1 Jan 2023

 

1 January 2023

Daily Almanac for Flagstaff
Week 1 Day 1 \ Ave. Sky Cover 80% \ Visibility 5 miles Flagstaff Today 48° \35°  Wind 7mph \ Gusts 11mph 
Air Quality: Fair\ Very Low Risk of fire \ Nearest active fire 576mi \ Nearest Lightning 1526mi
Jan Averages for Flagstaff: 44° \ 16° \5 Days of moisture
Overcast

Today’s Quote

Monthly Observations

Adopt A Rescued Bird Month Link
Bath Safety Month
Be Kind to Food Servers Month
Birth Defects Month Link
Black Diamond Month Link
Book Blitz Month
California Dried Plum Digestive Month Link
Carnival Season: Jan. 6- March 1
Celebration of Life Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month Link
Children Impacted By Parent's Cancer Month
Clap 4 Health Month
Financial Wellness Month

Weekly Observations

Christmas Bird Count Week: Dec 14-Jan 5 Link 
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Dec 15 – Jan 1  
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Dec 15 – Jan 1  Link 
Kwanzaa: Dec 26-Jan 1
Jan 1-7
Diet Resolution Week 
National Folic Acid Awareness Week   Link
Dating & Life Coaches Recognition Week
National Lose Weight/Feel Great Week
Silent Record Week

Daily Observations

Apple Gifting Day
Commitment Day
Copyright Law Day
Ellis Island Day
Euro Day
First Foot Day Link
Global Family Day Link
Humane Day  Link
Mummer's Parade
National Bloody Mary Day New Years Day
New Year's Dishonor List Day 
Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day Link (Cony Island NY & Vancouver, BC)
Public Domain Day  Link
St. Basil's Day
World Day of Peace Link
Z Day

My Sometimes-Long-Winded Thoughts

In 2022 I finally got to French Polynesia, after waiting 2 years due to Covid closures. I  also got to spend 10 days with my brother, his wife, her dad and step mom the hacienda resuce dogs, and friends of the in-laws. Weekly lunches with friends. Overall, it was a good year.

Just as the year was ending, the world lost Barbara Walters at 93 and Pope Benedict at 93. Both had good long lives. They will be missed.

Just as the year was ending, the police in Idaho arrested the man they believe responsible for the horrific murders of 4 college students.

Our mountain town is expecting a big snowstorm just a few hours into the new year. I’m ready and will simply wait it out here in my warm home.

Here’s hoping that the new year brings happiness and joy to all. That our divided country continues healing and works better together.

Favorite Memes Final Winter Wonderland pics

New Year Traditions…

Wave Jumping in Brazil

If you’re heading off to one of the biggest New Year’s Eve bashes in the world, make sure you’re in on Brazil’s most important traditions. Some of the craziest parties in this South American country happen on the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Don’t be alarmed when you see party-goers out in the water jumping over waves at night. Brazilians say that jumping over one wave each time you make a New Year’s wish (seven waves total) will increase your good luck and your wishes will come true. Besides wave jumping, another popular tradition is wearing a primarily white outfit for luck. Be sure to pack your swimwear and your white party outfit when you head to the beautiful Copacabana Beach to ring in the new year.

Smashing Dishes in Denmark

If you’re visiting this Scandinavian country for the holiday, be sure to wear some close-toed shoes. In Denmark, it is tradition to smash plates on your neighbors’ houses as a sign of affection. These plates are thrown after midnight for good luck and whoever has the largest pile in the morning is said to have the most loyal friends. Similarly, in the Netherlands, Dutch children bring a small pile of broken pottery to their neighbors’ doorsteps with the same intent. If you’re looking to smash some plates, downtown Copenhagen is a beautiful city to spend your New Year’s Eve. The heart of the city boasts fireworks, great food and beautifully decorated buildings — just be sure to watch your step for broken pottery.

Empty Suitcases in Mexico

Mexico — home to white sand beaches, delicious food, ancient ruins and... empty suitcases? Tradition says that walking your empty suitcase around the block will guarantee a year filled with travel and new experiences. This tradition is popular in other Latin American countries and is perfect for all of you “wanderlusters”. Locals will also toss a glass of water out of their window to signify fewer tears in the future. A year of good travels and no tears — it sounds like Mexico has the right idea. So, if you find yourself on a beach in Playa del Carmen on New Year’s Eve, make sure to grab a drink and empty your suitcase to celebrate the local way.

Broken Furniture in South Africa

Looking to redecorate? You might want to take some pointers from the South African locals and throw your unwanted furniture and appliances out of your windows and onto the street. Locals say that this brings them a fresh start to the new year. The tradition is a bit dangerous, as even refrigerators were thrown out of windows, so the tradition has calmed down a bit. Small towns and large cities alike have celebrations all through the night on this holiday. Whether you want to visit a beautiful wine region, go on a safari or throw a table onto the streets — this African country has what you need to have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. 

Historical Events

1808 – The United States banned the importation of slaves.
1892 – Ellis Island began processing immigrants into the United States.
1847 – The world’s first “Mercy” Hospital was founded in Pittsburgh, United States, by a group of Sisters of Mercy from Ireland.
1958 – The European Economic Community (EEC) was established.
1979 – Normal diplomatic relations are established between the People’s Republic of China and the United States.
1980 – The Far Side, Comic Strip debuted
1995 – The World Trade Organization began.

Birthdays Today

@91 – J. D. Salinger, American soldier and author (d. 2010)
The true poet has no choice of material. The material plainly chooses him, not he it.– J. D. Salinger
@90 – Xavier Cugat, Spanish-American singer-songwriter, actor (d. 1990)
@84 – Betsy Ross, credited with designing the Flag of the United States (d. 1836)
@83 – Paul Revere, American silversmith and engraver (d. 1818)
@83 – Dana Andrews, American actor (d. 1992)
81 – Country Joe McDonald, American singer-songwriter, guitarist
80 – Don Novello, American comedian (Father Guido Sarducci)
@77 – J. Edgar Hoover, American civil servant, first director of the FBI (d. 1972; heart attack)
@71 – Rocky Graziano [Thomas Rocco Barbella], American boxer, actor (d. 1990; heart failure)
59 – Dedee Pfeiffer, American actress