Happy National Grandparents Day!

There are many different types of grandparents and I think many of us grandparents fall into a lot of the different categories below at different times, depending on what the situation calls for. See what you think after reading this article from SENIORSTRONG.ORG.

Let’s explore the fascinating world of grandparentingstyles together. We’ve identified five distinct types: the Traditional Grandparent, who shares wisdom and family traditions; the Fun–SeekingGrandparent, who brings laughter and adventure; the Supportive Grandparent, a rock of emotional and practical help; the Remote Grandparent, connecting across distances; and the SurrogateParentGrandparent, stepping in when needed. Each style adds a unique touch to family life, but which one resonates most with you?

The Traditional Grandparent

When we think of the traditional grandparent, a warm image often comes to mind: a figure who dotes on their grandchildren, shares wisdom passed down through generations, and preserves familytraditions. They provide a comforting presence, acting as the family’s anchor. These grandparents often teach us the importance of our roots, telling stories that enrich our understanding of where we come from. They might bake family recipes, passing on culinary secrets that have become symbols of love and togetherness. Their guidance is invaluable, as they offer life lessons shaped by experience.

The Fun-Seeking Grandparent

While the traditional grandparent offers wisdom and stability, the fun-seeking grandparent brings a different kind of joy and energy to the family dynamic. We all know that these grandparents are the ones who love to play, laugh, and embrace adventure with their grandchildren. They thrive on creating magical memories, whether it’s a spontaneous trip to the zoo or a backyard camping night. Their enthusiasm is infectious, drawing grandchildren into a world of wonder and excitement. We see their role as essential in encouraging creativity and a sense of play. They foster an environment where grandchildren feel free to explore, ask questions, and try new things without fear. This style strengthens bonds and makes family gatherings a source of happiness and anticipation for everyone.

The Supportive Grandparent

Unlike the fun-seeking grandparent, the supportive grandparent serves as the family’s steady anchor, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. We understand how essential it’s to have someone who offers unwavering support and stability. These grandparents play a significant role in maintaining family harmony and providing emotional and practical assistance. They’re the ones we can rely on when life gets overwhelming, stepping in to help with everyday challenges.

Supportive grandparents often engage in:

Babysitting and childcare: They provide care, allowing parents to work or take breaks.

Emotional support: Offering comfort during difficult times.

Guidance and wisdom: Sharing life lessons and advice.

Family traditions: Ensuring the preservation of cultural values and practices.

Their presence nurtures and strengthens family bonds.

The Remote Grandparent

Though distance may separate us, the remote grandparent remains an integral part of the family fabric. We might live far away, but we still cherish our roles and find ways to connect. Technology bridges the gap, allowing us to share moments through video calls and social media. We send thoughtful gifts and handwritten letters, reminding our grandchildren of our love. Our visits, though less frequent, become special occasions filled with stories and laughter. We listen, offer guidance, and maintain a consistent presence in their lives. It’s about quality over quantity; even from afar, we contribute to their growth and happiness. Our bond might be different, but it’s filled with warmth and understanding, enriching the family’s tapestry in unique ways.

The Surrogate Parent Grandparent

As life’s circumstances shift, grandparents sometimes step into the role of surrogate parents, providing stability and love when it’s most needed. This change isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding for both generations. We might find ourselves addressing challenges similar to those faced by parents, but with the added wisdom of experience. Understanding the dynamics of this role can help us create a nurturing environment for our grandchildren.

Emotional Support: We offer a loving space where our grandchildren feel safe and valued.

Routine Establishment: Setting consistent routines helps provide structure and security.

Educational Guidance: We may take an active role in their education, from homework help to school meetings.

Life Skills: Teaching essential skills prepares them for independence and success.

Conclusion

In exploring the five grandparenting styles, we’ve seen how each plays a unique role in family life. Whether we’re preserving traditions, bringing joy, offering support, bridging distances, or stepping in as surrogate parents, grandparents enrich family dynamics in countless ways. Let’s celebrate the wisdom, fun, stability, and love they bring to our lives. Embracing these diverse roles guarantees that our families thrive, regardless of the challenges we face. Let’s cherish and honor the invaluable contributions of grandparents.

SOURCE: SENIORSTRONG.ORG

Kentucky State Tree

The state tree of Kentucky, also known as the tulip poplar or yellow poplar, however, is actually more closely related to the magnolia family than the poplar family. It is easily identified by its large, simple tulip shaped leaves held alternately on long leaf stems. The leaves, which feature three lobes, including the top lobe which is widely notched in the middle, turn from glossy green to a golden yellow in the fall.

The bark on young trees is smooth and gray with streaks of white between the ridges, while the bark of older trees is gray-brown and features deep, long running ridges. The trunk is very straight and column-like as it grows toward the sunlight and the tree self-prunes lower branches.

In the spring, the tulip tree produces colorful green and yellow, tulip like flowers with an orange band at the base of each petal, which bloom in May or June, but are often found high up on the tree.

The cone-shaped fruit is a collection of winged seeds that resembles a small, dry pineapple, approximately two-inches in length, which sits upright on the branches.

Tulip trees, which grow 70 to 90 feet tall, are often among the tallest trees in Indiana woodland areas as they are shade intolerant and prefer to grow toward the light. They can often be found in woodlands as large as three to four feet in width on the trunk. Tulip trees prefer acidic, moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate alkaline soil.

The natural range of the tulip tree is the eastern United States. Its western reach extends from spots in central Louisiana across the eastern edge of Missouri and Illinois up through Indiana and the southern part of Michigan, and reaches eastward across the gulf states and the panhandle of Florida. It can be found throughout much of the Atlantic coast, reaching northward to Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.

The Morton Arboretum warns that tulip trees are highly susceptible to ice damage and are marginally hard with weak wood and branch structure.

Never Forget

Jeopardy

Today, in 1984, the first episode of Jeopardy aired and I found an article detailing some interesting Jeopardy facts.

From MINDFULLYAMERICAN.COM:

It’s Older Than You Think

The first episode of the original “Jeopardy!” aired in 1964 and ran until 1975. Then, “The All-New ‘Jeopardy!’” ran from 1978 to 1979. Today’s version of the show didn’t appear until 1984, and it has been running continuously ever since.

You Can Review Almost Every Clue

There’s a fan-run archive of transcripts from almost every “Jeopardy!” episode. In some ways, the site has changed the way the game is played. Now, would-be contestants can review over 412,000 clues before attempting to get on the show. Having a study guide can really give you an edge if you make it to the stage.

Talking Over Trebek

In the first episode of “Jeopardy!,” contestants didn’t have to wait for host Alex Trebek to stop speaking before they hit the buzzer. This practice was confusing to viewers, rude to the host, and it gave an advantage to fast readers. The show’s producers quickly changed the rules. Now, the host must read the question in full before the contestant’s buzzers activate.

What’s The Question?

Originally, the show creators wanted to call “Jeopardy!” “What’s The Question?” The almost-title was a nod to the show’s unique formatting. However, when a network executive said there weren’t enough “jeopardies” in the show, they changed the name. Honestly, “Jeopardy!” is a much catchier title.

Show Hosts Work 46 Days a Year

According to the “Jeopardy!” website, Alex Trebek had a pretty sweet work schedule. They filmed five episodes a day but only for 46 days a year. Presumably, there were media appearances and other work-related duties on other days, but it certainly seems like “Jeopardy!” hosts have a relatively relaxed life. No wonder Trebek continued with the job for more than 35 years.

Pancreatic Cancer

“Jeopardy!” has had five official hosts: Art Fleming, Alex Trebek, Mike Richards, Mayim Bialik, and the current host, Ken Jennings. Trebek hosted the majority of the shows and appeared in over 8,000 episodes. In a bizarre twist of fate, both Alex Trebek and the original “Jeopardy!” host, Art Fleming, lost their lives to pancreatic cancer. Fleming passed away in 1995, and Trebek passed away in 2020.

Record Number of Emmys

“Jeopardy!” has received more Emmy awards than any other game show. Over the years, the show has accumulated more than 43 Emmys! It also won a Peabody Award in 2011. Peabody Awards are considered the most prestigious award in broadcasting.

“Jeopardy!’s” Theme Was a Lullaby

The show creator, Merv Griffin, made up “Jeopardy!’s” theme song, titled “Think,” in under a minute. It was originally a lullaby to help his son fall asleep. Griffin later told the New York Times he made somewhere between $70 and $80 million for the tune. That’s one profitable lullaby!

There’s Not Always a Winner

According to the “Jeopardy!” fan site, there are eight episodes with no winner. In other words, all of the players either finished with zero dollars or were ineligible to play Final Jeopardy! Per “Jeopardy!’s” rules, to play in the final round, players must have a positive account balance. And, to win, they must have more than $0.

Contestants Don’t Know What Personal Anecdote They’ll Share

Before appearing on the show, contestants provide producers with a few personal anecdotes they’re okay with sharing on air. However, they don’t know which anecdote will come up during filming. The host reviews the anecdotes of each contestant and decides which one they like best. So, the contestant is always surprised.

April Fools

In 1997, Alex Trebek and “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak played a little April Fools’ joke. They switched jobs for the day so that Sajak hosted “Jeopardy!” while Trebek hosted “Wheel of Fortune.” The two shows are related in other ways. They have the same creator, were filmed on the same lot, and are often referred to as “sister shows.”

The Man Behind the Voice

If you’ve ever watched “Jeopardy!,” you’re familiar with the phrase, “This is ‘Jeopardy!’” The famous opening line is voiced by Johnny Gilbert. According to the official “Jeopardy!” website, Gilbert has been in the announcer’s booth since the show’s start in 1984. He even won a Guinness World Record for his work on the show.

Certain Wages Aren’t Allowed

“Jeopardy!” rules require contestants to earn wages before playing a Daily Double and Final Jeopardy! However, according to tweets from former winners, certain wages aren’t allowed. Contestants are forbidden from betting $69 because it’s a sexual innuendo. They also can’t bet $14, $666, $88, or $1,488 because of their ties to white supremacist groups.

No Final Jeopardy!

There’s yet to be an episode without a Final Jeopardy! round, but technically, there could be. According to the official “Jeopardy!” website, the rulebook states, “In the event all three contestants have $0 (zero) or minus amounts at the end of ‘Double Jeopardy!’, no Final Jeopardy! round would be played.” If that scenario played out, no one’s really sure what would happen. Producers give three minutes to the Final Jeopardy! round that would need to be filled, but no one’s sure how they would fill it.

It’s Easier To Get Into an Ivy League School

According to Ken Jenning’s website, it’s easier to get into an Ivy League School than it is to get on “Jeopardy!” He notes the show only accepts 400 contestants each year, but tens of thousands apply. To get on the show, would-be contestants take a 50-question test. Those who pass move on to a mock game and interview round. Then, they often wait years to find out whether they made it or not.

Ken Jennings Holds the Record

Ken Jennings has more “Jeopardy!” wins than any other contestant. He won 74 consecutive games and earned $2,520,700. Jennings made his epic winning streak in 2004 while working as a software engineer in Utah. Today, he’s the host of “Jeopardy!”

Writers Come Up with a Lot of Clues

“Jeopardy!” writers have a tough job. They create clues for 230 games each year, which is 14,030 clues per season. Every day, they each have to write clues for two to three categories. Researchers then review and approve the clues for the show.

The Hometown Howdy

If someone from your neighborhood has been on “Jeopardy!” you might have watched a “Hometown Howdy.” The “Hometown Howdy” is a short clip in which a contestant says hi to their hometown. They only air on local affiliate networks. So, unless you live in the same area as one of the contestants, you won’t see it.

The Clue Crew’s Traveled Over 1 Million Miles

The Jeopardy! Clue Crew travels around the world to film unique clues for the show. Over the years, they’ve racked up over a million miles and seen some incredible places. In a piece for the “Jeopardy!” website, founding Clue Crew member Sarah Whitcomb Foss fondly remembered filming in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. She said they were able to film in one of the passages Anne Frank hid in.

Game Boards Are Random

In a piece for Better Magazine, a former “Jeopardy!” contestant discussed how show producers picked a game board to ensure there was no cheating. According to her, there are six game boards for each day’s filming. A compliance officer for the show chooses five of the six to run with. Their picks are entirely random to ensure no one knows what the questions are in advance.

There are Multiple Techniques

Winning a game of “Jeopardy!” takes more than trivia knowledge and fast recall. There are multiple proven strategies for winning the show. Some rely on Daily Double hunting, in which they seemingly pick random clues across the board, searching for a high-value Daily Double. Others, like Ken Jennings, work their way through one category at a time.

The Lowest Score

The lowest score ever earned on “Jeopardy!” was by contestant Patrick Pearce. He played in 2021 and earned -$7,400. Before that, contestant Stephanie Hull held the low score record for several years. She earned -$6,500 in 2015.

Every Player Walks Away with Some Money

If you make it on “Jeopardy!” you won’t go home empty-handed. All of the contestants receive some sort of prize package.

With the exception of tournament games (in which players usually take home more), the third-place finisher always gets $1,000. The second-place finisher always gets $2,000, and the first-place winner takes home their winnings. Sometimes, that means the first-place winner takes home less than the players they beat!

SOURCE: MINDFULLYAMERICAN.COM

What Shall We Bake Today?

Today’s recipe is Honey Walnut Delights!

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

2-1/4 cups sugar, divided

2 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons lemon juice

4 cups all-purpose flour

2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and 1-1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs, honey and lemon juice. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and ginger; gradually beat into the creamed mixture. Stir in walnuts.

Shape dough into 1-in. balls; roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 7-9 minutes. Cool on pans for 1 minute. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.

ENJOY!

Know-It-All Tuesdays: 9/11 Edition

In honor of 9/11, today’s trivia is all about that fateful day.

From TIMESNOWNEWS.COM:

This 9/11 quiz has been designed for students to test their understanding of one of the most significant events in recent history. The quiz covers dates, locations, and key facts.

1. On which date did the 9/11 attacks occur?

2. In which country did the 9/11 attacks happen?

3. Which city’s Twin Towers were attacked on 9/11?

4. What was the name of the terrorist group responsible for 9/11?

5. How many airplanes were hijacked during the 9/11 attacks?

6. Which other building, besides the Twin Towers, was hit on 9/11?

7. One of the planes crashed in Pennsylvania. What was the reason?

8. Approximately how many people died in the 9/11 attacks?

9. Which of the following was a direct result of 9/11 in the U.S.?

10. What is the name of the memorial built at Ground Zero in New York?

11. Who was the U.S. President during the 9/11 attacks?

12. Which airline flights were involved in the attacks?

13. What was the main target of the Pentagon attack?

14. What global initiative was started by the U.S. after 9/11?

15. Which symbol of freedom was near the Twin Towers?

How did you do?

Answers

1. b) September 11, 2001

2. b) United States

3. b) New York City

4. a) Al-Qaeda

5. c) Four

6. b) Pentagon

7. b) Passengers fought back against hijackers

8. c) 3,000

9. b) Stricter airport security rules

10. b) 9/11 Memorial & Museum

11. b) George W. Bush

12. a) American Airlines and United Airlines

13. a) Military headquarters

14. a) War on Terror

15. b) Statue of Liberty

Till next time…stay sharp!

Happy National New Hampshire Day!

Trip Adviser says don’t miss these spots if you’re going to visit New Hampshire!

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Climb to the top of Mount Washington on the world’s first mountain-climbing Cog Railway trains!

Kancamagus Highway

Highway 112 runs from Center Conway to North Woodstock, just south of Franconia Notch. Passing through the White Mountain National Forest, it is considered one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. and offers a number of interesting stopping off points.

Flume Gorge

This 800-foot-long gorge with towering granite walls is at the base of Mount Liberty. You can explore the gorge on a short two-mile hike—it has a lot of uphill sections and stairs, so wear a good pair of shoes. While you’re there, check out the Flume Covered Bridge (across the scenic Pemigewasset River) and Table Rock (an open granite rock face), too. Visit during fall for beautiful orange hues, or during summer and early spring for stronger water flows. The narrow gorge can get busy, so get there early in the day for fewer crowds. Reservations are required—book online in advance to secure your slot.

Diana’s Baths

Beautiful views, sound of splashing water

Beautiful falls.

Santa’s Village

A great pre-Christmas experience

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

“You Might be a Redneck…”

Today is Jeff Foxworthy’s birthday, born in 1958, and I found an article listing his best (top 30) You Might Be a Redneck sayings.

From RWRANT.CO.ZA:

This post contains 30 of the best “You Might Be a Redneck” Quotes from Jeff Foxworthy:

1. “If you’ve ever made change in the offering plate, you might be a redneck.”

2. “You may be a redneck if . . . your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand.”

3. “If you own a home with wheels on it and several cars without, you just might be a redneck.”

4. “You may be a redneck if . . . you think you are an entrepreneur because of the “Dirt for Sale” sign in the front yard.”

5. “You might be a redneck if …the blue book value of your truck goes up and down depending on how much gas it has in it.”

6. “Do you know why it’s so hard to solve a Redneck murder? Because the DNA’s all the same and there’s no dental records.”

7. “If you ever cut your grass and found a car, you might be a redneck.”

8. “If you think the stock market has a fence around it, you might be a redneck.”

9. “If your wife has ever said ‘Come move this transmission so I can take a bath.’, you might be a redneck”

10. “If your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat, you might be a redneck”

11. “If you’ve ever financed a tattoo, you might be a redneck.”

12. “If the gas pedal on your car is shaped like a bare foot, you might be a redneck.”

13. “If you think a turtleneck is key ingredient for soup, you might be a redneck.”

14. “If someone asks to see your ID and you show them your belt buckle, you might be a redneck.”

15. “If your dog and your wallet are both on a chain, you might be a redneck.”

16, “If your wife’s hairdo has ever been ruined by a ceiling fan, you might be a redneck.”

17. “If you bought a VCR because wrestling comes on while you’re at work, you might be a redneck.”

18. “If your dad walks you to school because you’re in the same grade, you might be a redneck.”

19. “If your mother doesn’t remove the Marlboro from her lips before telling the State Trooper to kiss her ass, you might be a redneck.”

20. “If your only condiment on the dining room table is the economy size bottle of ketchup, you might be a redneck.”

21. “If you think ‘loading the dishwasher’ means ‘getting your wife drunk’, you might be a redneck.”

22. “If birds are attracted to your beard, you might be a redneck.”

23. “If you’ve ever been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog, you might be a redneck.”

24. “If you think the French Riviera is foreign car, you might be a redneck.”

25. “If you have ever spray-painted your girlfriends name on an overpass, you might be a redneck.”

26. “You may be a redneck if… you have spent more on your pickup truck than on your education.”

27. “If you ever got too drunk to fish, you might be a redneck.”

28. “If you stand under the misteletoe at Christmas and wait for Granny and cousin Bobby-Sue Ellen to walk by, you might be a redneck.”

29. “If you think that Dom Perignon is a mafia leader, you might be a redneck.”

30. “If your idea of a 7 course meal is a bucket of KFC and a sixpack, you might be a redneck.”

SOURCE: RWRANT.CO.ZA

Happy Birthday Jeff!

The Coward and Jesse James

Today is Jesse James birthday. He was born September 5, 1847 and was murdered April 3, 1882. He didn’t die in a glorious shoot out or a famous duel. He was shot in the back of the head by a friend and a coward.

From THISDAYOFHISTORY.COM:

n April 3, 1882, in the quiet Missouri town of St. Joseph, one of the most famous outlaws of the American West met an unceremonious end. Jesse James—bank robber, Confederate guerrilla, and folk hero to some—was shot in the back of the head by a man he trusted: Robert Ford. The killing did not occur in a dusty street amid a hail of gunfire, but inside a rented home, while James stood on a chair adjusting a picture on the wall.

By 1882, Jesse James had already become a legend. Born in 1847 in Missouri, he came of age amid the violence of the Civil War along the Kansas-Missouri border—a region riven by guerrilla warfare and personal vendettas. As a member of pro-Confederate partisan bands led by figures like William Quantrill and “Bloody Bill” Anderson, James participated in brutal raids that blurred any distinction between combatant and outlaw. When the war ended, the habits—and networks—of irregular violence remained. James, along with his brother Frank, turned to robbery, forming the James-Younger Gang with the Younger brothers and other associates.

Throughout the late 1860s and 1870s, the gang carried out a series of high-profile bank and train robberies across Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and beyond. Their exploits were amplified by sympathetic newspapers, which cast James as a kind of Southern Robin Hood, striking at powerful financial institutions and railroads. This image bore little resemblance to reality—many of the gang’s robberies involved civilian casualties—but it proved durable. In a region still resentful over the outcome of the Civil War and the disruptions of Reconstruction, Jesse James became a folk hero as much as a criminal.

That myth began to unravel after the gang’s disastrous attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota, in 1876. The raid ended in failure, with several gang members killed or captured by armed townspeople. The Younger brothers were imprisoned, and the James brothers fled back to Missouri. Though Frank and Jesse continued to commit robberies, the scale and cohesion of their operations diminished. Increasingly isolated, Jesse relied on a smaller circle of accomplices—and that narrowing circle would prove fatal.

Among those drawn into James’s orbit were brothers Robert and Charley Ford, young men eager to make a name for themselves. Robert Ford, in particular, idolized Jesse James, reportedly memorizing stories of his exploits. Yet admiration soon gave way to calculation. Missouri authorities, along with railroad interests, had placed a substantial reward on James’s head, and Governor Thomas T. Crittenden was under pressure to bring the outlaw to justice. Through intermediaries, the Fords entered into a secret arrangement: in exchange for killing Jesse James, they would receive the reward and likely a pardon for their own crimes.

On the morning of April 3, Jesse James was at home with his wife and children. The atmosphere was deceptively calm. At one point, noticing that a picture on the wall was crooked, James removed his gun belt and climbed onto a chair to straighten it. In that moment—unarmed, his back turned—Robert Ford drew his revolver and fired a single shot into the back of James’s head. The most wanted man in the West died instantly.

The killing shocked the nation, not for its violence but for its perceived treachery. Ford had not faced James in a duel or even a confrontation; he had shot him from behind. Rather than being celebrated as a lawman or hero, Ford was widely condemned as a coward. Newspapers derided him as “the dirty little coward” who betrayed his friend for money. The romantic image of Jesse James only grew in death, while Ford found himself cast as a villain in the story.

In a twist that underscored the ambiguities of frontier justice, Robert and Charley Ford were quickly arrested, tried, and convicted for the murder—but almost immediately pardoned by Governor Crittenden, as had been quietly promised. The reward money proved elusive, however, and Ford struggled to capitalize on his notoriety. He even attempted to stage reenactments of the killing on tour, but public hostility followed him.

Robert Ford’s life after April 3 was marked by instability and resentment. He drifted through various ventures, never escaping the shadow of his act. In 1892, a decade after killing Jesse James, Ford himself was shot and killed in Colorado by a man named Edward O’Kelley, who reportedly sought revenge or notoriety of his own.

SOURCE: THISDAYOFHISTORY.COM

Kentucky State Motto

Kentucky’s official state motto is “United we stand, divided we fall” and it appears on the state flag and the great seal of Kentucky. Kentucky also has a Latin motto which was recognized officially in 2002. The Latin motto “Deo gratiam habeamus” translates to “Let us be grateful to God.” This phrase appears in the preamble to the constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.