August 4

U.S. Coast Guard Day honors the military branch that protects our waters and shorelines. The U.S. Defense Department suggests that this day is largely an internal celebration for all Coast Guard personnel and their families, past and present. But, we'd like to encourage everyone to honor the brave members of this important branch of the military.

Celebrate U.S. Coast Guard Day by learning more about the responsibilities and functions of the U.S. Coast Guard. They are now playing an even  more extensive role in Homeland Security to protect our country.

We salute Coast Guard personnel today and every day. 

Origin of U.S. Coast Guard Day:

On August 4, 1790, the Revenue Cutter Service was created by the U.S. Congress. Congress authorized the construction of ten cutters. These ships were built to to enforce U.S. tariff laws. The Revenue Cutter Service was the predecessor the U.S. Coast Guard.  The name "Coast Guard" was first used in 1915.

Cousins

This is late but worth being aware of and remembering.

July 24

Cousin's Day honors your Aunt and Uncle's kids. They are those great kids who are likely close to your age, and endure the countless family get togethers with you. If it wasn't for cousins, these family events would be much, much longer.

This is a great day for your cousins. Now, hold on a minute. If you have cousins, that means your cousins have cousins. And, that's you! Therefore, today is your day,too.

Celebrating should be nothing but fun. Get together with your cousins. Hang out, just chill, or do anything you want to do...... as long as its a fun time spent with your cousins. 

Remember those fun times at grandpa and grandma’s house wh

en the whole family reunited and you spent countless hours playing with your cousins while the grownups discussed politics and mortgages? Many of us grew up around our cousins, spending summer and winter breaks with them and slowly walking into life together. Then came college and that amazing job opportunity out of state, and we gradually lost touch.

Because most of us found a best friend in our cousin at some point in our lives, Cousins Day was born. The origin of this unofficial holiday is unknown, but the reason for its existence is clear: it’s the time of the year to rekindle cousin affection and reestablish those beautiful and strong childhood bonds. Wherever you are on Cousins Day, take a minute or two to ring up or text your cousins near and far. They will surely be thinking of you then, too!

It's Mutt's Day.  Mutts deserve their day in the spotlight, as much as a pure breed. If you own a mutt, or you are a mutt (reading this), then you know this day is for you.

By definition a mutt, sometimes called a "Half-breed", is a dog that is of mixed breed.  They come from two to several breeds. Purebred owners, and sometimes the public in general, view them as lesser in many ways. Mutt owners know better. They value the diversity and uniqueness of their mutts. Sure, a mutt doesn't carry the expensive price tag that a purebred with papers has on its head. To the mutt owner, however, the mutt is invaluable. In addition, mutts don't walk around needing to prove anything. You won't see them strutting around any dog shows trying to prove they are the best.

To all mutts and and mutt owners, we hope you thoroughly enjoy Mutt's Day. Spend the day relaxing and doing all the things you and your dog like to do. Do so with both of your chins held high. For your mutt is worth a million bucks!

This is one of my husband's favorite foods.

National Lasagna Day is today. We hope you have a big appetite. Sure, it's July. Its hot and humid. Cooking up a pan of Lasagna will make the kitchen a lot hotter. But as it cooks, the smell will waft throughout the house. Your mouth will begin to water. When dinner time arrives, you will have a huge appetite for a huge piece of lasagna. Of this, you can be certain.

Lasagna is a favorite Italian dish. In between multiple layers of lasagna pasta are generous amounts of tomato sauce, cheeses, and sometimes hamburger and/or Italian sausage. Its the favorite Italian dish of millions of Americans. We all would eat it more often, but this culinary work of art, made with loving hands, takes time to make and bake.

It is best to celebrate National Lasagna Day by baking the lasagna that you will eat today. If you don't have the time, or the weather is just too hot, then head out to your favorite Italian restaurant.

Update time

I have to admit that I haven't updated stitching photos lately because I couldn't find my camera.  Last night I finally found it.  So be prepared for photos.  Here goes:

 What it should look like (but I have changed colors)

 Last known update I could find.

 as of 7-25-2015

The end is in sight!  (for this one anyhow)

What it should be - yes I made changes.  I may make more.  I will probably drop the border, I don't plan on doing the alphabet or the blackbird.  Still debating the butterflies vs another star.

 last known update

as of 7-25-2015

Last known update.  I don't think I took a photo of the original on the instructions.

As of 7-25-2015

According to the directions, it needs two more borders.  I tried one and it looked awful!  So while I debate the ending border, I still have one row of herringbone to finish and beads to put on. plus some of the gold thread in the center.  Getting very close to being done.

Overall, it's a good thing there are at least two of these that are nearly complete.  I have have way more WIPs to finish up plus new designs floating around.  And far too many other obligations and commitments to honor.

Happy Birthday Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart Day honors a famous aviation pioneer. Amelia Earhart broke many early aviation records.

Legend and mystery surrounds the final flight and disappearance of Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan. They were on a record setting attempt to fly around the world, when they became lost in the Pacific Ocean. On July 2, 1937, they headed on a difficult leg of the journey towards Howell Island in the Pacific. Weather conditions were less than ideal. While still in radio communication, ships on the ground confirmed that Earhart was having difficulty finding the island. Ultimately, radio communications faded and died. The plane was never heard from again.

The disappearance of Amelia Earhart's plane resulted in the largest search and rescue operation to date. It also sparked rumors as to what caused the disappearance. To this day, theories and speculation still exists about the cause of the disappearance. Some theories involve conspiracies, and even alien abductions.

This day celebrates the birth of Amelia Earhart on July 24, 1897.

I just read an interesting article from what was my husband's hometown paper (it covers the whole county).
I hope the link works.  Initially I found it on facebook then went directly to the article instead.

http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/life-style/

Anyhow it is about the local EGA chapter and some of their projects.  Covers from just stitching as shown to designing your own.  There's room for everyone.
Nice to have good publicity.