The Times They Are A Changing

This is a continuation of Celebrating March, day-by-day.

March 11
First public basketball game, 1892
Worship of Tools Day
Lawrence Welk’s Birthday, 1903

March 12
Girl Scouts Day (founded 1912)
Alfred Hitchcock Day
James Taylor’s Birthday, 1948
Liza Minnelli’s Birthday, 1946

March 13
Good Samaritan Day
Jewel Day
Neil Sedaka’s Birthday, 1939

March 14
Pi Day
Potato Chip Day
Albert Einstein’s Birthday, 1879
Billy Chrystal’s Birthday, 1947

March 15
Ides of March
Everything You Do is Wrong Day
Buzzard’s Day
Eva Longoria’s Birthday, 1975
Andrew Jackson’s Birthday, 1767

March 16
Everything You Do is Right Day
Freedom of Information Day
Jerry Lewis’ Birthday, 1926
James Madison’s Birthday, 1751

March 17
Rubber Band invented, 1845
St. Patrick’s Day
Submarine Day
Kurt Russell’s Birthday, 1951
Nat “King” Cole’s Birthday, 1919

March 18
First Walk in Space, 1965
Johnny Appleseed Day
Supreme Sacrifice Day
Queen Latifah’s Birthday, 1970
Wilson Picket’s Birthday, 1941
Charlie Pride’s Birthday, 1938
Grover Cleveland’s Birthday, 1837

March 19
Swallows Return Day
Poultry Day
Bruce Willis’ Birthday, 1955
Wyatt Earp’s Birthday, 1848

March 20
First Day of Spring
National Quilting Day
Proposal Day
Festival Of Extraterrestrial Abductions Day
Big Bird’s Birthday
Josh’s Birthday (my son)
Spike Lee’s Birthday, 1957
Mr. Rogers’ Birthday, 1928

We have some very interesting holidays this month, starting with National Pig Day on the first. I’m not sure what you do with that (unless you consider National Crown Roast of Pork Day on the 7th). My main focus is looking for Spring on the 20th.

March 1
National Pig Day
Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
Saint David’s Day
Share a Smile Day
Ron Howard’s Birthday, 1954
Harry Belafonte’s Birthday, 1927
Glenn Miller’s Birthday, 1904

March 2
Read Across America Day
Old Stuff Day
Jon Bon Jovi’s Birthday, 1962
Karen Carpenter’s Birthday, 1950
Dezi Arnaz’s Birthday, 1917

March 3
I Want You to be Happy Day
Peach Blossom Day
If Pets Had Thumbs Day
Doll Festival (in Japan)
National Anthem Day (the Star Spangled Banner became the American National Anthem, 1931)
Jean Harlow’s Birthday, 1911

March 4
Holy Experiment Day
National Pound Cake Day
Hug a GI Day

March 5
Multiple Personalities Day
Parachute was invented by Da Vinci
Rex Harrison’s Birthday, 1908

March 6
Dentist Day
National Sales Person Day (first Friday of March)
Oreo Cookies on sale for the very first time, 1912
Michelangelo’s Birthday, 1475
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Birthday, 1806

March 7
The telephone patent was granted, 1876 Alexander Graham Bell
National Crow Roast of Pork Day

March 8
Be Nasty Day
Buzzard Day (second Sunday in March)
Daylight Savings Time begins (second Sunday in March)
Working Women’s Day (I thought we were all working women)
Lynn Redgrave’s Birthday, 1943

March 9
Commonwealth Day (second Monday in March)
No Smoking Day
Panic Day
Employee Appreciation Day
Purim (Jewish holiday)
Barbie’s Birthday, 1959

March 10
Middle Name Pride Day
First Paper Money issued, 1862
Festival Of Life in the Cracks Day
Sharon Stone’s Birthday, 1958
Chuck Norris’ Birthday, 1940

As March approaches we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel of winter and the first day of spring on the 20th. The day of the Irish shows up on March 17. As well as the dreaded Daylight Savings Time when we all (or most of us) turn our clocks ahead and hour which means less sleep and a new routine to get used to. To this day I haven’t heard a believable reason that we change the time back and fourth. Believe me the farmers don’t watch the clock when it comes to the work they need to get done (one excuse I’ve heard) and I don’t see how we save electricity when we are getting up when it’s still dark and have to turn all the lights on. I think it’s some great conspiracy to keep our body clocks out of whack. Let’s see what else March has to offer.

American Red Cross Month
Irish-American Heritage Month
Music in Our Schools Month
National Craft Month
National Frozen Food Month
National Noodle Month
National Nutrition Month
Women’s History Month
Youth Art Month
Foot Health Month
Humorists are Artists Month
National Furniture Refinishing Month
National Peanut Month
Poetry Month
Social Workers Month
Newspapers in Our Schools Week (first week)
Bubble Gum Week (second week)
Crochet Week (second week)

Yep, today (February 23) is “International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.” It seems to be strangely written as you would think you should be appreciating dog biscuits. Who knows! I’ll choose to think they meant to appreciate your dog by serving him/her dog biscuits. I have a dog bakery called Angel Paws Dog Bakery. I’m not a very good sales person, so it remains the supplier to my dog as well as friend’s dogs and those that have heard of my bakery per word of mouth. Anyway, it’s a fun side business that profits me a few dollars in spending money now and again.

Here I will share one of my prized dog biscuit recipes.

Flax Seed Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup powdered milk
1/8 cup whole or ground flax seed
5 Tbsp shortening
1 large egg
1/8 cup honey
Water as needed to make a nice dough that can be kneaded.

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Mix well.
Cut in shortening with a fork as for biscuits.
In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
Combine wet with dry mixture.
Roll onto a floured surface to ¼” thick for larger treats. For smaller treats 1/8” thick.
Cut the rolled dough with cookie cutters. Place the dog biscuits on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour (½ hour for smaller treats). Shut off the oven and leave the dog biscuits inside until the oven is cool. Most of the moisture should be out of the biscuits. They will be hard and great for your dog’s teeth. If there is moisture left in the dog treats, they may mold (when kept in a covered container) if not refrigerated. I have had no problem as long as the directions are followed.

Tip: Use 400 IU of vitamin E for a natural preservative.

Today, February 22, is “Walking the Dog Day.” Even if you have a nice back yard that your dog can run and play in, he/she may still not be getting enough exercise. If there is no one out there to run and play with, how much exercise do you actually think your dog is getting. Not to mention, what great exercise you would get while walking your dog. So, today I’m asking for a commitment from every reader who has a dog. Put the leash on your pooch and get some good exercise going for both you and the dog. In fact, I’m asking for a commitment of walking your dog 20 minutes a day (5 days a week) for the next month. See if both you and your dog aren’t happier beings.

Take different routs to make it more interesting and fun for both of you. Take a ball down to the dog park and throw the ball for a while before heading home. Or, practice your dog training of heeling and stay when you take a break from the walking. See this site for some dog training tricks.

Remember to take a plastic bag or two with you while walking your dog. Don’t leave any messes for others to clean up - it’s only right. Always be prepared as some dogs are allowed to run free by their owners. Above all, remain calm. Animals can sense any kind of heightened emotion. Put your hand out in front of you, towards the dog, and say stop, loudly and firmly. Turn and walk in the opposite direction, looking over your shoulder to see what the dog is doing. If your dog is attached, feel free to kick and scream. However, consider also carrying a whistle and pepper spray if it is allowed in your state. An umbrella is another good choice. Some dogs are even startled by the opening of the umbrella, but it can be used to poke and hit if you have to.

Today, February 21, is Love Your Pet Day. The next three days will be dedicated to our canine pets as tomorrow is Walking the Dog Day and Monday is International Dog biscuit Appreciation Day.

If we love our pets, we want them to be healthy. However, some people have the misconception that dogs should only eat meat. They are not purely carnivorous as cats are. They are omnivorous. They require other vitamins, minerals and (yes) vegetables that round out their diet, conducive to their body needs. There is actually a condition, “All Meat Syndrome,” that explains what happens to a dog when he eats only meat. His bones become soft, general unhealthiness and they sometimes will even perish. When dogs are fed only meat, they do not receive adequate calcium, vitamins A and B, and iodine.

In the wild, coyotes and wolves (dog ancestors) generally eat the whole animal. They eat the meat, of course. But, they also eat the bones (rich in calcium) and the intestines and organs which are filled with various vegetable product.

There seems to be very little traditional medicine can do about colds and flu. Of course, so many health care professionals recommend a flu shot before the fact, that is really a personal choice. You will always want to make sure your fluid level stays up when one of these ailments befalls you. Get plenty of rest and….

Honey and Lemon - Did all of our mother’s make these warm drinks for us when we were suffering? I know mine did. Choose raw honey for way more benefits. The lemon is full of vitamin C which we all know is needed during a cold or flu. But it also improves the ability of the body to expel toxins.

Hot Bath - the warmness of the water will feel good on achy muscles and joints. Add some ginger or peppermint (or their essential oils). They will help the body to perspire, drawing toxins out.

Garlic - is a natural antibiotic that is a great help to any bronchial complaints. Even if you just chew a raw piece of garlic, if you have a cold you won’t be able to taste it. Eat some raw parsley afterwards to take care of others complaining about your breath. During World War I, garlic compressions were used on wounds as an antibiotic and germ killer.

Yogurt - is mild and easy to get down even when you don’t feel like eating. The coolness feels good against a sore throat and it helps your body to produce more antibodies. Only use it when your ailment does not include mucus as dairy products have been known to produce added mucus.

Apple Cider Vinegar - kills germs and aids inflammation. 1-tablespoon of ACV in a cup with some raw honey and warm water works as well if not better than the lemon mentioned before.

Hyssop Tea - strengthens the immune system, helping the body to fight back against the cold or flu.

Ginger Tea - is also a good choice as it is an antiviral, working to break up congestion and mucus.

Massage - a good back rub will stimulate your immune system. This is one of the reasons that regular massages are so good for you.

Walking through the neighborhood, you catch the scent of honeysuckle and notice two doors down it’s growing over the side of the porch. It’s fragrant scent takes you back to your grandmother’s house when you were a small child. She had honeysuckle in her backyard garden along with rosemary, lavender and peppermint. She taught you the names of each plant and to identify them by their scent. You also remember that she consulted her moon sign book for best times for planting and harvesting. She also made something she called smudge sticks for clearing negative energy.

Your grandmother formed the part of you that loves the smell of a garden and the other part of you that doesn’t quite fit inside the “normal” box. The sense of smell is a powerful force in our lives.

Essential oils are a very concentrated plant extract. They are used in massage oils, cosmetics and perfumes. Aromatherapy is an alternative treatment source that uses essential oils.

* Lavender - is used for it’s antiseptic healing for burns, cuts and other wounds. In aromatherapy it is used as a balancer for individuals suffering from depression, migraines and sleep disorders.

* Rosemary - is used by aroma therapists to balance individuals in the areas of memory loss, mental fatigue, gout and rheumatism.

* Eucalyptus - is thought to be a general “cure all” by aborigines in Australia where it is abundantly grown. Aromatherapists use the essential oil of eucalyptus for respiratory conditions. Asthma, sinus and flue symptoms are abated with the use of eucalyptus which has a camphor like ability.

* Sage - is used for menopause symptoms as well as kidney, anemia, tonsillitis and mouth ulcers.

* Mug wart - is used to alleviate problems with hysteria, epilepsy, vomiting and convulsions.

Check out this site that is full of aromatherapy recipes and uses.

There are a lot of ways to get through the day when all you feel like doing is taking a nap or vegging out on the couch in front of the TV. Two that dome to mind are: filling up the coffee cup several times or hitting the vending machine for a chocolate bar. Both bad ideas. So what are some healthy ways to beat fatigue?

* Get Proper Sleep - Are you tossing and turning? Or just waking up five or ten times during the night to go to the bathroom. What ever it is, it could be a symptom of something more serious. However, if you’ve been checked out by your health care professional and all they can offer you is sleeping medication that leaves you drowsy in the morning and a lot of side effects to boot, try melatonin. It is natural and completely safe with no side effects. You should get at least four hours of uninterrupted sleep. Comfrey tea at bedtime will also make you drowsy and able to fall asleep. Put worries aside and clear your mind.

* Dehydration - can cause fatigue. Make sure you are getting enough clear, clean water, not sugary sodas. If you are feeling the afternoon sleepy-time coming on, get a tall glass of ice water to take back to your desk.

* Exercise - Take a quick walk outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Just 10 or 15 minutes can go a long ways in clearing your head and making you feel energized enough to get back to work and make it through the rest of the day.

* Improved Diet - Instead of that candy bar bring fresh fruit to work especially for snack time. A diet of fast food for lunch every day is enough to make anyone need a nap in the afternoon. So, while you’re picking up the fresh fruit for snack time, prepare a healthy lunch to take along to work.

If you were born on this day, you share it with several celebrities, famous people and/or infamous people.

Lou Diamond Phillips, born February 17, 1962, an actor, probably best known for his part of Rich Valens in the 1987 movie, La Bamba. Some of his other popular movies were Stand and Deliver, Young Guns and Young Guns II. Most recently, he acted in Numb3rs on TV.

Michael Jordan, born February 17, 1963, a professional American basketball player (retired). The Chicago Bulls player has been called “The Greatest Basketball Player of All Times.” He has honors and awards an arm’s length, plus.

Paris Hilton, born February 17, 1981 - well, what more is there it say?

Joseph Gordon Levitt, born February 17, 1981 has acted both as a child an as an adult. He started out in commercials as a child. Probably best known for his acting in A River Runs Through It, Angels in the Outfield, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and the sitcom, Rosanne as well as 10 Things I Hate About You.

Billy Joe Armstrong, born February 17, 1972, guitarist and lead singer for the punk band, Green Day as well as vocalist and guitar player for Pinhead Gunpowder and Foxboro Hot Tubs.

You also share the day with Champion Crab Races Day. Celebrating the race of the Hermit Crabs all over the world, well in chosen locations any way. It’s also Random Acts of Kindness Day. So, take your pick for entertainment or “feel good about yourself” moment.