catnipoflife

This Day in History: December 3, 1818

Illinois, The Prairie State, Land of Lincoln, The Corn State, The Garden of the West

Illinois State Motto: “State Sovereignty, National Union.”

The most familiar nickname for Illinois is The Prairie State since most of the state was at one time mostly covered with prairie grasses. Second in line would be Land of Lincoln for Illinois is the state where Abraham Lincoln began his political career serving four terms in the Illinois General Assembly. Illinois was also where Lincoln lived when he became President of the United States in 1861. “Land of Lincoln” became the Official State Slogan of Illinois in 1955. Another nickname is The Corn State because the region of the country referred to as the Corn Belt is centered in Iowa and Illinois. The old nickname The Garden of the West came about because of the rolling prairies of Illinois and the miles of cultivated fields that made Illinois one of the leading producers of corn and later, soy beans, in the United States.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

After the American Revolution, Illinois became a territory of the United States. It achieved statehood on December 3, 1818 becoming the 21st state to join the union. Illinois is often noted as a microcosm of the entire country.

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

In the past few months, Awakenings has featured How the Apple Orchards Spread, Cherries & Apples, Apple time!, Legend of the Apple, Yummy… Dessert!, APPle, AppLE, APPLE-licious!, and ‘Dipped’ Apples. Of course autumn is apple season! Apple pie is even one of the American Classics. How bout dem apples! Yum-yum-yum-yummy!

December 1 is…Eat a Red Apple Day

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Do you know how to eat an apple? The average person discards roughly 30% of each apple. Learn how to eat an apple like a boss!

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Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere, especially in scrumptious fall dessert recipes! First thought, of course, is pumpkin pie. Next is maybe pumpkin ice cream or pumpkin cupcakes. Then, there is always pumpkin cheesecake. Nope! None of these. There are numerous variations/usages for pumpkin with today being no exception. It is absolutely the perfect addition for today’s celebration!

November 30 is…National Mousse Day

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Have a mousse of a day! So many variations, the choices are endless. Basic Pumpkin Mousse, Frozen Pumpkin Mousse with Walnut-Toffee Crunch, EASY Spicy-Sweet Pumpkin Mousse, Sweet Potato Mousse with Gooey Praline Sauce, No-Fuss Sweet Potato Pumpkin Mousse & MORE!!!!! The mousse is not limited to pumpkin. Check out the savory, as well as the sweet, and of course, there is always CHOCOLATE!

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For the establishment of the modern holiday, we can thank President Franklin Roosevelt. On November 26, 1941, President Roosevelt signed the bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Of course, Thanksgiving had already been celebrated since the 17th century but not without deviation and considerable controversy. Roosevelt admitted his mistake returning the holiday to November’s fourth Thursday.

Source: www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! Did you know there are two sides to this holiday? One is celebration with a holiday feast often referred to as Turkey Day. The other is a celebration of gratitude known as thankfulness. 

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This Day in History: November 21, 1789

One of the thirteen original colonies, North Carolina has a long an interesting history. On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to join the union.

North Carolina is home to mysteries, giant industries, and coastal beauty. It’s where gold was first found in America, and where an entire colony of settlers vanished. A state where golf rules the land, NASCAR rules the road, and college basketball holds court over them all. It’s where tobacco became king after the cotton industry went up in smoke, and where a 12-second flight sent shockwaves around the world. Experience the history of the Tar Heel State.

Source: www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Along with Old North State and Land of the Sky, discover why North Carolina is nicknamed The Tar Heel State. Nestled in the Appalachians it is no wonder North Carolina is beauty amplified!

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Thanksgiving falls within the autumnal season of the year. Within that time of year are many of our friends and family in their autumnal years to whom we should all remain thankful. Those to whom being specifically referenced are our grandparents. There is no wonder why grandparents begin with the word GRAND! It is really no secret. The ancestral chain continues as sons and daughters beget sons and daughters. The bloodline continues. Responsibility shifts with the wisdom and heritage being continuously tapped. While the word itself reflects the next in line in the order of things, it also reflects awe-inspiring feelings. 

Source: www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Whether one is called Gramma, Gamma, G-ma, Gram, Grammy, Grams or Gramps, Grandad, Grandaddy, G-daddy, Grandpappy, Grandpop OR one of 120 top nicknames for grandparents, the meaning is still the same. The emphasis is G.R.A.N.D. regardless if the word is part of the name or if it is not! 

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This Day in History: November 16, 1907

Oklahoma, The Sooner State, Boomer’s Paradise

Oklahoma State Motto: “Labor Conquers All Things” (Labor omnia vincit)

Oklahoma’s strangest scenery includes sand dunes, salt plains, toxic soils: the vast deserts of Oklahoma are more than unusual. Oklahoma is home to great tallgrass prairies, where herds of buffalo roam free and oil jacks gush black gold. Where the Trail of Tears ended and a mass exodus began 100 years later, prompted by a wave of dust. Where native cultures have flourished for thousands of years and where countless hopeful settlers arrived for a shot at the American Dream.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

The land that today makes up Oklahoma was added to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and U.S. land acquisitions following the Mexican-American War. The Indian Territory and the Oklahoma Territory were combined into one state, and Oklahoma became the 46th state in 1907 to join the union.

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond