February 2021 Days to Celebrate

Most of these were found on National Day Calendar and Susan Boynton’s wall calendar. I’m not going to celebrate everyday, but if I were, these were the ones I’ve picked from the list.

1. National Get Up Day (and: Hula in the Coola Day)
2. Groundhog Day
3. National Carrot Cake Day
4. National Sweater Day
5. National Wear Red Day (and: World Nutella day & National Girls and Women in Sports Day)
6. Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (and: National Frozen Yogurt Day)
7. Superbowl Sunday (and: National Send a Card to a Friend Day)
8. National Kite Flying Day (and: International Scotch Day)
9. National Pizza Day
10. National Umbrella Day
11. National Make a Friend Day (and: National Peppermint Patty Day & National White Shirt Day)
12. Lost Penny Day
13. Radio Day
14. Valentine’s Day (and: Ferris Wheel Day)
15. President’s Day (and: World Hippo Day)
16. Mardi Gras
17. National Random Acts of Kindness Day
18. Drink Wine Day
19. National Mint Chocolate Day
20. Love Your Pet Day (and: World Whale Day & National Muffin Day)
21. National Sticky Bun Day
22. National Margarita day (and: National California Day)
23. National Banana Bread Day (and: Curling is Cool Day)
24. National Tortilla Chip Day
25. Wine and Cheese Day
26. For Pete’s Sake Day (and: National Pistachio Day & National Tell a Fairy Tale Day)
27. National Retro Day (and: National Kahlua day & National Strawberry Day & National Polar Bear Day)
28. National Chocolate Soufflé Day

What days will you be celebrating? Are there other days not on this list you will be participating in? 

Hello February 2021

Found online

Celebrating National Green Juice Day

Yesterday was National Plan Your Vacation Day & National Green Juice Day.

The only vacations I am for sure going to do this year, are more weekend staycations. Anything else is a wait and see.

I had plan on making my own juice, but opted for just buying at Nugget supermarket. Maybe I’ll juice more later this week.

December Check-In / January Plans 2021

Found on the Internet

Cheers to a new year! 365 days of new things to do & moments to cherish!

Okay, so I’m just a tad late to do my monthly post. I think I have a bit of the winter blues, and had been feeling “blah”. I recently saw a news segment where a couple in San Francisco decided to research all the National / International Holidays and celebrate everyday in 2021. I am very excited to see which ones they pick and how they celebrate them. I would take a look at the daily  calendar and might observe a few, but they have inspired me to get out of this funk and start back in my different lists and see what adventures I can do. As well as writing up some of the past memories. You won’t see much of a change in January’s recap since the month is already almost over, but hopefully February and on will be full of memorable moments.  

General Things Done the Past Month:

1. I was gifted a wine advent calendar, that was a lot of fun to sip wines from around the world.
2. More hikes & checking off visits to different California State Parks
3. Christmas
4. New Year’s Eve 

Music: current music challenge: “1001 Songs to Hear Before You Die”.
Trying to post on Mondays and listen to 20 songs each week.

• none

Breweries, Cocktails, & Wineries: See posts over at “My Drinktopia”

• none

Movies: current movie challenge: “1001 Movies to Watch Before you Die”

(2018 edition) In looking at all the movies, I’ve come to the realization that there are movies (like some dramas, horror & foreign) that I have absolutely no interest in watching. Which means I need to learn to be okay with knowing I will not completely watch all movies on the list. There are movies that were on previous lists that I will watch, so maybe I’ll get to 1001.

• none

Books: current book challenge: “1001 Books to Read Before you Die”

• (took a break and read other stuff – fantasy, need to get back to this)
• Currently reading = All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren

I’m always open to suggestions for any of these categories. Continuously adding to my list of things to do. 

December Days to Celebrate & Winter Bucketlist

I have to share the winter bucketlist that I created from things to do. Unfortunately, not everything is smart or feasible to do this year. Same with some of the themed days.

You could celebrate today (December 4th) for Cabernet Franc Day, National Cookie Day, National Dice Day, and National Sock Day. And those are ones I feel like mentioning, seems each day has tons to choose from. I’ll list a few other days I am “observing” for December, below the bucket list.

Any other fun things to add for Winter season?

A WINTER BUCKETLIST
Listed in the “2001 things to do” book

• Ski Tuckerman’s Ravine
• Ice-skate by candlelight at midnight
• ski by torchlight
• walk on the beach in winter
• dress up like santa claus and play it to the hilt
• find out what auld lange syne really means
• snowmobile
• drink mulled wine on a snowy night in Prague
• build a glorious, elaborate snow castle
• Christmas carol with candles
• build an igloo
• skate a perfect figure-eight
• spend the winter holidays in Austria or Switzerland
• pay Santa for a needy family at Christmas
• catch a snowflake on your tongue
• take a walk in the woods at night when it’s snowing
• attend the winter solstice, or any Paul Winter concert
• Write a personal note on every Christmas card
• Take a child with you to cut down a Christmas tree on a a snowy night
• Hire someone to wrap all your Christmas presents
• Have a picnic on the beach in February
• Send all your Christmas cards out on time
• Decorate outdoors with abandon at Christmastime
• Pack a thermos full of hot cocoa and go for a long walk in the wintry woods
• Camp out in the snow
• Read A Christmas Carol
• Spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square
• Make a snowman
• Build a snow fort
• Snowshoe
• Go sleigh riding
• Acquire meaningful Christmas ornaments

December Days

• 12/5 – Bathtub Party Day
• 12/6 – National Gazpacho Day & National Microwave Oven Day
• 12/7 – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• 12/8 – National Brownie Day & Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day
• 12/9 – Christmas Card Day & National Pastry Day
• 12/10 – Nobel Prize Day & Human Rights Day
• 12/12 – Gingerbread House Day, National Ambrosia Day, National Poinsettia Day, & National Ding-a-ling Day
• 12/13 – National Cocoa Day
• 12/14 – National Wreaths across America Day
• 12/15 – Wear Your Pearls Day & National Cupcake Day
• 12/16 – National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
• 12/18 – Answer the Telephone like Buddy the Elf Day & National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• 12/19 – National Oatmeal muffin day
• 12/20 – National Sangria Day
• 12/21 – Humbug Day & Crossword Puzzle Day & Winter Solstice
• 12/23 – Festivus & National Pfeffernusse Day
• 12/24 – Christmas eve & National Eggnog Day
• 12/25 – Christmas
• 12/26 – Boxing Day, National Candy Cane Day, & National Thank you note day
• 12/28 – National Chocolate Candy Day
• 12/29 – National Hero Day
• 12/30 – Bacon day
• 12/31 – Universal Hour of Peace & New Year’s Eve & National Champagne Day

Holiday Decor

I’m curious in how others start pulling out their Christmas (or whichever winter holiday) decorations? Do you start with the outside stuff? Inside? One box at a time, or all into one pile? Oh, almost forgot the tree. Do you start with that?

I have a 3 part process. I’ll pull out the boxes and put all decorations on the kitchen table into one big pile. Then I start putting them in their proper places. I have taken photos of past years, to help me figure out the areas I usually put certain decorations. Some get put into new spots, but for the most part I like where I’ve had them all over the house.

Then I get the outside decorations out. We don’t have lights hanging around the house. Kind of sad, kind of happy to not have to deal with tangled lights, making sure bulbs all work, and then getting the ladder to put them up. We have thought about getting some, but can’t decide which ones we like. White lights, color lights, small, large, winking, icicles, and it goes on with so many choices. We have a few light up items that we put in our courtyard.

Last, is our tree. We purchased a fake tree several years ago. Looks real enough, especially since each time it goes up or down, it sheds some pines leaves. If we want an evergreen smell, we just burn a candle for a bit, or put incense in the tree. That tree also comes with lights already on, so that is another spot we don’t have untangle things. Ornaments get hung up, and they are all kinds, with memories attached to several. (I’ll write about some in another post). The finishing touch is the Santa topper.

The other thing about putting out the decorations, is of course, having Christmas music going throughout the day.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Will have to update with a better photo. This stuffed tree also plays music

November Check-In / December Plans 2020

image found on the internet

There wasn’t much I did in November. We didn’t do a staycation because we had our Thanksgiving dinner feast and leftovers all weekend. I guess you can say we did a Turkey staycation (not the country, though that could have been fun & different).

I’ve been going on hikes each Sunday with a friend. You really get to find out how much there is to explore in places nearby. We’ve been lucky in not passing too many people on these trails. Knock on wood, to stay lucky. I will get to writing and sharing some photos soon.

December and Christmas decorations are so whimsical &  magical with their colors and bring such delight. Don’t you think? 

It’s fun to watch Hallmark movies, even if the plot lines are pretty much the same. Some people have even created bingo cards or checklists. Just like romance books, these movies are a light & easy distraction from the everyday. I’ve been thinking of using the typical activities they like to do in movies and add it to my winter bucketlist (like decorating the tree, gingerbread houses, snowball fights…..)

I’ve seen bloggers participating in Blogmas, which I might also do. I remember a few years ago looking at a list of posts that encouraged one to write down family traditions and memories. I am going to try to do that and get family members to join, then create a book to give to them.

December is also when I reflect on how much (or how little) I’ve accomplished in checking things off my different lists, and what I would like to get to next year. I really have liked doing these monthly check-ins and plans for the upcoming month posts. I haven’t done much, but I have done little things here and there that are fun to look back at, and these posts help. I’ve really missed the social events and such, but I’ve been okay, for the most part and will continue to be okay. Thank goodness for the internet and facetime. I’d of hated to be like in the dark ages where you were stuck in a house and had no way to know what’s happening (actually sometimes I’d had rather not know about some things, it was very overwhelming at times). But then you wouldn’t have heard about the neighbors in Italy singing to each other from their houses. I love hearing about those little moments of happiness.

There is plenty of things to do on my lists (like trying different foods) that I will try to work on more next year. There are plenty of memories I have been wanting to write down too. And I’m sure there’s some things I can do distancing with friends.

One thing new this month, is that I was gifted with a wine advent calendar. There are wines around the world in it. I had the first one yesterday, it was a French Merlot. I’ll be posting more on that soon, but it is exciting to look forward to each night. Cheers!
And Happy Holidays to you!

General Things Done the Past Month:

1. Voted
2. Thanked veterans
3. More hikes & checking off visits to different California State Parks
4. Signed up for a couple of Christmas virtual runs (and learned what the Christmas Pickle tradition is all about)
5. Thanksgiving dinner
6. Started watching Hallmark’s & Lifetime’s & Netflix’s Christmas movies
7. Decorated the house with Christmas

Music: current music challenge: “1001 Songs to Hear Before You Die”.
Trying to post on Mondays and listen to 20 songs each week.

• Only did one post with 20 songs during the month.

Breweries, Cocktails, & Wineries: See posts over at “My Drinktopia”

• La Mesa (newly opened in Amador County, California)
• Di Stasio Vineyards (replaced Nine Gables in Amador County, California)

Movies: current movie challenge: “1001 Movies to Watch Before you Die”

(2018 edition) In looking at all the movies, I’ve come to the realization that there are movies (like some dramas, horror & foreign) that I have absolutely no interest in watching. Which means I need to learn to be okay with knowing I will not completely watch all movies on the list. There are movies that were on previous lists that I will watch, so maybe I’ll get to 1001.

• Blackkkklansman

Books: current book challenge: “1001 Books to Read Before you Die”

• (took a break and read other stuff – fantasy, need to get back to this)
• Currently reading = All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren

I’m always open to suggestions for any of these categories. Continuously adding to my list of things to do. 

Hello December 2020

Thank a Veteran

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”(click here to read more on the history about Veteran’s Day)

I thank veteran’s from all the military branches that protect and defend the country I live in from harm. I would also like to extend thanks to all those that put their life on the line (police, firefighters, …..) This is one item we should definitely repeat, each and every day as well as really acknowledging it on the official holidays.

I’m including photos of those veterans in my family from the civil war to World War II.

Music Tuesday 05

Ongoing challenge: listen to the 1001(+) Songs you Must Hear Before You Die, 20 songs each week. Read about it, and find the full list here. 

Whoops, I forgot to post this yesterday.

1. Wondrous Place – Billy Fury (released 1960, album “Billy Fury”)
2. Most People I Know… – Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs (released 1972, album “Aztecs Live! At Sunbury”)
3. Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? – Bing Crosby (released 1933, album “Americana”)
4. White Christmas – Bing Crosby (released 1942, album “Song Hits from Holiday Inn”)
5. Army of Me – Bjork (released 1993, album “Post”)
6. War Pigs – Black Sabbath (released 1970, album “Paranoid”)
7. No Diggity – Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre (released 1996, album “Another Level”)
8. No Rain – Blind Melon (released 1992, album “Blind Melon”)
9. Stay Together for the Kids – Blink-182 (released 2001, album “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket”)
10. Flux – Bloc Party (released 2007, album “A Weekend in the City”)
11. Heart of Glass – Blondie (released 1978, album “Parallel Lines”)
12. Atomic – Blondie (released 1979, album “Eat to the Beat”)
13. Rapture – Blondie (released 1980, album “Autoamerican”)
14. (Don’t Fear) The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult (released 1976, album “Agents of Fortune”)
15. End of a Century – Blur (released 1994, album “Parklife”)
16. Song 2 – Blur (released 1996, album “Blur”)
17. I’m a Man – Bo Diddly (released 1955, single track)
18. Harlem Shuffle – Bob & Earl (released 1963, single track)
19. (To Be) Young, Gifted, and Black – Marcia Griffiths & Bob Andy (released 1970, single track) Listen also to Nina Simone’s version
20. Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan (released 1965, album “Highway 61 Revisited”)

October Check In / November Plans 2020

I was hoping that by participating in the Blogtober theme for October, it would get me writing and posting more. I did get a few Halloween themed posts in but not much. I have started doing a little more adventures out. I went hiking for the first time in about 8 years. I also tracked down a roadside attraction that was nearby. (Expect upcoming posts on those).

We had a lovely weekend “visiting” to Germany this month for Oktoberfest. Yummy pretzels, sausages, and beer. Prost! My birthday was very nice with seeing & hearing well wishes from family & friends. Weather was a perfect 80 degrees on the 23rd (my birthday) and I had dinner outside on the patio listening to a live band.

Now we’re coming up to chili and squash eating weather. As well as turkey for Thanksgiving. We might only see family on the computer screen this year, but we’re still thankful for what we have.

(read about my “Starting With a Dozen Each” here)

General Things Done the Past Month(s):

• We took a “trip” to Germany in honor of Oktoberfest.
• Hike #1 & crossing off a California State Park
• Enjoyed pizza during Pizza Month
• Got back into researching more on my family history
• Tracked down a roadside attraction 
• Showed you some of my favorite Halloween Decorations

Music: current music challenge: “1001 Songs to Hear Before You Die”.
Trying to post on Mondays and listen to 20 songs each week.

• Got 80 songs done

Breweries, Cocktails, & Wineries: See posts over at “My Drinktopia”

• none in October

Movies: current movie challenge: “1001 Movies to Watch Before you Die”

• I decided to buy the book (2018 edition) I really want to read what they have to say about their choices.

Books: current book challenge: “1001 Books to Read Before you Die”

• (took a break and read other stuff – fantasy, need to get back to this)
• Currently reading  = All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren

I’m always open to suggestions for any of these categories.

Hello November 2020

Music Tuesday 04

Ongoing challenge: listen to the 1001(+) Songs you Must Hear Before You Die, 20 songs each week. Read about it, and find the full list here. 

Whoops, I forgot to post this yesterday.

1. Jive Talkin’– Bee Gees (released 1975, album “Main Course”, Funk, Disco)
2. Step into My Office, Baby– Belle & Sebastian (released 2003, album “Dear Catastrophe Waitress”, Chamber Pop)
3. Spanish Harlem– Ben E. King (released 1960, album “Spanish Harlem”, Soul)
4. Stand by Me– Ben E. King (released 1961, album “Don’t Play That Song!”, Rhythm and Blues)
5. Needle of Death– Bert Jansch (1965, album “Bert Jansch”, Folk)
6. Louis Blues– Bessie Smith (released 1925, Blues)
7. Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl– Bessie Smith (released 1931, Blues)
8. Today I Started Loving You Again– Bettye Swann (released 1973, Soul)
9. Crazy in Love– Beyonce (released 2003, album “Dangerously in Love”, Hip Hop, Fun, R&B)
10. Drunk In Love– Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z (released 2013, album “Beyonce”, R&B, Hip Hop, Trap)
11. Kerosene– Big Black (released 1986, album “Atomizer”, Punk Rock)
12. Piece of My Heart– Big Brother & The Holding Company (released 1968, album “Cheap Thrills”, Blues Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Acid Rock)
13. Shake, Rattle and Roll– Big Joe Turner & His Blues Kings (released 1954, album “Rock & Roll”, Blues, R&B)
14. Thirteen– Big Star (released 1972, album “#1 Record”, Folk, Pop)
15. (We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock– Bill Haley & His Comets (released 1954, album “Rock Around the Clock”, Rock and Roll, Rockabilly)
16. Strange Fruit– Billie Holiday (released 1939, Blues, Jazz)
17. Gloomy Sunday– Billie Holiday (released 1941, Blues)
18. God Bless The Child– Billie Holiday (released 1942, Jazz)
19. Love for Sale– Billie Holiday (released 1954, album “Billie Holiday”, Jazz)
20. A New England– Billy Bragg (released 1983, album “Life’s a Riot With Spy vs. Spy”)

Music Monday 03

Ongoing challenge: listen to the 1001(+) Songs you Must Hear Before You Die, 20 songs each week. Read about it, and find the full list here. 

1. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys (released 2005, album “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not”, Garage Rock, Indie Rock, Punk Rock)
2. Respect – Aretha Franklin (released 1967, album “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You”, Soul)
3. I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin (released 1968, album “Aretha Now”, Soul) – should also listen to same song by Dionne Warwick (released 1967, album “The Windows of the World”)
4. U Don’t Know Me – Armand Van Helden (released 1999, album “2 Future 4 U”, Garage House, disco)
5. Sun City – Artists United Against Apartheid (released 1985, album “Sun City”, New Wave, R&B, Hip Hop)
6. Kung Fu – Ash (released 1995, album “1977”, Power Pop)
7. Dum Maro Dum – Asha Bhosle (released 1971, Film Score, Indian Rock)
8. One Armed Scissor – At the Drive-In (released 2000, album “Relationship of Command”, Progressive Rock)
9. 212 – Azaelia Banks (released 2011, album “Broke with Expensive Taste”, Hip House)
10. Please Love Me – B.B. King (released 1956, album “Singin the Blues”, Blues)
11. The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King (released 1969, album “Completely Well”, Soul, Blues)
12. Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Backstreet Boys (released 1997, album “Backstreet Boys”, Pop)
13. Manic Monday – Bangles (released 1986, album “Different Light”, Pop Rock)
14. Guilty – Barbara Streisand and Barry Gibb (released 1980, album “Guilty”, Pop, Disco)
15. Romeo – Basement Jaxx (released 2001, album “Rooty”, Disco, House)
16. No Sleep Til Brooklyn – Beastie Boys (released 1987, album “Licensed to Ill”, Rap, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal)
17. Sabotage – Beastie Boys (released 1994, album “Ill Communications”, Rap, Hard Rock)
18. Dub Be Good to Me – Beats International (released 1990, album “Let Them Eat Bingo”, Dub)
19. Loser – Beck (released 1993, album “Mellow Gold”, Alternative Rock)
20. Devil’s Haricut – Beck (released 1996, album “Odelay”, Alternative Rock)

Halloween Décor

I always wait until October 1 comes around to bring out my Halloween decorations and make the house spooky. Here are my top five favorite décor pieces. I don’t quite have all the rooms and outside decorated, but I am working on that.

Do you wait to decorate on the first of the month? Do you have a theme (all witches, pumpkins, …) ? Have favorites?