Alternating in August

August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.

National New Jersey Day

On July 27th, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!

Early History

When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coast, he explored lands that included New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.

In 1160, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.

New Jersey State of Mind Hardcover – June 12, 2020
by Peter Genovese  (Author)
New Jersey State of Mind Hardcover – June 12, 2020

by Peter Genovese  (Author)


Revolution

Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.

Due to New Jersey’s central location among the thirteen colonies, more battles during the Revolutionary War took place here than any other state.While the state was the third to enter the union, New Jersey signed the Bill of Rights before any other state.

  • State Capital – Trenton
  • State Flower – Common Violet
  • State Nick Name – The Garden State
  • State Song – none
  • State Tree – Red Oak
  • State Mineral –
  • State Fossil -Hadrosaurus
  • State Motto – Liberty and Prosperity
  • State Fish – Brook Trout
  • State Fruit – Blueberry
  • State Hero –
  • State Heroine –
  • State Bird – American Goldfinch
  • State Insect – Honey Bee
  • State Folk Dance – Square Dance
  • State Animal – Horse

Industry and Innovation

During and after the war, New Jersey industry grew. Rapidly, innovation and technology took place in New Jersey. One well-known innovator found a home in Menlo Park. There, Thomas Edison nourished his ingenuity. While industry and innovation grew, so did the state’s population.

The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World Kindle Edition

by Randall E. Stross  (Author)
The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World Kindle Edition

by Randall E. Stross  (Author)

Today New Jersey’s population density thrives at the highest of any state in the United States.While it may be an industrial powerhouse, its nickname the Garden State is precise. New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.

New Jersey Flavor

While we thank New Jersey for a few delicious foods we can enjoy anywhere, the state produces a large number of dishes travel is a must.During the summer months, enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th century, the intuitive Elizabeth White helped domesticate the wild blueberries found along the Eastern seaboard. Today, blueberry production in New Jersey is a global business.

Dishing Up® New Jersey: 150 Recipes from the Garden State Paperback – May 17, 2016

by John Holl  (Author), Amy Roth (Photographer), & 1 more
Dishing Up® New Jersey: 150 Recipes from the Garden State Paperback – May 17, 2016

by John Holl  (Author), Amy Roth (Photographer), & 1 more

Pork roll is to New Jersey as carrots are to Bugs Bunny. The cured, smoked pork product creates debates between residents of the state. Trenton loves their pork roll so much, in fact, they hold an annual Pork Roll Festival. However, pork roll does exist west of the Delaware River.Now, for most of these other dishes, come visit or pay for postage.

The Pork Roll Cookbook Hardcover – February 24, 2015

by Jenna Pizzi (Author), Susan Sprague Yeske (Contributor)
The Pork Roll Cookbook

by Jenna Pizzi (Author), Susan Sprague Yeske (Contributor)

Folks from New Jersey have a different idea about what a sloppy joe is. Tomato. To-mah-to. This one sounds delicious. Their version places slices of pastrami or corned beef (or both), coleslaw, Russian dressing, and swiss cheese layered between three slices of rye bread.

The Jersey Shore Cookbook: Fresh Summer Flavors from the Boardwalk and Beyond Hardcover – April 12, 2016

by Deborah Smith  (Author), Thomas Robert Clarke (Photographer)
The Jersey Shore Cookbook: Fresh Summer Flavors from the Boardwalk and Beyond

by Deborah Smith  (Author), Thomas Robert Clarke (Photographer)

Also, New Jerseyan’s make their pizza pie on the flip side. That is to say – they like their sauce on top. Its called tomato pie with seasoning crushed tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Crust on the bottom, of course.

Lastly, saltwater taffy, sandy beaches, and long boardwalks of Atlantic City all go together. Both saltwater taffy and America’s boardwalks got their start there.

Sweet's Original Salt Water Taffy Assortment 4.5 Pound

by Sweet's Saltwater
Sweet’s Original Salt Water Taffy Assortment 4.5 Pound

by Sweet’s Saltwater

HOW TO OBSERVE

#NationalNewJerseyDayJoin us in recognizing this unique and captivating state on National New Jersey Day.

Use #NationalNewJerseyDay to share on social media.

You can also celebrate National Scotch Day, today. Will these days quench your thirst?

Hidden Treasures

The Hindenburg Crash Site – Lakehurst
War of the Worlds Crash Site – West Windsor Township
Paranormal Museum – Ashbury Park
Diggerland USA – West Berlin
Navesink Twin Lights – Highlands
Basto Village – Egg Harbor City
Northlandz – Flemington
Amatol Ghost Town – Hammonton
Princeton Cemetery – Princeton

Famous ?

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley- Revolutionary Hero – (October 13, 1754 – January 22, 1832)

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley- Revolutionary Hero - (October 13, 1754 - January 22, 1832)
Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley- Revolutionary Hero – (October 13, 1754 – January 22, 1832)
Continue reading “National New Jersey Day”

Just Enjoy June

Celebrating the Joys of Summer’s Kickoff

June bursts onto the scene as a month brimming with sunshine, longer days, and endless opportunities to celebrate.

As the official gateway to summer, June brings longer days, blooming gardens, and the perfect excuse to trade our busy schedules for a little bit of fun. While we often think of June for weddings and school letting out.  This month is packed with quirky holidays and heartfelt observances designed to help us savor the season. So, grab a glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and let’s dive into why this month deserves to be celebrated.

Wedding Season

Fun facts abound: June beetles make their appearance, and no other month starts on the same weekday as June in quite the same way. Flag Day honors patriotism in the U.S., while outdoor activities beckon everyone to get moving.

National Months in June encourage meaningful awareness alongside the fun.

National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month
National DJ Month                        
National Portuguese Heritage Month
African-American Music Appreciation Month
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
LGBTQIA Pride Month
Men’s Health Month
National Accordion Month
National Adopt a Cat Month
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
National Candy Month
National Camping Month
National Caribbean American Month
National Country Cooking Month
National Dairy Month
National Great Outdoors Month
National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month
National Homeownership Month
National Iced Tea Month
National Papaya Month
National Pollinators Month
National PTSD Awareness Month
National Safety Month
National Soul Food Month
Rose Month
Turkey Lovers Month                
June’s Birthstone;Why the Pearl is the Ultimate Gem of Romance and Grace                                                         Hurricane Readiness

With something for everyone turn ordinary dates into mini-festivals. Try National Say Something Nice Day, National Go Barefoot Day. Don’t forget to include National Hug Your Cat Day, National Cheese Day, Flag Day on the 14th, and National Go Fishing Day on the 18th. From National Game Show Day to celebrations honoring ice cream, donuts, and more, there’s truly something for every interest and personality.

June shines for sports enthusiasts too, with NBA Finals, Stanley Cup playoffs, baseball in full swing, and the NBA Draft.

Famous June birthdays—from Marilyn Monroe and Paul McCartney to Michael Phelps and Elon Musk—add star power.

Zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer add a touch of curiosity and emotional depth, while birth flowers like the rose and honeysuckle, along with stones such as pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone, celebrate love, devotion, and generosity.

This June, embrace the spirit of “Just Enjoy.” Whether you’re marking personal milestones, joining community events, or simply taking time to appreciate longer evenings and blooming gardens, the month offers countless ways to create memories. Gather with friends, try new recipes tied to food-themed days, explore nature, or reflect on what brings you joy. Here’s to making June unforgettable—happy celebrating!

World Outlander Day

This World Outlander Day, fans from all over the world are showing their love for the series which brought Sam Heughan’s rugged Highlander Jamie Fraser onto our screens.

It marks the day in 1991 when Diana Gabaldon first published her novel Outlander, which became the hugely popular book series and Starz show which we all know and love.

June 1 has become the day to celebrate one of Scotland’s biggest and most beloved TV shows.

Celebrating the big day, the show posted on its Twitter account: “Lord, ye gave me a rare fanbase and God I loved them well. Happy #WorldOutlanderDay to the most incredible, creative, thoughtful, and passionate fans ever.”

So, in honour of Outlander’s anniversary, we thought we’d share a few interesting things you may not know about the show. See link below for credit….

1. “This man is grotesque!”

Author Diana Gabaldon’s first reaction to the casting of Sam Heughan as Jaime? “This man is grotesque!” But she quickly changed her mind when she saw his audition tape. “He was gone: it was just Jamie Fraser. He had nailed this particular scene just perfectly. He had the exact right combination of menace, sex, everything,” she said.

Photo: StarzBuy photo

Author Diana Gabaldon's first reaction to the casting of Sam Heughan as Jaime? "This man is grotesque!" But she quickly changed her mind when she saw his audition tape. "He was gone: it was just Jamie Fraser. He had nailed this particular scene just perfectly. He had the exact right combination of menace, sex, everything," she said.

2. A sex scene had to be reshot due to Scottish weather

Mild spoiler: An outdoor sex scene between Claire and Jamie had to be reshot as it didn’t have enough nudity. They were filming beside a river in Scotland in November, so the actors were freezing and fully clothed. But producers decided to reshoot as it wasn’t deemed sexy enough, according to Catriona Balfe (Claire). The scene, which is in season four, was eventually refilmed when Scottish temperatures were a little warmer, and both actors got their kit off.

Photo: StarzBuy photo

Mild spoiler: An outdoor sex scene between Claire and Jamie had to be reshot as it didn't have enough nudity. They were filming beside a river in Scotland in November, so the actors were freezing and fully clothed. But producers decided to reshoot as it wasn't deemed sexy enough, according to Catriona Balfe (Claire). The scene, which is in season four, was eventually refilmed when Scottish temperatures were a little warmer, and both actors got their kit off.

3. It may have been delayed due to Indyref

It is rumoured the release of the very first Outlander series may have been delayed due to the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014. Although author Diana Gabaldon has denied this, emails leaked by Wikileaks show then UK Prime Minister Cameron met with Sony representatives weeks before to discuss the show’s release date. Lead actor Sam Heughan has been vocal in his support for Scottish Independence.

Photo: StarzBuy photo

It is rumoured the release of the very first Outlander series may have been delayed due to the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014. Although author Diana Gabaldon has denied this, emails leaked by Wikileaks show then UK Prime Minister Cameron met with Sony representatives weeks before to discuss the show's release date. Lead actor Sam Heughan has been vocal in his support for Scottish Independence.

4. Castle Leoch was also in Game of Thrones

Doune Castle, which is where the Castle Leoch scenes were filmed, is no stranger to television and film. The Medieval stronghold in Stirling starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail – “Your mother smells of elderberries!” – and also as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

Photo: Robert PerryBuy photo

Doune Castle, which is where the Castle Leoch scenes were filmed, is no stranger to television and film. The Medieval stronghold in Stirling starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail - "Your mother smells of elderberries!" - and also as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/world-outlander-day-10-things-you-might-not-know-about-hugely-popular-show-starring-sam-heughan-3257447%3famp

More to Explore

How to Observe

Share #WorldOutlanderDay on social media. Read the book series for the first or in some cases fourth time. Binge watch the series again. Blood of my Blood comes out this August.  We expect season 8 this year too.  While we are all sad to see the series end both the books and show will live on through the loyal fan base.