Wow - it’s hard to believe that yet another summer season is just about over. Yes, summer isn’t officially over for another 4 weeks or so, but for most of us who have kids heading back to school, the summer season is wrapped up. Labor Day is here, marking the unofficial end of summer, but have you ever given any thought to the origin of Labor Day?

Labor Day is a holiday like no other in the world. Celebrated on the first Monday of September, it is dedicated to honoring the contributions of U.S. workers to the strength and prosperity of our country. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City.

Two different people are credited with the creation of Labor Day. Some historians believe Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, first suggested a holiday to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

Others credit the idea to Matthew Maguire, a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is agreed upon is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

Whomever really came up with the ideas isn’t as important as recognizing the contributions of all laborers in our great country. Enjoy the holiday. Remember if you need a weather forecast for the day you can find it here, or if you need some picnic food ideas we have lots of tasty recipes as well.

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by sduncan
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The 2009 Farmers’ Almanac is here! It’s always an exciting time of year when the new edition comes out. It’s like a holiday that many of us have eagerly been waiting and working towards for months!

This year’s edition is better than ever! With concerns over the economy and the environment, the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac steps up to the plate and offers tons of advice and tips on ways to conserve energy, water, gas and more! One of my favorite features in this year’s edition is the many natural cures we’re offering for common ailments. Did you know that the herb feverfew can help prevent migraines? Or that a foot soak could help take the pain away from a headache?

Do you know how to test if your lawn really needs water? (Step on your grass, if it springs back when you lift your foot it doesn’t.) And another favorite is the Household Mysteries story, which provides a possible solution for the ever-mysterious Missing Sock Syndrome!

By now you’ve probably heard -the Farmers’ Almanac is calling for a NUMBINGLY COLD winter … yikes! If you like snow and cold you will love our predictions, but if you’re concerned about heating oil, you may want to start planning ahead now.

If you haven’t picked up a copy yet you should. It really is worth every penny. It’s great to hold onto for an entire year, consulting its weather forecasts from time to time, finding the best times to plant and fish, as well as watch meteors and full moons.

You should be able to find copies at bookstores and grocery stores around the country or you can purchase one online. But please - remember — our Farmers’ Almanac, which dates back to 1818 - has an orange and green cover-don’t buy any imposters!

I truly hope you enjoy this year’s new edition - drop us a line and tell us what you like or would like to see more or less of. Before I sign out, I’d like to leave you with the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac thought of the year:

The Keys to true Happiness are:

by sduncan
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1. Weather — this winter’s forecast is sure to leave many hoping we are wrong.

2. Grow You Own - great story by the Garden Girl about how to grow your own fruit and vegetables even if you don’t have a yard.

3. Household Mysteries Solved- tried and true tricks on how to solve the mystery of missing socks, stolen scissors, and streaks on glass.

4. Natural Cures — for headaches, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, stress and more.

5. Survival Tips, Helpful Hints, Best Days Calendars and more!

What are you waiting for? Order your copy today! It’s packed with proven advice, calendars, trivia, weather and a bit of humor. It’s the “go-to source” for frugal and resourceful ideas.

If you haven’t read the Farmers’ Almanac in a while this is the year to pick up a copy. They should start showing up at stores everywhere or you can order a copy here!

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by sduncan
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