Conversation – 26

NATIONAL LEMON DAY

On July 23, National Lemon Day squeezes it’s way into our day just in time to celebrate our summertime festivities. This tart fruit brings vibrant, citrus notes to salads, drinks, and even savory dishes. Join us as we learn why so many people love the taste of lemon during the summertime and learn some lemony history, too.

Lemons are believed to be native to South Asia, although some say they may have originated in Northeast India. Citron, which is similar to a lemon, was the first of the citrus family. In fact, Citron is found in a Persian garden near Jerusalem said to be at least 2,500 years old. Some time between the last 1st century BC and early 1st century AD, Citron made its way to Rome. Interestingly, lemons were never used in food or drink by the Romans during this early time period. It seems Romans instead used this citrus tree for decoration and the pleasant odour.

It would take at least 400 years for the contemporary lemon to appear as an abundant tree. Around 700 AD, lemons became a part of trade in Europe and reached the Americas by the 1400s. Hispanics receive credit for bringing lemons into the U.S. by the early 1700s. Today, lemons are found all over the world as part of our culinary creations and for medicinal uses.

GORGEOUS GRANDMA DAY

July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Day and we are recognizing all the women who embrace the age of a grandma, whether they are grandmothers or not! Gorgeous Grandma Day embraces and encourages all women to flaunt their granny attitudes with purpose and style.

Not all women become grandmothers. Those who do, don’t necessarily fit the traditional mold any longer. Others still reach a point where many assume grandmother status, even though no grandchildren are about.

While some grandmas fit the traditional mold with gray hair and cookie-baking, home-making, hug-giving, child-spoiling energy to spare, many grannies sport a whole new role. Many take on the part of grandma to the children in their lives.

No matter the type of grandmother they are, they’re all different. Some play the hippest games, wear the latest styles, and know how to find the best deals on technology. Even the grandkids can’t keep up! Funny, sassy and energetic grandmas, rebel grannies and smart grannies make the grade, too.

NATIONAL VANILLA ICE CREAM DAY

Vanilla Ice Cream Day on July 23 tips its hat at the second most popular flavor in America. Take a bow, vanilla. I scream, you scream, we all scream for…VANILLA ICE CREAM!! Of course, the day is part of National Ice Cream Month and not too far behind National Ice Cream Day.

Since Americans love vanilla ice cream so much, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that vanilla is the most common flavoring in North America for ice cream. In fact, many people consider vanilla ice cream to be the default flavor.

Many may be familiar with Thomas Jefferson’s vanilla ice cream recipe. The third president of the United States may have discovered a love for the vanilla flavor while visiting France. While he wouldn’t have been the first to savor the delicious taste of vanilla ice cream, Jefferson enjoyed jotting down recipes. The same applied to ice cream. He also produced a handwritten copy of a vanilla ice cream recipe in the 1780s. Only ten copies remain. In fact, the Library of Congress houses one copy that has a cookie recipe on the flip side. Today, the ice cream parlor at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota serves the same recipe so that anyone can have a taste.

@kittengirl,

Good morning in S. California Kitten wishing you a great Monday. 🎈💕😎

@71flowerchild,

Good day in Texas or New Mexico just be safe from all the floods.

Thinking of Mabel and Little D. 💕😎