Usually, it is at this point that I remind you the weekend is over and it’s time to get back to work, but since today is a holiday in the U.S., you still get one last day to find some fun to be had, or just lie around pondering the meaning of your toes and why there are ten of them. I hope you’re all enjoying this long weekend, the last one until Thanksgiving in November. And, to my friends in the UK … you got your bank holiday a week or so ago, so no whining!
Today, as you will soon see, is a special day for the bacon-lovers among us, so Joyful and I whipped up a few bacon-y treats! We also included a bit of fruit for those who are … um, shall we say more health-conscious, and of course we cannot forget Benjamin’s donuts & juice boxes! So, grab a plate and cuppa and let’s learn about … International Bacon Day!
Now, I have to give credit where it’s due, and in this case that credit goes to our friend Ellen, without whose help I would never have known it was International Bacon Day on Saturday! Ellen is not, herself, a huge bacon fan, but she thought of Larry, Larry, Emily and David, and knowing how much the Bacon Four, as I have dubbed them, love bacon, she made sure to give me a heads up! Since Saturday was not a Jolly Monday, and since I was unable to exit the rabbit hole for a Saturday Surprise post, then we will celebrate the holiday today, two days late! So, let’s talk bacon …
Not to be confused with National Bacon Day, celebrated in December, International Bacon Day is a relatively new unofficial holiday. Here’s the story …
It all started in January 2004, when University of Colorado Boulder graduate student Alexa Halford was sitting around with classmates Seth Rittenhouse and Evan Salim.
“As I recall, Seth was sitting on the couch and said, ‘Bacon is delicious, there should be a day dedicated to bacon.’ Evan responded with something like, ‘Seth you are a genius, we should totally have a day dedicated to bacon.’”
Labor Day weekend was the only time of year that the bacon-obsessed gang, who dubbed themselves “Alexa and the Bacon Boys,” could get together and cook. Celebrating on the Saturday before the national holiday gave everyone a couple of days to recover from their pork-induced comas.
And so, the three started a blog and with the help of friends around the world, yet another food holiday was born. Not every state or city recognizes International Bacon Day, but those that do each have a unique way of celebrating. Take, for example, the state of Iowa …
Iowa is a bacon-happy place. Nearly 5% of their state’s income comes from the production of it, and they are the U.S.’s biggest producers of pork products. It’s no surprise that they’d host what is probably the biggest bacon festival in the country, and that their state legislature would be so happy to promote it, passing a bill to make it an officially recognized day in the state.
There are numerous websites about bacon (who knew???) with stories, recipes, pictures, etc., but I thought I’d share with you some of the fun bacon-logo merchandise I came across while in search of information for this post.
If you go to the Bacon Scouts website you will find varieties of bacon you’ve never heard of before! I was sorely tempted to order a pound of the Apple-Cinnamon Flavoured Bacon … until I saw the $54/pound price tag! Gulp. Thanks, but no thanks! You can also join the “Bacon of the Month Club” .
Or check out the Bacon Today website for tons of recipes (even bacon sushi 🤢), desserts, news and even bacon videos!
And now, I’m feeling full from all this talk of bacon, even though I haven’t eaten any, so let’s have a few ‘toons, shall we?
I came across a few adorable animal pictures while I was over at Phil’s Phun that I just have to share with you … they made me smile, and I hope they will bring a smile to your faces as well …
And I found this fun, short clip of a rooster chasing a dog … you’ve got to see this!
Back in June, I read an article in The Washington Post titled Go ahead and watch. Cute or funny animal videos can be good for you. Just what I’ve been saying for years now! Take a look at the article if you have a spare minute or two, but meanwhile, for our cute animal video today, I shall play the one they reference with the cockatoo dancing to Elvis’ Don’t Be Cruel!
And that concludes another Jolly Monday! I would ask that you all keep our friend David in your hearts and thoughts this week … he is hospitalized for the second time in a month and I am not encouraged by what I am hearing. Maybe if we all send good karma, good vibes, or whatever, it will help him to get well. Have a wonderful Labour Day holiday, and a wonderful week ahead, my friends! Love ‘n hugs from Filosofa, Jolly & Joyful!!!
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