Thread:61Storm/@comment-29989042-20180310010918/@comment-29709319-20181012024236

October 12th: National Savings Day, National Vermont Day, National Freethought Day, National Farmer’s Day, and National Gumbo Day. Pic 1 gumbo, pear thrips, asian longhorn beetle, frog, bird, clover, tree

💰National Savings Day sets aside October 12 to recognize those who value the act of saving and to provide simple steps to show getting started isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Many of us already save every day. We’ve been doing it for a long time. We collect sentimental items because they mean something to us and they evoke emotion. These objects come in all forms. It could be a treasured baseball glove your dad played catch with you; an engagement ring passed down through generations, or boxes full of t-shirts representing years of concerts. We save lots of things for extended periods of time, and they accumulate quite well. Transfering this concept to a portion of our paycheck every month isn’t that far of a stretch. Consider the savings account your junk drawer or the sock basket. Only when it’s overflowing, you won’t be so annoyed. Capital One founded National Savings Day to empower people to feel more confident about their relationship with money by educating them on how saving money can be a simple, straightforward experience that fits more naturally into their lives and existing behaviors.

🇺🇸🐸🕊🐠🌺☘️🐝🐢🐎🌳🥛🍎🐳💎 Vermont is the second smallest by population and the sixth smallest by area of the 50 U.S. states. The state capital is Montpelier, the least populous state capital in the United States. The most populous city, Burlington, is the least populous city to be the most populous city in a state. Vermont's nickname is The Green Mountain State. It's motto(s): Freedom and Unity and May the 14th star shine bright. Living insignia: Amphibian, Northern leopard frog. Bird, Hermit thrush. Fish, Brook trout and Walleye. Flower, Red clover. Insect, Western honey bee. Mammal, Morgan horse. Reptile, Painted turtle. Tree, Sugar maple. Inanimate insignia: Beverage, Milk. Food, Apple pie. Fossil, Beluga whale. Gemstone, Grossular garnet. Mineral, Talc. Rock, Granite, marble and slate. For thousands of years indigenous peoples, including the Mohawk and the Algonquian-speaking Abenaki, occupied much of the territory that is now Vermont and was later claimed by France's colony of New France. France ceded the territory to Great Britain after being defeated in 1763 in the Seven Years' War. A group of settlers with New Hampshire land grant titles established the Vermont Republic in 1777 as an independent state during the American Revolutionary War. The Vermont Republic partially abolished slavery before any of the other states. Vermont then became the fourteenth state to be admitted to the newly established United States in 1791. Vermont is one of only four U.S. states that were previously sovereign state. Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest body of fresh water in the United States, separates Vermont from New York. Several mountains have timberlines with delicate year-round alpine ecosystems, including Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in the state. The annual mean temperature for the state is 43 °F (6 °C). It has colorful autumns with the hills revealing red, orange, and (on sugar maples) gold foliage as cold weather approaches. The annual snowfall averages between 60 and 100 inches (1,500 and 2,500 mm) depending on elevation. Vermont is the seventh coldest state in the country. In winter, until typical El Niño conditions, Vermont's winters are "too cold to snow"; the air is too cold to contain sufficient moisture to prompt precipitation. The highest recorded temperature was 105 °F (41 °C), at Vernon, on July 4, 1911. The lowest recorded temperature was -50 °F (-46 °C), at Bloomfield, on December 30, 1933; this is the lowest temperature recorded in New England. The agricultural growing season ranges from 120 to 180 days. As of 2015, Vermont was the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States. Climate change appears to be affecting the maple sugar industry. Sugar maples have been subject to stress by acid rain, asian longhorn beetles, pear thrips, and, in 2011, an excessive deer herd that is forced to eat bark in the winter. These maples need a certain amount of cold to produce sap for maple syrup. The time to tap these trees has shrunk to one week in some years. The tree may be replaced by the more aggressive Norway maples, in effect forcing the sugar maples to "migrate" north to Canada. Invasive wild honeysuckle has been deemed a threat to the state's forests, native species of plants, and wildlife. The first European to see Vermont is thought to have been Jacques Cartier in 1535. On July 30, 1609, French explorer Samuel de Champlain claimed Vermont as part of New France. In 1666, French settlers erected Fort Sainte Anne on Isle La Motte, the first European settlement in Vermont. On January 15, 1777, representatives of the New Hampshire Grants declared the independence of Vermont. For the first six months of its existence, it was called the Republic of New Connecticut. On June 2, 1777, a second convention of 72 delegates met and adopted the name "Vermont." This was on the advice of a friendly Pennsylvanian, Dr. Thomas Young, friend and mentor of Ethan Allen, who wrote to them on how to achieve admission into the newly independent United States of America as the 14th state. On July 4, they completed the drafting of the Constitution of Vermont at the Windsor Tavern, and adopted it on July 8. This was the first written constitution in North America to ban adult slavery, saying male slaves become free at the age of 21 and females at 18. Slavery was fully banned by state law on November 25, 1858, less than three years before the American Civil War. Vermonters provided refuge for escaped slaves, fleeing to Canada, as part of what was called the Underground Railroad. The Battle of Bennington, fought on August 16, 1777, was a seminal event in the history of the state of Vermont and the United State. The battles of Bennington and Saratoga together are recognized as the turning point in the Revolutionary War because they were the first major defeat of a British army. The anniversary of the battle is still celebrated in Vermont as a legal holiday. The Battle of Hubbardton (July 7, 1777) was the only Revolutionary battle within the present boundaries of Vermont. Although the Continental forces were technically defeated, the British forces were damaged to the point that they did not pursue the Americans (retreating from Fort Ticonderoga) any further. Vermont continued to govern itself as a sovereign entity based in the eastern town of Windsor for 14 years. The independent state of Vermont issued its own coinage from 1785 to 1788 and operated a statewide postal service. Thomas Chittenden was the Governor in 1778–89 and in 1790–91. Because the state of New York continued to assert a disputed claim that Vermont was a part of New York, Vermont could not be admitted to the Union under Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution until the legislature of New York consented. On March 6, 1790, the legislature made its consent contingent upon a negotiated agreement on the precise boundary between the two states. When commissioners from New York and Vermont met to decide on the boundary, Vermont's negotiators insisted on also settling the property ownership disputes with New Yorkers, rather than leaving that to be decided later in a federal court. The negotiations were successfully concluded in October 1790 with an agreement that Vermont would pay $30,000 to New York to be distributed among New Yorkers who claimed land in Vermont under New York land patents. In January 1791, a convention in Vermont voted 105–4 to petition Congress to become a state in the federal union. Congress acted on February 18, 1791 to admit Vermont to the Union as the 14th state as of March 4, 1791. Vermont became the first to enter the Union after the original 13 states. Vermont approved women's suffrage decades before it became part of the national constitution. Women were first allowed to vote in the elections of December 18, 1880, when women were granted limited suffrage. They were first allowed to vote in town elections, and later in state legislative races. In July 2000 Vermont became the first state to introduce civil unions. In 2009 Vermont became the first state to legislate same-sex marriage unforced by court challenge or ruling. On January 22, 2018 Vermont became the first of the United States to legalize cannabis for recreational use by legislative action, and the ninth state in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. This law was signed by Republican Governor Phil Scott. Dairy farming is the primary source of agricultural income. A significant amount of milk is shipped into the Boston market. Therefore the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certifies that Vermont farms meet Massachusetts sanitary standards. Without this certification, a farmer may not sell milk for distribution into the bulk market. In 2009 there were 543 organic farms. Twenty percent of the dairy farms were organic and 23% (128) vegetable farms were organic. Organic farming increased in 2006–07, but leveled off in 2008–09. Forest products have always been a staple to the economy, comprising 1% of the total gross state output and 9% of total manufacturing as of 2013. In 2007 Windham County contained the largest concentration of kilns for drying lumber east of the Mississippi River. The decline of farms has resulted in a regrowth of Vermont's forests due to ecological succession. Today, most of Vermont's forests are secondary. The state and non-profit organizations are actively encouraging regrowth and careful forest management. Over 78% of the land area of the state is forested compared to only 37% forest in 1880s when sheep farming was at its peak and large amounts of acreage were cleared for grazing land. An important and growing part of Vermont's economy is the manufacture and sale of artisan foods, fancy foods, and novelty items trading in part upon the Vermont "brand," which the state manages and defends. The wine industry in Vermont started in 1985. As of 2007 there were 14 wineries. As of 2015, GlobalFoundries was the largest private employer in the state and provides jobs to 3,000 employees at its plant in the village of Essex Junction within Chittenden County. A 2010 University of Connecticut study reported that Vermont, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire tied as the most costly states in the U.S. for manufacturers. Hunting is controlled for black bear, wild turkeys, deer, and moose. There are 5,500 bears in the state. The goal is to keep the numbers between 4,500 and 6,000. In 2010 there were about 141,000 deer in the state, which is in range of government goals. However, these are distributed unevenly and when in excess of 10–15 per square mile, negatively impact timber growth. In 2012 hunting of migratory birds was limited to October 13 to December 16. Waterfowl hunting is also controlled by federal law. The towns of Rutland and Barre are the traditional centers of marble and granite quarrying and carving in the U.S. For many years Vermont was also the headquarters of the smallest union in the U.S., the Stonecutters Association, of about 500 members. The first marble quarry in America was on Mount Aeolus overlooking East Dorset. The granite industry attracted numerous skilled stonecutters in the late 19th century from Italy, Scotland, and Ireland. Barre is the location of the Rock of Ages quarry, the largest dimension stone granite quarry in the United States. Vermont is the largest producer of slate in the country. The highest quarrying revenues result from the production of dimension stone.[citation needed] The Rock of Ages quarry in Barre is one of the leading exporters of granite in the country. The work of the sculptors of this corporation can be seen 3 miles (4.8 km) down the road at the Hope Cemetery, where there are gravestones and mausoleums. Vermont is the only state in the union not to have a balanced budget requirement, yet Vermont has had a balanced budget every year since 1991. In 2007 Moody's gave its top bond credit rating (Aaa) to the state. In 2007 Vermont was the 14th highest out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for state and local taxation, with a per capita load of $3,681. The national average was $3,447. Vermont does not collect inheritance taxes, but does impose a state estate tax; a Vermont estate tax return must be filed if the estate must file a federal estate tax return (the requirement for which depends on federal law). Vermont does not collect a state gift tax. To equitably support education, some towns are required by Act 60 to send some of their collected taxes to be redistributed to school districts lacking adequate support. Vermont is one of four states that were once independent nations (the others being Texas, California, and Hawaii). Notably, Vermont is the only state to have voted for a presidential candidate from the Anti-Masonic Party, and Vermont was one of only two states to vote against Franklin D. Roosevelt in all four of his presidential campaigns (the other was Maine). Vermont is the only state in the United States that requires voters to be sworn in, having established the voter's oath or affirmation in 1777. In 2010 Vermont was the sixth highest ranked state for Well-Being in a study by Gallup and Healthways. In 2010 the state stood third in physical well-being of children. In 2010 Vermont was ranked the highest in the country for health outcomes. The state is an alcoholic beverage control state. In 2007, through the Vermont Department of Liquor Control, it took in over $14 million from the sale and distribution of alcohol. Vermont has some of the least restrictive gun control laws in the country. A permit or license is not required for purchasing or carrying firearms. Concealed carry and open carry of a firearm is legal over the age of 16, with those below 16 requiring parental permission. Vermont was named the nation's smartest state in 2005 and 2006. In 2017, spending $1.6 billion on education for 76,000 public school children, represents more than $21,000 per student. Education Week ranked the state second in high school graduation rates for 2007. In 2011, 91% of the population had graduated from high school compared with 85% nationally. Almost 34% have at least an undergraduate degree compared with 28% nationally. In 2013, the ratio of pupils to teachers was the lowest in the country. Vermont has five colleges within the Vermont State Colleges system, University of Vermont (UVM), and thirteen other private, degree-granting colleges, including Bennington College Champlain College, Goddard College, Marlboro College, Middlebury College, Saint Michael's College, the Vermont Law School, and Norwich University. In 2016, the University of Vermont charged the second highest tuition in the nation for four years, $61,000 for in-state students, to $147,000 for out-of-state students. This compares with an average of $34,800 nationally for in-state students. Many of Vermont's rivers, including the Winooski River, have been subjected to man-made barriers to prevent flooding. The state has suffered some natural disasters in the 20th and 21st centuries related to hurricanes, extensive rain and flooding. Vermont was ranked as the safest state in the country in 2016.

💡National Freethought Day! The purpose of National Freethought Day is to encourage people to be free thinkers and to base opinions on facts, science, logic and reason.

🚜National Farmer’s Day! A day of honor is very much deserved to all of the hard-working farmers. National Farmer’s Day is observed annually on October 12th as a day for them and to pay tribute to all farmers throughout American history. National Farmer’s Day was previously known as Old Farmer’s Day. From very early in American culture, a farmer’s endless hard work has been an example to all of us, and on National Farmer’s Day, we thank them for their contributions to our economy. There are some cities and towns across the United States that have their own versions of Farmer’s Day, with celebrations and festivals on various dates throughout the year. Many of them are held in September and October. October does seem fitting for celebrating National Farmer’s Day as it is near the end of the harvest. Many farmers will be able to take a rest from their hard labor to join in the celebration of this holiday. Records of National Farmer’s Day events exist dating back to the 1800s.

National Gumbo Day! A heavily seasoned, stew-like dish. Originating in southern Louisiana during the 18th century, Gumbo is a dish that typically consists of a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener and seasoned vegetables. The seasoned vegetables may include celery, bell peppers and onions which are a trio known in Cajun cuisine as the “holy trinity. The dish is commonly served over rice. Gumbo is usually categorized by one of the following types of thickener used: 1. The African vegetable okra. 2. The Choctaw spice filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves). 3. Roux (the French base made of flour and fat). Gumbo arose from a West African word for okra, which many believe is how the name and the ingredient also intertwined. Gumbo is thought to have been first documented in 1802 and was listed in various cookbooks in the latter 19th century. It gained widespread popularity in the 1970s when the United States Senate cafeteria added Gumbo to the menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender. Gumbo is the official cuisine of the state of Louisiana. Since 1989, New Iberia, Louisiana has held The World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off.

Saving money💰 is always a good plan. I hope I didn't bore you with Vermont. I try throwing a little of everything in. There was a lot more on Vermont but I thought I better stop. It is an interesting state though. I thought freethought was what we were doing. Yes people it is the farmer who puts the food on your table. Someone has to grow it before it is marketed. There's no witches in the back of the supermarket standing over a cauldron brewing these things up already canned or the fresh produce. Although I'm not to sure if witches didn't brew up Gumbo. I'm sorry but I can't get pass the smell🤢 of it, let a lone what it looks like. It's not for me. However my hubby loves the stuff.

Sending warm hugs because it's chilly here, had to turn the heat on.🐶🐶🎃👻💕🍂💕

P.S. sorry about the bugs but I did not know what they looked like.