Hello August

image from google

For many, August brings the best bounty of the season — ripened tomatoes, ripe melon, sweet corn on the cob, and courgettes/zucchini to name a few.

Summer declines and roses have grown rare,

But cottage crofts are gay with hollyhocks,

And in old garden walks you breathe an air

Fragrant of pinks and August-smelling stocks.

—John Todhunter (1839-1916)

Some August Facts and Dates

The month of August was named to honour the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C..–A.D. 14)

August 1st, traditionally known as Lammas Day, was a festival to mark the annual wheat and corn harvest. Lammas also marked the mid-point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox, and was a cross-quarter day.

August 3rd is National Watermelon Day

August 11th marks the end of the Dog Days of Summer, which began on July 3.

August 13th is Left-Handers Day

August 17th is when the Cat Nights begin, harking back to a rather obscure Irish legend concerning witches; this bit of folklore also led to the idea that a cat has nine lives.

August’s zodiac signs are Leo (July 23–August 22) and Virgo (August 23–September 22).

August’s birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy.

The gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, sincerity, and generosity.

The poppy symbolizes eternal sleep, oblivion, and also imagination.

August’s primary birthstone is peridot, which is said to symbolize strength and healing power, protecting its wearer from nightmares and evil, ensuring harmony and happiness. Babies born in August are lucky to be guarded by peridot’s good fortune.

August Astronomy

Full Sturgeon Moon
August’s full moon, the full Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination in the morning hours of Sunday, August 22. For the best view of the full Moon, look skyward on the night of the 21st! 
Perseid Meteor Shower
August is a wonderful month for star gazing! It’s the month of the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks between August 11 and 13. This year, the Perseids reach their peak just a few days after the new Moon (August 8), which means that the Moon’s usual brightness won’t wash out too many of the “falling stars!”

The above and more can be seen 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