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Saturday, June 14, 2025

National Play Catch Week - A Holiday Review

This interesting holiday is held each year in the third week of June. Begun in 2018, the week always includes Father’s Day. Perhaps this is because of the age-old activity of kids ‘having a catch’ with dad.

Playing Catch

When one hears the term ‘let’s play catch’, one might immediately picture two people with gloves and a baseball. But playing catch isn’t just for baseball. People enjoy tossing around a football just as much. You can also use a softball, a tennis ball or a soft rubber ball. Playing catch builds relationships, especially true of a dad playing with his child.

The History of National Play Catch Week

25,000 Miles to Glory: Football, Freedom, Friendship, And America

25,000 Miles to Glory

The inspiration began with Rhett Grametbauer, filmmaker, writer and passionate sports fan, in 2013. Rhett made an epic road trip in an old VW Bus to visit every one of the NFL stadiums in the U.S. He captured his incredible adventure in a documentary and a book entitled 25,000 Miles to Glory: Football, Freedom, Friendship, And America.

While on his trip, Grametbauer discovered the simple joy of playing catch, simply tossing a ball back and forth with someone. Strangers he met along the way all seemed to enjoy getting involved in a game of catch.

The iconic movie “Field of Dreams” with Kevin Costner centers around baseball and ends with the famous scene of Costner’s movie character asking “Want to have a catch, dad?”

Summary

So, get outside, enjoy some fresh air with family and friends, or even complete strangers at a park during the June Holiday of National Play Catch Week which begins on Father’s Day each year. The delightful pastime of playing catch can be enjoyed all summer long.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

National Donut Day - A Holiday Review

National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June. This event began in 1938 as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. The idea came from the Salvation Army women of World War I who served donuts to soldiers. Known as ‘Donut Dollies’, these women volunteers of the Salvation Army traveled to France to support American Soldiers.

By 1938, the goal was to help those in need during the Great Depression.

Some Donut History

Doughnuts have been around for centuries, although the modern doughnut in America became better known during the 19th century from the influence of Dutch immigrants. The ring shape came from efforts to prevent a raw center and create even frying by punching a hole in the center.

The name for this tasty treat is interchangeably known as donut or doughnut. Doughnut was the original name, with donut becoming a shortened version.

Since ‘doughnuts’ are made from a small lump of sweetened ‘dough’ and ‘nut’ is a way of saying “a small lump”, it is easy to see how this pastry’s name came about.

Other words for donuts include cake, pastry, sweet bun, Danish, sinker, dunker, and crueller. Then we have the popular New Orleans fried doughnut with powdered sugar called a Beignet! Served in many restaurants around the country, beignets are most famously known at New Orleans’ Cafe du Monde.

Personal Favorite Donut Story

My high school years were at a time when Driver’s Education was still taught as part of the school curriculum during school hours. We had some classroom instructions, interspersed with actual driving times. There were three of us girls in the driving part of my class and our time was around 10 a.m. One morning we drove down a street that had a Dunkin Donuts store and we girls begged our instructor to let us stop and get donuts. He said no because, if he did it for us, he’d have to do it for everyone. We promised we wouldn’t tell anyone! He finally relented (to our delight), but said if anyone from class said anything, he’d know one of us ‘told’ and we would lose any further ‘privileges’. None of us EVER told! :)

Summary

This fried dough delicacy has evolved through time and today is available in a wide range of flavors, shapes and toppings. It is now a beloved treat enjoyed around the world.

Whether you frequent a favorite local bakery or donut shop, or make your own homemade donuts, these small sweet fried cakes are a favorite with everyone.

National Donut Day
1st Friday in June

Donut Related Links:

Homemade Donut Recipe
Air Fryer Sugar Cinnamon Biscuit Bites by Sam Monaco
Review of Cafe du Monde in New Orleans by Wednesday Elf

*Donut Day Review written by Wednesday Elf

Kitchen Accessories for Making Your Own Homemade Donuts

Bellemain Premiere Donut Pan for Baking | Nonstick 12.5 x 8.5” Doughnut Pan with 6-Doughnut Molds | Steel Donut Trays | Make Perfect Bagels and Cake Donuts (2)

HULISEN Donut Cutter, 3.5 inch Stainless Steel Doughnut Cutter with Soft Grip Handle, and Small Biscuit Cutter, Professional Baking Dough Tools, Gift Package

Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine for Home, 6 x 3'' Mini Doughnut Maker Machine, Donut Maker for Kids, Maquina Para Hacer Donas, Donut Baking Pan, Donut Party, Aqua

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Saturday, May 3, 2025

This is Why We Lied ~ Book Review

A Will Trent Thriller by Karen Slaughter

Karin Slaughter’s latest Will Trent thriller is filled with twists, turns, shocks and surprises. The story includes one very toxic family who run a lodge in the gorgeous northern Georgia mountains, 8 suspicious guests, and one killer. But since everyone appears to be guilty of something, who killed Mercy McAlpine?

Synopsis of This is Why We Lied

This Is Why We Lied: A Will Trent Thriller―A Gripping Murder Mystery Set in an Off-the-Grid Lodge Where Everyone is a Suspect (Will Trent, 12)

Will Trent works as an investigator for the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). Throughout the series, he first met, then began dating, Sara Linton, an ER doctor in Atlanta. Sara eventually takes the position of Medical Examiner for the GBI.

Now in Book #12, we find that Will & Sara have married. They choose the McAlpine Lodge in the Georgia mountains as the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon.

This family-owned off-the-grid mountaintop property appears to be the perfect place to unplug and reconnect. Until…. A bone-chilling scream disturbs the night.

Who killed Mercy McAlpine?

Will finds the manager of the Lodge, Mercy McAlpine, dead. A vicious storm is raging and the one access road to the property becomes washed out. Therefore, it becomes obvious that the murderer has to be someone on the mountain.

As Will and Sara begin to investigate both the very strange McAlpine family, as well as the other guests, they realize that everyone is lying. They are lying about their past and to their family and to themselves. Normal rules do not seem to apply at McAlpine Lodge.

Trapped on the mountain at the resort, Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step while they untangle a decades-old web of secrets and discover what happened to Mercy. The killer could strike again at any time, so the couple’s romantic honeymoon trip now becomes a race against the clock as they realize they have to return to their regular police duties to solve a murder!

Summary

In addition to 12 books in the Will Trent series of police procedurals, with continuing characters Will Trent and Sara Linton, along with Will’s partner Faith Mitchell and their no-nonsense boss Amanda, Will Trent is now a television series. The TV series is in its third season and can be viewed Tuesday nights on ABC or streamed on HULU.

For more Book Reviews check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*This is Why We Lied Book Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Saturday, April 26, 2025

A Review of Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween

Halloween images of ghosts and black cats and spooky stuff.

We are all familiar with Christmas in July. Now we have a midpoint Halloween Holiday called Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween.

Halfoween or Halfway to Halloween Fun Facts

Halfoween is a celebration midway to All Hallow’s Eve, usually occurring on or about April 30th or May 1st. It has become a great time to enjoy some early spooky fun. Many celebrate with themed events or other activities.

This halfway Halloween holiday often finds people putting up Halloween decorations, preparing and eating Halloween-themed snacks and drinks, and having special events like watching favorite spooky movies or putting on a costume and enjoying a Halloween party or attending a festival.

*Personal Note: My daughter-in-law will be thrilled to learn of this special halfway holiday, as Halloween is her VERY favorite holiday for which she has TONS of decorations for both inside and outside the house. Now she will be able to use them twice a year! :)

This holiday hasn’t been around very long, but it is interesting to note that this date of Halfway to Halloween occurs around the date of Walpugis Night, or Walpurgisnacht (‘Night of the Witches). This is a pagan festival celebrated on April 30th each year. The tradition involves lighting bonfires and singing Celtic folk songs to mark the arrival of Spring.

The Disney Parks “Halfway to Halloween"

In recent years, the Disney Parks have adopted this Halfway to Halloween celebration as an annual event where the Disney destinations announce and preview their upcoming Halloween celebrations. They have parties like “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" at Walt Disney World and the 'Oogie Boogie Bash' or Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. You can check out the upcoming new offerings, plus early looks at Halloween decorations and merchandise on the Disney Parks Blog.

Summary

A really exciting way to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween Holiday is to attend one of the many festivals (or spooky film festivals) being held around the country around the end of April or the first of May. Do an online search to see if there is one happening in your area, or plan on attending one that appeals to you.

The most fascinating one I spotted for this year is the Wicked New England Festival being held on May 3rd in Salem, Massachusetts (home of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692). Quite an appropriate location for a Wicked Halfway to Halloween Holiday Festival. The event is for anyone who can't wait for Spooky season!

So, mark April 30/May 1 on your calendar to celebrate Halfway to Halloween in your favorite 'celebrate Halloween' way.

Crafty Cuties for Halfoween

*Halfway to Halloween Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

Halfway to Halloween Stuff!

Womens Halfway to Halloween Retro 70s Flowers Groovy Floral Ghost V-Neck T-Shirt

Happy_ 1/2 Halfway to Halloween Tote Bag

Womens Halfway to Halloween V-Neck T-Shirt

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Saturday, April 19, 2025

National Jelly Bean Day Review

National Jelly Bean Day is a Food Awareness Day celebrated each year on April 22.

The Jelly Bean

There are dozens of companies who make Jelly beans. Just one company makes the Jelly Belly jelly bean. It was first just a brand of the Herman Goelitz Candy Company. Today, it is its own company ~ the Jelly Belly Company.

The Jelly Belly Company makes over 50 flavors of beans. The difference between Jelly Beans and Jelly Belly beans is the taste. The standard jelly beans have no flavoring or coloring in the center, whereas Jelly Belly flavors both the centers and the shells. Jelly Belly beans are smaller, but have a more intense flavor and are made in exotic flavors.

Fun Facts About Jelly Beans

Although no one knows who started National Jelly Bean Day, the first mention of the jelly bean can be traced back to an 1861 ad by William Schrafft, a confectioner in Boston, which promoted sending jelly beans to soldiers in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Candymakers have always made candy into novelty shapes, which seems to be the main reason this egg-shaped candy ended up being called jelly beans

Being egg-shaped, the Jelly Bean became popular starting in the 1930s as the perfect candy for Easter Baskets. By the way, if you lined up all the jelly beans eaten by folks during the Easter holidays, they could circle the Earth three times! In fact, about 5 billion Jelly beans are eaten at Easter.

There are 4 calories in each Jelly Bean.

And the ‘funnest’ facts of all…..

Jelly Beans were President Reagan’s favorite candies. He used them to quit smoking when he was governor of California.

About 3 tons of red, white, and blue jelly beans were used during Reagan’s inauguration as the 40th President of the United States

Jelly Belly beans were the first jelly beans in space, sent on the 1983 Challenger mission by President Reagan as a surprise for the astronauts.

Reagan’s favorite flavor was licorice!

SUMMARY

National Jelly Bean Day is a fun holiday often associated with Easter traditions because the egg-like shape of the jelly bean reminds us of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs as a sign of Spring.

National Jelly Bean Day
April 22

For More Holiday Reviews, Click on

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

For More Easter Reviews, Click on

ReviewThisReviews: Easter

*National Jelly Bean Day holiday review was written by Wednesday Elf

JELLY BEANS:

ClassicBrach Jelly Beans Bulk, Assorted Flavors, 2 Pound Bulk Pack - Delicious Traditional Jelly bean Candy for Easter Egg Hunts, and Baskets

The Jelly Bean Planet, Gourmet Jelly Beans Gift 42.5 Oz Jar - 36 Huge Natural Fruit Flavors, Seasonal, Birthday, Easter Candy, Plant Based Colors - Gluten Free, Fun Bulk Sweets Assortment

Jelly Belly 49 Assorted Flavors Jelly Beans - 1 Pound (16 Ounces) Resealable Bag - Genuine, Official, Straight from the Source

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Saturday, April 12, 2025

Major League Baseball Designates Special Days

A Sports Review of Major League Baseball's Annual Tribute to honor Three Outstanding Baseball Players

In recent years, Major League Baseball has set aside special days to honor the contribution particular players have made to the world of professional baseball. Each of these players are now celebrated on their special day every baseball season.

Jackie Robinson Day

Begun on April 15, 2004, Jackie Robinson Day is now an annual event each season on April 15th. The event commemorates and honors the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. The April 15 date was selected, as it was Opening Day of Robinson’s first season in 1947.

On April 15, MLB ballparks throughout baseball, including all teams and the umpires, celebrate this day by wearing Robinson’s number 42, his uniform number. His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers (today's Los Angeles Dodgers) ended approximately 80 years of baseball segregation and breaking forever what was known as the baseball color line. Additionally, Robinson's number has been retired throughout baseball and no one else will ever again wear #42.

Lou Gehrig Day

Lou Gehrig Day, held annually by MLB on June 2nd, marks the day Gehrig became the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees.

Lou Gehrig Day, an annual event since June 2, 2021, honors the legacy of the legendary "Iron Horse" and raises awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease," because his high-profile battle with the disease helped raise public awareness and recognition of the condition.

Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in June of 1939, forcing him to retire from baseball. At the “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium set up to honor Gehrig for his sportsman-like behavior and dedication to the game, Lou gave his famous speech where he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Roberto Clemente Day

In 2002, MLB proclaimed September 15th to be “Roberto Clemente Day".

Roberto Clemente played outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons. He is remembered for his power on the field, but, more importantly, for his humanitarian work. Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Each year, teams across the league honor his memory by giving back to their communities. His legacy continues to inspire both players and fans to make a positive impact in their communities.

Summary

The baseball players presented here are recognized for their contributions on and off the playing field. Each year MLB honors these three legendary players with special days to commemorate their lives and contributions to both the game of baseball and to society.

Related Reviews: