Conversation – 26

NATIONAL MANGO DAY

On July 22 we celebrate National Mango Day as the tropical fruit that provides delicious flavor and nutrition in one sweet bite! Join us as we share why sweet, fragrant, and juicy mangoes add an abundance of flavor to beverages and meals.

Originating in India at least 5,000 years ago, mangos have been around for thousands of years. Mango seeds traveled with humans from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South America beginning around 300 or 400 A.D. Known as the king of fruits, mangos are said to bring richness of life, including material wealth.

Hundreds of varieties of mangoes grow around the world. On average, a mango tree can grow up to 131 feet tall. Mango trees are also a long-living tree, with some being as old as 300 years old today. In addition, the mango fruit comes in different sizes, colors, and sweetness depending on the cultivar.

Ataulfo – Also known as the Honey mango, the Ataulfo is considered the Cadillac of the fruit. With a small seed and firm, sweet flesh, the Ataulfo doesn’t become fibrous and stringy like other varieties.
Haden – This popular mango variety was one of the first originated in Florida. It produces large fruits with a sweet and aromatic pine scent. With only thin fibers, it doesn’t become stringy and is one of the most popular varieties.
Irwin – Developed from the Haden, this mild mango is fiberless and is popular for home growers.
Tommy Atkins – While this mango is tart and sweet, it is one of the stringiest mangoes on the market.
The type of mango will help determine where to use it. Sweet, buttery mangoes make for great eating. They also taste great in salads, develop flavor in marinades and add a pop of sweetness to spicy salsas. Drop more fibrous mangoes into the blender for a refreshing smoothie.

Mangoes also pack in the nutrients. Did you know that one mango contains almost two and a half times more vitamin C than an orange? Mangoes are also high in vitamins A, B-6 and K, antioxidants, potassium and dietary fiber.

NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY

July 22 is National Hammock Day and we are encouraging everyone to relax in the shade by creating a tranquil napping space. Whether you set your hammock up under a tree or on your balcony, find a spot and enjoy the feeling of swaying lightly in the peace and quiet.

A hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope or netting. When suspended between two points, a hammock forms a sling used for swinging, sleeping or resting. We usually suspend a hammock between trees or posts. Because hammocks are portable, you can take a hammock wherever you go…just in case you find a spot that looks enticing.

The hammock dates back thousands of years to Central America where it protected people from creatures and dirt. However, the netted bed didn’t find Europe until explorers brought it back in the 17th century. Not long after, the hammock found its way onto naval ships, providing comfort and maximizing space.

NATIONAL ZOO KEEPERS WEEK

The third Sunday in July celebrates National Zoo Keeper Week by focusing on efforts made by all zoo keepers who protect and preserve our wildlife and vanishing habitats.

Zoo keepers are educators and wildlife ambassadors. This week-long observance raises awareness of the remarkable work they do year-round. This week we take time and acknowledge zoo keeper efforts by acknowledging the time they take to teach people more about wildlife, and how to enhance conservation efforts.

Sheba, How are you today? Co and Mn must have many trails and access for bikers of all kinds.
Not much going on today. Found hornworms on one of my tomato plants. All the leaves were eaten. I removed them and sprayed them (not chemical).
I did see your post about seeing the movie Duchess. I didn’t see it back in the day.
It was a sad movie. I read a bit more about her life.

@shoelady60,

Enjoy the Moon and I can’t wait for the Games to start. Go USA!

Sweet Dreams.

Peace Out Peeps enjoy your evening.

@sheba2011

Hubby and I are both OK. Having Internet connections problems and working on it as I type. I think it has to do with Microsoft. Cannot tell you how many times I have rebooted. For now, OK. Need to get ready to see hubby.

@sheba2011

Good afternoon to you. Sis made it home yesterday pretty much on time with two flights. Considering all the problems on Friday, I am happy for her. She has had some major delays on other flights this year. And her car started, yay! Haven’t heard from her today so don’t know if her friend got in on time.

Mid to upper 80’s today and the week ahead. Will be running back and forth to mom’s. My friend’s husband gets another scan on Tuesday so keeping fingers crossed his tumor hasn’t grown.

Hubs golfing today. Making a steak and pasta meal in the crockpot so I don’t heat up the kitchen. Yes, I am ready to watch the Olympics.

Enjoy your good weather and you and Poppy have a nice walk this evening.

@kittengirl,

Good morning Kitten wishing you a very nice day in California.

@71flowerchild,

Good day in Texas or New Mexico. I hope your home and animals are safe in Ruidoso.
News media says there is still some flooding going on. I just hope your area in Ruidoso
is safe.

Let me know how you and the family are doing when time permits. Will life
ever get back to normal?

Sending gentle hugs to Mabel and Little D.

Enjoy the day and stay safe my friend.