catnipoflife

This Day in History: May 29, 1848

Wisconsin, The Badger State, The Dairy State, The Cheese State

Miners earned Wisconsin the nickname Badger State because their act of digging homes out of hillsides near the mines was a little too similar to that of the badgers who also dug underground places of abode. Since Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese and butter in the country, it is of no surprise that it has also been given the nickname ‘America’s Dairyland’, which is synonymous with the The Dairy State and The Cheese State. Wisconsin’s state quarter features the state motto, which is simply Forward. Other agricultural symbols of Wisconsin also appear on the quarter: a dairy cow (state domestic animal), a round of cheese (milk is the state beverage), and an ear of corn (state grain).

Wisconsin was admitted to the Union as the 30th state on May 29, 1848.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

When you hear someone mention Wisconsin, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Of course, it has to be CHEESE! Since Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese and butter in the country, it is of no surprise that it has also been given the nickname ‘America’s Dairyland’, which is synonymous with the The Dairy State and The Cheese State.

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

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Awakenings: Rhode Island: Spectacular in the Fall

by catnipoflife

This Day in History: May 29, 1790

Rhode Island, the Ocean State, the Southern Gateway of New England

The Ocean State is the official nickname formulated to attract tourism to Rhode Island and appears on non-commercial license plates replacing “Discover” in 1972. With over 400 miles of coastline, all Rhode Islanders live within a 30-minute drive to the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. The historical nickname, the Southern Gateway of New England, was bestowed because Rhode Island was the most southerly of the New England states with harbors suitable for ocean-going ships.

It was the last colony of the thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution on May 29, 1790, once assurances were made that a Bill of Rights would become part of the Constitution, thereby making it the 13th state in the union.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What Rhode Island lacks in size it makes up for in historical significance. Take the high-flying tour of the little state with big stories.

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

sunset-newport-RI Sunset at Newport, Rhode Island – photo © G.E. Long on Flickr
noncommercial use permitted with attribution

Cats & Catnip Humor Quick Post

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Peace at the End of the Day

by catnipoflife

After a hard day’s work, whether stressed out from an office position, working at a construction site or laboring in the back yard, there is no better method of relaxation than a massage. It can be as simple as a hand or foot massage to as elaborate as a full body massage. The result is the same…peace at the end of the day!

The story goes that a stray cat on a beach in Thailand befriended a group of teachers who were taking advantage of a little rest and relaxation. The cat climbed into the lap of one of the teachers and got the massage of a lifetime. After watching the video you’ll swear this is not this cat’s first massage!

Okay, all you kittie moms and dads, where is the training video for Cat Massage 101? If a dog can be taught to fetch, why not teach a cat massage therapy! After all, it is in their nature to knead, knead, knead. Once naptime is over, it is time to stre-e-e-tch and limber up those limbs and paws. “Foxie! Come to Mama.”

cat-shiatsu-massager

Of course, if no one is available to give the massage, there are a plethora of tools or massage equipment that can be put to good use. Take for example the Shiatsu kneading fingers portable massager that kitty seems to be enjoying immensely! Okay, time’s up feline friend…Mama’s turn!

The Master Masseur
10-min Massage: 2 cans tuna + extra cat treats

pawPrints

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Memorial Day Weekend

by catnipoflife

Today marks the eve of one of the most celebrated weekends in America…Memorial Day Weekend! This weekend commemorates a beginning as well as an end. It is anything and everything red, white and blue.

As you are out and about this weekend…shopping, visiting, picnicking, bar-b-queuing – remain mindful of the importance of remembering what this weekend is all about, especially on Monday, May 26, 2014. Be sure to pay particular attention to whether an American flag is flying or if a sign is displayed in store windows in honor and respect of our fallen soldiers. If one is not visible, I challenge you to ask WHY not?

Awakenings Reflection

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What do you say?

by catnipoflife

Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981)

Dance in the rain, savor the raindrops & rainbows, cherish the hours from dusk ’til dawn observing sunrise to sunset, capture the spirit of messages in the wind, enjoy the beauty in the world through the eyes of love!

Don’t be afraid when someone says, “I love you.” Simply return the love!

Heart-of-Love

Inspiration Reflection

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Awakenings: South Carolina: The Shag & Shad Roe

by catnipoflife

This Day in History: May 23, 1788

South Carolina, “The Palmetto State”

South Carolina was the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, and the 8th state to ratify the US Constitution on May 23, 1788. South Carolina later became the first state to vote to secede from the Union which it did on December 20, 1860. It was readmitted to the United States on June 25, 1868. The state motto of South Carolina “Dum Spiro Spero” means ‘While I breathe, I hope.”

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What about the shag and shad roe? Where do they fit in the scheme of things in South Carolina? The answers and more @Awakenings…

Awakenings: Lucky Penny

by catnipoflife

How many times have you found a penny only to check if it is ‘heads up’ before picking it up? If so, that must mean you are superstitious. Superstition has it that you should only pick up a penny that is lying face up. The others…leave them where they lie. I disagree as will be noted later. First, let’s take a look at the day’s celebration.

Today is…

Lucky Penny Day

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Next time you find a penny, heads up or not, remember our nation’s motto! If you feel you do not need the penny, place it in the hand of another, repeat the motto, “In God We Trust” and say “pass it on.”

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Awakenings: From Pie! Pie! Pie! to Cobbler! Cobbler! Cobbler!

by catnipoflife

It’s the weekend! It’s Saturday so why not celebrate by baking a scrumptious dessert! Desserts are good any time and what better dessert than cobbler. We celebrated Pie! Pie! Pie! last month with its specialty being Blueberry Pie so this month let’s switch gears from the pie to the cobbler but not just any cobbler.

Today is…

NATIONAL CHERRY COBBLER DAY

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Check out the unique twist! This raw delectable delight will keep you from "Falling off the Wagon!" It satisfies literally every craving, and you can eat it all without guilt because it is low in fat!

Uncategorized

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Awakenings: Armed Forces Day

by catnipoflife

Not only on this day of celebration but any day, salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and each of us as individuals. They can be called upon at a moment’s notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for the freedoms America offers on a continuous daily basis. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

See a soldier, salute a soldier, thank a soldier!