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Wednesday 1 May 2024

Welcome May 2024

As we say hello to the new month of May, yes the fifth month of the year, for those who live in the Northern hemisphere, we say goodbye to cooler days and look forward to warmer ones. With spring flowers blooming, birds chirping, many of us find life is starting to seem a little more joyful.

If you’re on the other side of the world, in the southern hemisphere, then it’s a time when summer is gone and the nights are getting colder and darker, warm soups and hearty casseroles may start appearing in menu plans.

But, no matter where in the world you are, I wish you a Happy May.

May - some facts!

May is pretty exclusive when it comes to days of the week. No other month in one single year starts or finishes on the same weekday as May. Basically, if the first of May is on a Friday, and the 31st of May is on a Sunday, no other months in the year will start or end on a Friday or a Sunday!

The birthstone for May is the emerald. Emeralds typically range from a deep-sea green to a lighter colour. Emeralds are symbols of fertility and rebirth.

May actually has two birth flowers – the Lily-of-the-Valley and the Hawthorn. The Hawthorn flower is a symbol of hope, while the Lily-of-the-Valley represents the return of happiness and sweetness.

May also has two Zodiac signs, Taurus and Gemini. Taurus April 21 to May 20 and Gemini May 21 to June 20. People born under the sign of Taurus are said to be ambitious and smart, yet trustworthy. Those born under the sign of Gemini are said to be passionate, adaptable, and smart.

May is the month that the Eurovision song contest is held every year. For those not in the know, Eurovision is an international song contest that has been held every year since 1956. Some of the contest winners over the years have gone on to be incredibly successful groups, with the most notable being ABBA!

May is a special time for Star Wars fans worldwide and always a good reason to re-watch the movies. May the 4th is celebrated as Star Wars day, due to the way the date sounds similar to “May the Force.” 

May’s full Moon, called the Flower Moon, appears on Thursday, May 23. The best view of this full Moon, requires you to step outside on the night of the 23rd or the 24th and look for that big, bright, shining lunar disk!

Whatever you plan to do during the month of May, I hope it will be a good month for you.

and to start the new month I share a recipe suggestion for
Tuscan Chicken - Made in the microwave !


This colourful Tuscan chicken is a doddle to make in the microwave and sure to be a hit with all the family. Cooking in the microwave keeps the chicken deliciously tender and the creamy tomato and spinach sauce complements it perfectly. It’s fantastic served with microwave frozen cauliflower rice (or rice of your choice). More details here

~ Wishing you a happy May 2024 ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy ... but please 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 your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

31 comments:

Tom said...

...time is flying!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Interesting facts on the month of May. The Tuscan chicken looks wonderful. Happy May!

Victor S E Moubarak said...

I hope May is warmer.

God bless.

Rose said...

I always love when you give fun facts...they are always so interesting. And I usually learn new things.

J.P. Alexander said...

Les deseo un genial mes. Les mando un beso.

Christine said...

Yummy dish and Happy May!

Elephant's Child said...

I didn't know that about the dates in May. What an interesting piece of trivia. Thank you. And where has the year gone?

Margaret D said...

Interesting and yes, I'm a Taurus, as are my two sons.

Katerinas Blog said...

Chicken Tuscany looks delicious and easy to make.
One of the favorite and most beautiful months in Greece.
The poppies are blooming and the place is turning green!
Have a nice month!

Chris said...

What interesting facts about May which I didn't know, thank you!

Fun60 said...

Still trying to get my head round that no other months start or end on the same days as May. This is a birthday month for myself, my granddaughter and now awaiting another grandchild this month.

diane b said...

So much happening in May. My Dad was born in May. I am hoping for a good May. I am having an operation on my spine on 3 May and I hope it is a success and I am no longer in pain.

chica said...

Lindo e feliz MAIO! beijos, chica

eileeninmd said...

Happy May to you!
The chicken recipe looks delicious!
Take care, have a great day!

My name is Erika. said...

I didn't know May ends on the day of the week before it starts. That is a cool fact. Happy May Day and new month to you both.

CJ Kennedy said...

Happy May Day

Laura. M said...

Feliz Mayo para Todos. En Béjar nos llegó con frío y lluvias.
Buena semana.
Un abrazo.

jabblog said...

Family birthdays and anniversaries this month. My middle daughter is a Gemini - just! (22nd May)
I wish you a happy May.

Jules said...

The Tuscan Chicken looks delicious. I'm looking forward to eating fewer carbs, now that the training is behind me. Xx

Shari Burke said...

Less than 2 months to solstice and the very slow return of the wonderful longer nights!

Valerie-Jael said...

The Tuscan chicken looks wonderful! Hugs!

Lorrie said...

I did not know about the days of the week as related to the beginning and ending of May - so interesting. The chicken dish looks delicious. I'm hoping May will be full of sunshine and a bit more warmth as it's been a very chilly spring so far.

Creations By Cindy said...

Interesting things about the month of May and girl, loving the looks of that soup! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Jeanie said...

I always enjoy your first of the month posts, Jan! Sometimes I know the info, but almost always I learn something new!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I have never cooked in the microwave oven. We use it for defrosting and reheating. I tend to use an air fryer quite frequently these days.

The Happy Whisk said...

Yes! May the fourth be with you! Classic!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I learned a couple of things today, one of which is the Hawthorn is one of the flowers. Thanks for this most informative post, Jan.

This N That said...

I learned a lot about May today. The Tuscan chicken looks yummy. It's a keeper. Thanks

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post about the month of May ~ thanks ~

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Conniecrafter said...

It is so hard to believe it is already May, the year seems to be flying by, and it is a busy month too, but so is June for me. Hope you are enjoying a lovely spring!

Teresa said...

Mayo siempre ha sido mi mes favorito. Feliz mes de mayo para ti.