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May 30 is Hug Your Cat Day Hug Your Cat Day is listed on several different dates, but Chase's Calendar of Events, the true authority, says it's on May 30. In any case, I don't think your cat cares if you have the wrong date. It will just appreciate your hugs and attention. Did you know that having a pet can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels? All the more reason to have a cat! (Dogs will do those things too, but today is not their day.) So play with your cat, give it some treats, but above all, hug your cat today! Happy Hug Your Cat Day! (Excuse me, I was talking to your cat!)	Click on the picture to read about taking good care of your pets. Today's YouTube video Affectionate Cat

Click on the picture to read about the history and development of jazz music. Today's YouTube video Night & Day - Jazz Piano Solo	May 29 is International Jazz Day This holiday was originated by D. Michael Denny, a musician serving on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Jazz Society. It is sanctioned by several jazz societies who want to celebrate jazz music on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Jazz is an indigenous American music form, especially prevalent in New Orleans. However, the word jazz was first used to refer to music in Chicago in about 1915. Happy International Jazz Day!

May 28 is National Hamburger Day "Mommy, were you alive when the hamburger was invented?" "No, Honey, the first hamburger was served more than 100 years ago." "So that was when the first McDonald's was around?" "No, the first hamburger was invented at Louis' Lunch. Just watched today's video and you'll see how they did it." Happy Hamburger Day!"	Click on the picture to read about the home of the first hamburger. NOTE: This is NOT it! Today's YouTube video On site at the home of the first hamburger ever served in the U.S.

Click on the picture to read about the importance of sunscreen. Today's YouTube video The Sunscreen Song I wasn't going to listen to this to the end, but I'm glad I did.	May 27 is National Sunscreen Day I'm sure you all know about sunscreen already. You're probably thinking this is a pretty boring holiday. Sometimes it is a pain to have to think about your health or what is and isn't good for you, but trust me, in the long run, it's worth it! Be especially careful with babies and young children, who can't apply it themselves (but she's trying!). Always apply the correct SPF rating. You'll see more about the recommendations in the article "behind" the picture. (click the pic....) It's strange, but true, Happy Sunscreen Day to You!

May 26 is Sally Ride Day Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, was born on May 26, 1951. She beat 1,000 other applicants to earn her title. Since then, she has created science programs and science camps for girls whose dreams are to be involved in areas of science traditionally held by men. A KPBS study found that an equal number of boys and girls like science and math in 4th grade. By 8th grade, girls are less likely to think they excel in these subjects, eventually dropping to below 33%. Encourage your girls to pursue careers which maximize their talents, no matter the status quo.	Click on the picture to read about how Sally trained for this title. Today's YouTube video Sally Ride First American Woman in Space

Click on the picture to read about how this day became an actual National holiday! Today's YouTube video Bill "Bojangles" Robinson One of the finest tap dancers ever!	May 25 is National Tap Dance Day Tap dancing is kind of like making music with your feet. I used to accompany dance studios in their recitals (before everyone used recorded music) and I always loved to watch the tap dancers. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was the originator of tap dancing on the steps, and he performed in many Shirley Temple movies. I think you'll recognize his talent when you watch the video. Happy National Tap Dance Day!

May 24 is Escargot Day Most of you know that escargot is the French word for snail. There are a few types of seafood that might be unusual or difficult for you to comfortably consume. Oysters, snails, octopus, squid... do these belong on the dining table or in an aquarium? My husband always wants to try unusual foods. I sometimes want to try unusual foods. My daughter never wants to try unusual foods! How about you? I have to admit that in today's video, Ryan does make this look very appetizing! However, my favorite part is watching his knife skills! Happy Escargot Day!	Click on the picture for some escargot recipes straight from France (translated into English). Today's YouTube video Ryan's Escargot Recipe

Click on the picture for a list of flower names with pictures and their meaning. Today's YouTube video: A Walk in Heaven	May is National Flower Month Flowers are the earth's reflection of rainbows in the sky, Flowers are gifts to those we love and gifts to those who die. The birth of flowers gives us joy, The fading flowers bring a reminiscent sigh.

May 21 is National Bike to Work Day This holiday is part of National Bike Week, which is, you guessed it, part of National Bike Month. Riding a bike to work has the obvious benefits of saving on gas consumption and cutting down on pollution. In addition, exercise helps to eliminate sadness and to clear your mind so you'll be ready for an efficient, creative day at work! Enjoy the cool breeze in your face, the sights of your neighborhood in the early morning, and try biking to work today!	Click on the picture for some details on bicycle commuting. Today's YouTube video: Tips for Biking to Work

Click on the picture to read the story of this award-winning film. Today's YouTube video: Just You Wait by Audrey Hepburn	May 20 is Eliza Doolittle Day As proclaimed in the song from My Fair Lady... ELIZA One day I'll be famous! I'll be proper and prim! Go to Saint James so often I will call it Saint Jim. One evening the King will say, "Oh Liza, old thing, I want all of England your praises to sing." KING "Next week, on the twentieth of May, I proclaim Liza Doolittle Day! All the people will celebrate the glory of you, And whatever you wish and want I gladly will do." From "Just You Wait," My Fair Lady Happy Eliza Doolittle Day!

May 19 is Circus Day The sound of the band, the spotlights, the beautiful animals, the flashy costumes, and of course, the clowns all make up the experience called the circus. Circus Day is a celebration of when the first Ringling Bros. circus opened. In Sarasota, Florida, there is a museum which chronicles the history of the circus. One of the unusual things was the Clown College. Many famous clowns graduated from this college, then continued with the Ringling Bros. or moved on to others circuses. Want to have some fun with the kids today? Mix together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 tsp. each of cold cream and cold water, then add food coloring to create a face paint that can be washed off with cold cream. Paint your kids' faces like circus animals or clowns. Happy Circus Day!	Click on the picture to read the Ringling Bros. commitment to their animals. Today's YouTube video: An Interview with the Ringling Bros. ringmaster

Click on the picture to read about one of Holland's beautifully restored homes turned museum. Today's YouTube video: The Computer History Museum	May 18 is International Museum Day The chilly autumn wind would be driving the dry brown and yellow leaves in swirls around our feet as we walked the three or four miles to the museum. I had to reach up to put my hand in his, then he would put both our hands in his deep coat pocket. When we arrived at the museum, he would tell me the same stories he had told me so many times before, of the Indians sneaking up behind the buffalo as they hunted for food, of the ancient Chinese artifacts, and always the best for last, the real whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. I don't know how many times my grandfather took me to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, but enough to create a precious, indelible memory of him sharing his love of history with a wide-eyed little granddaughter, just because...

May 17 begins National Backyard Games Week Think about some of your best summers. Do you remember playing badminton, hide 'n' seek, tag, hopscotch? Backyard games are some of the best memory makers. This is the week to spend some time in the yard or at the park, playing games like Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says, Mother, May I, Red Rover, Croquet, Water Balloon Toss, and many of the other fun backyard games. I remember several years ago setting up an obstacle course in our backyard for my kids. There were things to climb under, over, throw a ball into, run through... it was so much fun! I hope you'll make the time to play in the backyard with your kids, siblings, or neighbors this week.	Click on the picture to read the rules for many Kids' Games. Today's YouTube video: Even the Dogs are Playing Backyard Games

Click on the picture for a great article from Day-Timer on creating your own home business. A tool to help you make choices. Today's YouTube video: The story of Cat's in the Cradle	May is Revise Your Work Schedule Month Technology, changes in the economy, and increasing priorities on family time and interaction are all influencing the way people look at their work schedules. Having both parents working outside the home, and kids coming home from school to an empty house, is no longer being accepted as the way it has to be. Both workers and employers are looking at alternate ways to set up work schedules. Some of these variations include flex time, telecommuting, job sharing, and compressed work weeks.
For those who either don't have the options for these creative changes, or who presently aren't working at all, beginning a home-based business might be an option. Clicking the picture above takes you to a good article on getting that started. Also, here is a great website about creating a website for your business that really works instead of sitting idly on the internet waiting to be found. This month, begin to think outside the box regarding your work schedule. What changes can you make that will enrich your life and give you more time with friends and family?

May 14 is Stars and Stripes Forever Day During this time of year, America begins to ramp up for patriotic holidays, such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and many other demonstrations of patriotism throughout the summer. Today seems to earmark the beginning of the patriotic events, with Stars and Stripes Forever Day. Composed by John Philip Sousa, one of the most prolific composers of march music, it has become an essential component to American patriotism. Its familiar piccolo part is always to be played by 1 or 3 piccolos, never 2. Enjoy today's celebration!	Click on the picture for the history of this popular song. Today's YouTube video Leonard Bernstein, one of the greatest composers and conductors, with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Click on the picture to read about a tulip planting party that has been going on for 30 years. Today's YouTube video shows what to do when your tulips have finished blooming.	May 13 is Tulip Day Do you love to open a new box of crayons and see all the beautiful colors, neatly arranged by shades of blue, shades of red... Looking on a field or garden of tulips is like having this box of crayons come alive and burst into bloom. Seeing this artist's pallet of color is one of the anticipated pleasures of a lovely, sunny spring day. Tulips get their name from the Persian word dulband, or "turban". There are 109 species of tulips, enough to provide a tireless variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Our own West Michigan town, Holland, celebrates Tulip Time every year, with people traveling from miles around just to enjoy the beauty of these beautiful blooms. Tulips... a sure sign of spring! Happy Tulip Day!

May 12 is Limerick Day Most of you probably had to write limericks during your elementary years. Today is the birthday of Edward Lear, the originator of this poetic form. The form is called limerick after Limerick, Ireland, where the house in this picture is found. The limerick has to have five lines, with lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyming, and also lines 3 and 4 must rhyme. Like this... There was a wee puppy named Ruff Who never could eat quite enough He devoured all the meat Then ate Kitty Cat's treat That ravenous puppy called Ruff Happy Limerick Day!	Click on the picture to read the original Book of Nonsense by Edward Lear, made available by the Gutenberg Project.

Click on the picture to read a wonderful list of 31 gifts from the garden, one for each day of this month. Today's YouTube video: Plants sprouting This is a beautiful time-lapse segment of seeds sprouting. Too bad there's no music background, but maybe you can play your own while you watch.	May is Gifts From the Garden Month There is a place in each of our hearts that is nurtured by the earthy fragrance of good, rich soil. Then this fertile area is filled with hope as we plant a seed, the hope of new life. We water the seed, and we watch, believing in what we cannot see. This is faith. Then, one day, our believing becomes seeing, as the tiny new seedling bravely pushes through the soil in search of light. Often, its covering is still attached to the tiny leaves, but the new life is stronger, and continues to push through, eventually shedding the hard shell to drink in every warm, golden sunbeam. Gifts from the garden are more than vegetables, fruits and flowers. They are hope, inspiration, opportunites for creativity, time to meditate, avenues for sharing, or just peaceful places to contemplate life. Wishing you every good gift from your garden!

May 10 is the start of National Children's Book Week. I began reading to my children almost as soon as they were born. When my son was two years old, I read to him about two hours a day. My daughter heard her first story at the age of two weeks. Help your children develop a love for the magic of traveling and exploring through good books.	Click on the picture to learn about the history and importance of Children's Book Week. Today's YouTube video: Reading Inspires Children This is what could happen to a child who hears and reads good literature.

Click on the picture for a nicely done website with lots of information on eggs, and even pet recipes using eggs! Today's YouTube video: Depression Cooking 93-year old Grandmother Cooks and Tells Stories	May is National Egg Month Eggs have been called the perfect food, because they have the perfect balance of protein and other nutrients. Eggs are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We have a few egg recipes here to get you started. Enjoy!

May 7 is Tuba Day Oom-pah-pah, oom-pah-pah... that's the sound of a tuba. Many people misunderstand the importance of the tuba in a marching band or even a concert band. Those hefty, low notes provide the foundation and rhythm for the other instruments. However, did you know that they can also play beautiful melodies? Watch the YouTube video of the day to hear a lovely father and son duet of a piece by Bizet.	Click on the picture to learn about this often misunderstood instrument. Today's YouTube video: Robert & David Childs Pearl Fishers Duet

Click on the picture to read more about the history of nursing, and specific information on this worthwhile profession. Today's YouTube video: Critical Care Nurse: Day in the Life	May 6 is National Nurses Day This National holiday, signed into its current status by President Ronald Reagan in 1982, begins National Nurses Week. From May 6 to May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, many events are planned to recognize the contribution that nurses make. Did you ever dream of being a nurse? Today, as you know, there is a shortage of nurses, both male and female. There are positions for nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, some workplaces, the military, and more. Have you made nursing your career? Then today is your day! Thank you for all you do!

May 5 is The Great American Grump Out The Great American Grump Out is a day in which everyone puts off being grumpy for 24 hours. Of course there are many reasons to be grumpy (I won't list them in case it makes you feel grumpy). But there are more reasons to avoid being grumpy. The stress it causes in your life will be expressed in a myriad of health problems, and that stress radiates to those around you. The effects of "second-hand grumpiness" are very serious, and you don't want to be held responsible for that (It would make you feel even more grumpy!) So if you feel like being grumpy today, write down your reason for feeling that way, put it in your pocket, and save it for tomorrow. (Maybe you'll forget to take it out of your pocket when you wash your jeans, and then the reason will be gone, making you feel happy!) Happy Grump Out Day!	Click on the picture for the history of this day, and for some beneficial ideas for avoiding stress. Today's YouTube video: Don't Worry, Be Happy One person's attempt to help people be less grumpy.

Click on the picture to read about some famous people's favorite teachers. Today's YouTube video: Do I Make You Proud A Tribue to Teachers Thanks, Teachers! Happy Teacher's Day!	May 4 is National Teacher Day Many little girls want to be princesses, nurses, or teachers when they grow up. My guess is that the ones who want to be princesses are in the minority regarding dreams realized. However, many have gone on to be wonderful teachers. I'm sure that when you hear the word teacher, a particular teacher from your past comes to mind. There are probably as many memories of bad teachers and there are of good teachers. People in this profession have a huge influence on their students' lives. Hopefully, you have some great memories of a teacher that gave you courage, hope, or helped you to believe in yourself. Here's something you might not have thought about: A cross-eyed teacher can keep twice the number of children in order than any other, because the pupils do not know who she's looking at. From Four Hundred Laughs: Or, Fun Without Vulgarity by John R. Kemble

Click on the picture to learn more about Goodwill and their services. Today's YouTube video: Goodwill Industries Teddy and Son Let your unused or unwanted items help others. Donate to Goodwill!	May 3-9 is Goodwill Industries Week A friend of mine told me that she no longer has garage sales. For the amount of work they take, she finds it more lucrative to donate her items to Goodwill. The tax deduction far outweighs what she would make on a sale. Our daughter needed a prom dress. She found a beautiful dress in her size within minutes. Total cost: $7.00. That year, she and her friends had fun seeing who had spent the least on their prom dresses. Another daughter was recently in a musical. She needed several items for her costumes. She found nearly all of them at Goodwill, and spent very little money. We keep an empty box in the corner of one room. We call it the "Blessing Box". As we come across things we don't need, we drop them in. When it's full, we take it to Goodwill.

Click on the picture to get some grilling tips and a great steak recipe! Today's YouTube video: The BBQ Song A U.S. Review of BBQ	May is National Barbecue Month Is it spelled BBQ, or barbecue, or BarBQ? Is it a noun or a verb? Is it a guy thing, or can anyone do it? Is it only for hamburgers and hot dogs? Well, the answers are... it doesn't matter! As long as you're having fun and eating good food, that's the whole point. So fire up that grill and get cookin'!