July 31 ~ Ka Hae Hawai'i Day (Hawaiian Flag Day)

Commissioned by Kamehameha in 1816, the Hawaiian flag consists of 8 horizontal stripes representing the major islands while the Union Jack represents Hawaii's historic relationship with Great Britain. 

Some fun facts about Hawaii

• On August 20th 1959, Hawaii was admitted to the Union making it our 50th state
• From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the US
• Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee
• More than one-third of the world's commercial supply of pineapples come from Hawaii
• Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the USA
• There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet
• Hawaii is home to the world's biggest telescope
• The world's largest wind generator is on the island of Oahu

There's a lot more research I need to do.  However I think the best way to learn more about Hawaii is by actually going there and living there for a few years.  I'm more than happy to make that sacrifice for you all, so I'm accepting all donations for just that purpose.

Not buying that one...oh well...  I'll try again next year.

July 30, 2010 ~ Happy Father-in-Law Day ~

If you haven't done it before this is a good day to let your Father-in-Law just how special he is to you.  It's a bit difficult for me this evening (writing this on Thursday night) to make light-hearted comments about father in laws as I am concerned about my own dad who was in an automobile accident earlier today.  Luckily there were no other people involved, the cars he hit were parked, and he was not traumatically injured.  He's 78 and my concern is more about why it happened.  I know I should accept the fact that he is getting old and I have to prepare for the inevitable, but I just don't want to.  My dad and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but I choose to remember only the great things about him and our relationship.  So, on Father-in-Law day I'm going to make sure to let my dad know I love him.  The ironic thing about this is my dad lives in Florida, I live in South Carolina, and he had the accident while visiting my nursing home bound brother. in New Jersey.  The only person that could get to him quickly was his daughter-in-law, who made sure he was okay, spoke to the doctors and relayed information back to the rest of the family.  Thank goodness for in-laws!

July 29, 2010 - National Chili Dog Day

I've been unable to determine the origins of National Chili Dog Day, but I did find a few eateries that will be celebrating the day with some nice discounts on this epicurean delight.  For those of you unfamiliar with the chili dog, although I can't imagine there is someone who hasn't tried it at least once, the chili dog is popular lunch or dinner time treat that will stay with you long after the meal is over.

Of course I see no better way to celebrate is day than with a great hot chili dog and an icy cold beer.  Whether you get it from a street vendor, the corner bar, a fancy restaurant, or you decide to go for something homemade, the best chili dogs are always loaded with toppings and extremely messy.  Hmmm, could it be that the paper napkin companies had something to do with this holiday.  I tend to be a glutton for punishment and like mine on the spicy side; starting with a great dog (I'm from Jersey so a Sabrett is my favorite), followed by just a bit of spicy brown mustard (Kosciusko if I can find it), a rich meaty chili (I'm not crazy about beans), add a handful of diced raw onions, and cover the whole thing with some melted cheddar cheese.  On second though, it could have been anti-acid manufactures that made up the day.