Oh-my-dear-god – it’s August – ALREADY!

The days are just zipping past.  You know, of course, it’s going to be Halloween, Thanksgiving, and (ohmigod) Christmas in a blink. 

So, August – what fun is going to happen in August?  Good thing/bad thing - depending on who you are, where you are, and what you are - children of all ages will be returning to school.  Watch out for those school zone signs – they’re about to get real again.

Also, it’s

American Adventures Month   Experience the Americas by exploring South, Central, and North America.  Plan your next adventure.   Start small by visiting some of the little towns around you.  I recently went adventuring to Danbury where we found a really good, old fashioned café. 

American Artists Appreciation Month   My sister is an artist.  I appreciate her beautiful and unique art and I appreciate her. (http://www.emstudioglass.com/)

National Crayon Collection Month   By collecting gently-used crayons from kid-friendly restaurants and hotels we intervene in a cycle of waste that has existed for decades. This community-based collection effort supports the environment by redirecting still good crayons to teachers instead of landfills.  Good idea!

National Read A Romance Novel Month   In honor of the steamy month of August, treat yourself or challenge yourself to try something new and pick up a romance novel.  (you know – fun brain candy)

(This is a good one --)

National Win with Civility Month   August, National Win with Civility Month, gives us the opportunity to discuss everyday occurrences where being civil can help us take control of a potentially messy situation and keep things…well, civil. It could be sharing your new book with your significant other instead of starting an argument. Or it could be taking a few deep breaths to keep your composure when you’re starting to show signs of road rage.  Yep, it could also include think-before-you-open-your-mouth or make-rude-hand-gestures.

Today is Lughnasadh or Lammas.  It’s the first of the harvest celebrations and traditionally is held on 1 August, or about halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.  And, it’s a signal that the bright days of summer will soon end.  (yeah, ok, I’m ready for that.)

There are a variety of things you can do to celebrate.  One way to celebration is the trial marriage ceremony: for this day only, by joining hands with your beloved through a hole in a wooden door and exchanging vows and gifts, you would be married for just one year and one day.  At the next Lughnasadh, if you don’t want to be married anymore, you can just call it off without consequences. 

Another - harvest and plant seeds from your garden for next year.  If they sprout, grow the plant or tree with love and as a symbol of your connection with the Lord and Lady.

Have a small bonfire, then sacrifice bad habits and unwanted things from your life by throwing symbols of them into the fire.

Bake some bread.  This is what I’m going to do.  I’ve used this recipe for years and it makes a good and easy soda bread.

SCOTTISH LAMMAS BREAD

1 lb all-purpose flour (2 cups) – I usually add a bit more flour but not too much

Salt to taste

½ tsp cream of tartar

½ tsp baking soda

½ pint milk (1 cup)

1 tbl vinegar

Place the flour in a large bowl and add salt, cream of tartar and baking soda.  Pour the milk into another bowl and add in the vinegar.  Then add the milk mixture to the flour mixture a little bit at a time.  Mix to a stiff dough then turn out on a floured surface and knead a bit.  Shape into a fine, round lump.  Score the top and bake in a preheated oven at 350° for 35-40 minutes.  If you want a sweeter bread, add sugar and maybe some dried fruit.

1 Aug 2019