NATIONAL JUICE SLUSH DAY

May 19, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On the third Wednesday of every May, we celebrate the icy delight that has come to be known as frozen juice slush.

Royal courts from ages past used to bring down freshly fallen snow from mountain tops and spread crushed berries and mashed fruit on top. Little has changed. Billions of servings later the refreshing taste of icy fruit slush still thrills all ages.

The world spins faster now. There just isn’t enough time to do everything that needs to be done. National Juice Slush Day dials back the pace and brings us to a more relaxed place. No Rush…Go Slush!

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HISTORY

Cool Tropics founded National Juice Slush Day to celebrate the curiosity, creative energy, and joy of youth. For 25 years Cool Tropics has specialized in fun, nutritious and innovative snacks/beverages. Beginning as an equipment company marketing frozen slush, Cool Tropics changed course in 2008 to put a healthy twist on an old favorite. The result: an easy to serve100% Juice Slush pouch (no equipment required). K-12 was the ideal customer for the color, fun, and excitement of these nutritious new offerings. A perfect fit for menus, field trips, and special events. Smart Snack approved with natural colors and flavors. No sugar added. Branded partnerships with Welch’s and TGIF make Cool Tropics products a trusted family favorite. Find out how to join the fun at www.cool-tropics.com.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Celebrate National Juice Slush Day dancing in the sunshine like nobody’s watching. Sip on delicious juice slush and fire up some inspiration for that great American novel. Run, jump or climb for the joy of it. Sing up to the stars between refreshing tastes or just chill poolside. Share your favorite flavors and stories by using #NationalJuiceSlushDay on social media.

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National May Ray Day

May 18, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

May 19 is the time of year National May Ray Day celebrates the bright sunshine, warmer weather with just a slight breeze to cool your skin.

If your name is Ray or May, this is your chance to use your name as a way to get outdoors and soak up some sun. Afterall, this spring holiday is all about getting out into the sunshine and soak up some rays.

There are so many benefits of being in the sun, especially after a long winter. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy balance. Vitamin D is one of those vitamins we need for to maintain a healthy mind and body. Not only does it support bone health, it also lowers blood pressure, prevents disease and promotes strong mental health. There is also evidence healthy levels of Vitamin D in the body help reduce chances of getting cancer.

The sun is a natural resource you can use to help maintain healthy Vitamin D levels. Sun exposure:

Promotes strong bones.
Kills unwanted bacteria in your body.
Reduces cancer risks.
Reduces high blood pressure.
Improves sleeping habits.

Excessive sun exposure can also cause serious health problems, especially skin cancer. However, there are a few preventative measures you can take to make your day in the sun enjoyable:

Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your shoulders, ears, face and head.
Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
Always were sunscreen with at least 15 SPF or higher.
Use an umbrella to block direct sunlight.

The natural turn of seasons is a beautiful transition. The grass turns green, flowers bloom, baby birds are seen learning to fly and new beginnings are seen everywhere. Springtime is a time to enjoy watching nature come alive.

A RAY OF HISTORY

We can thank comedian Richard Ankli for National May Ray Day. Born the same day, Ankli decided to honor his brother Ray with his own special day by declaring today National May Ray Day. Eventually, the Broadway residence in St. Joseph, Michigan, also known as the Broadway Fun Spot, began celebrating day, too. As a writer and comedian at Broadway Fun Spot (BFS) & Little Butter Publishing Co., Richard may have had the opportunity to self-promote his declaration.

Richard also gets credit for creating another holiday. Once again, Richard set out to honor another birthday on October 25. National Sourest Day was appropriately named after Richards friend, whose last name happened to be Sauer.

Whether or not this is how either day became official, we recommend going outside and enjoy the sunshine.

SOAK UP THE SUN

Plan a picnic.
Go for walk.
Buy a new summer dress.
Plant some flowers.
Read in the park.
Visit a zoo.
Share you day in the sun using #NationalMayRayDay on social media

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WORLD BAKING DAY

May 16, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Every third Sunday in May, World Baking Day inspires people to bake for their loved ones, friends, and neighbors. These bakers are also encouraged to give their baked goods away as a token of gratitude and appreciation.

People have been baking for thousands of years. In fact, the world’s oldest oven is over 6,500 years old! Bread baking goes all the way back to 600 BC in Ancient Greece. The Egyptians were the first to use yeast when baking bread. Besides bread, cakes were also a popular food to bake. The word “cake” dates back to the 13th century. The earliest cakes were more bread-like. Bakers added sugar or honey to add sweetness.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, baking was transformed by globalization. There was an abundance of syrups, spices, and currants, which made baked goods taste even more delicious. Bready dough with butter, cream, and raisins were especially popular. By the late 17th century, sugar was less expensive. As a result, people began making mince pies with sugar and spices. Eventually, other ingredients like eggs, flour, and baking powder were used more and more.

Today baked goods are popular all over the world. Some favorites include apple pie, black forest cake, baklava, cannoli, Yorkshire pudding, rye bread, brownies, and pretzels.

WORLD BAKING DAY HISTORY

Since 2012, World Baking Day has been observed on the third Sunday in May. The original intent of the day was to make and give away a homemade cake. The day has since evolved into baking and giving away all kinds of baked goods. Our team is still researching who came up with this special food day.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldBakingDay

The best way to observe this day is to bake some goodies for a friend, neighbor or loved one. They will be surprised and delighted to receive such a wonderful and delicious gift. This day is also a great day to teach your kids to bake. Go ahead and try to bake something you’ve never made before. Or host a cake decorating contest. No matter what you choose to bake, be sure to share your goodies with others. Take a photo of your creation and post it on social media with #WorldBakingDay.

NATIONAL WALNUT DAY

May 16, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

May 17th recognizes a “nutty” holiday. Each year on this day, it is National Walnut Day.

Rounded, single-seeded stone fruits of the walnut tree, walnuts are a high-density source of nutrients, particularly proteins and essential fatty acids. Like other tree nuts, walnuts must be processed and stored properly.

Grown for their seeds, the Persian or English Walnut and the Black Walnut are the two most common major species of walnuts.

English Walnut
– originated in Persia
– commercially produced
Black Walnut
– native to eastern North America
– high flavor
– hard shell and poor hulling characteristics prevent its commercial growth for nut production.

The husk of the walnut, which is peeled away from the shell at harvest, and contain juice which will readily stain anything it comes in contact with. The husk juice has been used as a cloth dye.

The United States is the world’s largest exporter of walnuts.

Ninety-nine percent of the nation’s commercial English walnuts are produced in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys of California.

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HISTORY

Created to promote the consumption of walnuts, the first National Walnut Day was proclaimed in June 1949 by the Walnut Marketing Board.

On March 3, 1958, a Senate Resolution was introduced by William F. Knowland and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the first National Walnut Day, May 17, 1958.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy some walnuts today. Try them plain or in a favorite recipe. Great on salads,, and baking. We use Black Walnuts in Bourbon Balls every year. Use #NationalWalnutDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL IDAHO DAY

May 16, 2026April 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On May 17, National Idaho Day recognizes the 43rd state to join the union.

A wave of settlement made its way into The Gem State following in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery. Miners, traders, and missionaries made their way West into the territory of the Nez Perce, Shoshone and Bannock peoples.

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by Lynna Howard (Author), Leland Howard (Photographer) — Backcountry Roads–Idaho

by Lynna Howard (Author), Leland Howard (Photographer)

The state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains range. Snake River winds its way through the rugged western border of the state carving the deepest river gorge in North America. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area provides spectacular views of the dramatic landscapes the Snake River took thousands of years to sculpt.

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by Mark Lisk (Author)

Idaho doesn’t lack scenery. Take any byway, and the next turn will reveal a whole new vista to observe. For example, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve will seem to erupt before your eyes. This vast lava field formed from ancient volcanic activity.

While exploring Idaho, don’t forget to investigate Hagerman’s Fossil Beds. Excavations of these well-preserved fossils have fascinated paleontologists for generations. If there is an equine interest, be sure to study the Hagerman Horse, too!

Beyond the fossils, entire cityscapes of stone appear. The City of Rocks encountered by native peoples, pioneers and modern-day adventurers became a kind of waystation or landmark for those who were westward bound.

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by Dave Bingham (Author) — City Of Rocks And Castle Rocks

by Dave Bingham (Author)

Inventors seem to like Idaho. Beyond the list of patents for improvements to printing presses and railroad technology, Idaho is the home of the television. Philo Farnsworth invented the necessary technology that brought the small screen to the mass market.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Explore the byways of The Gem State. Discover the history and people of Idaho. Get inventive and find all the hidden treasures!