La Chandeleur, Crêpe Day! - Today is La Chandeleur, Crêpe Day! In the News - They walk among us! Enjoy - Relax and enjoy these images and videos!
Candlemas—like many celebrations around the nativity—is related to the light but also to purification, fertility, and prosperity. The word "Chandeleur" comes precisely from candelarum (candle in Latin) according to a tradition of lighting candles at midnight as a symbol of purification.
In Roman times, Candlemas was celebrated from February 2-15, to honor the god of fertility Lupercus during the Lupercalia. It was a rite of purification.
The Celts celebrated Imbolc on February 1st. This ritual honored the goddess Brigit, celebrating the purification and fertility at the end of winter. Peasants carrying torches roamed the fields and moving in procession, praying the goddess to purify the soil before sowing.
Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century replaced the old pagan rite of Lupercalia with the festival of Candlemas.
In churches, torches are replaced by blessed candles to push away evil and recalls that Christ is the light of the world. The Christians then bring the candles at home to protect their homes.
At that time of the year, when Candelmas was celebrated, winter planting was beginning. So people used the surplus of flour to make "crêpes," a symbol of prosperity for the coming year!
It is said that Pope Gelasius I, which Christianized Candlemas, comforted the pilgrims arriving in Rome with "crêpes." The shape and the color of the "crêpes" evokes the sun. Indeed "crêpes" are golden discs like the sun.
Therefore, the Chandeleur has become with the years, the day of "crêpes." It is especially loved by children. The tradition is that “the cook has to skip the crêpes with a gold coin in hand (a Louis d’Or). If he succeeds, his house will be prospering all year long.
Monday, February 02, 2015
La Chandeleur, Crêpe Day, In the News, and Enjoy
Monday, December 16, 2013
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, The Happy Habitat, In the News, and Enjoy
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day - Chocolaholics rejoice! Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. The Happy Habitat - Our cats (my cat, Zeus, and Laura's cat, Thor) are indoor cats. They have always been indoor cats. They will always be indoor cats. In the News - They walk among us! Enjoy - Relax and enjoy these images and videos!
Today is a great day to indulge, binge, pig out, and otherwise consume to excess, your favorite food—chocolate.
Today, we may enjoy our beloved chocolate by covering something—just about anything—in a generous amount of chocolate. Pour, spread, or drizzle chocolate over cakes, cupcakes, pies, pancakes or waffles, nuts, raisins, and even insects.
We will let you decide what is too extreme, and how much is too much, if any.
As chocoloaholics, we should not need any added incentive to enjoy our chocolate. In the giving spirit of the holiday season, make sure to give or share some of your favorite chocolate covered treats today.
Laura wanted to provide for Zeus and Thor a means of safely experiencing the great outdoors. She found the Happy Habitat and bade me order it for the boys. It is a well-constructed, sturdy, and safe means for indoor cats to experience the outdoors without danger.
Zeus immediately took to the Happy Habitat and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thor did not find it to his liking, however,and refused to stay within it.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
National Caviar Day
National Caviar Day - Caviar is salted fish eggs, or "roe." Relax and Enjoy! - Savor your caviar and enjoy these graphics and videos!
It is considered a delicacy. Caviar is enjoyed by the upper class and those of us who occasionally can afford a little.
Russian Caviar is reputed to be the very best, most sought-after of all caviar. There is red caviar and black caviar, along with other colors. Black is considered the best. Beluga Caviar is deemed the best of the best.
The most prestigious, and best caviar comes from sturgeon found in the Caspian Sea. But other fish, including whitefish and salmon, are less expensive alternatives.
Laura brought these beautiful tomatoes and squash home from the garden at Sierra Nevada BC. It is a wonderful garden, and she often delights me with produce from it!
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
National Hug Your Cat Day and How Google Maps Is Made
National Hug Your Cat Day - Today is National Hug Your Cat Day. Go ahead and give your cat a big, furry hug.
Cat lovers can really get into this day. If you are a cat lover, you can really appreciate the warm, cozy feeling you get when you curl up on a couch or chair and hug your cat. The only problem is, your cat will most likely only allow a brief hug before sauntering away. If your cat is a true hugger, count your blessings.
You do not have a cat? You can correct this today. The month of June is "Adopt a Cat Month"!
How Google Maps Is Made: In-Depth Video Of Google Atlas, Google's Internal Maps Tool
Sunday, April 21, 2013
One Is What One Eats
One Is What One Eats - Laura continues her vacation in Tucson, where she is visiting with friends and family. I miss her, of course, as do the kitties, Zeus and Thor. We must eat, however, and with Laura away, dining chores fall fully upon me. Last evening’s dinner was tasty indeed. It featured a New York strip steak that I marinated overnight with minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, granulated garlic, and ground basil. As the steak grilled, I sautéed sliced white mushrooms and baby sweet peppers in extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and Pappy’s seasoning.
The kitties enjoyed their usual dry cat food. For a dinnertime treat, I gave them a serving of Seafood Medley kitty treats. I have no photograph of this to offer. I did, however, photograph last evening's dinner!
This morning's meal was not nearly as succulent as last evening's meal, yet it was very healthful and tasty!
I enjoyed a banana, four huge strawberries, and a toasted Jalapeno bagel with cream cheese.
Friday, December 07, 2012
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is observed annually on December 7, is to remember and honor all those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On August 23, 1994, United States Congress designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day. It is a tradition to fly the Flag of the United States at half-staff until sunset in honor of dead patriots.
On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941 America's naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the forces of the Empire of Japan. More than 2,400 Americans were killed, and more than 1,100 were wounded. The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships and damaged four more. It also damaged or sank three cruisers, three destroyers, one minelayer and damaged 188 aircraft.
The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt, in a speech to Congress, stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor is "a date which will live in infamy."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Big, Fighting Back, -and- Fore!
Big - world's largest airliner to serve as private jet
Fighting Back 17-year-old shoots would-be carjacker
Fore! - golfer's bad swing sparks brush fire
On this day in history: June 20, 1993 - Vince Foster, Deputy White House Counsel for President Clinton, apparently commits suicide with an unnumbered pistol at Fort Marcy Park in Virginia. Foster's empty briefcase later turns up at the White House. But after it is searched again, it is miraculously found to contain his suicide note.
Born on this day in history: June 20, 1924 - Chet Atkins (1924 - 2001) musician. "Mr. Guitar" was a virtuoso guitarist who has been associated with Grand Ole Opry since 1950.
Today's Video: Cat Dreams
My excellent friend Chris just sent me a wonderful birthday gift: 5 assorted jugs of Red Monkey Spice Rubs! I have salivated copiously when reading of these spice rubs on his blog! I am most eager to put them to use! There is: Lemon Pepper, Barbeque Spice, Mango Habanera, Cajun Spice, and Savory Steak! I am drooling uncontrollably while fondling the jugs. I must go.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
No Support, Bang!, -and- Challenged
No Support - New York attorney general accuses Dell of fraud
Bang! - Illinois issues gun-owner card to 10-month-old baby
Challenged - Judge asks, "So what's a Web site?"
On this day in history: May 17, 1974 - During a gun battle with members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, the LAPD fires tear gas into their Watts hideout. The canisters ignite a fire which soon consumes the house. Three other SLA members, including kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, watch the events unfold on TV in their motel room down the street from Disneyland.
Born on this day in history: May 17, 1956 - Sugar Ray Leonard (1956 - ____) boxer. He won Golden Gloves, 1972 and Olympic Gold, 1976; enormously popular with classic bouts against Duran and Hearns; record of 36-2-1 with 25 KOs.
Today's Video: Dodge Charger V8
VIDEOS: The videos are now available via the link "Amazing and Amusing Videos" in the Links section, below the visitor counter.
While driving to my office this morning, I spotted this cat driving a tractor. If only our cats were this productive! Click to enlarge.
