My Daily Bread Crumbs 16 Sep 2022

On September 16 take a walk to the park, the beach, or to the jewelers, and collect some pretty looking rocks. Why, you ask? Because it is Collect Rocks Day.

While the origins of this obviously made up holiday are unknown, we can safely assume that the day encourages people to learn more about geology. Geology is the study of the Earth, its materials and the processes through which these materials are created.

Three Major Types

Rocks are tightly compacted formations of minerals and are found all over the lithosphere, the top solid layer of the Earth. Geologists classify rocks into three major types based on texture, composition, and size. These types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Almost 65% of the Earth is made up of igneous rocks, though over time one type of rock can turn into another due to exposure to the Earth's atmosphere and environmental factors. This transition between different type of rocks is called a rock cycle.

How to Celebrate?

Rocks have been an integral part of human activity since antiquity. Some of the earliest weapons and musical instruments were made of rocks. Mining of rocks has made it possible for humans to use metals and other materials for developing technology. Here are some ways you can show your appreciation for rocks and their importance in our daily lives:

Take a walk and collect different kinds of rocks - who knows you may just find a new fossil hiding in the rocks?
Learn more about the different types of rocks so that you can identify the types of rocks you just collected.
Not sure what to do with the rocks? What about painting on them and displaying them creatively?
If painting is not your thing, but you are still creatively inclined, why not spend the day learning about rock art? Rock art is art made on rock. Ancient humans used it as a way to record significant events and as part of rituals. If there is an archealogical site close to where you live, that features such art, why not take a trip to see it?

Did You Know…

…that petrology is the scientific study of rocks?

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Guacamole Day

September 16 is Guacamole Day. The unofficial holiday celebrates the delicious Mexican side-dish or dip made of avocados.

Usually eaten as a side-dish, guacamole has been a part of traditional Mexican cuisine since the time of the Aztecs. Today, the dip, whose name comes from an Aztec dialect Nahuatl and means guacamole sauce, is a popular side-dish, salad addition and party dip all around the world.

Mostly Avocado

Traditionally, the dish is made by mashing avocados in a mortar and pestle and adding chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice and cumin to it.

Guacamole is informally called guac in the United States and Canada.

Healthy Fruit

Avocados are fruit native to Mexico and Central America and are considered to be a good source for Vitamin K and some types of vitamin B.

The holiday is also called National Guacamole Day in the U.S.

How to Celebrate?

With lots of guacamole, of course!
Have guacamole for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Have it with your bacon and eggs for breakfast, use it as a spread for your sandwich at lunch, add it your salad at dinner, or if you are like us eat a bowlful of yummy guacamole by itself!
Ever tried to make a sweet guacamole? In Sri Lanka, mashed avocado is mixed with milk and sugar or syrup and eaten as a dessert.

Did You Know…

…that avocados are also known as alligator pear owing to the texture of its skin?

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My father’s secretary was visibly distraught one morning when she arrived at the office and explained that her children’s parrot had escaped from his cage and flown out an open window. Of all the dangers the tame bird would face outdoors alone, she seemed most concerned about what would happen if the bird started talking.

Confused, my father asked what the parrot could say.

“Well,” she explained, “he mostly says, ‘Here, kitty, kitty.’ ”

***

When my daughter and I caught only one perch on our fishing trip—not enough for even a modest lunch—we decided to feed it to her two cats. She put our catch in their dish and watched as the two pampered pets sniffed at the fish but refused to eat it.

Thinking quickly, my daughter then picked up the dish, walked over to the electric can opener, ran it for a few seconds, then put the fish back down.

The cats dug right in.

***

I worked at a boarding kennel where people leave their dogs and cats while on vacation. One morning I had taken a cat out of his cage, and after playing with him and replenishing his food and water, I put him back in. A few minutes later, I was surprised to see the feline at my feet, since the cage doors lock automatically when they’re shut.

I couldn’t figure out how the cat escaped, until I bent down to pick him up and spied his nametag:

“Houdini.”

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