Cinco de Mayo~or the 5th Of May commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory in 1862 over France at the Battle of Pueblo during the Franco~Mexican War. A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but in the US it has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage… especially in the areas with large Mexican American populations.

Sights and sounds of Cinco de Mayo traditions can include parades, mariachi music and street festivals!

The food! don’t forget the food! Now for me, I love…did I say LOVE?  Mexican food and could probably eat it almost every day. That came from working so many years in the restaurant business  with all of these wonderful cooks when there was always “something” special cooking on the back stove. The use of chilis and the cilantro and all of the flavors that I have grown to know and love. Of course you need a margarita to go with it all!

Today is also Derby Day. That is on my bucket list to see the Kentucky Derby in person some day! They say that it is the hardest race to handicap since there are 20 horses running 1 1/4 mile for the very first time…so just about anything can happen. Especially today where I hear they has been allot of rain, so the track will be very muddy.

In Japan, today is Children’s Day. It is always celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month. The day was originally called Tango no Sekku and it is a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948. Tradition says to hang the carp streamers and eat rice cakes. I have always been fascinated with the traditions of Japan.

Now I broke yet another orchid flower! I placed it in this glass and am just waiting to see little paws dipping in the water for a drink or to play with the flower. Now if Felix was still with me, that would have already happened!

So much to do today that when am I going to have time to stitch? AlleyCat is keeping busy watching her kitty tv.  and until next time…keep on stitching