank Transfer Day as a time to move money from savings to checking to cover upcoming Christmas expenses.
And for one more. It's National Doughnut Appreciation Day. I do appreciate doughnuts but don't get them very often. All the doughnut places near me are on busy roads with no light to allow me to get back out, so I don't stop. That's probably a good thing.
After yesterday's election, not to mention this whole year, most of us are probably aware of the stress that surrounds us. Check out healthline.com for 18 Terrific Foods to Help Relieve Stress. (I didn't even recognize several of them.) See if those soothing essential oils really work. And remember, breathe.
Celebrating National Eating Healthy Day may help reduce stress but if that doesn't work, try celebrating National Candy Day! Although, it's also National Skeptics Day and I don't think candy will reduce stress in the long run.
Remember to vote if you haven't already.
Watch the returns come in tonight while you enjoy a sub for National Sandwich Day.
We're surrounded by circles and spheres. How many can you find today? Make an impression on your sphere of influence. Since we're supposed to stay six feet apart, I guess we don't need to be as aware of other people's personal bubble space; not even mine is that large. Eat round foods. Pizza is round!
Eggs aren't exactly round but if you like eggs, celebrate National Deviled Egg Day. Eggs are good for you and this is an easy way to fix them. I won't be celebrating; I don't like eggs.
It's also Color the World Orange Day. Wear orange. Eat orange foods. Look for orange colored things today, like traffic cones and barrels on the road. Those are really important to notice.
Apparently, it's Cookie Monster's birthday. Watch Sesame Street. Wear blue in his honor. Eat cookies - they're circles!
Remember to brush your teeth if you want to keep them. It's National Brush Day. Sadly, that same rule doesn't apply to hair; although you should brush your hair too, if you have any.
Candle lovers will like this one. It's International Scented Candle Day. The smell of Fall can permeate your space!
Celebrate National Cinnamon Day with some baking, or oatmeal with cinnamon sugar mixed in, or make use of that cinnamon scented candle. I'm not a candle person but wouldn't burning a food scented candle make you hungry?
Have calzones for lunch or dinner to celebrate National Calzone Day. YES! Pizza in almost any form is good.
How appropriate that it's Prime Meridian Day, since part of our family has temporarily relocated to the other side of the world - our yesterday, their today. This date in 1884 World time zones and the International Date Line were established. For a little more info on that event and an interesting short read, go to Checkiday's Prime Meridian Day page for Nov 1.
Speaking of time, was anyone surprised at the time when they got up this morning? It's the End of Daylight Savings Time here in the U.S. and we gained an hour. At least for a couple of weeks, it won't look like the middle of the night when I get up in the morning. It's so nice that my phone and other devices automatically update the time - much easier than in the olden days. Local SYR (Syracuse) gives a little bit of background on Daylight Savings Time too. The picture below is from their page, "Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend; How the time change has evolved," posted 10/28/2020.
Doesn't checking things off a list give you a sense of satisfaction?
Denny has gone through a mental (and verbal) checklist for decades - tie, badge, glasses.... As his work dress code changed, the words he says stayed the same but they mean different things to him depending on where he's going. I don't see how he keeps up with what each word refers to now. Maybe it's a memory building exercise for him.
Do you know the adult version of Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes?
Wallet, Glasses, Keys and Phone, Keys and Phone...
Here are two versions on YouTube you may enjoy.
Wallet, Glasses, Keys, and Phone by Luke Price
Wallet, Sunglasses, Keys and Phone by Cora Blue
And for extra help, you too can own this helpful doormat. Get it on Amazon. ✅
It may be too late to have oatmeal for breakfast but it's never too late for oatmeal cookies! Enjoy some today. What's your favorite way to enjoy oatmeal? I had a hand cream that said it had oatmeal in it and it was soothing. Speaking of soothing oatmeal, did anyone else get plunked into an oatmeal bath when they had chicken pox or measles?
I'm going to enjoy National Hermit Day today also. Although, it's been more like National Hermit Year.
Denny and I enjoy watching cozy mysteries. The 1st episode of Diagnosis Murder aired on October 29, 1993. It's one of our favorite series. I was enjoying reruns on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries but Christmas movies have taken over like a zombie invasion. Guess I'll have to wait until the new year to see if the Community General crew and Detective Steve Sloan survived.
If none of the above are on your celebration list, how about International Internet Day? That's something we are all celebrating right now as you read this.
On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated. It was a gift to the U.S. from France.
Here are some YouTube video links if you'd like to learn more about the Statue of Liberty.
9 Secrets of the Statue of Liberty Most Americans Don't Know
The Statue of Liberty for Kids
The Statue of Liberty Disappeared Once and Other Secrets You Didn't Know
A Virtual Tour of Lady Liberty
There are so many yummy ways to have potatoes! I think I want to fancy up a baked potato by rubbing salt on the skin - okay, that's gourmet for my cooking. What's your favorite way to have potatoes?
I saw a commercial for please and thank you that was the Oliver I want more scene. Thinking of potatoes has the Food, Glorious Food song in my head now.
It's also Teddy Roosevelt's birthday today. I may need to watch Night at the Museum.
Enjoy National Pumpkin Day with pumpkin pie, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin spice latte. Celebrate orange today.
It's also "Cut Out Dissection" Month. I mention it because my granddaughter, Leah, had to participate in a dissection at school not too long ago and she was not excited about it. She's easily grossed out, as am I.
Show someone you care about them today. It can be your Mother-in-Law. Call her today - it's only one day a year! Okay, really, I hope your mother-in-law is as nice as mine was.
Today is a day to be aware of food prices and think about how to make your menus healthier.
Celebrate Make a Difference Day by volunteering to help at the food bank or elsewhere. Opportunities will increase as we enter the holiday season next month so this can be a carry-over day for the rest of the year.
I love croc shoes. They are so comfortable and they come in all kinds of styles now. They're all that I wear anymore so, since I have to go into work today, I will definitely be celebrating National Croc Day.
It's Fall Car Care Month. My van needs an oil change so I guess I'll celebrate this with Fast Lane next week.
It's also National Dental Hygiene Month. As my dentist's emails keep reminding me, don't let your dental insurance go unused, make an appointment before the end of the year. So, I have a dental appointment next week too.
Sounds like this day's celebrations are tailor made for me. Hope you find something to celebrate today. It's Friday!
October must be clean up something month because several days have been focused on that. I guess it's "get things ready for holiday decorating" mode. Do something today to clean up your part of the earth.
While you're cleaning up your part of the earth, notice the colors that surround you. God has painted our world in beautiful hues; take some time to look and see.
Celebrate Apple Day. Pick your own from the tree or from the store. Apple items are always popular - apple pie, apple butter, sliced apples. Yum.
Nachos are a favorite in my family. I bought ingredients to celebrate International Day of the Nacho for dinner tonight. (The chips are hidden so Aaron doesn't eat them all. He's a chip lover for sure!) When I make my own nachos, they're very basic - chips, cheese, and ground beef if it's available; but when I get them out, I want the refried beans, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Basically, I want 7 Layer Dip Nachos!
Celebrate "Back to the Future" Day with a Back to the Future marathon while you eat apples and nachos.
It's Office Chocolate Day but since we're not in the office together right now, I guess I'll have to eat all the chocolate myself!
Before the month is over, here are some celebrations to fit in:
Country Music Month
Financial Planning Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
Gourmet Adventures Month
According to checkiday, Evaluate Your Life Day was created "to encourage everyone to check and see if they're really headed where they want to be. Once we examine where we are succeeding and where we need to improve in different aspects of our life, while also evaluating where we want to be and if we are on the path to get there, we are much more likely to achieve our goals."
Okay, honestly, that sounds exhausting to me. How many of us have a plan like that? Don't hold your plans too tightly because ultimately, we don't control much. Have you seen this meme? "So in retrospect, in 2015, not a single person got the answer right to "Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?"
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Having said that, I think I'll continue to focus on cleaning up my virtual desktop. I have a little more control over that, although, One Drive and I hate each other. Come to think of it, my experience this year shows that I don't have as much control over this as I think I do either. I've lost files that One Drive said it saved but didn't so cleaning my virtual desktop is definitely a work in progress!
How are things going with you? I am curious about the life plan thing. I know when my kids were at home, there were days I got halfway through the alphabet with my "plan for the day."
Yes, an excuse to eat a chocolate cupcake and not feel guilty!
While you eat your cupcake, why not do a little research on Alaska? It was admitted as a state on Oct 18, 1959. Secretary of State Seward took a lot of heat for buying the frozen territory from Russia but it turned out ok for the U.S.
How can you incorporate Alaska into your day? Maybe eat some Alaskan crab legs and Baked Alaska. Watch the Disney movie Balto, which is based on a true story. That's all I could think of; how else can we celebrate Alaska Day?
