sandrewn

Been there, done that.

July 31st 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Abanoub Germanus of Auxerre Ignatius of Loyola Neot July 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Earliest day on which the Feast of Kamál (Perfection) can fall, while August 1 is the latest; observed on the first day of the eighth month of the Baháʼí calendar. (Baháʼí Faith) End of the Trinity term (sitting of the High Court of Justice of England) Ka Hae Hawaiʻi Day (Hawaii, United States), and its related observance: Sovereignty Restoration Day (Hawaiian sovereignty movement) Martyrdom Day of Shahid Udham Singh (Haryana and Punjab, India) Treasury Day (Poland) Warriors' Day (Malaysia) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) National Mutt Day Harry Potter's Birthday International Lifeguard Appreciation Day National Avocado Day National Diana Day National Jump for Jelly Beans Day National Raspberry Cake Day Shredded Wheat Day World Ranger Day Black Tot Day Lil Uzi Vert’s Birthday Mark Cuban’s Birthday J.K. Rowling’s Birthday Fun Observances Uncommon Musical Instrument Day July 31 is Uncommon Musical Instrument Awareness Day, a day to celebrate odd, rare, experimental, and well, uncommon musical instruments. Throughout human history, musicians have tried to push the boundary of sounds and music by inventing newer and innovative ways of creating music. This day aims to encourage people to not only learn to play some of these uncommon instruments but also to make their own contributions to the world of music by making their own musical instruments. How to Celebrate? Learn about uncommon instruments. Some examples include the Xaphoon, Daxophone, and Bowfrideaphone. Start learning how to play an uncommon musical instrument. Did You Know… …that the earliest recorded music instruments are about 42,000 years old? Found in a cave in Germany, these flutes were made of bird bones and mammoth ivory. *** Traveling through the Midwest, I stopped at an Ohio welcome center to pick up a state map. I found plenty of brochures but no maps. Then I spotted two employees and asked whether they had any. “Sure,” said the first guy. “I’ll get you one.” As he walked to the back, the second guy explained, “We keep them in the storage room. If we leave them out on the counter, people just come in and take them.” *** Delta Airlines is infusing its cabins with a lavender-and-chamomile scent called Calm. The Week asked its readers to come up with a better name to match “the ambience of the packed economy cabin.” “Eau the Humanity” “Giorgio’s Arm-on-me” “Chanel No. 5 Inches of Legroom” “Claustrophobique” “Mist Connection” “The 99 Per-scent” *** Q: What do you get when you combine an insomniac, an agnostic, and a dyslexic? A: Someone who lays awake at night wondering the true meaning of Dog. *** If you stop eating doughnuts you will live three years longer, but it's just three more years that you'll want a doughnut. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

I came across these two and thought that they would fit in here, to make the point! "To the moon, Alice, straight to the moon!" ... LOL...I loved The Honeymooners!!!

Hundreds Of Venomous Black Widow Spiders Hatch in Shipping Container Among many types of spiders, the venomous black widow spider is the most famous and well known. Recently hundreds of these spiders hatched in a shipping container when it is on its way to Norwich from Arizona. New spider escapes danger with acrobatic flips Called the flic-flac spider after the gymnastics term for a back handspring, the newly discovered species uses its legs to create a rolling motion when provoked.

July 30th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Abdon and Sennen Hatebrand Maxima, Donatilla, and Secunda Peter Chrysologus Robert Barnes (Lutheran) Rufinus of Assisi Tatwine Ursus of Auxerre Solanus Casey July 30 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Feast of the Throne (Morocco) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Vanuatu from the United Kingdom and France in 1980. International Day of Friendship (international), and its related observances: Día del Amigo (Paraguay) Martyrs Day (South Sudan) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Armed Forces Day (Guatemala) National Father-in-Law Day National Norma Day National Support Public Education Day National Whistleblower Day Paperback Book Day Reek Sunday Share a Hug Day Vivica A. Fox’s Birthday Young Lyric’s Birthday Lisa Kudrow’s Birthday Terry Crews’s Birthday Joey King’s Birthday Jerry Jewell’s Birthday Henry Ford’s Birthday Eduin Cazares’s Birthday Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Birthday Fun Observances National Cheesecake Day July 30 is National Cheesecake Day, a day to treat yourself with a slice (or two) of this decadent dessert made of cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a graham cracker crust. Believed to have originated in ancient Greece, cheesecakes, whether baked or chilled, have become a restaurant and bakery staple around the world. There are many different regional variations of the cake. For example, the Germans use Quark and a freshly made pastry as the base for their version of the cake. In Brazil, on the other hand, cheesecake is served with a thin layer of guava jelly or marmalade. How to Celebrate? With a big slice of cheesecake of course! Add some fruits to it, and you can claim that it is healthy! Bake a cheesecake at home and add new twists to the traditional recipe. Here are some ideas: replace the graham cracker crust by chocolate cookie crust, add bacon to the crust for a salty and smoky flavor, or replace the cream cheese with ricotta or goat cheese. Make a savory version of the cake for dinner and a sweet version for dessert. In honor of National Cheesecake Day, many restaurants and bakeries have cheesecake specials on their menus. Take your family and friends out to try out one of these specials. Did You Know… …that a turophile is someone who loves and fancies cheese? *** The flight attendant on our trip was handing out plastic pilot wings to some kids. As I stepped 
forward, she jokingly offered me one, but I passed. Pointing to the Airborne wings on my Army uniform, I 
explained, “The last time someone 
gave me wings, I had to jump 
out of the airplane.” *** On vacation in Hawaii, my step- mom, Sandy, called a café to make reservations for 7 p.m. Checking her book, the cheery young hostess said, "I'm sorry, all we have is 6:45. Would you like that?" "That's fine," Sandy said. "Okay," the woman confirmed. Then she added, "Just be advised you may have to wait 15 minutes for your table." *** My flight was delayed in Houston. Since the gate was needed for another flight, our aircraft was backed away from the terminal, and we were directed to a new gate. We all found the new gate, only to discover a third gate had been designated for our plane. Finally, everyone got on board the right plane, and the flight attendant announced: "We apologize for the gate change. This flight is going to Washington, D.C. If your destination is not Washington, D.C., you should deplane at this time." A moment later a red-faced pilot emerged from the cockpit, carrying his bags. "Sorry," he said, "wrong plane." *** A surveyor drops by Will’s farm in eastern Minnesota and announces that he has some bad news. “I discovered that your farm isn’t in Minnesota,” he says. “It’s actually in Wisconsin.” Will lets out a sigh of relief. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” he says. “I was just telling my wife this morning that I don’t think I can take another winter in Minnesota.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

These I grabbed from an article I found, so I can't confirm any of them. but they do get your attention. There are more than 3 spider ones(13). 30 Things From Australia That Are The Definition Of "NOPE!"

July 29th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Lazarus of Bethany Lupus of Troyes Martha of Bethany (Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran Church) Mary of Bethany Olaf II of Norway Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix July 29 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Earliest day on which Somer's Day can fall, while August 4 is the latest; celebrated on Friday before the first Monday in August. (Bermuda) International Tiger Day Mohun Bagan Day (India) National Anthem Day (Romania) National Thai Language Day (Thailand) Ólavsøka or Olsok, opening of the Løgting session. (Faroe Islands and the Nordic countries) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) National Lipstick Day International Decora Day National Challenged Champions and Heroes Awareness Day National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day National Chicken Wing Day National Get Gnarly Day National Harold Day Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day Rain Day Wallis and Futuna Territory Day Sadie Aldis’s Birthday Mia Xitlali’s Birthday Jessica Lord’s Birthday Jonah Love’s Birthday Angel Baby’s Birthday Fun Observances Lasagna Day Who doesn’t love lasagna – the versatile and delicious dish made of layers of pasta or noodles, sauce, vegetables, and meat? Celebrate it on July 29, Lasagna Day. The unofficial holiday of unknown origins is also known as National Lasagna Day in the United States. The modern day versions of lasagna - a one-pot dish made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese and then baked in an oven - originated in Naples, Italy. Many Theories About Origins Many theories exist on how lasagna became one of the traditional dishes of Italy. According to one theory, lasagna came to Italy by way of Greece. The word lasgna is close to the Greek work lasana, which means a trivet for a pot. Another theory suggests that the dish owes its origins to an English dish called Loseyn. Wherever lasagna originated, however, it is clear that the addition of tomato sauce to the dish did not occur until the late 1500s. It was only after Christopher Columbus reached America in 1492, that tomatoes reached Europe. How to Celebrate? Take out your favorite lasagna recipe and make the dish for all your meals. What about an egg and bacon lasagna for breakfast, an eggplant lasagna for lunch, and a classic lasagna for dinner? Make a dessert lasagna to end a perfect Lasagna Day. And don't forget to share - your family and friends will love you forever! We all love lasagna, but do you know who loves lasagna the most? Garfield - the comic cat known for his hatred for Mondays and diets and his love for food. Read Garfield comics and watch the Garfield television series to celebrate this awesome food holiday. Did You Know... ...that lasagna is the singular for lasagne, a wide flat pasta? In recent years the terms are used both to refer to the pasta and the dish made with the pasta. *** In San Diego to work with military linguists, my colleague and I checked into a hotel and ordered a 5 a.m. wake-up call. The next morning, the phone didn’t ring until 5:30. “You were supposed to call us at 5 a.m.!” I admonished the desk clerk on the other end of the line. “What if I had to close a ­million-dollar contract this morning? Your oversight would have cost me the deal!” “Sir,” he said calmly, “if you had to close that type of deal, I doubt you’d be staying in this type of hotel.” *** Because my wife and I are flea market dealers, we usually carry stacks of $1 bills. Not long ago, we had lunch at a restaurant and paid the check with singles. As our waitress collected the ones, she sized up my 70-year-old wife and said, "You had a good night dancing last night, huh?" *** I took four tires to a friend’s garage sale and was asking $30 apiece. I needed to leave for a few minutes, so I asked him to watch them for me. "Sure," he said, "but if someone offers less, how low are you willing to go?" "Try for more, but I will accept $15," I said, and left. When I returned, my tires were gone. "How much did you get for them?" I asked excitedly. "Fifteen dollars each." "Who bought them?" "I did!" *** A neighbor’s 44-year-old sister was pregnant with twins. When 
her niece asked if she knew the genders, she said, “No. I want it to be a surprise.” “You’re 44 and having twins,” said her niece. “How much more surprise do you need in your life?” *** *** *** *** *** I know this one *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Night owl - check. Liked to drive fast - check. Police - not so lucky. Mind you the fact that I had a 1979 SE Turbo charged Trans Am w/T-top, might have been a factor! This is a spitting image of what I had (have, it is still in my garage, buried in dust and forty years of junk. Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. It even has the same wheel rims (heavy sigh).

Something never mentioned (censored?) in any of the Spider-Man comics that I read

Spider on James Island, South Carolina This is probably a female Golden Orb-web spider (Nephila species). Females can reach up to 15cm in diameter and make very tough webs Lichen huntsman (Heteropoda boiei) Found during a night hike in Mulu national park, Sarawak province, Borneo.

July 28th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Alphonsa Muttathupadathu (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church) Botvid Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, Henry Purcell (Episcopal Church commemoration) Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Schütz, George Frederick Handel (Lutheran commemoration) Nazarius and Celsus Pedro Poveda Castroverde Pope Innocent I Pope Victor I Samson of Dol July 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval (Canada) Fiestas Patrias, celebrates the independence of Peru from Spain by General José de San Martín in 1821. Liberation Day (San Marino) Ólavsøka Eve (Faroe Islands) World Hepatitis Day Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Baptism Day of Kyivan Rus Buffalo Soldiers Day Darwin Show Day Day of Cantabria Institutions H.M. King's Birthday National Soccer Day National Talk in an Elevator Day NATIONAL WATERPARK DAY System Administrator Appreciation Day World Nature Conservation Day Soulja Boy’s Birthday Payton Moormeier’s Birthday Reagan Strange’s Birthday Beatrix Potter’s Birthday Fun Observances Milk Chocolate Day July 28 is Milk Chocolate Day, everyone's favorite type of chocolate. Made of cocoa solids - cocoa paste and cocoa butter - mixed with dry or condensed milk and sugar, milk chocolate is one of the most common types of chocolates available around the world. The other types of chocolates include dark chocolate and white chocolate. Native to The Americas Chocolate is an edible treat made from the extracts of the cocoa (cacao) bean found in the cocoa pod. Native to the Americas, each pod on a cacao tree has up to 30 to 50 seeds that are fermented, dried, and roasted to make cocoa solids. Chocolatiers then mix the cocoa paste, also known as chocolate liquor, and the cocoa butter with milk and sugar to make milk chocolate. Types of Chocolate Dark chocolate is usually made with little or no milk and has less sugar than milk chocolate. White chocolate on the other hand only has sugar, milk and cocoa butter. It is believed that milk chocolate was first created as a drink in the mid-19th century in Germany. The first milk chocolate in the form of a bar that we all recognize today was created by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter in collaboration with Henri Nestlé, the founder of the chocolate company Nestlé. How to Celebrate? Here are some ways you can celebrate this sweet holiday: Treat yourself to a bar (or two) of milk chocolate. What about baking a batch of milk chocolate cookies or a vanilla cake with milk chocolate ganache icing at home? Share with family and friends. Add milk chocolate to all your meals. Have milk chocolate chip pancakes with milk chocolate syrup for breakfast. Have a milk chocolate shake for a snack and milk chocolate bars for dessert after lunch and dinner. Did You Know… …that even though chocolate was an integral part of Aztec culture, the Aztecs couldn't themselves grow cacao? *** I was showing my kids an old rotary phone when my nine-year-old asked, “How did you text on it?” My 15-year-old daughter roared with laughter, until a thought occurred to her: “Wait, where did you store 
your contacts?” *** My grandmother called to tell me she’d gotten an e-mail account. “Great,” I said. “Send me a message so I’ll have your e-mail address.” I waited and waited, but she never sent it. Several days later, an envelope arrived—Grandma had written her info on a piece of paper and mailed it to me. *** My nine-year-old and I passed 
a store with a sign that read “Watch Batteries Installed—$5.” He seemed confused: “Who would pay to watch batteries installed?” *** A Saudi prince goes to America to study. A month later, he e-mails his father: “New York is wonderful, but I’m ashamed to go to school in 
my gold Mercedes because all my 
teachers travel by subway.” A few minutes later, his dad writes back: “Stop embarrassing us. Go and get yourself a subway too!” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

I think you have answered your own question.

Four-spot Orb-weaver Spider

July 27th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Arethas (Western Christianity) Aurelius and Natalia and companions of the Martyrs of Córdoba. Maurus, Pantalemon, and Sergius Pantaleon Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (Roman Martyrology) National Sleepy Head Day (Finland) Theobald of Marly Titus Brandsma, O.Carm. July 27 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War (North Korea) Iglesia ni Cristo Day (the Philippines) José Celso Barbosa Day (Puerto Rico) Martyrs and Wounded Soldiers Day (Vietnam) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) International Digital Adoption (DAP) Professionals Day National Chili Dog Day National Scotch Day Ashura Bagpipe Appreciation Day Barbie-in-a-Blender Day Chicken Finger Day Cross Atlantic Communication Day Earth Overshoot Day Fast of Ninth of Av Gary Gygax Day National Carson Day National Creme Brûlée Day National Intern Day National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day National Love is Kind Day National Nancy Day National New Jersey Day National Refreshment Day National Roanoke Community Beautification Day National Sheila Day National Sleepy Head Day Norfolk Day Take Your Houseplant For A Walk Day Tassoua Walk On Stilts Day Tory Lanez’s Birthday Triple H’s Birthday Robin Thede’s Birthday Sarah Miller’s Birthday iDubbbzTV’s Birthday Jacqueline Walters’s Birthday Elvis the Alien’s Birthday Danny Duncan’s Birthday Baby Goth’s Birthday Alex Rodriguez’s Birthday Abby Roberts’s Birthday Fun Observances Take Your Pants for a Walk Day July 27 is Take Your Pants For A Walk Day. Because the purpose or the origins of the day are unknown, we can only surmise that the unofficial holiday encourages people (in pants) to go out for a walk and enjoy the many benefits that walking provides. Studies have shown that walking at a medium to fast pace regularly can have tremendous mental and physical health benefits. Walking not only helps burn calories, but can also boost a person's mood and can help treat depression. It also reduces the risk of a variety of health problems including obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. How to Celebrate? Get up early in the morning, wear your pants, and go for a walk! Walking with weights is known to increase the effectiveness of the exercise. So why not fill a bag with all your pants and literally take them for a walk? Did You Know… … that the oldest historical records of pants date back to 10th BCE China? *** You can measure distance by time. "How far away is it?" "Oh, about 20 minutes." But it doesn't work the other way. "When do you get off work?" "Around three miles." —Jerry Seinfeld *** I gave my cat a bath the other day ... they love it. He sat there, he enjoyed it, and it was fun for me. The fur would stick to my tongue, but other than that ... —Steve Martin *** First you forget names, then you forget faces. Next you forget to pull your zipper up and finally, you forget to pull it down. —George Burns *** Every ten years, the monks in the monastery are allowed to break their vow of silence to speak two words. Ten years go by and it’s one monk’s first chance. He thinks for a second before saying, “Food bad.” Ten years later, he says, “Bed hard.” A decade later, it’s the big day. He gives the head monk a long stare and says, “I quit.” “I’m not surprised,” the head monk says. “You’ve been complaining ever since you got here.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

How Vampire Spiders Choose a Blood Meal This spider, feeds mainly on the Anopheles gambiae (mosquito), the main vector of malaria in the region. It is found around Lake Victoria particularly the parts bordering Kenya and Uganda. By feeding on blood-filled mosquitoes, its scent becomes more attractive to potential mates. Like other jumping spiders, the female lays eggs which are kept in a silken sac. Yes, I know this one has nothing to do with spiders. However you have to admit the trap entrance does look like a spider web. That is my story and I'm sticking with it.

July 26th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Andrew of Phú Yên Anne (Western Christianity) Bartolomea Capitanio Blessed Maria Pierina Joachim (Western Christianity) Paraskevi of Rome (Eastern Orthodox Church) Venera July 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of National Significance (Barbados) Day of the National Rebellion (Cuba) Esperanto Day Independence Day (Liberia), celebrates the independence of Liberia from the American Colonization Society in 1847. Independence Day (Maldives), celebrates the independence of Maldives from the United Kingdom in 1965. Kargil Victory Day or Kargil Vijay Diwas (India) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) Auntie's Day Fiesta de Santa Ana (Nicaragua) Holistic Therapy Day International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem Kharchi Puja National All or Nothing Day National Bagelfest Day National Coffee Milkshake Day National Disability Independence Day National Dog Photography Day National Saint Day One Voice Day Tisha B'Av World Tofu Day Mick Jagger’s Birthday Sandra Bullock’s Birthday Kate Beckinsale’s Birthday Mary Jo Houghton’s Birthday Jason Statham’s Birthday Helen Mirren’s Birthday Ferran The Fashion King’s Birthday Elizabeth Gillies’s Birthday DerekTrendz’s Birthday Fun Observances Uncle and Aunt Day Honor all the awesome uncles and aunts in your life on Uncle and Aunt Day. The unofficial holiday is celebrated every year on July 26. Uncles and aunts are fun to spend time with. They are just like parents except without the rules and regulations. They buy you gifts that your parents won't, dote on you, take you on fun vacations, and they are a huge part of your support system. So, celebrate your uncles and aunts on Uncle and Aunt Day. In many western cultures, the term uncle and aunt is reserved for close family members, related by marriage or through genetics. This is in contrast to several other cultures, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where anyone who is from the generation of one's parent is referred to as an uncle or an aunt. How to Celebrate? Call your uncles and aunts or visit them to wish them a happy day. Make them a nice meal or take them out to thank them for all the fun things you have done with them and learned from them. Did You Know… …that "say uncle" is a phrase popularly used in the United States and Canada and is usually used to concede defeat in a game or match? *** When in doubt, look intelligent. *** The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for steak to cook. —Julia Child *** A synonym is a word you use when you can’t spell the first word you thought of. *** My grandfather is a meat and potatoes guy. Once, while getting dinner ready, I asked how he liked his vegetables prepared. He said, “Fed to a cow, so they’ll turn into steak.” *** Our Grand Canyon guide was asked if people ever get too close to the edge and fall over. “Some do,” he said. “I call that natural selection.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

July 25th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Anne (Eastern Christianity) Christopher (Western Christianity) Cucuphas Glodesind James the Great (Western Christianity) John I Agnus Julian of Le Mans (translation) Magnerich of Trier July 25 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Earliest day on which Father's Day can fall, while July 31 is the latest; celebrated on last Sunday in July. (Dominican Republic) Earliest day on which National Tree Planting Day can fall, while July 31 is the latest; celebrated on last Sunday in July. (Australia) Earliest day on which Navy Day can fall, while July 31 is the latest; celebrated on last Sunday in July. (Russia) Guanacaste Day (Costa Rica) National Baha'i Day (Jamaica) National Day of Galicia (Galicia, Spain) Puerto Rico Constitution Day (Puerto Rico) Republic Day (Tunisia) International Afro-descendant Women's Day Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) National Hot Fudge Sundae Day Carousel Day Commemoration of the Assault on Moncada Fiesta de Santiago (Nicaragua) Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day International Red Shoe Day National Clay Day World Drowning Prevention Day - 1 National Drowning Prevention Day - 2 National Hire a Veteran Day National Houston Day National Merry Go Round Day National Thread the Needle Day National Wine and Cheese Day Juwany Roman’s Birthday Jackie Christie’s Birthday Hasan Piker’s Birthday Finn Bálor’s Birthday Estelle Getty’s Birthday Dennis McKinley’s Birthday Fun Observances Culinarians Day July 25 is Culinarians Day, an unofficial holiday that honors all cooks and chefs who bring good taste and great food in people's lives. Culinarians are experts in the art and science of cooking and serving food. They can be chefs, cooks, home cooks, bakers, and anyone else who is involved in the process of preparing and serving meals. Professional culinarians tend to work in restaurants and commercial kitchens. While the origins of Culinarians Day are unknown, we can all safely assume that the holiday was invented as a way to thank all the culinarians who make our experience of eating out fun and special. How to Celebrate? If you personally know a chef or a cook, send them a thank you note and a thoughtful gift. Make a special dinner for the person who cooks for you every day. Go out to eat and thank the chef and the cooks for laying out a good meal for you. Did You Know... ...that the hat chefs wear is called a toque blanche (white hat in French)? It is believed that the height of the toque represents seniority and rank in the kitchen and the folds in the hat represent the qualification of the chef. *** A few weeks back, I went to the hardware store and bought an ax to use on an overgrown shrub. I put the ax in a bag and went a few doors down 
to the grocery store, where I bought two bottles of wine. As the clerk placed the wine in the bag, he spotted the ax. “This,” he said, “has all the makings of a very interesting weekend.” *** Our normally sweet Great Dane has one quirk: She hates United Parcel Service drivers. While walking her one day, we came upon a guy delivering a package. Struggling to keep hold of her, I joked, “As you can see, she just loves UPS men.” Circumnavigating us, he muttered, “Don’t you feed her anything else?” *** Lenny tells the psychiatrist, “Every time I get into bed, I think there’s somebody under it.” “Come to me three times a week for two years, and I’ll cure your fears,” says the shrink. “And I’ll charge you only $200 a visit.” Lenny says he’ll think about it. Six months later, he runs into the doctor, who asks why he never came back. “For $200 a visit?” says Lenny. “A bartender cured me for $10.” “Is that so! How?” “He told me to cut the legs off the bed.” *** I stayed in a hotel where the towels were so thick, I could hardly close my suitcase. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Poltys spider Poltys (spider) - Wikipedia Viciria praemandibularis female 9mm and spiderlings On the bottom side of a leaf I saw this female Viciria praemandibularis tending to her spiderlings which recently emerged from their white egg sacs. There were about 25-30 of them. The spiderlings seemed motionless and the mother also stayed put, not bothered by my camera. I was surprised to see that the spiderlings look so different from their parents. The parents have slender abdomen. The spiderlings looked short and chubby with mint-green adomen. The parent are dark red for the male and orange-white for the female. They are quite a colorful family of spiders. It would be interesting to watch how the spiderlings' color and form change as they mature. Female Coin Spider (Herennia multipuncta, Nephilinae, Araneidae) with egg sac These often large spiders can be easily overlooked on the trunks of trees where they make a circular flat web on which the female lays her eggs. The much smaller males mutilate and sever their pedipalps, which are often found stuck in the female genital openings. It is suggested that they act as mating plugs to prevent other males from mating with the female and thereby ensure the paternity of offspring. The males cannot mate subsequently and such "eunuch" individuals continue to stay near the female.

July 24th 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Carnival of Awussu (Tunisia) Children's Day (Vanuatu) Christian feast day: Charbel (Maronite Church/Catholic Church) Christina the Astonishing Christina of Bolsena Declán of Ardmore John Boste Kinga (or Cunegunda) of Poland Martyrs of Daimiel Menefrida of Cornwall Sigolena of Albi July 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Pioneer Day (Utah) Police Day (Poland) Simón Bolívar Day (Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia) Navy Day (Venezuela) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) National Tequila Day INTERNATIONAL SELF CARE DAY National Amelia Earhart Day National Day of Motoring National Drive-Thru Day National marine week National Tell An Old Joke Day National Thermal Engineer Day Samaritans Awareness Day Mara Wilson’s Birthday Jennifer Lopez’s Birthday Amelia Earhart’s Birthday Casie Colson Baker’s Birthday Alexis Ryan’s Birthday Fun Observances Cousins Day Cousins are fun to be with – they are almost like your siblings but you don’t have to share all your prized possessions with them all the time. Celebrate them on Cousins Day, an annual celebration of the special bond you share with your cousins. Celebrated every year on July 24, the unofficial holiday is also sometimes known as National Cousins Day. Shared Ancestors In general, cousins are relatives with whom we share an ancestor, though in many cultures the term is commonly used to refer to the children of our aunts and uncles. In genealogy, which is the study of families and their history, a relationship between cousins - two people who have a common ancestor - is named after which generation they belong to. The Many Different Types of Cousins When cousins are from the same generation, they are known as first, second or third cousins. For example, first cousins are children of siblings - your uncle and aunt's children will be your first cousins. The children of first cousins are second cousins, and the children of second cousins are third cousins. On the other hand, when two people are not from the same generation, their relationship is described by adding the word removed. First cousin once removed, for example, is used to describe the relationship between a person and the children of his or her first cousin - your first cousin's child will be your first cousin once removed. First cousin once removed can also be used to refer to a parent's first cousin. Confused? One easy way to remember is that once removed means that there is a separation of one generation between the two relatives. Twice removed means there are two generations between them. The same logic applies to other degrees of cousinhood. How to Celebrate? Send a note or message to your cousins wishing them a happy Cousins Day. Tell them that you love them and you care about them. If you live close to your cousins, why not get together with them and their families and do something fun? If your cousins live far away, you could video chat with them or talk to them over the phone. Did You Know... ...that a genogram is a type of a family tree that includes medical, hereditary, and psychological information about the members of the family? *** Hannu wants everything to be perfect for his anniversary trip to the hotel where he and his wife honeymooned 30 years earlier. So he gets there a day early to make all the arrangements. That night, he e-mails her but misspells the address, and the message goes to a recent widow. The next day, the widow's son finds his mother passed out in front of her computer. On the screen is this e-mail: “My darling wife, I've just gotten here and everything's set for your arrival tomorrow. I hope your trip down here will be as pleasant as mine. “P.S. It's really hot!” *** My cousin always “borrows” money from her older brother's piggy bank, which drives him crazy. One day, she found the piggy in, of all places, the freezer. Inside was this note: “Dear sister, I hope you'll understand, but my capital has been frozen.” *** Did you hear about the weekly poker game with Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Leif Eriksson, and Francisco Pizarro? They can never seem to beat the Straights of Magellan. *** “What are you doing?” asked my mother after I pressed several 
buttons on her microwave. “Reheating these leftovers for two minutes at 80 percent.” “I didn’t know you could do that.” “Sure. How do you reheat bacon?” “Oh,” she said, “that’s two biscuits and a popcorn.” *** *** *** *** *** You Can Get A Coffin Pool Float That Lets You Rest In Peace *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

As far back as I can remember, my mom was the matriarch of our family. My dad was a big man, but knew better than to argue with her. In the end only she and I were left. Years before she passed, often forgetting how to make many of her recipes, things I took for granted all of my life. So I guess I had an inkling of the things to come. The last two years really hit home for me. Mom was the one to go to for names, places, dates and stories about any and all in the family and friends, where ever in the world they were. So its was a shock, when in 2017 for the first in my life, nobody remembered my birthday. 7+billion people in the world and no longer even the one I could always depend on was there to celebrate with me. We celebrated the birthdays and lit a candle for the passings of my dad and sister, but I never mentioned my BD to her again. I miss you mom,💔 until we all meet again. sandrewn

Red-marked, long-legged female Banana spider and its tiny mate in web This was a real BOO! as I walked right into the web in pursuit of a flower shot! Love the furry bands and bright red highlights on its legs and where its body parts join each other. The golden leg segments are literally translucent. I didn't see the smaller spider until I downloaded. Rather than an offspring, it is a male. Yes, far smaller than the female! Notice the Star Wars shields on its back. It's a very large spider... about 3 inches up and down. Golden Silk Spiders (Nephila clavipes)...Golden Silk or Banana spiders are the largest non-tarantula spiders in North America. Here in Florida, many have bodies the size of a little finger and leg spans over 5 inches. They are gentle, harmless, rarely biting... its sting is less than a bee.. and tremendously beneficial because of all the insect pests like wasps and locusts they eat. Red-legged golden orb-web spider, Nephila inaurata Biscayne Park FL

July 23rd 2023 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Birthday of Haile Selassie (Rastafari) Children's Day (Indonesia) Christian feast day: Bridget of Sweden Heiromartyr Phocas (Eastern Orthodox) John Cassian (Western Christianity) Liborius of Le Mans Margarita María Mercè Prat i Prat Rasyphus and Ravennus July 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) National Remembrance Day (Papua New Guinea) Renaissance Day (Oman) Revolution Day (Egypt) Observances (click on the day, BD, or week for details) National Gorgeous Grandma Day Apolinario Mabini Day Hot Enough For Ya Day International Yada Yada Yada Day National Parents’ Day National Russell Day National Women Touched By Addiction Day Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day Sprinkle Day World Sjogren's Day Slash’s Birthday Paul Wesley’s Birthday David Dobrik’s Birthday Marlon Wayans’s Birthday Daniel Radcliffe’s Birthday Fun Observances Vanilla Ice Cream Day July 23 is Vanilla Ice Cream Day. Celebrate this unofficial holiday of unknown origins by eating as much vanilla ice cream as you want without any guilt. Made by freezing a custard of cream or milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla beans or flavoring, vanilla ice cream is the most popular flavor of ice cream in the United States and Canada according to some surveys. Recognizable Flavor Vanilla is a flavoring that comes from the pods of the fruit of the vanilla orchid. A native plant of Mexico, vanilla was unknown to the world outside Central America until the late 1600s. Today, it is one of the world's most recognized flavors. The expression, plain vanilla, is used to refer to something that is commonplace and does not have any special or distinguishing characteristics. Vanilla Ice Cream Day is also sometimes known as National Vanilla Ice Cream Day in the US. How to Celebrate? Do we need to say anything else other than it's Vanilla Ice Cream Day! Eat as much ice cream as you can possibly eat. Having pancakes for breakfast? Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream with it. Brownies for dinner? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Smoothies for an after workout snack? Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. Well, you get our point. Did You Know… …that vanilla is thought to be the world's second most expensive spice? The most expensive spice in the world is saffron. *** I eavesdropped on two of my language arts students. The first one asked, “Did you warsh your hands?” “It’s not warsh, it’s wash,” said the other. “The r is silent.” *** The barman says, “We don’t serve time travelers in here.” A time traveler walks into a bar. *** I don't know if you've ever had only five dollars in the bank, but guess what–you can't get it out. You can't. You can visit your five dollars, you can call it on the phone, but you can't get it out. *** A business executive visits his Chinese friend in the hospital. “Li kai yang qi guan,” says the sick man feebly. The executive desperately wants to help him, but he doesn't speak Mandarin. “Li kai yang qi guan!” says the patient, as he draws his last breath. Later that year, the executive is in Shanghai on business when he finally learns the meaning of Li kai yang qi guan: “Get off my oxygen tube.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

Small white hair spider Javier Rupérez (Almáchar, Málaga, Spain) We Went to the Amazon to Find Out What Makes These Weird Web-Tower Things After six months of speculation, we finally know what’s building these mysterious silk structures in the Amazon: A spider. But its precise identity is still a mystery that scientists are scrambling to solve as I write this. We Went to the Amazon to Find Out What Makes These Weird Web-Tower Things | WIRED