NATIONAL HOT DOG MONTH

Hot Diggity Dog!  Or should I say dogs! July is National Hot Dog Month according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Grab your dogs and toppings, because here are some interesting bits on an American classic!

Now that the weather has warmed up and gotten nice outside, grilling season is upon us yet again.  Time to fire up those grills and buy some juicy hamburgers, sausages, and hot dogs, of course!

Grilling Accessories, Grill Tools, Fathers Day Grilling Gifts for dad, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grill Set BBQ Grill Accessories for Outdoor Grill with Aluminum Case and Apron
#NationalGrillingMonth
Grilling Accessories, Grill Tools, Fathers Day Grilling Gifts for dad, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grill Set BBQ Grill Accessories for Outdoor Grill with Aluminum Case and Apron

The exact origins of hot dogs are unknown, but likely their predecessor was brought over by immigrants.  What we do know, however, is how they are made, and what goes into them.  Hot dogs are usually pork or beef, but they can be made from poultry as well.  The meat is put into a machine to be finely ground until it resembles a paste or batter (don’t look it up, trust us).

Spices and flavorings are added for flavor, and some brands add sugar or corn syrup for sweetness. Some brands also add preservatives to extend the shelf life of the product.  After the meat has been finely ground, it is sent to a machine that pumps the meat into the casings.  Some brands use cellulose casings, but others still use a traditional natural casing.  After being injected with meat, the casings go through another machine to link the casings into strands of hot dogs.

Johnsonville Brat Griller - BBQ Basket for 5 Sausage Links - Easily Handle, Flip and Grill Brats to Perfection#NationalHotDogMonth
Johnsonville Brat Griller – BBQ Basket for 5 Sausage Links – Easily Handle, Flip and Grill Brats to Perfection

Afterward, the strands of hot dogs are sent to an oven to cook. During this stage, smoke may be used to add extra flavor.  After cooking, the dogs are showered in water to let them cool before being sent to packaging. If a cellulose casing was used, the hot dogs are sent to another machine to remove the casing.  Then they are cut into individual dogs, packaged and sealed ready to be shipped to a store near you.

National Hot Dog Day, July 22

Certified International Hot Dogs Rectangular Tray withHandles 19" x 12" Servware, Accessories,Hostess Serving, Multicolor

Brand: Certified International
Certified International Hot Dogs Rectangular Tray withHandles 19″ x 12″ Servware, Accessories,Hostess Serving, Multicolor

Brand: Certified International

Some Fun Facts :

  • Joey Chestnut currently holds the world record in hot dog eating by eating 69 hot dogs (and buns) in 10 minutes
  • The Tokyo Dog food truck located in Seattle, WA holds the record for the most expensive hot dog, costing $169
  • The longest hot dog on record, made by Novex SA of Paraguay in 2011, is 668 ft. and 7.62 in. (203.80m.)

HISTORY

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce first named the first observance of National Hot Dog Month in July, 1956. Since then, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has begun promoting the month. 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Invite some friends over and throw some hot dogs on the grill. It’s a great time to have an easy meal and enjoy a leisurely time catching up with people we don’t get to see very often. While you’re at it, try different toppings. Get inspired and throw a hot dog buffet and have each guest bring a different ingredient. What imaginative hot dog combinations will your guests design? Use #NationalHotDogMonth to share on social media.

Amazon Fresh get it delivered
Amazon Fresh

NATIONAL FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MONTH

Add color to your meals during National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month in June. As the peak season for many early garden crops find their way into markets, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of these freshly picked fruits and vegetables.

Find farmers market near you
Find a Farmers Market Near You

Berries and salad items come to mind first, but don’t hesitate to try exotic produce, too. As we head into a season where more variety is available, our family gets to enjoy the benefits of early summer’s bounty in vibrant color.

From zucchini and tomatoes, leafy greens, onions, and avocado, each provides added fiber, protein, and vital nutrients. Whether we eat them as a snack, on a salad or in smooth, it’s important to have five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Cucumber, Tomato Salad
Cucumber, Tomato Sald
Red, Blue, and Cheesecake Salad
Red, Blue and Cheesecake Salad
Easy Broccoli Salad
Easy Broccoli Salad
No-Fail Fresca Sangria
No – Fail Fresca Sangria

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Skip the canned and frozen aisle and check out the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables coming into the grocery, farmers markets, and even your garden every day in June. Maybe visit a pick-your-own-fruit-and-vegetable farm and bring home the fruits of your labor. Savor the goodness of these delicious foods and use #FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth to share on social media.

Amazon Fresh Prime Delivery

NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

National Soul Food Month in June is steeped in tradition, tracing its heritage back generations.

While soul food and southern cooking may often be compared, African-American slaves developed soul food’s distinct character by creating outstanding meals from less-than-desirable cuts of meat and produce.
Whether the meal consisted of fried meats and vegetables or bbq and baked goods, the meals served to nourish the body and the fellowship that accompanied it nourished the soul.

According to culinaryhistorians.org, the term “soul food” made its appearance and became popular in the 1960s, giving a name to the flavorful foods, often fried in pork fat, that were becoming known in kitchens and restaurants in cities across the country.

However, soul food doesn’t have to laden with fat. Fresh from the southern garden, it can be just as flavorful as it can be light. Many of the old recipes are new again with spices and herbs and pinches of the old traditions.

HISTORY

Charla Draper founded National Soul Food Month in 2001 to celebrate the rich history of soul food.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take a tour through soul food heritage. Graze the flavors and spices of the heritage. Have a conversation while you’re at it and feed your soul.  Listen to the history of the food, where it’s traveled, how it’s changed through the years.  Use #NationalSoulFoodMonth to share your favorites on social media.  Visit culinaryhistorians.org to learn more.

Amazon Fresh Prime Delivery

NATIONAL IDAHO DAY

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.

Backcountry Roads--Idaho Paperback – March 1, 2008

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.

https://amzn.to/2Lwuzf2
Idaho: The Gem State (2) (State Pride)

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.

City Of Rocks And Castle Rocks Flexibound – January 1, 2016

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!

See also National Graduation Tassel Day, observed today.

Use #NationalIdahoDay to share on social media.

Sacajawea – Explorer and Guide – (May 1788 – December 20, 1812)

Sacagawea Hardcover – September 22, 1997

by Judith St. George  (Author)
Sacagawea

by Judith St. George  (Author)

Gutzon Borglum – Artist – (March 25, 1867 – March 6, 1941)

Gutzon Borglum: His Life and Work Perfect Paperback – November 1, 2007

by Robin Borglum Carter  (Author)
Gutzon Borglum: His Life and Work Perfect

by Robin Borglum Carter  (Author)

Ezra Pound – Poet – (October 30, 1885 – November 1, 1972)

Ezra Pound: Poems & Translations (LOA #144) (Library of America) Hardcover – October 13, 2003

by Ezra Pound  (Author)
Ezra Pound: Poems & Translations (LOA #144) (Library of America)

by Ezra Pound  (Author)
The Cantos of Ezra Pound (New Directions Paperbook) Paperback – June 17, 1996

by Ezra Pound  (Author)
The Cantos of Ezra Pound (New Directions Paperbook)

by Ezra Pound  (Author)

Carol R. Brink – Author – (December 28, 1895 – August 15, 1981)

Best Short Stories for Children 1st Collection Hardcover – January 1, 1935

by Carol R. Brink (Author)
Best Short Stories for Children 1st Collection Hardcover – January 1, 1935

by Carol R. Brink (Author)

Joe Albertson – Businessman – (October 17, 1906 – January 20, 1993)

Founder of Albertsons Grocery Stores
Albertsons Grocery Stores Founder

J. R. Simplot – Businessman – (January 4, 1909 – May 25, 2008)

. R. Simplot: A billion the hard way Hardcover – October 7, 2000

by Louie Attebery (Author)
J. R. Simplot: A billion the hard way

by Louie Attebery (Author)

Mark Felt – Investigator – (August 17, 1913 – December 18, 2008)

Watergate    Mark Felt - The Man Who Brought down the White House [Blu-ray]

Liam Neeson (Actor), Tom Sizemore (Actor), & 1 more 
Watergate…Mark Felt – The Man Who Brought down the White House  [Blu-ray]

Liam Neeson (Actor), Tom Sizemore (Actor), & 1 more 

Lana Turner – Actress – (February 8, 1921 – June 29, 1955)

Lana Turner: Hearts and Diamonds Take All (Blood Moon's Babylon Series) Kindle Edition
by Darwin Porter  (Author), Danforth Prince (Author)  
Lana Turner: Hearts and Diamonds Take All (Blood Moon’s Babylon Series) Kindle Edition

by Darwin Porter  (Author), Danforth Prince (Author)  


The Postman Always Rings Twice [Blu-ray]

BLU-RAY SINGLE

John Garfield (Actor), Lana Turner (Actor), & 2 more 
The Postman Always Rings Twice

John Garfield (Actor), Lana Turner (Actor), & 2 more 

Harmon Killebrew – Baseball player – (June 29, 1936 – May 17, 2011)

Harmon Killebrew: Ultimate Slugger Hardcover – May 10, 2012

by Steve Aschburner  (Author)
Harmon Killebrew: Ultimate Slugger 

by Steve Aschburner  (Author)

Nikki Sixx – Musician – (December 11, 1958 – )

This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx Hardcover – April 12, 2011

by Nikki Sixx  (Author)
This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx

by Nikki Sixx  (Author)

Picabo Street – Skiier – (April 3, 1971 – )

Picabo: Nothing to Hide Kindle Edition

by Picabo Street  (Author), Dana White (Author)
Picabo: Nothing to Hide

by Picabo Street  (Author), Dana White (Author) 

Hidden Treasure

Center of the Universe – Wallace

Ernest Hemingway’s Grave – Ketchum

Yellowstone’s Zone of Death – Idaho Park

Dugout Dick Memorial – Salmon River

Allure of April

The Allure of April: A Celebration of Renewal, Reflection, and Rebirth

Welcome to April, the golden child of the spring season. There is a distinct magic that happens this month—a shift in the atmosphere that feels both energetic and serene. The last whispers of winter have faded, and the world outside our windows is waking up in full force. The trees are budding, the bulbs we planted months ago are finally blooming into tulips and daffodils, and the daylight stretches longer into the evening, inviting us to spend more time outdoors. April doesn’t just mark the continuation of spring; it feels like the true starting line for the year ahead. It’s a time of gentle momentum, where we are encouraged to clear out the cobwebs—both literally in our homes and metaphorically in our minds—and make space for the color and light that this month promises to deliver.

Beyond the holidays, the true allure of April lies in the season itself. This is a month that engages all five senses. It’s the sound of birdsong returning in the early morning and the gentle patter of a “April shower” against the window. It’s the sight of cherry blossoms painting the streets pink and white, and the bright green “fuzz” of new leaves on bare branches. It’s the smell of wet earth and fresh grass after a spring rain—a scent so unique it actually has a name: petrichor. As the weather warms, we trade our heavy coats for light jackets and our comfort food cravings for fresh salads and citrus. April invites us to reconnect with nature, to take the long way home, and to simply pause and appreciate the beauty of growth happening all around us.

For many, Easter is the emotional and spiritual heart of April. Whether you observe the holiday for its religious significance or embrace its secular traditions, it is a day centered on themes that perfectly mirror the month: hope, renewal, and joy. There’s a special kind of charm in preparing for Easter Sunday. It might involve hosting a brunch featuring a glazed ham and hot cross buns, or watching the children dash across a dew-soaked lawn in search of hidden eggs and chocolate baskets. It is a day that encourages gathering, whether you are dressing up in your pastel best for a church service or sitting around a table with loved ones. Easter reminds us to look for the sweetness in life, to celebrate new beginnings, and to welcome the light back into the world.

Celebrating All April

April also plays host to two very different, yet equally significant, types of celebrations: personal milestones and planetary awareness. To all the April babies—the Aries and the Taurus—this is your time to shine. There is something wonderful about having a birthday during such a vibrant month; it feels like the whole world has put on a floral display just for you. As you celebrate your own trip around the sun, you’ll also be celebrating the birthday of our planet on April 22nd. Earth Day serves as an important collective reminder of our role as stewards of this beautiful world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to align your personal new year with actions that benefit the earth—whether that’s planting a tree, starting a compost bin, or simply participating in a local park cleanup. It’s a beautiful synergy: as we celebrate our own lives, we also honor the planet that sustains us.

Notable Birthdays


· William Shakespeare (April 23, 1564): England’s most famous playwright and poet.
· Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816): British novelist who wrote Jane Eyre.
· Harper Lee (April 28, 1926): American author of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.
· Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928): American poet and civil rights activist.

Charlie Chaplin (April 16, 1889): English silent film star and director.
· Eddie Murphy (April 3, 1961): American comedian and star of Beverly Hills Cop.
· Robert Downey Jr. (April 4, 1965): American actor famous for playing Iron Man.

Jackie Chan (April 7, 1954): Hong Kong martial artist and actor known for his stunt work (while primarily an actor, his martial arts skills place him here).
· K. LeRoy Irvin (April 3, 1957): Former American NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion.
· Joe Welch (April 3, 1963): Former American MLB pitcher.

Queen Elizabeth II (April 21, 1926): Longest-reigning British monarch.
· Booker T. Washington (April 5, 1856): American educator, author, and advisor to presidents.
· Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743): Third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence.

As we journey through these next few weeks, let’s allow the spirit of April to inspire us. Let’s embrace the showers because we know they bring the flowers. Let’s gather for Easter, celebrate the Earth, and raise a glass to the Aries and Taurus souls marking another year. April isn’t just a month on the calendar; it’s a feeling—an optimistic, breezy, and colorful feeling. So, open the windows, let the fresh air in, and step outside to enjoy the show. After all, the world is blooming, and we get to bloom right along with it.

Happy April, everyone! How are you welcoming the new season? Let me know in the comments below!