Leave the Oreos and other store-bought cookies on the pantry shelf. Instead, let’s bake a lot of homemade cookies today, as it is National Homemade Cookies Day. Bake any type of cookies that you’d like on this October 1 holiday. Put on your apron and let’s get baking. The more cookies you make, the better. You get extra points if you are a mom. That’s because everybody knows that mom makes the best cookies!

What qualifies as “Homemade”: Making cookies from scratch is certainly homemade. And, it’s the best way to celebrate this holiday. If you use a box mix, it still qualifies as homemade. There is some disagreement, as to whether using pre-packaged store-bought cookie dough, where you slice the cookies and then bake them, is considered homemade. We will let you make that call.

It is okay to bake the cookies the night before this holiday….only if you bring them to work or a party on this holiday.

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. There’s certainly room in October for an event that involves both golf and charitable causes. National Golf Day, an October 4 holiday, is a major charitable event, sponsored annually since 1952 by the PGA.

On National Golf Day, all of the over 4,300 professional members of the PGA are encouraged to play golf with contributors. The entry fees of contributors goes towards a wide range of charitable causes. Each year, a top ranked golfer is made chairman of this event. This is a truly admirable and worthy event. Many golf course hold their own events, with the proceeds going to charities.

National Gumbo Day, an October 12 holiday, is today. It’s a great opportunity, to enjoy a little Louisiana Cajun cooking. For those of us in the south, that is easy, as Gumbo is on almost all restaurant menus. You can’t walk into a restaurant in New Orleans, that does not offer it. On the other hand, Northerners, it may take a little research, to find restaurants in your area that serve Gumbo. Or, you may want to look for a Gumbo recipe online and make it yourself.

Gumbo is a thick stew, with chicken, beef, or seafood. It is heavily seasoned with Cajun spices. And, it absolutely must contain Okra.

Did You Know? Gumbo is the African word for Okra

 To celebrate National Gumbo Day, just have a dish of it. The day is extra special if you make it yourself.

Have a Happy National Gumbo Day.

National Fossil Day comes during Earth Sciences Week. This holiday is a very special day. It is not a day for us old fossils among the general population. Rather, it is a day to learn about and preserve rocks containing the remains of ancient life on earth. Comprised of animals and plants, they are a record of what life existed on the planet. Carbon dating identifies when these animals and plants lived. Fossilized rocks are found all over the planet. Perhaps fossilized are buried in your backyard, or a creek bed near your home. Paleontology is the study of fossilized rocks. If you choose paleontology as a career, you are a Paleontologist. 

In 2010, the U.S. National Park Service created the first National Fossil Day. According to their website, this day is “a celebration organized by the National Park Service to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational values.”

Did You Know? The oldest fossils are bacteria.

We hope you shake your bones and have a happy and educational National Fossil Day

They say “every dog has his day”. So, it’s only fitting that every cat has her day, too. You’d better treat your feline like a queen today. She deserves it, as today is National Cat Day, an October 29 holiday. We got the feeling that today is going to be an absolutely purr-fect day.

National Cat Day was created for several reasons. First, it is a day to celebrate and enjoy some quality time with your feline friend. Treat her royally. Feed her special treats, give her some catnip, and buy her some new toys. Don’t have a cat? Another objective of this day is to encourage people to adopt a cat. When you do so, you’re in for a rewarding experience. There are many animals out there who need your love and care.  Another reason for this day is to bring awareness and encourage action for the better welfare of cats. Donate or give your time to a cat or pet rescue organization. 

Ladies, make this day all about your guy, as today is National Boyfriends Day, an October 3 holiday. It is a day to really let your guy know how much you care for him and appreciate all that he does. Pamper him, spoil him and give him a little recognition for all those things that you love him for.

Why do you need a special day to recognize your boyfriend? There are at least two reasons. First of all, there are special days for mothers fathers, sisters, brothers, kids, and so on. So, why not have a special day for your boyfriend? Second, your guy is pretty special to you. While you may already show him how special he is every day, you can use today to really do it up in a big way.

Wives…. If you’ve already married your boyfriend, remember that he still IS your boyfriend. Fully celebrate this day. Your happiness and marriage will be all the better for it.  

Guys, you will get the opportunity to show appreciation to her when National Girlfriends Day comes along. Mark your calendars now, and don’t miss it.

Name Your Car Day is today, an October 2 holiday. Does your automobile have a name? Lots of people name their cars. People with big boats, name their boats, and we think nothing of it. So, why not name your car or truck!? Speaking of trucks, there are so many of these vehicles on the road today, that a truck owner might call this Name Your Truck Day. We’re okay with that, too.

Every vehicle has character and personality. We spend a lot of time in our automobiles and caring for them. So, it’s only fitting that we give them a name.

Selecting a name should be made with care and consideration. Give it one that properly reflects its character. What you name it should be a proper reflection of its character and performance, and your desires for your car. In general, guys’ names are used for guys’ cars, and girl names are given to the cars that you ladies drive. Aside from that, the selection of a name is wide open. But, be careful, a vehicle has feelings, too.

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!