Nachos are extremely popular both with a meal and as a snack. They are in popular demand for parties of all kinds. We enjoy them while watching any sporting event, at home, at the stadium, or in the arena. They are so popular, that there are two holidays close together to celebrate and enjoy this versatile and crunchy treat. I don’t know about you, but this is fine with me. I’m gonna celebrate both International Nacho Day and National Nacho Day holidays as they arrive, with a fistful of nachos.

Eating Mexican or Tex-Mex tonight? Have it your way. A meal at these restaurants is all but certain to include nachos. As a snack, they are great eaten plain by themselves. However, both salsa and cheese dips are sure to be surrounding the snack bowl. Reigning supreme in the world of nachos is the Nacho Supreme. Home recipes abound. They all begin with a deep pile of chips covered with cheese, on a large serving platter. Jalapenos are also certain to be a key ingredient. Other potential ingredients include chicken, beef, salsa, black bean, onions, and black olives. Don’t forget to serve lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole on the side.

Moment of Frustration Day, an October 12 holiday, is truly a frustrating day. It is a time of irritation and disappointment, too. If you are not worried or frustrated like many of us, count your blessings. Disappointment and displeasure are common. Nothing good comes out of frustration. Anger and depression are a couple of results. One of the most important reasons for today is the opportunity to let your aggravations out.  Don’t use today to add to your frustrations. And whatever you do today, don’t find new things to fret over.

Important Note: We encourage you to let your frustrations out in a constructive way, but never in an angered way. Rather, use this day to release grievances and anger safely and sensibly. Also, drinking and drugs never solves this only makes matters worse.

Here’s wishing you a very Happy Moment of Frustration Day. As an old song goes, Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

Mischief Night is today, errrr tonight! This October 30 holiday falls on the night before Halloween. This night is a warm-up to Halloween night. It is an evening when people traditionally participate in harmless (please) mischief. We stress harmless or innocent mischief. Regardless of what you do tonight, it must be something that does not cause damage or trouble. Other forms of mischief can lead to big trouble. Even seemingly harmless mischief can be the source of problems.

This night is discouraged by law enforcement organizations. The mischief is sometimes less than funny and can even lead to vandalism or destruction.

Important: We neither encourage nor endorse participation in this day. Why risk getting in trouble??

Have a happy, safe, and harmless Mischief Night.

National Mincemeat Day, an October 26 holiday, celebrates a sweet and tasty meat treat. For those of us that have had it before, we can revel in the great taste. For those of us who have never heard of mincemeat, don’t you think today would be a good time to try it!?

Mincemeat dates back to medieval times. It was a way to preserve food. It was also a treat, mixed with sweet fruits. Somewhere in the last half of the 1900s, it lost its popularity. A whole generation has grown up, not knowing what it is, or having ever tasted it. Today, it is most often served as Minced Meat Pie. Over the years, the amount of meat in the recipes was reduced. In older recipes, you will find meat and/or suet among the ingredients. In more modern recipes, it contains little or no meat and is largely a fruity pie. It remains a traditional pie at Thanksgiving for many families.

So, just what is mincemeat? It is a mixture of minced (or chopped up) meats, suet, and fruits.  The meat is usually beef, either ground up or sirloin. Fruits include raisins, apple pears, and others. Sometimes liquor is added, most commonly brandy or rum.

Moldy Cheese Day is today, an October 9 holiday. Do you have any moldy cheese in your refrigerator? Do you need to have moldy cheese to celebrate this day? And, if you have any, what would you do with it today? Perhaps you’d use it for a cheese mold!?

Every once in a while, we come across a special day that has no apparent rhyme or reason. Today is one of those days. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate this wonderful(?) and special holiday. Au contrare……. scour through the refrigerators at home and work today for moldy cheese. Office refrigerators are a great place to find moldy stuff. See if that moldy piece of cheese is salvageable. And, just enjoy the day.

If you find moldy cheese, take a slice off each side. The insides could still be good.

Did you Know? Mold is common in cheese. It’s part of what gives a particular cheese flavor and character. For example, the blue stuff in Blu Cheese is mold.  

What’s for dinner? I know, let’s have a meatloaf dinner tonight! It’s time to celebrate National Meatloaf Appreciation Day, an October 18 holiday. This humble, if not healthy entree, has a special day all to its own. I betcha can’t wait to make a it and serve it to your family. Meatloaf is a budget-friendly meal, that can use just about any meat. Hamburger is by far the most popular. Some recipes call for pork, veal, turkey, or even deer and other game meat. Use whatever suits your family’s tastes.

Meatloaf is the culinary butt of many jokes. However, we feel it deserves both a lot of respect and certainly a day of recognition and celebration. It may not be the healthiest meal you can eat, but it sure tastes good. And it helps to stretch the family food budget, too. In times of high inflation, more and more people turn to this low-cost meal.

Did You Know? The Performer Meat Loaf’s most prized possession is his rubber duckie collection.

Mad Hatter Day, an October 6 holiday, is a great day to be silly and celebrate silliness. He is a fictional cartoon character depicted in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The Hatter is always acting silly and perhaps a little crazy. So, on this day it is only fair and fitting to act a little silly yourself.  

Despite being a silly day, the selection of the date was actually quite logical. The Mad Hatter wears a top hat. On the front of the hat is a slip of paper with “10/6” written on it. The paper is believed to be an order to make the hat, and that it costs ten shillings sixpence. Hence, this is an October 6 holiday.

Now, go grab yourself a top hat and have a very silly Mad Hatter’s Day!

Did You Know? During the 8th Century, mercury was used in hat making in a process called “carroting”. Mercury poisoning drove some hatters crazy (mad).

It’s My Party Day is today, an October 11 holiday. Pull out all of the stops. Spare no expense. Let’s have a grand celebration. Do you really need a reason to have a huge gala? Me neither, so let’s get this party started!

What a great opportunity to have some fun. So, get into a festive mood, as we’re going to celebrate all day, and all night. You can make it simple, or elaborate. Invite family and friends. Being mid-October, a Fall or Halloween theme is in order.

Did you Know? Teen star Lesley Gore sang the #1 pop music song It’s My Party in May 1963. At the time, Lesley was just 16.

Life is too short. So, let’s party on into the night!

Many of the October holidays center around Halloween and pumpkin themes. However, there’s ample room on the October calendar for plenty of holidays and observances celebrating or commemorating other subjects and topics. International Skeptics Day is one of these important and special days. Today is a day to celebrate and be skeptical. It’s the perfect day for you…the “Doubting Thomas”.

Perhaps the earth isn’t round!? Maybe, the sky isn’t truly blue!? Does he(she) love me!? ……..These are the words and questions of the classical skeptic.

 By definition, a skeptic is a person who questions or doubts facts and theories. He, or she, is a misbeliever. A skeptic does not accept the “Given”. If you are inclined to doubt things that you see or hear, then International Skeptics Day is for you. If you practice a little, I’m sure we can make a good skeptic out of you. Go ahead, give it a try. And, what better day to practice skepticism, than  International Skeptics Day?

The first Doubting Thomas was one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles. Thomas refuse to believe that Jesus rose from the dead without actually touching his wounds.  

International Walk to School Day is the perfect opportunity to step up and follow the theme of the day. Skip the bus to school today. Instead, put your sneakers on and hike on over to your school. By the time you arrive, you will be a little healthier and wide awake, ready to focus on classes. Encourage your friends to join you in the walk, and you will arrive before you know it.

Walking has many, many advantages. The exercise is easy to do, and great for your health. Walking is easy on your muscles and joints. It’s the perfect “stay in shape” or “get in shape” exercise, enjoyed by almost everybody. Walking is invigorating and wakes you up naturally so you’re ready for the day ahead. Walking on the way home from school is a natural way to decompress from the stress and pressures of the day. It is environmentally friendly, too. If more people routinely walk to school (or work or the store), the air we breathe will be cleaner, and greenhouse gases will be reduced.

The goal of International Walk to School Day is to encourage students to get more exercise, by walking instead of riding the bus, or in a car. In addition, the organizers of this day seek to bring awareness of the need for safe, walkable routes to school and within the community.  

Now that you’ve walked to and from school for one day, don’t stop there. Walk to and from school every day, when the weather allows. You’ll be glad you did!

Song of the Day: “These Boots are Made for Walking”, sung by Nancy Sinatra.