As we welcome July ...

As we welcome July 2021, we are saying hello to the second summer month (in the Northern Hemisphere) after June. If you are counting you will know that July is the 7th month of the year; it has 31 days.

July was originally the month of Quintilis in the Roman calendar, and was the fifth month of the year until January and February were added in 450 BC. It got its original name from the Latin word for fifth. Later the name was changed to Julius in honour of Julius Caesar who was born on July 12.

There are many countries which have their Independence Day during the month of July. These include the United States, Belarus, Venezuela, Argentina, Belgium, the Bahamas, and the Maldives. The national days for France and Canada occur in July as well.

July is the warmest month in the Northern Hemisphere on average. It is similar to January in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sometimes the hot, long days of July are called the "dog days of summer".

It is sometimes called the Hay month because the grass dries out due to a lack of rain and can be made into hay.

July's birthstone, the ruby, is often associated with contentment, love, passion, and integrity.

July's flowers are the Larkspur, pictured above, or Water Lily, pictured below.

Zodiac signs, there are two star signs which fall in the month of July. If you are born before July 22nd, then your star sign is Cancer. If you are born after this day, from July 23rd onward, then you’re a Leo.

Those born under the sign of Cancer are said to be loyal friends with great emotional depth, and those born under the sign of Leo are said to be very proud people who display great leadership.

You can see the above and more here and here and here

Dear reader, this blog brings a variety of articles and recipe ideas, and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use a reliable meter.

All the best Jan