Conversation – 26

NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

August is National Sandwich Month. The basic concept of the sandwich long predates the Earl of Sandwich, the real-life 18th-century aristocrat who reportedly loved them, and gave them their modern name. The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped lamb-meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) during Passover. Early versions of the “wrap” have also been found in Asia and Africa. The sandwich grew in popularity among aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Legend has it they were popularly shared, held with one hand, during late-night gaming and drinking.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must have at least 35% cooked meat and be no more than 50% bread. The average American child eats about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before finishing high school. Astronaut John Young once smuggled a corned beef sandwich on board a Gemini flight. Submarine sandwiches are called “hoagies” in Philadelphia and “heroes” in New York. The Dagwood sandwich was first introduced by Chic Young, creator of the Blondie strip, who described the sandwich as a “mountainous pile of dissimilar leftovers.”

SANDWICH HACKS: HOW TO ENJOY NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

When making a BLT, weave the bacon together to avoid the bacon from falling out when you bite into it.
Worried about “fridge thieves” sealing your sandwich at the office? Get a Moldy Sandwich Bag. The bag isn’t really moldy; it only gives the appearance your lunch looks moldy and spoiled.
Instead of bread or toast, make your breakfast sandwiches with waffles.
Turn your freshly-baked bread over and slice it on the soft side. That helps prevent squishing the bread.

NATIONAL WORK LIKE A DOG DAY | AUGUST 5

On August 5th, National Work Like A Dog Day urges us to charge forth and meet every challenge we face. However, if you look to your dog for direction, you may be confounded.

The English language is confusing. Take, for instance, two common idioms we use in our everyday lives: “It’s a dog’s life” and “Work like a dog.”

“It’s a dog’s life” refers to dogs being able to laze around and sleep all day. Most dogs are companions. As members of our family, their biggest worry is when the next vet visit is. On the other hand, “work like a dog,” suggests just the opposite. It means working to your maximum ability for an extended length of time. How can these two phrases apply to our canine companions when they mean contradictory things?

When considering the training working dogs received and the value they provided to farms and businesses, the phrase “work like a dog” becomes clear. With their obedience and loyalty in rooting out rodents or securing cattle, they performed tasks with purpose. Today, military and rescue dogs receive rigorous training and work hard alongside their human counterparts, too.

Either way, work like a dog for the rewards of a dog’s life.

NATIONAL OYSTER DAY | AUGUST 5

Get slurping on August 5th with National Oyster Day! Oysters are enjoyed as seafood in many parts of the world.

Did you know there are over 100 different species of oysters? Interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. Because of this, they’re typically named after the body of water in which they grow.

While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, the shellfish can also be savored in multiple other ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing. They also make delicious stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell.

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. These vitamins also support lung and kidney function. Additionally, oysters benefit the environment since their valves are capable of cleansing an ecosystem of pollutants.

The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water.
The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world.

Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.
Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

@sheba2011

The roads leading to the Rehab are impassible. The roads are near streams that flood. I hemmed and hawed for hours and decided to stay home and relax for a change. I am hoping to try tomorrow late morning to see hubby. Cannot believe in this weather that the garbage pickup is on for tomorrow while all State offices are closed. I will wait until Thursday. Enjoy the games and have a great evening.

Sheba, good Sunday to you and your crew as well, Poppy and your hubs. I didn’t do too much either because it was too hot. I’ll wash and cut up some veggies for the week ahead soon (maybe) and fold one load of laundry. Thanks for all the birthday well wishes and fun pictures.
Hubs bought me some lovely orange colored roses.
We are starting to plan a vacation for the fall so if I don’t post in 6 or 8 weeks you know why.

Hope you are looking forward to tomorrow, you know….. the 5th!

@xango

Checking to see how you and your hubby are doing. Hope you both are OK.

@oodiebom,

I hope all is well in your area weather wise. If you made it to see your husband great.
If not tomorrow is another day.

Sorry OZ is blazing hot as I type this post to you. 💕🎈

Please have a good evening.

Let’s Groove
Song by Earth, Wind & Fire

Let this groove, get you to move,
it’s alright, alright
let this groove, set in your shoes,
stand up, alright
Gonna tell you what you can do,
with my love, alright
Let you know girl you’re looking good
you’re out of sight and alright
Move yourself and glide like a 747
loose yourself in the sky among the clouds in the heavens
Let this groove, light up your fuse, alright
Let this groove, set in your shoes
stand up, alright
Let me tell you what you can do
with my love, alright
Gotta let you know girl you’re looking good
you’re out of sight, you’re alright
Tell the DJ to play your favorite tune
then you know it’s okay
What you found is happiness, now
Let this groove, get you to move, alright
Let this groove set in your shoes
stand up, alright
You will find peace of mind on the floor
Take a little time, come and see, you and me
make a little sign, I’ll be there after a while
if you want my love
We can boogie on down, down, down, down
Let’s groove tonight
share the spice of life
baby slice it right
we’re gonna groove tonight

Peace Out Peeps enjoy your evening. 😎🎈

@sheba2011

I am contemplating going to see hubby today. I am dressed and ready, but it has been raining on and off since this morning. I also found another slow leak in our den in the same areas that were repaired. I will not be contacting the construction firm who were here last year. I have a few names that may be able to help. I will start contacting them tomorrow. Some of the names of the businesses that were OK just a few months ago have gone downhill. The reviews were terrifying and the responses more so. Not once did the contractors offer to send someone out to look at the problem and to do another repair. This is absolutely dumbfounding to me.

My A/C is off since the temps are in the mid 70s. We are under a tornado watch until 8 pm.. The roads I usually use to see hubby, may be flooded. Just not sure if I will give them a try. Luckily, there are no trees near or on the roads. Also not sure if the Rehab has been evacuated since the buildings abut the Manatee River. The head nurse/unit mgr. always kept me updated one way or the other. His departure leaves a huge void. He is missed by everyone. From the 20 calling cards, they are now down to three. To say they lost a lot of good people is an understatement. Guess it’s time to see if my roads are passable. Hope your children are OK in Georgia. That will be the next stop for Debby and may become a hurricane over the Atlantic.

Stay safe. Good to get the laundry over and done with.