National Waffle Day

 Happy National Waffle Day!

National Waffle Day is celebrated in the United States on August 24 to commemorate the issuing of a patent for a waffle iron in 1869. 

It should not be confused with International Waffle Day which is observed in March.

But, when you get right down to it, any day is a good day for a waffle.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

National Thrift Shop Day

Shop more sustainably and save money:

Thrift Store: photo by Cliff Hutson

Every August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. Also known as thrift stores, thrift shops sell used goods from clothes, household items, to watches. This day is supposed to remind us that it is a great day to do some sustainable shopping or to donate things that we have in our home that we no longer need nor use.

Eat a Peach

 History repeating itself:

Mini with Peaches: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am kind of behind the eight ball this weekend; so I am just going to refer you to last year's post.

Note to self:

One way to keep promises is not to make very many.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Reading Log: July 2026

 The books that I finished reading in the month of July 2026

July 2026 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“The Secret,” Lee Child and Andrew Child

“Don’t Know Jack,” Diane Capri

“MIKE4,” J.R. Seeger

Reading!

Reading!: photo by Cliff Hutson

I recently purchased an issue of a publication called "Mountain Gazette".  The mailer included this amusing little sticker. 

Reading has long been a very important part of my life. Skateboarding, not so much.

National Scotch Day

 But, not for me

Gin and Tonic: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am told that National Scotch Day is observed every year on July 27 as a celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic and respected spirits—Scotch whisky. I could not find a source as to why this day was chosen and find it particularly strange as I thought there is a rule - clear liquors in the summer, brown liquors in the winter.

Truth be told, I don't even like Scotch. That is why I do not have a photograph that actually works for this theme. However, I’m all about the perfect gin and tonic when the weather’s warm. And a nice bourbon when it isn’t.

Bourbon and Fried Chicken: photo by Cliff Hutson

Have a nice day, and whatever your beverage of choice  -  drink responsibly.

National Fortune Cookie Day

Each year on July 20, Americans celebrate the cookie that is a traditional part of meals at old school Chinese restaurants, and some take out places.

Sometimes you get two fortunes for the price of one. And, these two seem well matched.

Other times it looks like that your future is all used up; like Hank Quinlan's in "Touch of Evil".

I am recommending this book as an added bonus to my trove of perhaps not so useful information.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

National Fortune Cookie Day

International Rock Day

Today, July 13, is International Rock Day 

Cairn: photo by Cliff Hutson

And a rock feels no pain

On the Rocks: photo by Cliff Hutson

Reading Log: June 2026

 The books that I finished reading in June 2026:

June 2026 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"A Place at the Nayarit,” Natalia Molina 

“Six Days of the Condor,” James Grady

“The Postman,” David Brin 

“The Art of Intelligence,” Henry A. Crumpton

A Festive Week

 Happy Birthday, America

American Flag: photo by Cliff Hutson

The 250th anniversary of the United States of America is this coming Saturday and observances will take place all week long leading up to it. I don’t feel celebratory at all. I am not going to write about that as my horoscope says - "This is a poor day to get involved in controversial discussions about politics, religion, racial issues or even plans about travel, legal or medical matters or higher education. Whatever the issue - there will be a sense of conflict and above all, there will be confusion . .  . ' 

Classic American Lunch: photo by Cliff Hutson

However, I will probably have at least one traditional meal over the weekend.

Floral Fireworks: photo by Cliff Hutson

I  hope that you all enjoy what ever it is that you are doing..

Two Days (in One)

World Rainforest Day 

Rainforest Leaf: photo by Cliff Hutson

Some say that “luck” is when preparation meets opportunity. So, luck or not I always appreciate it when a Monday rolls around, it is a notable day, and I have a photo in my archive to go with it. It makes that week’s blog post easy-peasy. This week I am going with a twofer. 

June 22 is World Rainforest Day. A rainforest is not my favorite environment - too humid, too buggy. But, I do recognize their importance; they support more than half of all known plant and animal species and play a crucial role in regulating the world’s climate; and was once in a place where I took a photograph that is a personal favorite. It just captures that day for me.

National Chocolate Eclair Day

Eclair: photo by Cliff Hutson

On the other hand, I love eclairs, and thought that I would have several images from which to choose. But, when I ran my search of the archives the one photo that came up as not the one I had in mind. I guess it is on a drive to which I no longer have access to or otherwise has become lost in the mists of time. This one will do nicely though.

National Chocolate Eclair Day is also observed on June 22 every year in the United States to celebrate this delicious dessert.

Feuilles esthétiques

Good-looking Leaves

"Photographers are the only people who can turn a normal walk into a 45-minute investigation of shadows, walls, puddles, and suspiciously good-looking leaves."  -  Anon

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

World Ocean Day

 A Not So Deep Dive

A Dive Watch: photo by Cliff Hutson

World Ocean Day is an international day that takes place annually on June 8.  The day is supposed to  highlight the ocean's vital role in life, this year's theme focuses on reimagining humanity's relationship with it.  Oceans form an integral part of the Earth’s ecosystems as well as human culture. 

Casio Duro (MDV106-1A)

Some might think it strange, given my background, that I have long had a love of the ocean. For many years, I once spent as much time as I could near it, in it, and on it as I could. However, it has been a while since I have the ocean. It was May 19, 2024 to be exact. It has longer since I did any diving. That may be as far back as 1979.

Bulova Snorkel: photo by Cliff Hutson

Back then, we called it "skin diving".  Wearing just flippers (or fins), a swim mask and snorkel it was fun to swim with the fishes down at the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  There was no need to wear a watch as there was no air supply to track nor decompression time to calculate. 

Today, I have even less excuse to have a "dive watch"; yet, somehow I own two of them as pictured here.  However, I am not alone in this. I have read that arguably dive watches are almost certainly the most popular style of traditional men’s watches today, and it’s an open secret that the vast majority of those who own one don’t actually take them diving.. Some refer to them as “desk divers”, as that is where they are more likely to be worn.

So, at my age, while I have no plans to go diving again, it's been so long since I've seen the ocean I guess I should.

Reading Log: May 2026

The books that I finished reading in May 2026

May 2026 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Casino Royale,” Ian Fleming 

“In a Pickle,” A.J. Stewart

“Cat on a Hot Tin Woof,” Spencer Quinn

“The Hunt for Red October,” Tom Clancy

“Ironwood,” Michael Connelly

“First In,” Gary C. Schroen 

Pacific Asia Museum

 A Family Outing to the Pacific Asia Museum

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

British Sandwich Week (18–24 May 2026)

 Seven Days, Seven Sandwiches

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

National Eat What You Want Day

A Day of Indulgence

Observed annually on May 11th, in the USA, National Eat What You Want Day is a day of indulgence. It is all about setting aside dietary restraint to enjoy the foods you crave. Though, for many of us it is a day much like any other day. I try to  make wise choices, but I don't always succeed. 

Poking around the Internet I found out that it was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy who have invented at least 80 American "holiday" observances. 

I also came across a list, created by a Vancouver marketing agency, of the foods Americans would mostly eat everyday if they were not worried about the consequences. The list of these foods accompanied by photographs I took - because of course I would have at least one of each - is as follows:

#1: Pizza (13%)

#2: Pasta (12%)

#3: Burgers (11%)

#4: Ice cream (11%)

#5: Tacos or burritos (9%)

#6: Chocolate (9%)

#7: French fries (9%)

#8: Donuts (7%)

#9: Cake (6%)

#10: Chips (5%)

#11: Cheese (4%)

#12: Cookies (4%)

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.