Vermont, the Green Mountain State, was the 14th state, joining the U.S. on March 4, 1791 as the first state following the 13th original colonies. On November 25, 1858, Vermont became one of the first states to abolish slavery.
At 160 miles long and 80 miles wide, people consider Vermont to be a small state, but it is the 2nd largest state in New England, behind Maine. It is the 2nd smallest state in population, just behind Wyoming. Vermont is big on raising cows and is home to nearly half of all New England dairy farms. And it has the nation’s highest human to cattle ratios, coming in at 0.41 humans to every cow.
With all those dairy farms, it is little wonder that Vermont is known for some of the nation’s finest cheeses. Also, Vermont is home to the famed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (founded in 1981). Ben & Jerry’s donates ice cream waste to local farmers, who feed it to their hogs. (Reportedly, the hogs like all flavors except Mint Oreo.)
(You just knew I would have to talk food!)If you have a sweet tooth, you likely already know that Vermont is the nation’s largest producer of maple syrup, producing more than 500,000 gallons each year.
And here are a couple of little-known facts about Vermont. To preserve the scenic beauty, the Green Mountain State is one of just 4 that forbid billboard advertising (along with Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine). Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the U.S. calls Vermont home. Vermont has the least violent crimes out of all 50 states. Until 1996, Vermont was the only state without a Wal-Mart, and Montpelier remains the only state capital without a McDonald’s. Vermont-born U.S. President Calvin Coolidge is the only President born on the 4th of July.
“It is inaccurate to say I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.”
“The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.”
Some of the National or World “Days” are fun… some are informative… some are downright silly. But “You Matter to Me Day” matters more than many. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be easy to take our loved ones for granted. In a blink it can be too late to un-ring some stupid bell, perhaps one that never should have been rung in the first place. Remember to bond with loved ones daily. A simple “I love you” can help someone who is struggling to feel less taken for granted. Remind someone today that they matter… deeply. I love YOU!
Ahhh… religious freedom is not just for non-Christians. Remember that separation of church and state was introduced so that the government could no longer restrict voting to strictly white males of the royal governor’s same religion in that colony. It also means that the government cannot mandate prayer in school; nor can the govt forbid it… well, not legally anyway.
Woo-hoo! The Kindle version of Book 3 in my Destiny historical fiction trilogy just went into pre-order on Amazon.
Each year on September 30, National Love People Day is recognized. For me, it was particularly remarkable this year to spend that day attending the wedding ceremony of the daughter of very special friends. Every now and then, it’s warmingly wonderful to be reminded of the sheer bliss of a young couple crossing that threshold. Congratulations Elizabeth & Connor Keehn! And thanks for including us in your joyous celebration on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. May your lives sparkle with many blessings.
“Beer, it’s the best damn drink in the world.”
Favorite foods in the US range from Buffalo chicken wings and hot dogs to crab cakes, mac & cheese, popcorn, and nachos. If Americans are cooking at home, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, chicken, and apple pie rank highly. So, on National Cooking Day, what are you cooking?
Super Simple Stuffed Roasted Peppers
Not to be confused with a grilled cheese sandwich, cheese toast is a single slice of bread… topped with cheese and then baked or broiled to unleash the cheese’s melty mahhhhhvelousness. Mom introduced me to this back in the 1950’s. Her favorite method is still mine today.
I believe we choose to be that “glass half empty” or “glass half full” sort of person. Even someone who seems to live in the midst of a whirling dervish of woes gets to be in charge of their attitude, approach to live, and expressions. We can choose to bitch and moan… or we can choose not to do so. Even if we’ve had one rather hideously negative moment, hour, day, week, or year, each day delivers a new opportunity to express better. Let’s go ahead and turn the page. Focus on what we can personally do more positively and avoid criticizing others’ behavior or getting sucked into someone else’s pity party. Say a little prayer (or a big prayer), tie a knot, and hang on tight! I am totally positive that we can do this!
Wiener Schnitzel is a treasured Austrian dish, which translates to Viennese cutlets. Believe it or not, by law the cutlets must be veal. Yes… you can turn pork and chick cutlets into schnitzel, too. Today, we’ll make the real deal.
One of my Grandmother Gulumian’s favorite veggies to cook was acorn squash. She’d halve them, roast them, and then fill them with mixed veggies in a creamy alfredo sauce. Here’s my favorite recipe twist.
On National Read a Book Day, choose something informative, uplifting, or engaging. Make it serious or silly. Turn the pages with care or adjust the audiobook level to suit you. Pick any book you’d like… Naturally, I’d love it if you choose one of my 20+ titles. The conclusion to my historical fiction Destiny trilogy will be released late this Fall, but now would be a good time to catch up with “Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear” or “Destiny of Determination: Faith & Family.” Just hinting.
I love pizza… and always with cheese. Okay… not often with JUST cheese. But add some buffalo mozzarella slices, and ooh-la-la!
