Conversation – 26

NATIONAL ICE CREAM SANDWICH DAY

On August 2, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day encourages us to cool off with one of our favorite frozen treats. Whether it’s vanilla, strawberry or Neopolitan between two chocolate wafers, the dessert sure will hit the spot on a hot summer day.

The original ice cream sandwich sold for a penny in 1900 from a pushcart in the Bowery neighborhood of New York. Newspapers never identified the name of the vendor in articles that appeared across the country. However, the ice cream sandwiched between milk biscuits became a hit. Soon, pushcarts popped up around the city and country during the summer months selling the portable treats. Early pictures show beachgoers at Atlantic City getting their ice cream sandwiches for 1¢ each.

Once ice cream sandwiches became popular, recipes for home cooks filled the papers. The sandwich layers included everything from angel food and sponge cake to shortbread cookies. Restaurants offered the ice cream sandwich as a decadent dessert for travelers. By 1940, grocers sold sandwiches made with crispy wafers.

One account claims the modern ice cream sandwich with the chocolate wafer was invented in 1945 by Jerry Newberg. The ice cream maker sold his creation at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, PA. At the time, the storied location was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

If the chocolate brownie wafer doesn’t appeal to you, don’t hesitate to mix it up. All variety of cookies make excellent sandwich parts. Change up the ice cream, too. Around the world, ice cream sandwiches go by a variety of names including the Monaco Bar, Giant Sandwich, Maxibon, Cream Between, Vanilla Slice, and many more.

INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY
The first Friday in August brings a toast to ales, lagers, and pilsners that put the international in International Beer Day. Whether your beer is fermented or not, dark or pale, hoppy, bitter, smooth, or domestic, we raise our mug on International Beer Day.

Perhaps there’s a porter or a Belgian in your glass. Lift it high among friends around the world, thanking those who work at brewing delicious beer in your local area. Why? Because International Beer Day brings the world together, celebrating the beers of all cultures on one remarkable day.

Did you know, this is a day for beer lovers everywhere. In backyards, taverns, pubs, and breweries all over, people celebrate beer’s greatness while showing gratitude to their bartender and waitstaff. Don’t miss this one. If you do, be sure to check out these other ways to celebrate:

Pack a cooler and the grill for National Tailgating Day.
National Drink Beer Day
In December, National Lager Day has you covered.
Beer goes well with National Pizza Day.
And it goes really well with National Pretzel Day, too.
Of course, there’s always National Beer Day.

NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY

National Coloring Book Day on August 2 recognizes the joy children and adults alike derive from coloring in pages of designs.

Coloring and coloring books have always been popular with children, but over the years, adults have gotten more and more involved with coloring. Obviously, adult coloring is now a huge trend. Many find that it is not only fun but also a great way to reduce stress.

With so many colors and designs to choose from, coloring offers enjoyment in so many settings. They’re portable and come in a variety of sizes. Take coloring books on vacation with you for rainy days or to document a fun memory.

Coloring books also make great gifts all year long. When someone visits, be sure to leave a coloring book and colors in the guest room for downtime. At the office, keep a variety of books in the breakroom for co-workers to fill up.

NATIONAL WATER BALLOON DAY

Fill ’em up! The first Friday in August ushers in National Water Balloon Day just in time for the hottest days of summer!

Pop, throw, splash, or just squish! What kid or adult doesn’t enjoy a water balloon in the hot summer? Since Edgar Ellington invented the waterproof sock in 1950, backyards haven’t been the same. Whether kids compete in the Longest Toss or take sides in a good old water balloon fight, the cool, wet fun lasts all summer long.

Besides keeping cool, they’re an excellent way to expend a little energy, too. And
speaking of spending, water balloons are an inexpensive way to have tons of fun.

@Sheba

Good evening. I can understand those thunderstorms doing havoc. Wonder if there was a tornado in your area that caused the trees to come down. Thankful that the three of you are OK. Thankful that all you have is debris.

I just went to Aldi’s. There was no time to do the Farmer’s Market. We also had a thunder storm that lasted a good hour or so. No power lost. The only thing that kept me on my toes were the loud thunder claps. I waited for the storm to pass before venturing out. By the way, Aldi’s has some hot shrimp in their freezer area. I tried it and they are pretty good. I thought of your hubby when I had a couple. They are hot, but not hot hot hot.

Hubby had just finished dinner when I arrived. He was in excellent spirits and making me laugh. His roommate is quite nice. He has some nasty health issues and I’m not sure if he will make it home. Not sure what his problem is, but I do know he has a feeding tube and is on oxygen. He has his good and bad days.

Take care. I am falling asleep at the computer. I think I will call it a night. Yes, I’m feeling OK. Think I’ll take advantage of going to bed early and getting up late.

Sheba, and so do you! 🙂
Are these power outages normal in OZ when there are storms? Do you need generators on hand? Sounds like a lot of storms going through. July is going out strong.