Conversation – 26

NATIONAL RUM DAY

National Rum Day on August 16 as blended beverages and cocktails create a delicious celebration. Rum is a distilled clear alcoholic beverage which is a byproduct of sugar production. It can also be made directly from sugar cane juice. After the fermentation and distillation process, most rum ages in wooden oak barrels.

Rum is the third most popular spirit in the United States. Only vodka and all the whiskeys combined beat it for first and second-rankings. The spirit finds its way into citrusy mixed drinks, and cool blended summer cocktails. So much so, that rum stirs up images of sandy beaches and brightly colored umbrellas in fruity drinks.

However, rum also conjures up sailors and pirates. The reason for that is how rum came to be. In the West Indies during the 1600s, large plantations grew sugar cane. When they extracted the sugar, they created a by-product called molasses. For years, the molasses was a waste product until it was discovered it could be distilled – into rum. Then, rum became not only a commodity for trade but also a ration on the ships delivering the product. Even in the modern Royal Navy, British sailors received an allotment of rum until 1970.

NATIONAL TELL A JOKE DAY

What happened to the comedian on August 16 during National Tell A Joke Day? Everyone stole his punchlines! All joking aside, get out there and laugh a little and tell some funny ones.

This day will be filled with smiles and laughter from morning till night. Jokes consist of humorous stories, either written or verbal, that often end with a punchline. While slapstick includes props and even minor stunts on the part of the storyteller, the best jokes are usually short. They involve a little misdirection and a well-delivered punchline. The more jokes you tell, the more fun you will have, and so will those around you.

Since jokes come in many forms, try out your favorite. For some, that might be a one-liner or a knock-knock joke. While many people groan at the sight of a pun, they bring on chuckles, too. If you aren’t comfortable with the whole comedic act, rely on your sense of irony. Use this approach like seasoning, however. You might have a tough crowd. Others simply rely on gestures to express humor.

When telling a joke, timing and delivery can be an essential element. Without it, the joke will fall flat. Also, be sure to know the audience. For example, clown jokes may not go over well at a phobia convention.

In moderation, laughter is healthy, uses the abdominal muscles, and releases endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals) into the brain.

NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER DAY
Each year on August 16, people flock to amusement parks for a thrill, a few exciting screams, and to celebrate National Roller Coaster Day. Take a ride on a roller coaster near you.

The day commemorates the first vertical loop roller coaster which was patented by Edwin Prescott on this day in 1898. A roller coaster consists of one or multiple cars on a track. While they are similar to railroad systems in design, the inclines and vertical loops incorporated in the structures aren’t for transportation. These elements boost the thrills rollercoaster enthusiasts seek!

The oldest roller coasters are believed to have originated from the so-called “Russian Mountains.” Built-in the 17th century, these specially constructed hills of ice located near Saint Petersburg, Russia rose between 70 and 80 feet in height. Passengers faced 50-degree drops. Wooden supports supplied reinforcement.

Sheba, props to you for staying on top of all the medical and dental. I need to schedule a cleaning and am feeling guilty. Wanted to pass my 1 year follow-up Mam 1st. I did. phew. Tempted to get some Dental on one leg of my trip since it cost much much less but I’m scared of the unknown. I’ve met more than a few people who go to Mexico for the Dental and speak very highly of the experience, as the Dentist are USA trained. One Dentist has a car pick the patients up at the border and return them.
Have a great weekend!

Oodie, Sorry about your knee pains. I think the humidity is hard on the body. Glad your hubs roommate made it to the hospital. My hubs loves ice cream too.

@sheba2011

I did ask one of the RNs today how the roommate was doing. As far as they can tell he made it to the hospital. Have no idea what is wrong or if he will be returning to the Rehab. I’m glad that he is in better hands and hopefully, he will either return or find another place to put him on the road to recovery. Hubby was OK. He had just received his dinner and was enjoying ever y morsel. He had a “hoodsey cup” that he ate first. This guy really loves his ice cream and I thought it was me who enjoyed it more (LOL). Have a great evening. We are supposed to have lower humidity tomorrow. Hope it’s true…….

@shoelady60,

Good evening I hope this is a nice evening for you and a good book. Lady you had me
LOL on your comment about hubby and my voice being back. Priceless.

This is how you do Summer.

Hubby made a salad with all the trimmings and the tomatoes were so good.

Enjoy your evening.

@taci

I saw your post. I skipped writing for a few days because of a knee problem. For some reason my knee is swollen and the pain is unbearable. Not sure what is causing this, but found staying off the foot entirely was a big help. No, I didn’t trip or fall. That is why this is so confusing. The only thing I can think of is that I have a cold in the knee from the A/C vent which is near the bathroom sink. So now I turn the A/C off when I’m in that location. Thanks for missing my posts.

@oodiebom,

I am saying prayers that your husband room mate may have made it in time. I don’t like
how the staff handled that with you and hubby in the room. I feel it patients are at the
end stage of life they should not be put in rooms where people are trying to go home.

I feel for his wife if that is the case and he passed. I hate to hear this that is enough to make
me get the heck out of there no matter what I have to do.

How are your nerves because I don’t think I could have handled very well.

Oodie when you don’t post I know something important is going on and mostly with your husband or your
own medical issues. Just take it easy.

Covid is everywhere again so I am no wearing my masks and I am thankful I can wash
them. I brought my masks here on HSN they are the Copper Mask and have protected
me in some high risk places.

Oz is very warm tonight we are expecting a shower or two but nothing to get excited
about. I just feed one of my cats so I am waiting on another. These cats eat better the
cats that are feed indoors and I try to let them know I love them.

I had my trash which is now in a container with lids and my recycle which is also in a container
with a lid just different colors provided by out City. Those bins were done with very early
morning I was delighted and put them both back in the garage. I clean them with
my JM Clean Boss I make sure there are no germs.

I am trying to keep cool. Oodie enjoy your evening.