OCTOBER 29, 2013 – NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY – NATIONAL CAT DAY – NATIONAL HERMIT DAY

                NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY

One of America’s favorite breakfast foods is celebrated each year on October 29 as it is National Oatmeal Day.  

There are many health benefits to eating oatmeal.

• A bowl of oatmeal daily can lower cholesterol
• May reduce the risk of heart disease
• May reduce your risk for cancer (according to the American Cancer Society, eating a diet high in fiber may help reduce your risk for caner)
• Low in fat
• Low in calories
• Good source iron and fiber

Some of the favorite oatmeal toppings include: brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, peaches, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, nuts, granola and etc.

Oatmeal has a long tradition in the state of Vermont which originated with the Scottish settlement in the state.  Although there were many variations, most of the oatmeal recipes began with steel cut oats.  The oats were soaked overnight in cold water, salt and maple syrup.  Early the next morning, the cook added ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon and if desired, ground ginger.  The pot was then placed over heat and cooked for approximately 90 minutes and then they were served with cream, milk or butter.

Vermont leads the United States in per capita consumption of cooked oatmeal cereal. 

The Quaker Man is one of the oldest advertising mascots in America.  He was registered by the Quaker Oats company as the first trademark for a breakfast cereal in 1877.

NATIONAL OATMEAL DAY HISTORY

Within our research, we were unable to find the creator or origin of National Oatmeal Day, an “unofficial” national holiday.
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                     NATIONAL CAT DAY

National Cat Day, an “unofficial” national holiday, is celebrated each year on October 29.  This day is a holiday that is sponsored by the Animal Miracle Foundation and was created by Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige in 2005.   Since its inception, it has helped save the lives of more than one million cats.
National Cat Day was founded to help the public recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued and to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat/cats in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship that they bestow upon them.

Happy National Cat Day.

For more information, see http://www.nationalcatday.com/about.htm

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                  NATIONAL HERMIT DAY 
Annually celebrated on October 29, it is National Hermit Day.
Today is a day to take some time to spend alone.  It is time to step away from the hustle and bustle of your every day life and retreat to someplace quiet.

The word hermit comes from the Latin ĕrēmīta, meaning ”of the desert”.

A hermit is a person who lives, to some degree, in seclusion from society.

To celebrate National Hermit Day, find a secluded place to go today and:

• Turn off your phone
• Turn off your computer
• Let your worries be free
• Rest and relax
• Enjoy your quiet time
• Read, write or draw
• Short Nap