#national grab some nuts day

[murderousink23]

National Grab Some Nuts Day 🥜🇺🇸, National Watermelon Day 🍉 🇺🇸, Mead Day 🇺🇸, National Mustard Day 🇺🇸, Flag Day 🇻🇪

[rabbitcruiser]

National Grab Some Nuts Day

National  Grab Some Nuts Day on August 3 is the ultimate nutty day. Nuts,  legumes, seeds drupes, either way – they’re all considered nuts and are  all in some way a part of our daily diet. Nuts are rich in nutrients and  minerals, and if eaten in the correct quantities, are great for  improving our health.  This day promotes the consumption of all nuts,  the health benefits, and their tastiness. You won’t be surprised to hear  that it’s a very nutty occasion.  

History of National Grab Some Nuts Day

Although  the origin of National Grab Some Nuts Day is unknown, we do know that  when this day first started being observed there was some confusion to  its purpose. Some were celebrating the nuts we eat, whereas others  thought it was all about the metal nuts that go with bolts. Whilst these  metal nuts obviously serve their purpose, we’d rather be celebrating  food, which is pretty much our stance on most matters.

There is also ample discussion on what is defined as  a nut and what is a legume.  A legume  is generally recognized as a pod containing multiple seeds that begins  to open on its own when the season for harvesting approaches. For the purposes of National Grab Some Nuts Day, we suggest celebrating the day by grabbing a handful and savoring the taste!

Whatever  it may be, either botanical or non botanical nuts, nuts have an  impressive amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, potassium, iron and so  on. They say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but even nuts are also capable of this! Consider consuming nuts on a daily basis for snacking to absorb those important nutrients.  

Other  nutty days do occur throughout the year. These include National Almond  Day and National Pecan Day. There’s also a day for cashews, walnuts,  peanuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and chestnuts. This day is a day for celebrating all these days bundled up in one and grabbing handfuls of as many different kinds as you like. Raw or roasted. Salted, seasoned or plain.

National Grab Some Nuts Day timeline

10,0000 BC Tree Food

Walnuts are the first nuts to be consumed.

1890 Pea-not brushing

Peanut butter is developed by a doctor in St Louis who prescribed it to patients with bad teeth.

1919 Nut Rep

Texas adopts the pecan tree as its state tree.

April 2019 Original Health

“Nuts: A Global History,” is released on Amazon.

How To Celebrate National Grab Some Nuts Day

Grab some nuts

Add nuts to your food

Share on social media

Make  sure to grab a handful of your favorite nuts to snack on. If done  sensibly, this is a great way to stay healthy. It’s worth reading up on  the health benefits of including nuts in your daily diet.

Try  adding some nuts to a meal. Nuts add texture to baked goods and savory  dishes. Options include adding nuts to your salads, stir fry, or the  crust of  a pie. Check out some nutty recipes on YouTube.

Post  about it online and share a photo or two of eating a handful of nuts.   Use the hashtag #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay on Instagram, Facebook, and  Twitter.

5 Amazing Facts About Nuts

Nut Shell

You’re not nuts!

Nut- Roast

Lotta snackin’

Almondey

A nut is a fruit composed of an inedible shell and an edible seed.

Walnuts, cashew nuts, almonds, and pecans are technically not nuts, they’re seeds.

Roasting nuts can strip significant fat, so it’s better to eat nuts raw.

Nuts have been eaten for 1000 years in the US.

Almonds are enriched with antioxidants and vitamin E.

Why We Love National Grab Some Nuts Day

They’re good for you

They help us

They taste fab!

Nuts  are a great way to stay healthy and fit and  are healthiest when eaten  raw. People who eat nuts regularly generally have lower levels of heart  attacks, coronary heart disease, strokes and cancer.

Nuts  are high in calories but they are a great way to lose weight. They  contain fibre which helps to improve gut health and decrease calorie  absorption, thus making you feel full. They also have anti-inflammatory  properties which can help with ageing.

Nuts  have a unique taste – they’re nutty! From almonds, pistachios, cashews,  peanuts, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts and more, we love their unique  flavour and crunch when added to meals that we just die for.

Source

[gpstudios]

🥜 Celebrate National Grab Some Nuts Day! 🥜

🥜 Happy #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay! Whether you love almonds, cashews, walnuts, or peanuts, today is the perfect day to enjoy a healthy and tasty snack. What's your favorite nut? Share with us! 🌰

Introduction Happy National Grab Some Nuts Day! 🥳 Whether you’re a fan of almonds, cashews, walnuts, or peanuts, today is all about enjoying the delicious and nutritious world of nuts. These little powerhouses of flavor are not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. So grab a handful of your favorite nuts, and let’s celebrate this crunchy and satisfying snack! What’s your favorite nut?…

[actually-safer-to-kiss]

Girlfriend Interrupted

Summary: Reader had a bad day at work and Spencer's complaints are not the best timing.

Couple: Spencer/Fem!Reader

Category: Hurt/comfort

Content warnings: Mentions of food, hunger, and prolonged time without eating

Word count: 887

The bus rumbles across the old asphalt and bricked crosswalks while hissing at stops. All you could do was lay your head against the window and try not to fall asleep or accidentally smash it into the glass after hitting a precarious pothole. You were three stops away from home and all you wanted to do was lock yourself in the apartment and gorge on the least healthy meal you could find. 

You had a healthy meal planned for lunch today actually; a salad filled to the nines (the nines being roasted chicken, nuts, pomegranate, and honeydew). It was perfect. So perfect in fact that someone stole it from the fridge when you were in the middle of beating a deadline. And even after being successful in that, your boss still found time to yell at you for something another co-worker did. You weren’t sure which one, but it wasn’t you. You’ve been nibbling on a granola bar on the ride, but your mind is occupied by the leftover lasagna in the fridge.

And you find it there, waiting for you under the stark refrigerator light. You yank it from the bottom shelf and don’t even consider looking at the microwave. You barely looked at the dishes you left in the sink after breakfast this morning and remember how behind you were when getting ready for work, telling yourself you’d put them in the dishwasher before Spencer got home. You did say you’d do that. And Spencer doesn’t like dishes in the sink.

 Instead, you grab the blanket from the back of the couch and settle in the dark, pulling up a YouTube video you’ve been meaning to watch. You rest your phone against the book spines Spencer had specifically picked out to be displayed for their guests (mainly your parents during the holidays and his co-workers). Most of them are about astronomy, nothing you’ve cared to pick up. They’re detailed enough to keep Spencer entertained and sturdy enough to keep your phone upright while you slurped up tomato sauce and ricotta cheese. And so you snuggled in like a kid watching Saturday cartoons, sugary cereal at the ready.

And it’s when you think of your boyfriend again that the door behind you opens with a creak. The thud of his cane echoes across the wood floor as that same door clicks as he shuts it. You manage to say “Hey, Spence” through your glorious mouthful of a rushed dinner. But Spencer says nothing back. He’s been struggling not just with his knee acting up again after his previous surgery, but with being unable to travel with his team. The thud of Spencer’s cane trails from the entryway to the kitchen. It was a tough day for both of you, no doubt.

Your sympathies started to wane though when Spencer interrupted your video.

“Ugh, Y/N. I told you I don’t like dishes in the sink.”

“I know.” You tried to say without a mouthful. “And I’m sorry. I was running late for work and needed to get going before—”

“And you left the fridge door open, too. We talked about needing to cut back before our lease renewal. The National Weather Service expects an uptick in accumulation by late December.”

You pause your video and turn in your seat. “Sorry, I was going to do it when I got home, but I needed to eat because someone stole—”

“And you’re eating the lasagna from the tray? We have clean bowls. You could easily grab one from—”

“Let me talk!” You ended up shouting. It was sudden for both of you. You’re never one to raise your voice and Spencer has never been one to fuck up bad enough to witness it. It forces Spencer to freeze in place, like that accumulation he talked about just rushed through the apartment on your command. It would be funny if it was some sort of command if you already weren’t teetering on the edge of tears. The sting in your nose already started traveling to your eyes. They welled up and Spencer quickly became a blur as you started to sob, the trials of a bad day finally getting to you. You let your chest heave and tears streak down your cheeks, hoping at least a portion of the stress will subside afterward.

You didn’t expect Spencer to be right next to you. You didn’t hear his cane once on the floor. It was against the arm of the couch. And he was on the floor, resting on his knees. Of course, you’re too distressed to point out that is the last thing he should be doing if he wants to avoid more surgery so badly. Plus he’s busy with taking the meal off of your lap. “Come here,” he tells you. He’s holding your hands. His hands are just as frigid as the lasagna. But he pulls you up as he tries to stand, meeting you on (somewhat) equal footing to bring you into a hug. It’s warm, obviously. All of his hugs are warm. He wears cotton-only cardigans and wears layers of clothes even at the peak of summer. “I’m sorry.” He says. “Just let it out. I’m here.”

“Spence. Your knee.”

“It’s fine.”

“You need to—”

“Be here. Which I am.” And he holds you tighter.

[tomorrowsgardennc]

market update // national seed swap day 2025

geeeeez i have so many notifications here, i guess i really haven't been on here in a hot minute. it has been nuts prepping for my first *major* seed swap, and it legit was a major one. but now that it has been a week, i think i'm finally starting to catch up with things. but i want to share with y'all before i forget all my mental notes and stories!!

i personally took so very few photos, because after 5 minutes in i was SWAMPED!! there was a line the entire 2 hours of the swap, and at the end of the market we had to tape off the seed swap portion in order to pack up! i was genuinely only expecting a steady stream of curious people, but it was shoulder to shoulder people, courtiosuly helping one another find varieties of this or that and everyone talking and asking questions!

now for setup... i had myself, my farmer mama (sooo happy she was able to make it!!), a local community garden captain who i asked to volunteer so he could promote his community and network a bit himself, another fellow plant vendor at the market, and one other volunteer who knew nothing about gardening but LOVES to organized. and y'all... i could not have asked for a better team to help me. farmer mama helped me keep my panic attacks away from so many people in one place... the community garden captain helped put a smile on everyone's face and giving the regulars new info, the fellow vendor was acting like she was a salesman and got so many seeds flying off the tables by answering sooooo many questions, and the last volunteer kept all the tables nice and tidy throughout the swap and refilled when space opened up. it was truly amazing.

we had a total of 25 feet of table space, and every table was jam packed with seeds. i brought approx. 1,375 seed packets (+/- a few dozen between added donos the morning of and me shipping some out the week before). but the thing is... the tables never got empty because of the amount we also had donated back! we had books and nursery containers too. i left with more books than what i arrived with, and all the nursery containers were gone by end of the swap. which is good because i don't need any more of those 😅

i think, with the seeds donated day of, that there were more seeds saved personally than open seed packets than i expected. now, sadly, i'm going to have to get the word out that labeling seeds as "pumpkin" is... well... not all too helpful for anyone. but i have 350ish days to get that word out before the next seed swap. and i plan to! just... need to wind down from this event first, mentally.

ok so, i know that part of my autism is me legit not being able to grasp certain concepts of emotions... even with hubs best efforts i still can't understand empathy. but i also... ok sorry this is hard to explain so it'll be written poorly... but a ton of people kept congratulating me??? saying what i did was a "true accomplishment" and i "knocked this out of the part" and "you succeeded!!" but... this wasn't about me???? i didn't do this for me. i did this for everyone who needs food. for those who have been too scared to try and start seeds before. who have tried before but trying again was too high of an investment. i didn't do this for my benefit, nor for marketing, or anything. the community garden captain gained more social media followers than me, and that's EXACTLY what i wanted!! one woman, dressed as though she was just barely getting by, legitimately broke out into tears when she picked up one envelope, dug through her purse and asked how much and i said "everything on these tables are free!" she said thank you a few times before she couldn't hold it in and grabbed a few more packets and left. congratulate HER on having the means go grow when it obviously means so much to her! congratulate ao many others who now won't have to worry about how they're going to afford a garden this year when bills are so tight! i don't know... maybe i'm missing something. just... i don't need a pat on the back for helping people. this should be the norm, bar minimum, not an accomplishment.

...

anyway... notes for next year:

- have a better donation system. turns out a lot of people were putting the seeds on the table that they brought, and nobody realized it, so i couldn't properly thank those people when they did.

- make sure to get more companies to donate. i had 7 companies donate, but renee's garden donated over 600 seed packets alone while every other company was, like, 50 maximum. we are going to need quite a lot more next year...

- still debating on switching my company to non-profit or not. i've talked to an "official non-profit consultant" at the local community college but she didn't really answer my questions about my type of business. i'm definitely not doing any of this for money, but i need more funding if i want to make seed swaps not only bigger but in more locations, both in person and online. and i have soooo many ideas on how to do so. i just need to figure out the best way to do so, legally. i'm just scared of messing some sort of legal paperwork or taxes up when i switch to non-profit.

- try and get the same volunteer team. i could not have done it without them.

- grow. grow grow grow and grow.

that last note is for you, too.

just grow 🌱

[thebiscuiteternal]

Could you explain more about the WIC shrinkflation issue? I was advised to apply for the program and now I'm worried about the complications.

Sure thing.

For starters, while WIC is a national program, states can and do implement certain aspects of it differently, so disclaimer that this is coming from a Tennessee viewpoint.

Okay, so.

WIC (Women Infants Children) vouchers are designed to help make sure that babies and toddlers are getting enough nutrition during early development. It usually runs alongside food stamps, but sometimes someone might be eligible for food stamps, but not WIC, or vise versa.

For infants -> pre-solid-food toddlers, it covers formula and baby food, and for pregnant mothers and/or toddlers eating solid foods, it usually covers fruits, vegetables, and certain staple foods.

WIC vouchers are very specific about what you can get with them, especially when it comes to baby food. They will label

Brands (Usually Gerber, Beech Nut, or other approved affiliate brands)

Formula varieties (usually high-vitamin)

Food type (Typically no mixed flavors, i.e. you can get jars of spinach and jars of turkey, but not a jar of blended spinach and turkey. This also trips up a lot of first-timers.)

Age (Baby foods typically come in development stages, so the vouchers will usually say whether you can have Stage 1, stage 2, etc)

Packaging (Whether it has to be glass jars or you can substitute with the mini plastic tubs. Usually pouch foods are not allowed)

Number (i.e. 12 jars of pureed meats or what have you)

Weight (boxes of baby cereals like oatmeal or rice, the size of the formula cans, or the size of the jars)

Some foods will specify whether or not it has to be organic

(Note: The local WIC offices used to send a pamphlet with the vouchers that included pictures of particular packaging to help ESL recipients, but with companies changing the look of their packaging too frequently, this has stopped in a lot of places.)

So, already a lot to look out for, yeah? And weight is usually where things get fucked. As I said in the previous post, companies (especially Gerber) have a really irritating habit where they will up and change the actual weight of the product without informing the WIC office of the change in time for the next round of vouchers (if they bother to inform them at all, instead of the WIC office having to contact them due to complaints). But of course the store knows about the change due to their inventory programs.

As a result, you'll either get:

A: The parent who has already been through this shit and now tries to verify the labels and is upset because they can't find the box with the correct ounce amount anymore (because it no longer exists).

B: The parent who hasn't been through this shit yet and grabbed the same box they got the month previously and is unaware it's now the wrong box until the register refuses to apply it to their monthly voucher.

C: The cashier who has to deal with this day in and day out and is just as frustrated as the parents, especially if they don't have enough experience to know this is the companies' fault, not the parents'.

I should also note that this has been a problem for a long time. It was already happening back when I was still working. But at least back then, you could count on at least 8 months (or even a couple of years) between sizing incidents, whereas Post-Covid, it's accelerated to practically a fuckup (or more) a month. If this month, it's the cereal, next month, it's the formula, etc. A neverending carousel of corporate bullshit. And the companies don't care, because they've already gotten their government subsidy for participating in the program at all, and if the parents have to pay out of pocket for the things the vouchers no longer cover that month, that's just more profit for the company.

[joe9cool]

Invisible String- Collide

This takes place after the story and before the epilogues. Just a cute little story while listening to Invisible String by Taylor Swift

Mike Wozniak was in his attic, normally this was something his wife would be doing, but this was something that was driving him nuts since he discovered the tall young man that stole his youngest daughter's heart.

Justin looked familiar, but he couldn't put his place on it. Then the lightbulb went off in his head when he remembered Justin was from Oregon. He had never gotten a proper chance to mention it since everyone had been fussing over him the entire time he was visiting

After hours of searching through photo albums, he made an "Aha!" Noise as he grabbed the two photos he was looking for

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Dad, I thought you were taking this slow. You just had a medical emergency." Sara had decided to go home for a week to check on her dad before Justin's training camp started. She had just finished wrapping up promotional press for the shows new season premiere. Sara was cleaning her home when her dad surprised her with food and an envelope. "Where's mom?"

"Probably at her art class. Who knows?" Sara laughed and crossed her arms. "And how pissed would she be if she knew you were here with Chinese food?"

"Really pissed. But she will be gone for a few more hours and there's the farmers market on her way home. Plenty of time to hide the evidence." He set the food down as Sara got out the paper plates and plastic utensils. "What's in the envelope?"

He slid it across the dining room table as he began to plate some of the food. "Take a look for yourself."

Confused, she tucked a piece of her dark hair around her ear before opening the envelope. It was a series of photos. She studied the first one. It was a picture of her, Alyssa and their dad outside what looked like a stadium. She looked at the back, in her moms handwriting

7/12/2002

Autzen stadium, Eugene Oregon 

"Oh my god. How do I not remember this?" Sara examined the photo. She and Alyssa were dressed in typical early 2000s kids clothes. Their hair in pigtails, and they looked like they would have rather been anywhere but there. "I told Justin I'd never been there before but I guess I'm a liar."

Mike laughed. Taking a bite of his food. "It was an overnight business trip and I took your girls at the last minute since you were upset about Katie and Brittany going to Florida with your cousins. I didn't know anything about the area, saw this massive football stadium with Duck gear everywhere and got you this since you cried." There was a bag that he reached in. He pulled out a small stuffed Duck with an old Oregon logo on it. "Maybe one day, you could give it to your baby."

Sara took the duck and smiled. "I don't even remember having this." Her dad smiled. "Well you kept it in your room for a few days until Brittany made fun of you for having too many stuffed animals and then you threw them in the basin. You're lucky your mother is a sentimental hoarder."

He picked up the envelope and took out another photo. "This was when I went to New York for work because my company was sponsoring the college football awards. In 2019 I attended the national college football awards banquet to see my buddy Steve present the William Campbell trophy to a young man. I didn't know much about him, but he was very smart and polite in the brief moment I shook his hand."

He flipped the photo over and there was a group photo. All of the big execs surrounding Justin, and sure enough her dad was all of the way at the end.

"Who would have thought I'd be meeting my future son-in-law." Mike smiled as his daughter rolled his eyes. "Dad please."

"I'm just saying." He held his hands up.

—

"Wow. Now I feel bad, I didn't even recognize your dad when I met him in the hospital." Justin smiled as she showed him the two photos and the stuffed Duck. Sara laughed. "How would you have known?"

"True." He smiled. "You're a liar though." She looked confused. "Huh?" He got up and walked towards her, cornering her, he spoke slowly. "You told me you've never been to Eugene" She smiled, catching on by his tone. "I guess technically I did lie. Does that mean I'm a bad girl and need to be punished?"

She squealed as his hand snaked around her to squeeze her ass hard. "Bad girls always get punished."

—-------------------------------------------------------------

A week after she showed him the photos something else had happened. She was scrolling on her tiktok page when a photo she recognized came across her for you page.

It was an old photo that her college roommate Cameron had posted back in 2017 on instagram. Fans must have dug up the photo as the old friend's profile was open.It was a photo of them at a UCLA football game, one of the few she attended. They were on the field, her name starting to pick up as she gotten some guest star roles on tv shows and was gaining traction in movies. Her and Cameron were by the end zone. She captioned it

One day she will get into football.

The person who posted it had used the song 'invisible string' as the sound

Isn't it just so pretty to think All along there was some invisible String, Tying you to me

Sliding over the person had zoomed in on the same photo. Sara gasped as she recognized the guy on the field throwing a few feet behind them

It was Justin, her Justin.

She smiled widely. She vaguely remembered that game. From what she did remember, she was bored and on her phone messaging a douche that she was dating while waiting for call backs.

How close she was to meeting him. His hair was buzzed short, and he paid no attention to the chaos around him as he was getting ready for the game. Typical Justin.

Smiling, she made a few calls.

—--------------------------------------------------------------

A few weeks later, Justin was at camp as Sara had just gotten in from another day of protesting for the writers. She was cooking dinner when he walked in. "Hey babe." He kissed her. "Smells good, as usual. I'm going to change."

"Okay when you're done I have a surprise for you." He lifted his eyebrows. "Oh?" His earlier task was forgotten. "Is it another workout?" He wiggled his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

"That's for later. I'm talking about an actual gift."

Justin sighed and Sara laughed, deciding to show him earlier, she grabbed the frame from one of the drawers. He took it and was confused for a second. "Who is the girl with you?"

"My roommate Cameron this was when we went to the UCLA Oregon game." She smiled as she saw the recognition on his face. "Hey that's me in the back!" Justin looked up and laughed. "This was in 2017. Oh my god."

She smiled. "Who would have known? It's too bad you had that shaved head otherwise I would have definitely tried to fuck you." He rolled his eyes. "You know I had a girlfriend at this time?"

“So was I, well kinda, we were seeing other people on the side.” He narrowed his eyes “Hey I was a hoe when I first got into the La/Hollywood scene”

“I don’t want to hear about that.” She laughed at his jealousy. “You know the chicken needs some time to cool off, I need to keep busy.” She dragged a finger down his chest. Catching on, he put her over his shoulder and immediately went into the room. Unbeknownst to them, the music playing in the background begun playing ‘invisible strings’

A.N. This was just something cute I thought of while listening to the song

[mordenheim]

I won't let you down

Dan was Donnie’s most reliable friend.  He always told him “I won’t let you down,” and he very much meant it.  If Donnie needed a few bucks to last him until payday?  Danny was right there, even if it meant he went without.  If Donnie needed someone to cover for him while he headed out to go fishing, Dan was more than willing to pick up the slack.

They often spent the weekends together, riding up and down the country roads, taking turns with one driving while the other drank, though Donnie drank a lot more often than Dan.  They fished, hunted, and had a grand time.

Other weekends, Donnie would invite him over with other friends for poker nights.  Everyone brought one roll of quarters and you played until you were out of coins.  Of course on more than one occasion, Dan provided a roll for Donnie.

It only made sense that the two of them were sitting on the side of the river when the world went to hell.  The two of them were relaxing on the shore of the bay, drinking beers and trading dirty jokes, while they tried to catch a fish or two.

After a few hours and almost a dozen beers, Donnie finally got a bite on his line.  He grabbed the pole and started struggling, trying to pull it in.

“Dan!  Gimme a hand, here!”

Dan jumped to his feet and grabbed the pole near the front so that the springy rod wouldn’t snap.  “I won’t let you down!”

Unable to turn the reel, they just grabbed the rod and slowly pulled back, walking away from the shore.  They moved slowly, trying not to snap the line as the weight on the other end didn’t seem to be fighting or struggling, just heavy.

Once it was pulled ashore, however, it was Donnie that practically shoved his friend out of the way to get a closer look at the seaweed caked bundle.  It shifted and wriggled on the shore like some huge fish that had become tangled.  He didn’t expect to see exposed bone on the bloated human hand that lashed out and grabbed his ankle.  Neither the exposed teeth in the skull that lunged out and latched onto his ankle.

He screamed in pain as Dan grabbed a rock to bash in the skull of the creature.  He tucked himself under the other man’s arm and helped him hobble back to the truck.  “We have to get you to the hospital!”

Donnie shot back, “Are you nuts?  I don’t have any insurance.  I can’t afford that!  Just get me back to your place.  You still have the spare room in the attic, right?  I can rest up for a day or two there while I heal up, right?”

“Yeah yeah..  I won’t let you down.”

A few hours later, they were back at Dan’s house.  They had done their best to doctor the leg, but it was already looking pretty bad.  Dan begged his friend to go to the hospital, but he wouldn’t.

Dan sighed as he set his friend up with a cooler full of beer, a radio and some snacks.  Sighing, he flopped down on the couch and flicked on the television.  

Every channel was locked on the news.  A national emergency was being declared as the dead were rising.  Skeletal remains were clawing their way out of the earth in some places while cemeteries with concrete vaults were filled with the sound of thumps and screams coming from below the earth.

They were attacking and eating the living, and those who weren’t killed immediately died soon after from some sort of blood infection.  They would rise soon after, mindless zombies who were ready to attack the nearest warm body.

Dan winced as he looked up the staircase near where he sat.  He heard Donnie moaning and retching all the way in the living room.  Stepping outside for a moment, he went around to the garage and grabbed an aluminum ladder and carried it inside.

Making his way up the stairs as quietly as he could, he stared at the folding staircase that led up to the finished attic.  Silently, he carefully folded the stairs upwards onto themselves before letting the trap door spring upwards with a loud bang.  He could hear Donnie dragging himself across the floor towards the now closed passage.

Dan shoved the ladder up under the door, kicking the bottom of it to make sure it was tightly jammed into place.  Just in time as he could hear Donnie starting to bang on the folded ladder.

“Dan!  L.. Let me out of here!”

Panting, Dan leaned back against the wall, shaking his head, pale with fear.  “No way, Donnie.  I won’t let you down.”

[hazygrains]

December 16 - 17 | Mount Pulag, Playground of the Gods

After nearly nine years, I revisited Mt. Pulag. Back in March 2015, I climbed my first mountain with my family, but we only made it to peak #2. We were tired, but it didn't bother me much as I could already see the summit from there. Now, my work friends planned a Mt. Pulag climb, and not wanting to miss out and eager to reach the summit this time, I agreed.

We were a group of 12, and most of us brought our partners on the trip. Fortunately, the GA Outdoor package we had came with homestay accommodation, so camping, like the first time, wasn't necessary. Plus, we had the whole van to ourselves. So, we planned this trip in October, giving us 2 months to get ready. I even signed up for a gym membership just to be somewhat physically fit for the climb.

Anyway, we hit the road as soon as we were all picked up from our designated points at around 12 am on Saturday. By 8 am, we had already reached Bokod, Benguet. After stopping at a clinic for the required medical checkup and grabbing breakfast, we went to the DENR office for another mandatory orientation about the national park. Upon arriving at Baban’s homestay at noon, we were free to do anything we wanted until the lights-off schedule at 9 pm.

Our wakeup call was at 1 am the following day, and we were supposed to be geared up and ready at the ranger station by 2:30 am. Despite being the first group to start the trek, unfortunately, half of our members were not adequately prepared for the hike, allowing other groups to overtake us on the way up. Our group got split, with the first batch advancing ahead, and us lagging behind. As a result, we ended up being the last group to reach the summit. Even though the hike was initially planned as a 5-hour trek to the summit, just in time for sunrise, it took us almost 8 hours to reach the peak instead.

The struggle to reach the summit was no joke. The pathways were muddy, slippery, and rocky—all worsened by the rain and fog. The cold temperature added another layer of difficulty to the trek. Some of us almost gave up, but I was glad we kept going. We continued at our own pace, and it took us until almost 10 am to finally reach the top, with the first batch waiting for us at the summit for an hour. Imagine waiting in the freezing temperature. Anyway, the first batch told us stories of what happened at the peak when they got there. They said it was so crowded, and people were fighting over their turns to take photos at the Mt. Pulag summit board signage. Unfortunately, there was no clearing, so they had no view, just fog.

The moment we reached the summit, we were rewarded with a clearing. Now, we could see the blue sky and a clear mountain view. Though clouds and fog still came and went every now and then, overall, the weather improved. There was even a rainbow! We stayed there for almost an hour, enjoying the moment, the view, and the accomplishment of reaching the highest mountain in Luzon. And, of course, we took tons of photos. I was beyond grateful. The journey we went through is definitely one for the books, one that we will look back on and cherish.

The reverse journey took us 5 hours, and the descent was just as grueling. I was thankful for my knees for not giving up on me; they honestly hurt because the force I exerted on them while descending was much greater than on the way up. Additionally, my backpack, loaded with all my stuff, made my arms and back tired, and all I wanted was to lie down and sleep. Asis and I didn't pack any decent food; all we had were nuts and sour gummy worms. We should have brought sandwiches—imagine the pain, the hunger, and the struggle. Oh well. I was also thankful for the habal-habal ride on the last part of the trail. We all booked one each, and from there, they dropped us off at our homestay, saving us from another 3km walk. I just couldn’t continue anymore.

Once we arrived at the homestay at 3 pm, we immediately ate our late lunch, freshened up, and fixed our stuff because we needed to head back to the metro. We arrived home at around 1 am the next day, and most of us took a day off because we might end up dead if we still decided to work in the office. Lol. So yeah, I can now proudly say I’ve conquered Mt. Pulag—definitely a nice way to end the year.

By the way, we were also rewarded with another rainbow on our way back to the homestay. Additionally, the sunset on our journey back home to the metro was simply breathtaking. The vibrant, gradual colors of the sunset—purple, pink, orange—and the silhouette of the mountain range, it was truly a sight to behold. I was just in awe.

Photos were all taken using Olympus Superzoom 800 Film stocks: Kodak Gold 200 and Orwo Wolfen Color NC 500

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.3

Holidays

Airplane Crop Duster Day

American Canoe Association Day

Arbor Day (Niger, South Africa)

Armed Forces Day (Equatorial Guinea)

Big Forehead Day

Capoeirista Day (Brazil)

Clean Your Floors Day

Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day

Columbus Set Sail Day (1492)

803 Day

El Paso Massacre Anniversary Day

Ernie Pyle Day (New Mexico)

Esther Day

Flag Day (Venezuela)

Freedom Day (Equatorial Guinea)

Golpe de La Libertad (Freedom Day; Equatorial Guinea)

Great Expectations Day

International Day of Family Planning

International Friendship Day [Original Date]

International Hangover Day

International Indigenous Rising Day

Ker Puja (Tripura, India)

Klaatu Day

Lake Victoria Discovery Day

Marshmallow Day (French Republic)

National Booba Day

National COVID Survivor Day

National Ernie Pyle Day

National Georgia Day

National Hair Gloss Day

National Heart Transplantation Day (India)

National Michael Day

National Parks Day

National Ping Pong Day (UK)

National Sales & Marketing Collaboration Day

National Senior Pet Day

National Twins Day

NBA Day

New Brunswick Day (Canada)

Panama Canal Day

Pidjiguiti Day (Guinea-Bissau)

Play Day (UK)

Prairie Dawn Day

Regatta Day (Canada)

Royal National Eisteddfod (Wales)

Sealing Wax Day

Simba Day (Tanzania)

Vicki Draves Day

Yazidi Genocide Anniversary Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cornish Pasty Day

Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Day

Food Day Canada (Canada)

Grab Some Nuts Day

Honey Day (Japan)

Maine Lobster Festival (Rockland, Maine)

National Watermelon Day

Watermelon Sugar Day

Independence & Related Days

Niger (from France, 1960)

San Salvador Day (El Salvador)

West Sprinske (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

1st Saturday in August

Campfire Day & Night [1st Saturday]

Caribana (Toronto, Canada) [Begins 1st Saturday]

Festival of Nations (Red Lodge, Montana) [1st Saturday]

Home Fermentation Day [1st Saturday]

International Alopecia Awareness Day [1st Saturday]

International Blues Music Day [1st Saturday]

International Hangover Day [1st Saturday]

International Trading Card Day

Mead Day [1st Saturday]

Mustard Day [1st Saturday]

National Clown Day [1st Saturday]

National Czech Festival (Nebraska) [Starts 1st Saturday]

National Disc Golf Day [1st Saturday]

National Jamaican Patty Day [1st Saturday]

National Mustard Day [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

National Pro-Life Generation Sidewalk Day [1st Saturday]

National Riddle Day [1st Saturday]

National Summit Day [1st Saturday]

National Sunflower Day [1st Saturday]

National VFR Day [1st Saturday]

National Virginia Diverse Business Networking First Saturday [1st Saturday]

Railway Workers’ Day (Russia) [1st Saturday]

Rush-Bearing Day (Grasmere, England) [1st Saturday]

Sandcastle Day [1st Saturday]

Satyr's Day (Silenus, Greek God of Beer Buddies and Drinking Companions) [1st Saturday of Each Month]

Taxpayer Appreciation Day [1st Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 3 (1st Week of August)

San Salvador Week (El Salvador) [thru 8.9]

Satchmo Weekend (New Orleans, Louisiana) [thru 8.4]

Festivals Beginning August 3, 2024

Akita Kanto Festival (Akita, Japan) [thru 8.6]

Andorra la Vella Festival (Andorra)

Armageddon Expo (Palmerston North, New Zealand) [thru 8.4]

Bluegrass and Beer Festival (Keystone, Colorado) [thru 8.4]

Butterfly Festival (Pennington, New Jersey)

Cheddar Cheese Festival: Say Cheese! (Adams, New York)

Cherry Festival (Jacksonport, Wisconsin)

Chokecherry Festival (Pequot Lakes, Minnesota)

Corn Roast Festival (Westminster, Maryland)

FreedomFilmFest (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia) [thru 8.15]

Glorious Garlic Festival (Geneva, New York) [thru 8.4]

Grain Harvest (Urbandale, Iowa)

HarvestFest (Elgin, Arizona)

Howard County Fair (West Friendship, Maryland) [thru 8.10]

Italian Family Festa (San Jose, California) [thru 8.4]

Joyce Daze Wild Blackberry Festival (Joyce, Washington)

Leicester Caribbean Carnival (Leicester, United Kingdom)

Livarot Cheese Fair (Livarot-Pays-d’Auge, France) [thru 8.4]

Magic Valley Beer Festival (Twin Falls, Idaho)

Montana Brewers Summer Rendezvous (Helena, Montana)

National Eisteddfod of Wales (Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, United Kingdom.) [thru 8.10]

National Mustard Day & Festival (Middleton, Wisconsin)

Peach Festival (New Hope, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.4]

Peach Festival (Wyoming, Delaware)

Route 66 Chili Cook Off and AZ State Chili Championship (Flagstaff, Arizona) [thru 8.4]

Satchmo SummerFest (New Orleans, Louisiana) [thru 8.4]

Siberian International Marathon (Omsk, Russia)

Soul Food Festival (Stockton, California)

Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival & Chili Cook-off (Saratoga, Wyoming)

Taste of the Caribbean (Hartford, Connecticut)

Truckfest (Edinburgh, Scotland) [thru 8.4]

Vino & Notes - A Wine, Food & Jazz Festival (Woodland Park, Colorado)

Whiskies of the World (Washington D.C.)

Feast Days

Aomori Nebuta (Harvest Season begins; Japan)

Chokhor Duchen (Four Noble Truths; Buddhism)

Dawg the Dog (Muppetism)

Day of the Dryads (Pagan)

Dymphna Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Fairy Washing Festival (Shamanism)

Feast of Caligo (Mother of Chaos)

The Feast of the Finding of St. Stephen (Christian)

Gamaliel (Christian; Saint)

George Freeman Bragg, W.E.B. Du Bois (Episcopal Church)

Germanus of Auxerre (Christian; Saint)

Henri Cartier-Bresson (Artology)

Kanto Matsuri begins (4-Day celebration to encourage a good harvest; Akita, Japan)

Leon Uris (Writerism)

Lydia of Thyatira (a.k.a. Lydia Purpuraria; Christian; Saint)

Marlene Dumas (Artology)

Myrrhbearers (Lutheran Church)

Nicodemus (Christian; Saint)

Olaf II of Norway (Christian; Translation of the Relic)

P.D. James (Writerism)

Postmodernism Day (Pastafarian)

Prairie Down (Muppetism)

Stephen (Discovery of his Relics)

Supplica Canum (Ancient Rome)

The Wag-Festival (Remembrance Festival of Ancestors; Ancient Egypt)

Walter Scott (Positivist; Saint)

Waltheof of Melrose (Christian; Saint)

Wilfred (Anglican Church; Yorkshire)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Premieres

The Bourne Ultimatum (Film; 2007)

Chéri, by Colette (Novel; 1920)

Christopher Robin (Film; 2018)

The Cocoanuts (Film; 1929)

Dick (Film; 1999)

Doing Their Bit (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Duck Tales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (Animated Disney Film; 1990)

Eat Drink Man Woman (Film; 1994)

Fear of Music, by Talking Heads (Album; 1979)

Grandview, U.S.A. (Film; 1984)

Gypsy Life (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1945)

Hang ‘Em High (Film; 1968)

Havana, by Camila Cabello (Song; 2017)

Hot Rod (Film; 2007)

Hysteria, by Def Leppard (Album; 1987)

Innervisions, by Stevie Wonder (Album; 1973)

The Iron Giant (Animated Film; 1999)

A Man Called Adam (Film; 1966)

The Man Called Flintstone Hanna-Barbera Animated Film; 1966)

Man on the Flying Trapeze (Film; 1935)

Metropolitan (Film; 1990)

Mine, by Taylor Swift (Song; 2010)

Northwest Hounded Police, featuring Droopy (Tex Avery MGM Cartoon; 1946)

The Ox-Bow Incident, by Walter Van Tilburg Clark (Novel; 1940)

Party Smarty (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1951)

The Philadelphia Experiment (Film; 1984)

Poor Cinderella (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1934)

The Princess Diaries (Film; 2001)

Serenade No, 9, the Posthorn Serenade, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Serenade; 1779)

The Spy Who Dumped Me (Film; 2018)

Surfer Girl, by The Beach Boys (Song; 1963)

Total Recall (Film; 2012)

Trinity, by Leon Uris (Novel; 1976)

Underdog (Film; 2007)

Unidentified Flying Oddball (Film; 1979)

William Tell, by Gioachino Rossini (Opera; 1829)

Today’s Name Days

Benno, Lydia (Austria)

Aspern, Augustin, Lidija (Croatia)

Miluše (Czech Republic)

Nikodemus (Denmark)

Kaljo, Kalju (Estonia)

Linnea, Nea, Neea, Vanamo (Finland)

Lydie (France)

August, Lydia, Nikodemus (Germany)

Olimpios, Salomi (Greece)

Hermina (Hungary)

Giovanni, Lidia (Italy)

Augusts, Rets (Latvia)

Augustė, Lengvinė, Mangirdas, Steponas (Lithuania)

Oline, Oliver, Olve (Norway)

August, Augusta, Krzywosąd, Lidia, Nikodem, Symeon, Szczepan (Poland)

Jerguš (Slovakia)

Gustavo, Lidia (Spain)

Tage (Sweden)

Lida, Liddy, Lidia, Loyal, Lydia, Lyle, Lyman (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 216 of 2024; 150 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of Week 31 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 1 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 29 (Ji-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 28 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 27 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 6 Purple; Sixday [6 of 30]

Julian: 21 July 2024

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 19 Dante (8th Month) [Walter Scott]

Runic Half Month: Thorn (Defense) [Day 11 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 45 of 94)

Week: 1st Week of August

Zodiac: Leo (Day 13 of 31)

Calendar Changes

Coll (Hazel) [Celtic Tree Calendar; Month 8 of 13]

[journcys-archived]

why is august 3rd national grab some nuts day….

[murderousink23]

08/03/2023 is International IPA Day 🍻🌏, National Grab Some Nuts Day 🥜🌰🇺🇲, National Watermelon Day 🍉🇺🇲, Cycle to Work Day 🚲🇬🇧, Flag Day 🇻🇪

[rabbitcruiser]

National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

Chocoholics can find countless ways to indulge their passion, but there are those among us who hold a special place in their hearts for cream-filled chocolates. National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day has been created with these special people in mind!

An extraordinary feeling comes from snapping through the outer layer of chocolate and letting the luscious creamy centre melt on the tongue. Nothing else compares! Whether it is a craving for strawberry, butterscotch, peppermint or another scrumptious flavor, there is bound to be an option to satisfy anyone’s taste.

So is there any reason not to celebrate this most delicious day? We think not!

History of National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

The interesting concept of cream-filled chocolates was actually based on simple pralines which were originally documented in the 17th century by a sugar industrialist named Marshal du Pessis-Praslin.

At the time, cocoa (and therefore chocolate) was relatively unknown in Europe, so the pralines of the day were mostly just nuts coated in a layer of caramelized sugar. Due to the many new ingredients becoming more readily available from the New World, slowly but surely pralines began to evolve and get ever more creative and fancy as the years went by.

The first cream-filled chocolates as we know them today were believed to be created in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus II, a Belgian chocolatier. It did not take long for these chocolates to contain everything from various liqueurs to marzipan, from fruits to caramel, and almost anything else you can imagine. But, of course, the most important aspect is that the center is creamy.

Because National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day coincides with another important chocolate-lover’s holiday (Valentine’s Day), it is expected that at least 58 million pounds of chocolate will be purchased on and around this day. Obviously, not all of this chocolate is cream-filled, but a good portion of it will be!

How to Celebrate National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

Just like any other type of celebration, National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day may require a bit of planning ahead of time, especially for those who want to try their hand at making their own candies. But lots of options exist for enjoying this day, particularly for people who are willing to get creative!

Buy and Enjoy Various Cream-Filled Chocolates

The most obvious way to celebrate this day is to fill your mouth and tummy with the yummy goodness of luxury, gourmet chocolates. Many companies have made their chocolates famous around the world, and online purchasing makes it even easier to access them:

Lindt. This Swiss company was originally known for truffles but is now most popular for its chocolate spheres. Strawberries and Cream is a particularly favorite cream-filled flavor.

Hershey’s. Around Valentine’s Day especially, this American company often dabbles in cream-filled chocolate hearts.

Ferrero. Founded in Italy, this purveyor of fine chocolates has gained a worldwide reputation for their hazelnut filled Rocher candies.

Embaré. From Brazil, this company is particularly adept at creating chocolates filled with exotic fruit flavors.

Enjoy a Chocolate Guessing-Game

Cream-filled chocolates are often included as part of a box of various types of chocolates, which can be purchased at food stores, gift shops, or specialty chocolatiers. Many times, the manufacturer places a guide on the inside of the box so that each type of chocolate can be easily identified and enjoyed.

To make a game of it, buy a couple of boxes of chocolates to take to work or a Cream-Filled Chocolate Day party. But instead of leaving the guide for friends to see, keep it a secret and turn the eating of the chocolates into a guessing game to see who can identify what they get! (Just be careful of nut allergies.)

The winner? Well, of course, the appropriate prize would be a special selection of cream-filled chocolates.

Grab Some Heart Shaped Cream-Filled Chocolates

Since it overlaps with Valentine’s Day, people may find that their favorite cream-filled chocolates are available in heart shapes as well as the standard circles, ovals and squares, which adds something special to the way the candies can be enjoyed.

Make Your Own Cream-Filled Chocolates

If you have a hankering for something unique, or a craving hits you in the middle of the night, you can make your own cream-filled chocolates—surprisingly enough, it’s not really that hard at all! Chocolate molds are readily available from companies such as Wilton.

To make these delectable treats, simply line a mold with melted chocolate, let it harden, fill the shells with the filling your heart desires most (or three, or ten, the sky’s the limit), and then cover them with another layer of chocolate. Voila! You have your own custom-made filled chocolates, anytime you need that cream-filled chocolate fix.

Source

[home-inspiration-blog]

National Doughnut Day: Where to grab a free or discounted doughnut Friday

(SavorNation) – We’ve been known to “go nuts for doughnuts” even when we have to pay full price. So just imagine how bonkers we’ll go on Friday when doughnut chains throughout the country are offering extra sweet deals. In honor of National Doughnut Day on June 6, doughnut shops and convenience stores across the country are offering free treats with qualifying purchases — or in some cases, no…

[drvitaltips]

Natural Remedies for Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can hit you out of nowhere. Ever wake up in the middle of the night with your calf muscle locked up tight? Ouch! Those sudden, painful spasms are no fun, but the good news is there are natural remedies for leg cramps that can help you feel better fast. I’m a copywriter who’s spent years digging into health and wellness topics, and I’ve got some simple, expert-backed tricks to share. Whether it’s stretching, sipping water, or eating the right foods, this guide has you covered with easy ways to stop leg cramps naturally and keep them from coming back. Let’s get started—relief is just a few steps away!

What Causes Leg Cramps?

Before we jump into fixing leg cramps, let’s talk about why they happen. Knowing the cause can make it easier to pick the right remedy. Leg cramps are those tight, achy feelings in your muscles—usually your calves, thighs, or feet—that catch you off guard. So, what’s behind them? For one, dehydration is a big player. When you don’t drink enough water, your muscles can get cranky and tighten up. Another common reason is tired muscles. Maybe you’ve been on your feet all day or pushed too hard at the gym. Low levels of stuff like magnesium or potassium can also mess with your muscles, making cramps more likely. And if you’ve ever had a cramp at night, it might be because of poor blood flow or the way your feet sit while you sleep. Sometimes, it’s more than just a long day. Things like pregnancy, diabetes, or even some medicines—like statins for cholesterol—can trigger cramps too. According to the Mayo Clinic, electrolyte imbalances are a key cause worth watching. Ever wonder why cramps sneak up on you at the worst times? Let’s find out how to kick them to the curb next.

Top 8 Natural Remedies for Leg Cramps

Now that we know why leg cramps happen, let’s get to the good stuff—how to stop them fast with natural remedies for leg cramps. These are simple, everyday fixes you can try at home. No fancy tools needed, just a little know-how. Here’s my top 8 list, backed by science and my own deep dive into health solutions. 1. Stretching It Out First up, stretching. It’s the quickest way to stop a leg cramp in its tracks. When your calf locks up, stand up, put your weight on that leg, and bend your knee a bit. Or, sit down, straighten your leg, and pull your toes toward you. Hold it for 20–30 seconds. It works because it loosens the tight muscle fast. Studies, like ones from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, say this is a go-to move for relief. Give it a shot next time—your leg will thank you. 2. Warm Up with Heat Heat is your friend when a cramp hits. Grab a heating pad or a warm towel and place it on the sore spot for 10–15 minutes. It feels good, and it helps too—heat boosts blood flow, which relaxes the muscle. I’ve found this works great after stretching, like a one-two punch for leg cramp relief. No heating pad? A warm bath does the trick too. Cozy, right? 3. Cool Down with Ice If your leg’s still achy after a cramp, try ice. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and hold it on the muscle for 10 minutes. It cuts down on soreness and swelling. Think of it like calming things down after the storm. Heat first, then ice—it’s a combo that tackles leg pain from both sides. Just don’t put ice straight on your skin, okay? 4. Stay Hydrated Here’s an easy one: drink water. Dehydration is a top reason for leg cramps, so keeping a water bottle handy can save you trouble. Aim for 8 cups a day, more if you’re active. I’ve noticed my muscles feel happier when I sip water all day instead of chugging it at once. It’s a simple fix that prevents cramps before they start. How much water did you drink today? 5. Boost Magnesium Magnesium is a muscle’s best buddy. When you’re low on it, cramps can creep in. Snack on nuts, seeds, or spinach to get more. Or, try an Epsom salt bath—2 cups in warm water for a 20-minute soak. Research, like studies from the National Institutes of Health, shows magnesium can ease muscle tightness. I love how a warm bath doubles as relaxation and relief. Sound tempting? 6. Add Potassium-Rich Foods Potassium keeps your muscles working smoothly, so load up on foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, or oranges. A banana a day might just keep those cramps away—it’s got about 400 mg of potassium, which is a solid start. Your body needs this stuff to stop muscle misfires. Plus, it’s tasty! What’s your favorite potassium-packed snack? 7. Try Pickle Juice This one’s a little quirky, but hear me out—pickle juice can stop leg cramps fast. Sip about 2 ounces when a cramp hits. Small studies, like one in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, say it might work by triggering a reflex that calms the muscle. It’s salty, it’s weird, but it’s worth a try if you’re desperate. Ever tried it? 8. Massage the Muscle Last but not least, give your leg a rub. Use your hands or a foam roller to knead the cramped spot for 5–10 minutes. It boosts circulation and loosens things up. I’ve found this feels amazing after a long day on my feet. Pair it with heat, and you’ve got a winning combo. Ready to give your calves some love? RemedyProsConsStretchingFast, free, no tools neededTakes practice to do rightHeatSoothing, boosts blood flowNeeds a heating pad or prepMagnesiumLong-term help, tasty foodsTakes time to build upPickle JuiceQuick relief, quirky funSalty taste not for all These remedies are all about keeping things natural and simple. Which one are you excited to try first?

How to Prevent Leg Cramps Naturally

Okay, so we’ve got some great ways to stop leg cramps when they hit. But wouldn’t it be even better to keep them from happening in the first place? Prevention is the name of the game here, and these natural tips can help you avoid that tight, achy feeling altogether. Let’s dive into some easy habits that make a big difference. Full article here: https://drvitaltips.com/natural-remedies-for-leg-cramps/ Read the full article

[world-citizen]

Explore the wonders of the Samaria Gorge: A must-do hike in Crete

If you’re dreaming of breathtaking landscapes, towering cliffs, and the thrill of hiking through one of the most famous gorges in Europe, then a Samaria Gorge hike is the adventure you’ve been looking for!

🌿 Located in the heart of Crete, this UNESCO-listed National Park is a true gem, offering a unique experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to explore the island's natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, the Samaria Gorge hike promises an unforgettable journey through Crete’s wild heart.

So, grab your gear and join us for an adventure that will leave you speechless!

A natural wonder in the heart of Crete

Crete is known for its stunning beauty, but the Samaria Gorge stands out as one of its most impressive natural wonders. Stretching over 16 kilometers, this dramatic gorge runs through the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), offering visitors a chance to see Crete at its most raw and untouched. With its towering rock walls, crystal-clear streams, and diverse flora and fauna, it’s no wonder that the Samaria Gorge is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.

As you descend through the gorge, you’ll pass by ancient pine trees, wild goats (called kri-kri), and a landscape that shifts from lush greenery to arid mountain cliffs. It’s a walk that feels like stepping into another world – one that’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Hiking in the Samaria Gorge: Everything you need to know

Embarking on a hike through Samaria Gorge is not just about walking; it's about experiencing Crete in its purest form. But before you head off on your adventure, there are a few important things you should know.

Difficulty and duration of the hike

The Samaria Gorge hike is considered moderate to difficult, mainly due to its length and some steep sections. The trail takes approximately 5 to 7 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Starting from the village of Omalos, you’ll descend over 1,200 meters to reach the seaside town of Agia Roumeli. Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky paths, uneven terrain, and breathtaking views. Make sure you’re prepared for a full-day hike with lots of energy and enthusiasm!

Although the hike may be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding, with stunning vistas around every corner. It’s an ideal trek for hikers who enjoy a bit of adventure and want to immerse themselves in nature.

Best time for hiking in Samaria Gorge

The best time to hike the Samaria Gorge is during the spring and autumn months, from late April to early June or September to October. During these times, the weather is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. You’ll also get to witness the gorge in full bloom, with wildflowers covering the ground and the surrounding mountainsides.

Avoid hiking in the summer months (July and August) as the temperatures can soar, and the trail may be overcrowded with tourists. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to hit the trail if you want to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

What to pack for the hike

When preparing for your Samaria Gorge hike, packing the right gear is crucial. Here’s a list of essentials that will help make your journey more comfortable:

Sturdy Hiking Shoes: The rocky path can be challenging, so make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea since some parts of the trail can get a bit slippery.

Water: Hydration is key, especially during the longer stretches of the hike. Bring at least 2 liters of water to stay refreshed.

Snacks: Pack high-energy snacks such as nuts, fruits, or granola bars to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Sunscreen: Even though you’ll be in the shade for parts of the hike, there are sections that are fully exposed to the sun, so don’t forget to protect your skin.

Hat and Sunglasses: A hat to protect your head and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright sunlight will help you stay comfortable.

Camera: Trust us, you’ll want to capture the stunning views!

Health and safety tips for hikers

While the Samaria Gorge is an incredible experience, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hike:

Pace Yourself: The trail can be demanding, so it’s important to take breaks and listen to your body. Don’t rush – enjoy the scenery!

Watch Your Step: Some parts of the path are rocky and uneven, so be cautious when stepping over stones and avoid rushing through these sections.

Check the Weather: Before setting out, make sure the weather forecast is suitable for hiking. If there’s heavy rain, the trail may become dangerous.

Know Your Limits: If you’re not an experienced hiker or if you’re unsure of the hike’s difficulty, consider booking a guided tour with an expert who knows the trail well.

Why book your Samaria Gorge tour with Balos Travel?

Balos Travel is your perfect partner when it comes to exploring Crete’s Samaria Gorge. Why? Because we offer hassle-free, professional tours that make your hike both safe and unforgettable. With expert guides who know the ins and outs of the gorge, you’ll get insider tips and insights that will enhance your experience.

From pick-up at your hotel to drop-off after the hike, Balos Travel ensures everything is taken care of, so you can focus on the journey and the stunning scenery. Our tours are designed to accommodate all skill levels, so whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned adventurer, you’ll feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.

The Samaria Gorge hike is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Crete. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique flora and fauna, it’s an adventure you won’t forget. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the hike or simply want to experience Crete’s natural beauty, the Samaria Gorge is a must-see.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour with Balos Travel today and embark on an unforgettable journey through one of Crete’s most spectacular natural wonders!