Boston Tea Party Day

(Google Image)

By Diane Forrest

In the 1700's the Europeans discovered a fondness for tea, however, it was not grown in Europe, and had to be imported from India.  England began to run low of their supply of tea because of the 7 years’ war, so King George decided that in order to replenish the supply, and to cover additional costs, he would place a tax on the American Colonies.  Well, Parliament didn't appreciate the tax on their tea, which was being obtained through England, then sold to the colonies.  So they decided to find their tea elsewhere, which was illegal at the time.

(Google Image)

The Whigs, the political party at the time...decided to hold a strike, and stop drinking tea all together.  Then the King passed the Tea Act.  This made the patriots furious, because it was done in secret, so they took a stand.  On December 16, three ships entered the Boston Harbor and the Boston officials refused to return it.  That night, colonists boarded the ships, and began to throw the tea in the harbor.  Some of them even dressed as Indians to prevent being recognized.   This angered Parliament, and they issued more acts against the colonies.

The colonies rebelled, and in 1775 the Revolutionary War began near Boston.  Historians suggest that had it not been for the event of the Boston Tea Party, the America's would have remained under British rule for quite some time. The uprising was caused by a series of unfortunate events on the side of Bostonian s caused by British oppressors. It all started from the love of tea.

(Google Image)

Today, we recognize the men who took part in this historic event that changed the course of history and our country as we know it.  I think it is amazing that a cup of tea would start a war and free us from British rule, so today, have a nice cup of tea, or some iced tea, and remember those Patriots to fought for our freedom,

National Punch Day

(Google Image) 

Chef Diane

I recently lost a friend of mine to Cancer.  We had gone to nursing school together; her service was actually held on Nurses Appreciation Day.  Following the funeral service, a reception was held.  She was from New Orleans, and a favorite drink used at holiday celebrations is Milk Punch.  She had praised this drink on many occasions; however, since I am not a milk drinker, I did not try it.  It is simply milk, brandy, sugar and vanilla, with a little nutmeg sprinkled on top.

When I think about punch, I think of the drink served at wedding celebrations or some type of receptions.  I was reminiscing about my past weddings with a friend of mine.  At my first wedding, the colors I  used were Maroon and Cream, however my future mother-in-law provided the punch, which was a sickly green color.  I was horrified when I saw the pictures from the reception, the green really stood out in contrast to the other colors.

(Google Image) 

At my second wedding, my parents had been out of the country prior to the wedding, which was a rather small ceremony.  My mother who had not been present with the other arrangements offered to make the punch. I really wanted a certain kind, but instead, we were served apple juice mixed with ginger ale.  Needless to say it tasted as good as it sounds.

My favorite punch is called Crunchy punch.  The recipe is listed below, and its the best punch I have ever tasted.  The trick is to freeze the punch, then before it is served, let it thaw a bit and then pour sprite over it.  It makes a kind of slushy drink that will quickly disappear.

(Google Image) 

Today is National Punch day, according to punchbowl.com, the word “punch” allegedly comes from the Hindustani word “panch,” which means “five.” In the early 1600s, sailors and employees of the British East India Company brought a new exotic drink from India to England. The beverage was made with five ingredients—spirits, lemon, sugar, water, and tea.

Punch spread from country to country and became one of the most popular party drinks. Today there are hundreds of punch recipes from which to choose. Many of them still incorporate the five key ingredients: base (alcohol), citrus, sugar, water, and spice.  

What is your favorite punch recipe?  Write back and let us know!

(Google Image) 

CRUNCHY PUNCH

Ingredients:

• 2 packages jello (any flavor)
• 4 c. boiling water
• 4 c. sugar
• 2 packages Kool aid (same flavor as jello)
• 1 medium size bottle lemon juice
• 1 46 oz can pineapple juice (and any other fruit juice if desired)
• 2 bottles of sprite (or ginger ale, 7 up)

Directions:

Dissolve 2 packages of jello in 4 cups boiling water.(Do this in a large roasting pan)

Add 4 c sugar. Dissolve 2 packages Kool-aid in 2 quarts warm water (I just add this all to the pot at the same time) Add lemon juice and pineapple juice. Stir and let cool. Freeze. (If you don’t normally have jugs, you can buy the jugs of water, use the water to make the punch, and then fill the jugs with the punch to freeze.) When you are ready to use the punch, set out 3 to 4 hours before (depends on the weather, if it is summer, it thaws faster) you want it slushy. Cut the jug with a knife, and then pour in punch bowl. Add sprite to taste.

Makes 2 gallons or for 75 people

It’s 2012

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest,

Happy New Years!  Well it is finally here, 2012.  It is a day for new beginnings, out with the old.  The beginning of the New Year is depicted by the "retirement" of father time and the birth of baby new year.   This is celebrated at nearly every hospital across the country.  It was always an exciting time at my hospital to see when the first baby of the year would be born.  The hospital would gather gifts and prizes from local merchants and wait in anticipation for baby New Year.

(Google Image) 

Another famous tradition of the day is the Rose Bowl Parade.  Every year I would love to watch the parade, see the fantastic floats and energetic horses.  These people are very serious about their parade, and the rules and regulations are very strict.  People who participate in the float building process begin planning them the day after the parade, and work on it all year long.

Another holiday tradition is the making of a Resolution.  A resolution is a commitment a person makes to accomplish a goal to better their life.  Some common resolutions include:

(Google Image) 

A traditional New Year's Day dinner at my home included black eyed peas for luck and greens for money. In the Southern United States, it's traditional to eat black-eyed peas or cowpeas in a dish called hoppin' john. There are even those who believe in eating one pea for every day in the New Year. This all traces back to the legend that during the Civil War, the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, ran out of food while under attack. The residents fortunately discovered black-eyed peas and the legume were thereafter considered lucky.  The Dutch consider it lucky to eat donuts, or any round food, they consider it to symbolize coming full circle.

What not to eat, or foods considered unlucky, are lobsters, because the walk backward, and chicken, because the scratch backward, and this symbolizes moving backwards, instead of forward in the New Year.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the New Year, whether it is spending time with friends and family, watching the parade and football games, or even nursing a hangover, We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!

(Google Image) 

Bathtub Party Day

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest,

So...I was getting in the holiday mood, and look at today's schedule, and see Bathtub Party Day.  Now I have been to all kinds of parties during the holidays, but I can honestly say I have never been to a bathtub party.  The first thing that popped in my mind was Dagwood Bumstead.  Seems like every time he is in the tub someone wants to come in and visit.  I've never had visitors in my bathroom though, and have never been in a hot tub with other people.

(Google Image) 

I think the meaning of today's party, which was created by wellcat.com, was to just take time for yourself, soak in a bubble bath, turn on the Jacuzzi, listen to some tunes, maybe a glass of wine and some sweet smelling candles and just relax.  Seems like everyone today is always in a hurry that you barely have time for a quick shower.  

(Google Image) 

So, today, on Bathtub Party Day, why not soak in a nice hot tub and wash your cares away, even if just for a little while.

(Google Image) 

P-a-r-t-y

By Diane Forrest,

It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to

Cry if I want to, cry if I want to

You would cry too if it happened to you

May, 1963 was a great time, not only was it my birthday, but the number 1 pop music song was “It's my Party” by Leslie Gore, she was only 16 at the time.  The song is a sad song, but the great music makes it a great dancing song.

The words to the song are about this girl having a party, her boyfriend leaves the room and another girl leaves with him, holding his hand.  She is confused and wants to be left alone till he comes back.  When he does come back, he is still with the other girl and now she is wearing his ring.

Most people celebrate their birthday with a party at least once in their life.  There are parties for graduation, weddings, birth of a baby or moving to a new home.  Today is It's my Party Day.  While it may not be your birthday, or no upcoming reasons to celebrate, why not throw a party anyway just to celebrate.

It doesn't have to be a huge event, you can invite a few friends over for pizza and a movie.  Maybe you found a new recipe you want to try; maybe you just want to let your hair down, play some old records and act silly for a while.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time...you can cry if you want to, but hope you end up smiling.

Cinco De Mayo 2011

May 5, 2011

Vamos a celebrar! Today we commemorate the history, culture, and ancestry of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo has been a celebrated holiday since May 5, 1862 after the unexpected victory over the French army. The Mexicans were considerably outnumbered and the French were significantly better equipped. Secondly, this was the first battle since the Battle of Puebla that a country in the Americas was invaded by an army from another continent.

Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in Mexico, but celebrations also take place in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. Join Mexico in celebrating its unity and patriotism by attending a parade, listening to mariachi music, and practicing folk dancing! You could even host a Cinco de Mayo party complete with colorful decorations, Mexican cuisine, and of course, margaritas!

Also a big happy birthday wishes go out to Scott and Matt – Happy Birthday Guy’s and enjoy you day!